Joined as Clinton was concluding her answer on NAFTA.

All answers seem to be playing well with the crowd - focus is on creating jobs at home and stopping exportation of jobs, holding Canada and Mexico accountable, including labor standards in future agreements.

Richardson promises to sack all union-busting lawyers on his first day in office, to much applause.

Obama has a good line about agreements being negotiated to benefit those on Wall Street, when they need to be addressing concerns on Main Street.

Dodd is extremely animated in emphasizing his years of support for labor.

Kucinich announces in the first week, he'll announce we're withdrawing from NAFTA and the WTO. Again much applause. He calls for audience to cheer if they want out of NAFTA and the WTO - thwarting Olberman's efforts to contain applause (which he notes).

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:27:23 PM EST

Hillary says she's been taking on the rightwing for years and that if you want the candidate who can take them on, "I'm your girl"

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:28:51 PM EST

Or, "ally or adversary"

Richardson says China is a strategic competitor - must take on China on human rights, currency.

Obama - competitor.

Biden - "They are neither, the fact of the matter is they own the mortgage on our house" Funded unnecessary tax cuts and Iraq war on debt to China.

Clinton - Clinton seconds Biden. Cut deficit that was in good shape when Clintons left office. Also big play for parents - makes reference to unsafe toys from China. As a parent who had to take away several of her child's Dora and Elmo toys this weak because of potential lead paint, smart move Clinton.

Dodd - Missed it blathering above about Clinton.

Edwards - Seconds everything said previously. Also reinforces product safety - 2 million toys. Country of origin labelling. Unlike Hillary, probably had to take toys away this week too.

Kucinich - Should have dealt with China before all these pols who preceded me let this happen. Something about digging a hole to China when he was a child - and we're there now.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:35:17 PM EST

Richardson - Withdrawal will allow us to focus on the war on terror and other things like global warming

Obama - We wouldn't be there if I'd had my way. Bad situation.

Biden - Calls for telling the truth after 7 years of Bush. Refers to his political plan for Iraqi division.

Clinton - Responsibly and carefully withdraw, as veterans in this audience know, as dangerous to get out as in, pressure Iraqi government, monitor situation

Dodd - Before I answer, our troops haven't failed, policy has. Begin redeploy immediate. Robust approach on diplomacy - Bush treats diplomacy as weakness. Should not be selling arms to Saudis when they refuse to support us in Iraq.

Edwards - Withdraw, begin engagement with all factions, including others in region. Need to prepare for things to possibly go bad, contain civil war if spirals outside of Iraq, and handle genocide - plan and prepare for all those possibilities.

Kucinich - Need to get out now. Will do just that. Congress has failed to force Bush to set in motion withdrawal, and get peacekeepers in. I am the only one who has voted against war and its funding.

No one really explained what their plan is if all hell breaks loose, just that they all have one. Nixon are you listening?

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:44:08 PM EST

Obama, in his follow-up answer on Iraq, refers to Olberman in his answer - rather than directing his answer to the audience.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:45:43 PM EST

In her follow-up answer on Iraq.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:46:53 PM EST

Says Musharraf is no Thomas Jefferson, but may be the only one capable of holding off coup.

Obama gets last word - "I find it amusing that those who helped to authorize and engineer the biggest foreign policy disaster of our generation" would criticize me. Says Chris needed to listen more carefully to his speech. Said we should cooperate with Musharraf to deal with terrorism. But says if we have info on AQ in Pakistan, and Musharraf can't act, I will. That's just common sense.

Clinton gets the 2nd last word - I do not believe people running for president should engage in hypotheticals - actionable intelligence may not always be right, and we should certainly not telegraph what we may do, and destabilize Musharraf, energizing AQ in a nuclear armed country. Shouldn't always say everything you think when running for prez, and could have consequences across the world.

Dodd gets 3rd last word - I admit I made a mistake. I think it is dangerous to say we'd go into Pakistan unilaterally.

Obama - did not say I would go in immediately unilaterally - we need to work w/Musharraf - give him mil aid contingent on him doing something about the problem - but American people need to be part of this debate about how we shift our foreign policy.

Whooo. Obama did get the last word. Only the appearance of the AFL-CIO questioners lining up for the next segment and a looming commercial break seemed to quell this.

Heated. Almost nuanced. Yet, I suppose another round of "slugfest" characterizations coming from the media, without nuance, is to be expected.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:53:46 PM EST

Sago mine widow leads off.

My husband was one of the 12 killed in Sago mine last year, it's happening again with the 6 trapped miners in UT. I believe the Bush administration has failed men like my husband by rolling back worker safety. What will you do to improve health and safety in coalmines and all workplaces in America.

Biden - I understand and my heart goes out to you on losing a spouse. Everyone is entitled to your own opinion, not your own facts - already the law to go into Pakistan and end aid to Musharraf.

Does not answer question or anything like the question. Members of the audience yell answer the question. Olberman moves on?????

Appalling that the first question from the audience, from a woman who lost her own husband and is concerned about the mine workers trapped in Utah goes completely unanswered.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 07:59:14 PM EST

Richardson says he will do more to help returning vets - jobs, improve VA care, better health care for vets via Hero Health Card accepted anywhere.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:00:36 PM EST

My daughter has to buy her own equipment to be safe in Iraq.

Dodd - I served in National Guard. I've pushed for funding, and 4 times rebuffed by Republicans who claim to support the troops.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:01:46 PM EST

Filed for disability, company went bankrupt, lost most of my pension, and all health care. I have to face woman who has cared for me and can't pay for her health care. What is wrong with America and what will you do to change it?

Edwards - Bless you for what you've been through - you're an example of exactly what's wrong with America (odd choice of words) in terms of pensions and health care. Everyone should have quality care. Universal care. Will explain to America how important unions and organized labor is to the future and economic security of America. It's nice to get up here and give a nice talk, but who's been with you in the crunch? I have.

Insists on finishing him when KO tries to cut him off. Says he's been with you, and will be with you in crunch time.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:04:40 PM EST

Protect pensions. Stop privatization of SS. Answers Biden's question from widow of Sago miner. Dodd and I have tried to push tougher standards. Bush won't enforce them. My administration will. Calls for manufacturing protections. NY AFL-CIO's favorite sister, and will take that same commitment to the WH.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:06:09 PM EST

What will happen to undocumented workers who have established roots here - in future will you create a path to citizenship for those workers?

Obama - Welcome to the American family. I want your first vote cast. We can be a nation of both laws and immigrants. We always have been. Will push border security, ordely immigration, hold employers accountable, and a pathway to citizenship that is earned (pay a fine, learning English, go to back of line). Can unite country.

John said something important - look to where people have been to where they are going. I originally came to Chicago to help unemployed steelworkers, everyone in IL knows what I've done, and what I want to do.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:08:40 PM EST

How would you address problems.

Biden - I know what it's like - 7 months hospitalized. If there's any angels in heaven, they're all nurses. Need to fund more health care workers. Don't let perfect become enemy of good - universal child insurance, and universal catastrophic to transition to national.

I walked picket lines to. With Jesse Jackson. Not just where you've been - how many times in 6 years of Senate did you walk? Did you walk when it cost? Did you walk when not a labor state? Did you walk when corporations in your state oppose you?

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:10:38 PM EST

Kucinich - Co-author of universal single payer, not for profit health care bill. No more premiums, copays, deductibles. Take health care off bargaining table and right in kitchen.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:11:41 PM EST

Edwards - I've walked 200 times. Picket line on Sat, Sun. Been in campaigns all over this country. I believe in an America where anyone who works hard can earn a decent wage, has health care, has a pension, no scabs during strikes. That's the kind of America I believe in and I will lead.

KO - Aren't you from a right to work state?
Edwards - small organized labor in NC, but America needs a prez who is willing to understand and explain significance to public of organized labor.

Biden tries to inaudibly jump in while KO tries to move on to next questioner.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:14:07 PM EST

How will you make energy efficiency more prominent - how get businesses invest?

Dodd - Quickly on HC - I want Americans to have as good a health care plan as we have. On the actual question - set mpg standard by 2017, tax polluters - invest in alternative tech to become independent - no greater gift than energy independence to our children. Create jobs, improve health, and lessen national security problems because of oil dependence.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:15:51 PM EST

Reauthorization coming up. What will you fix?

Clinton - Green training program to answer prior question. NCLB - terrible imposition on teachers and school districts and children because not funded, Bush not enforce properly - need growth models for students, broader curriculum, not look at child as a walking test.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:17:04 PM EST

Extra 5 minutes added.

Lightning round. Not speed dating.

Richardson, what would your veep job description be?

Not Dick Cheney. My veep needs to be executive branch. Step into the presidency. Anyone on this stage (really???) would be an excellent vice president?

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:21:32 PM EST

End no bid contracts, revolving door in government. Stop contracting out of government jobs which undermines services. Fought special interests for long time - especially drug companies. My record on fighting for people speaks for itself.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:22:29 PM EST

Don't have federal bundlers for me. No PAC money. The reason I am doing this is because of you, not folks writing big checks.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:23:14 PM EST

Trial lawyers as bad as lobbyists?

Different because lobbyists paid to rig this system against you. Lawyers don't bribe jurors. Lobbyists bribe and that's called politics. You're being outspent 18 to 1 by corporate lobbyists, America needs change. Don't need lobbyists, need Democrats and Democratic president working for men and women.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:24:27 PM EST

to head Homeland Sec or Pentagon.

I would consider that. Need concensus. Need to reach across aisle like I do. Can't get health care, education, rational foreign policy without uniting across aisle and country.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:25:21 PM EST

No attack since 9/11, homeland sec a good idea?

Dodd - No much too big. Not safer today. Just because no attack on our soil - Iraq, Afghanistan, others around world. Terrorism is a tactic, need coop. Need tools and ability to defend our country - first responders, etc.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:26:20 PM EST

I try to lead Dems. Health care - got 72 Dems signed on. Infrastructure. Iraq. Lobbying Congress. Dems took major responsibility to get out of Iraq at midterm, not made good on it. I have been there for health care, retirement sec, jobs - keep pushing envelope to get us out of Iraq - shouldn't have to wait for Dem pres - Congress could do it now.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:27:37 PM EST

Would you honor him at WH if prez now?

Still has to hit 1 more. Huge achievement, but sports needs to be looked up to - not with cynicism - enough in our politics.

Yes or no?

Hasn't done it yet - will answer it then.

I bet he will be ready by then.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:28:43 PM EST

Would have a person report to her directly. What have you done to restore hospitals, etc. Rebuilding New Orleans American responsibility.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:29:25 PM EST

Will you pledge to end no-bid contracts?

Yes.

That's it.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:29:54 PM EST

455 days to election. Race to replace you begins when you enter office, okay with that?

Richardson - Yeah, it's disturbing, but will work to unite. I represent change, unity - I will heal this country - post-Iraq, help middle class, health care.

Obama - Campaigns last too long and cost too much. Disproportionately influenced by Washington insiders. Bush has been a disaster, and we all know that, and we'll make sure no GOP in office. Need to mobilize people across race, regions, faith to enact change.

Biden - Wouldn't bother me. If I do my job, it won't happen. Reason it is early now is because presidency is bad now. You wouldn't wonder what I thought (yeah, no kidding).

Clinton - I will be so busy I won't worry about that. Health care, energy, jobs, education, so much work to do - if someone wants to start running, I don't care - we need to focus on repairs we need to do. Bring your brooms, vacuums to DC - we need to clean the place out.

Dodd - All of us are troubled by it, but began early because administration. If this was a parliamentary system, Bush would be gone.

Edwards - Definitely too long. Publicly finance campaigns. We need change. I asked James Lowe from VA to be here tonight. (Guy who went 50 years without being able to speak because of cleft palate). I think it is outrageous. When are we goign to stand up to drug companies, insurance companies? Too much at stake for America, James Lowe.

Kucinich - I am the Seabiscuit of this campaign. When I win, no way we'll run against this guy. Cancel NAFTA, WTO, save SS, singlepayer, free pre-kindergarten. No competition in 2012.

Kucinich gets last word again.

Adrienne F. Brovero Debate Coach University of Mary Washington

by Adri on 08/07/2007 08:36:29 PM EST