Tag: California
If It's Historic, Who Won?
After prefacing the liveblog below with the prediction and challenge to the candidates that tonight was a once in a generation opportunity to really debate as the next president and the first black or women, I owe it to readers to do something I have become somewhat disenchanted with -- pick a winner.
But to explain what a winner is it is important to explain why I have become disenchanted with that. Several reasons. First, the debates have been multi-candidate debate up to now. Second, the format has not always given equal opportunity to contestants. Third, and most importantly, the idea of winning is so dependent on expectations and on contexts outside of the debate that the "winner" was not determined by the debate but by the press coverage and other later, intervening events.
This last factor still has importance, but the context tonight was clear enough and the variables were reduced enough that I can posit a judgment. My judgment is just that. Considered, but not "objective" or definitive. Please help me and yourself by engaging me in dispute about or questioning of this judgment.
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: debate, debates, democratic presidential primary, 2008 elections, California, January
Liveblogging History: Clinton/Obama
With a Democrat favored to win the White House in November and just this one debate between the two remaining Democratic hopefuls, a woman and a black man, there arguably may not be a single debate that has had more historic significance.
Kennedy/Nixon may be your quick reply. Yes, in retrospect, that is true. Interesting, too, since Obama has been anointed Kennedy's successor.
Surely this has sunk in for the candidates. Let's hope Wolf Blitzer and CNN treat the event with the dignity and significance it potentially has.
As for the candidates, join me in the comments to see whether they rise to the occasion. For in the end, it is they, two unique and powerful figures, who can prove me right or wrong on my pre-debate take.
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: liveblog, debate, debates, elections 2008, democratic presidential primary, California, January
Reagan Library Take Two: Preview and Liveblog
Nearly nine months ago I previewed the "GOP Debate Debut in the Shadow of Reagan," as ten candidates were vying to inherit Reagan's mantle.
Tonight, the same scene, the Reagan Library in Simi, California, with Air Force One as the dramatic backdrop, has fewer actors and the script now has one of them, John McCain cast as the front-runner.
McCain reminds voters that he was a "foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution" by way of asserting his conservative bona fides.
Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul have one last chance to debate the merits of McCain's claim.
In the comments I will liveblog their efforts and John McCain's debut as the candidate with the right to invoke Reagan's 11th commandment, "Thou shall not speak ill of any Republican."
The debate airs live on CNN the web at 8pm ET, is moderated by Anderson Cooper, and co-sponsored by Politico.com. You can go to politico to submit questions and to vote for questions.
You can prepare yourself for watching the debate by reading David William's excellent compilation of tips for watching.
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: debate, debates, California, CNN, republican presidential primary, elections 2008, preview, liveblog
