Debate Thread #2

Mike Gravel is channeling a very angry activist.  Rock out, Mike!

Update [2007-4-26 19:43:34 by Matt Stoller]:: I'm not really getting anything from this debate, probably because I've been following the candidates fairly closely. They are faithfully representing themselves. I wonder if there's motion in the polls following the debate, which should help us understand a bit more the relationship of information density in the Democratic primary universe.

Update [2007-4-26 19:46:53 by Matt Stoller]:: Chris Dodd's war room is being livecast, and they are taking questions. It's pretty neat. Clinton also has a rapid response page up, though it's fairly standard.



Display:


Gravel (none / 0)

rocks for a sec... I tell ya


by kekuta on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:33:17 PM EST

Mike Gravel (none / 0)

Why couldn't you have just posted this in the debate thread?


"And so in the place of the palace of privilege, we seek to build a temple out of faith and hope and charity."-FDR
by jallen on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:33:55 PM EST

Re: Mike Gravel (none / 0)

It was a 'moment'.  There really haven't been any others.


by Matt Stoller on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:38:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Mike Gravel!!! (none / 0)

very entertaining...

who needs kucinich or shaprton


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:34:16 PM EST

Re: Mike Gravel!!! (none / 0)

Holy Shit! Validates his inclusion. Amazing. It's so great to hear this in this arena. If his numbers go way up, maybe that will send a message.


by Revere on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:34:30 PM EST

Re: Mike Gravel!!! (none / 0)

Yeah, his name recognition might rocket into the high single digits.  :)

Seriously, his performance was awesome.  I hope he influences the debate.


Sam L
by Sam L on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 11:06:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Mike Gravel!!! (none / 0)

This is a man who will speak his mind with passion, no focus groups, no polls.  Elect him.


by blackmanredstate on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:38:10 PM EST

yeah Gravel pretty much 0wned. (none / 0)

If there's any justice that will be one of the takeaways from the debate.

-C.


by neutron on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:40:17 PM EST

Re: Mike Gravel!!! (3.00 / 1)

I like how he was insulting everyone on stage and they were just laughing at him, which pissed him off even more.


The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK
by Vox Populi on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:42:18 PM EST

Re: Mike Gravel!!! (3.00 / 1)

Story of my life.

And when do to Obama/Edwards fights start? I can't tolerate all this civility.


by BingoL on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:47:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

He is officially my favorite crazy old man, now.


by mourge on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:44:40 PM EST

just asked Obama how he will pay for (none / 0)

his plan?

waiting....


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:46:43 PM EST

Re: just asked Obama how he will pay for (3.00 / 0)

And he answered.


by yitbos96bb on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:21:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Gravel rocks.  (Why isn't that his campaign slogan?)

In a field that's light on experience, he brings plenty.

In a field that's mostly too moderate on the war, he speaks what should be the Democratic position.

On the downside, he bought the FairTax BS, and is older than McCain (although he comes as across as younger and more energetic.)


by Lex on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:48:02 PM EST

Clinton asked how (none / 0)

she would pay for her healthcare plan.


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:48:05 PM EST

Clinton won't put new money (none / 0)

into the system until she figures out how to fix the hold plan


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:48:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clinton won't put new money (none / 0)

i kinda translated that as No Universal Healthcare....anytime soon.


It's an election, not an auction.
by cosbo on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 11:04:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Finally, people are comming around to Gravel! you should read up on some of his positions. He's like a pissed-off FDR.


www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com
by LandStander on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:48:16 PM EST

the flat tax thing scares me. (none / 0)

but honestly, i've always been a bit of a fan...
or at least... intrigued!

I think a lot of people may give him a second look tonight...
at least people that are pissed and not wanting Obama style civility.

-C.


by neutron on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:52:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

I am glad Dodd's campaign has video since that it is the only video image I can get.


BlueSunbelt.Com Netroots for the Sunbelt states robwire.com My personal blog
by robliberal on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:48:40 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Richardson keeps criticizing Democrats.


"And so in the place of the palace of privilege, we seek to build a temple out of faith and hope and charity."-FDR
by jallen on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:50:28 PM EST

Republican Framing (none / 0)

Did Richardson just chide Democrats for always wanting to raise taxes for new programs?


by Benstrader on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:50:59 PM EST

Re: Republican Framing (none / 0)

I'm not able to watch--please tell me you're exagerrating.


by BingoL on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:59:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Republican Framing (none / 0)

'Exaggerating.' Sheesh. That's emmbarassing.


by BingoL on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:00:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

no (3.00 / 1)

richardson said democrats have to stop raising taxes to pay for new programs.


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:08:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Richardson's answer to every question:
"I'm a governor."
Oh, and he managed to get in "I'm a diplomat."
"And so in the place of the palace of privilege, we seek to build a temple out of faith and hope and charity."-FDR
by jallen on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 07:56:18 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

3 most important allies? That was a horrific question


by Benstrader on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:03:12 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Wow, I hated the enemies question more, but Gravel is nailing it...


by Benstrader on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:04:42 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

MSNBC should give Gravel Imus's time slot...


by Benstrader on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:05:17 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Gravel mentioned the MIC.  Surely he won't be invited to any more debates.


"And so in the place of the palace of privilege, we seek to build a temple out of faith and hope and charity."-FDR
by jallen on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:05:51 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (3.00 / 1)

I like Gravel. Sure, he comes across as a moderately crazy and very curmudgeonly old man, but he's showing his passion. And he's attacking.

Everybody else is playing it safe, reciting their lines whilst they're bombared with Republican talking points. I want an answer that begins "That's an appallingly stupid question, Brian. Here's why..." The '3 biggest allies/enemies' one was crying out for that, as were the hands-up questions.


Visit Forgotten Countries, my new foreign policy-based blog
by Englishlefty on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:11:07 PM EST

Impressions so far (3.00 / 1)

  1. Clinton isn't completely unlikable
  2. Obama is solid...good responses.
  3. Edwards took a jab at Obama; is as likable a candidate as Dems have ever had.
  4. Dodd's experience shows
  5. Gravel is a crazy old man; not terrible
  6. Shouldn't Kucinich's district demand a better rep?
  7. Richardson is a foreign policy genius. I don't like his centrist rhetoric so much.
  8. Biden should play a foreign policy tolr in the next administration. SecState?

by mihan on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:15:23 PM EST

Re: Impressions so far (none / 0)

Very close to my impression but the 'crazy old man' was right to filibuster the end of the draft. I didn't know that.


by anothergreenbus on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:24:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Impressions so far (none / 0)

I wish he were the Senator from Alaska instead of running for President.


by mihan on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:25:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

How sad, not one besides Kucinich would impeach Cheney for starting a war based on lies


by BeekerDynasty on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:21:25 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Because going on record saying it would be suicidal and the measure wouldn't pass.  Its an exercise in rhetoric and futilitity.


by yitbos96bb on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:23:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

No one is blowing me away, but no one is really sucking either.  There are just too many people in these debates.  


by yitbos96bb on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:24:08 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (3.00 / 1)

too many people too short answers..


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:25:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Richardson- SEC of STATE
Biden-SEC of DEF
Kucinich- SEC of PEACE
by camelot on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:25:00 PM EST

kucinich goes after Obama (none / 0)

the first minifirework


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:25:08 PM EST

Re: kucinich goes after Obama (3.00 / 1)

Good answer by Obama...

Kucinich is a jackass... let the guy finish.


by yitbos96bb on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:26:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: kucinich goes after Obama (none / 0)

I thought this was going to happen before the debate. Gravel and Kucinich make Obama look good, not bad. The 5% of the pond that Kucinich and Gravel are fishing from scares the fish in the other 95% of the pond.


"Nothing seems to embarrass the political class today." - Bill Moyers
by joejoejoe on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:27:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: kucinich goes after Obama (none / 0)

I saw that and he struck back.


"I don't believe in this can't do, won't do, won't even try style of politics. Yes We Can!" ~ Barack Obama
by ObamaEdwards2008 on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:27:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

If it's suicidal to call for at the very least an impeachment for lying our nation into a war, then we're a lot further gone than I thought.


by BeekerDynasty on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:26:14 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

If you don't see that it is, then you don't really have a great grasp on the dynamics of the politics in the country.


by yitbos96bb on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:27:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

On the contrary, the spineless Democrats who grovel at the feet of this criminal administration don't have a grasp on the politics of the country.


by BeekerDynasty on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:31:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

not even gravel (none / 0)

went along with kucinich on that one


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:28:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Loving Obama's rebuttal to Kucinich (3.00 / 1)


by mihan on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:27:03 PM EST

Re: Loving Obama's rebuttal to Kucinich (none / 0)

Biden just stood up for Obama and slammed Kucinich


"I don't believe in this can't do, won't do, won't even try style of politics. Yes We Can!" ~ Barack Obama
by ObamaEdwards2008 on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:30:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Loving Obama's rebuttal to Kucinich (none / 0)

that was awesome...I loved seeing Obama basically shush Kucinich like he was a whiny child.


by mihan on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:33:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Loving Obama's rebuttal to Kucinich (none / 0)

what's your problem with kucinich?


by arbitropia on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:55:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gravel asks "Barack" who he's gonna nuke (none / 0)


Call it "Medicare Option" not public option
by TarHeel on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:28:08 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Edwards mimics Bush's response to favorite philosopher.


"And so in the place of the palace of privilege, we seek to build a temple out of faith and hope and charity."-FDR
by jallen on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:28:30 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

Took Edwards a bit to answer the role model question.  That one seems to have taken him by surprise....

Great Debate Questions.  


by yitbos96bb on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:29:16 PM EST

Re: Debate Thread #2 (1.00 / 1)

Well, yes. It's kind of hard to say

"me"

;p


"I don't believe in this can't do, won't do, won't even try style of politics. Yes We Can!" ~ Barack Obama
by ObamaEdwards2008 on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:32:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

I'd have thought he'd immediate say his wife, but it took him awhile to think of that. It really did seem to take him by surprise.


by mihan on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:34:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Completely disagree (none / 0)

He came up with a good list, and didn't say ah once.


Check out the New Progressive Blog EENRBLOG
by dk2 on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:55:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

thats like when he announced he was running in 2002 or whatever and went on this week with george s.

george asked him "who's your favorite philosopher"

john edwards could not  answer..


by serge in dc on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 11:22:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Wait one minute (none / 0)

is that red-headed woman Kucinich's wife?


by anku on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:31:54 PM EST

Re: Wait one minute (none / 0)

yes


"I don't believe in this can't do, won't do, won't even try style of politics. Yes We Can!" ~ Barack Obama
by ObamaEdwards2008 on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:32:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Damn (none / 0)


by anku on Thu Apr 26, 2007 at 08:34:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Debate Thread #2 (none / 0)

I try to get out and listen to folks who are non-political. They hate the war, hate Cheney and Bush, hate the price of gas and oh yeah, affordable healthcare would be nice.

Few will see that debate, which is too bad.

Gravel & Kucinich talked their talk. Though most others weren't bad, I'm sure they'd raise the poll numbers of Mike & Dennis after that.

Impeach Cheney? Of course! That's a no-brainer for many.  I'm done with voting for 'the electable.' I'm gonna go with guys who skimp on the BS and canned answers. EVEN if they don't win the primary.


by KevinHayden on Fri Apr 27, 2007 at 12:38:35 AM EST


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