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AFl-CIO Democratic Candidate Forum Open Thread

13559695-13559702-slarge.jpg  MSNBC's Keith Olbermann will be hosting which should make for a great forum. Candidate Mike Gravel will not be appearing at tonight's forum and there's conflicting information as to why. You can watch the candidate's prerecorded opening statements here.

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baby jesus's picture

baby jesus is on it

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Welcome folks to the Democrud debate. Hold your noses and hold on. This is Captain Kangaroo and I’ll be your commentator for the evening. There will lies and bigger lies. Your job will be to post whenever you feel like it and pass along your insight.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Sweet Baby Jesus where did you come from?

Captain Kangaroo's picture

[ok, pace yourself.]

Captain Kangaroo's picture

[No, really, go easy.]

hope's picture

Dodd didn't really address the question.

baby jesus's picture

baby jesus is bored already

Captain Kangaroo's picture

OK site monitor. I'll stay on point. Just excited. :lol:

StirFry's picture

oh man, my man gravel is the life of the party.
It won't be the same.

AnnCoultersMoustache's picture

This "debate" is already boring and tiring.

Having a debate outside is causing the candidates to yell. Stop yelling at me!

My question to Clinton and Obama is how can you claim to be a leader if you can not even lead your fellow Democrats on such important issues as warrantless wire tapping? If you can even lead your colleague's how can we trust you to lead the Country?

FreedomFries's picture

Captain Kangaroo - do you have a job? wife? life?

vrunner's picture

When does it start ?

[deleted - off topic. Please take it to an open thread. Thanks.]

vrunner's picture

nevermind.. just had to visit the site.. 7pm pacific I believe

norcal's picture

These are Edwards people.

He's going to eat the other candidates alive.

Marty's picture

Any way to view it on line? Even Faux did THAT fer chrissakes.

anon's picture

Who cares, establishment swine all except kucinich.

BlueKnuckle's picture

AnnCoultersMoustache @ 10:

This "debate" is already boring and tiring.

Having a debate outside is causing the candidates to yell. Stop yelling at me!

My question to Clinton and Obama is how can you claim to be a leader if you can not even lead your fellow Democrats on such important issues as warrantless wire tapping? If you can even lead your colleague's how can we trust you to lead the Country?

None of these candidates voted for the new FISA law. None of them are Majority Leader or Speaker.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

FreedomFries @ 11:

Captain Kangaroo - do you have a job? wife? life?

Some things are more important than that.
One thing that gets to me is that they don’t answer the questions. Can you take away points for that?
Kucinich is good.

jason's picture

Man this is fucking boring.

BlueKnuckle's picture

Marty @ 16:

Any way to view it on line? Even Faux did THAT fer chrissakes.

Um, MSNBC.

Bush Bites's picture

It's pretty hot out there.

Waiting for the sweat to roll.

BlueKnuckle's picture

Ack, infrastructure is the easy topic of the week.

Bush Bites's picture

Hillary strategy: Blame Al Gore.

hope's picture

Let's move on to a question about gutting the 4th Amendment.

BlueKnuckle's picture

NAFTA pander-ganda

fastneataverage's picture

msnbc has a link, but I can't get anything to show on it

gimtmeabreak's picture

God help me, but ALL of them are starting to seriously annoy me. Does anyone else feel this way? I think there have been to many debates so far if that's possible and this season is far too long.

Bush Bites's picture

"Giant Sucking Sound"

baby jesus's picture

baby jesus is very annoyed

BlueKnuckle's picture

gimtmeabreak @ 28:

God help me, but ALL of them are starting to seriously annoy me. Does anyone else feel this way? I think there have been to many debates so far if that's possible and this season is far too long.

I never thought I'd agree. I never thought I'd frown on more debates. It does get repetitious.

Bush Bites's picture

I'm agreeing with most of them.....but, what can you say, they're pandering to the Unions.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Obama said President of Canada. They have a Prime Minister I think. Will this be big news tomorrow?

Bush Bites's picture

Is Gravel there? He'll liven things up.

BlueKnuckle's picture

Ooh! Turn the lobbying screw to Hill. Go-bama!

Bush Bites's picture

Biden's been taking his vitamins or something.

AnnCoultersMoustache's picture

BlueKnuckle @ 18:

AnnCoultersMoustache @ 10:

This "debate" is already boring and tiring.

Having a debate outside is causing the candidates to yell. Stop yelling at me!

My question to Clinton and Obama is how can you claim to be a leader if you can not even lead your fellow Democrats on such important issues as warrantless wire tapping? If you can even lead your colleague's how can we trust you to lead the Country?

None of these candidates voted for the new FISA law. None of them are Majority Leader or Speaker.

That is not acceptable. I know how they voted, however if they were not able to get their fellow senators to vote responsibly they let not only their constitutions down, they let America down . There is no excuse for allowing a freshman senator like Jim Webb and Bob Casey to vote so irresponsibly. That shows a fundamental lack of leadership, and based on that I will have a very hard time voting for someone who lacks such leadership skills.

gimmeabreak's picture

I think the main problem I have with all these debates is that no one other than us hardcore people are watching them.

Bush Bites's picture

Is the green tie some kind of strategy? hidden meaning?

Bush Bites's picture

Edwards has the best ties.

And he just ripped Hillary.

Bush Bites's picture

Dennis goes after Hillary too.

Ohh...this could be fun.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Ok.Kucinich has broken the ice. Pull out of NAFTA.

Bush Bites's picture

She is pleasant when she smiles.

She should do that more instead of look like she's scolding everyone.

BlueKnuckle's picture

Kucinich is pander-tastic!!! I was waiting for that.

hope's picture

No, Hill, you're not my girl. Can we say Iraq War, bancruptcy bill, etc.?

Bush Bites's picture

Obama's on thin ice........

Bush Bites's picture

Uh....I think he pulled off the ice......but he's being a bit wordy.

baby jesus's picture

baby jesus is forced to drink adult beverages

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Are $10 T shirts expensive or cheap? I think it is cheap.

BlueKnuckle's picture

AnnCoultersMoustache @ 37:

BlueKnuckle @ 18:

AnnCoultersMoustache @ 10:

This "debate" is already boring and tiring.

Having a debate outside is causing the candidates to yell. Stop yelling at me!

My question to Clinton and Obama is how can you claim to be a leader if you can not even lead your fellow Democrats on such important issues as warrantless wire tapping? If you can even lead your colleague's how can we trust you to lead the Country?

None of these candidates voted for the new FISA law. None of them are Majority Leader or Speaker.

That is not acceptable. I know how they voted, however if they were not able to get their fellow senators to vote responsibly they let not only their constitutions down, they let America down . There is no excuse for allowing a freshman senator like Jim Webb and Bob Casey to vote so irresponsibly. That shows a fundamental lack of leadership, and based on that I will have a very hard time voting for someone who lacks such leadership skills.

No one is responsible for the vote of a freshman or a veteran for that matter except for that member is question. What kind of government do you want where blocks control votes - a Republican one?

Bush Bites's picture

Adversary.

tyree's picture

fuck nafta !

Bush Bites's picture

Keep your poison toothpaste!

Captain Kangaroo's picture

baby jesus @ 48:

baby jesus is forced to drink adult beverages

Sweet Baby Jesus. I’ll buy if you fly.

Bush Bites's picture

Biden's having a good night.

Bush Bites's picture

Not that he has a chance.

Bush Bites's picture

Poison Toothpaste!!!!

tyree's picture

can you see hillery haveing to eat shit from china?

BlueKnuckle's picture

Hillary should never raise her shrill voice.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Get out of China. The day they opened up China was a day that will live in infamy. Blame Nixon.

BlueKnuckle's picture

Dodd says we'd betta' recognize

Bush Bites's picture

Poison Toys!!!!!

BlueKnuckle's picture

Kucinich is throwing elbows! Awesome!

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Listen to Kicinich!!!

Bush Bites's picture

Dennis can really play the union people, can't he?

hope's picture

I gotta say--Kucinich is on fire.

tyree's picture

kucinich has my vote!kucinich edwards 08

andy's picture

Kuchinich is kicking their asses all oveer the stage!

Captain Kangaroo's picture

We would not need to buy cheap Chinese crap if the corps would pay a living wage.

Bush Bites's picture

Always wondered how a granola eater like Dennis can be a Rep. from blue collar Cleveland.

Now I'm finding out.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Did Keith say "Thank yoiu" to Kucinich? Awsome

Andy K's picture

Bush Bites @ 55:

Biden's having a good night.

I take it he hasn't been asked about the Bankruptcy Bill.

Davideo's picture

Maybe I'm just too cynical, but with the democrats caving in on every occasion to the white house on such essential issues, why do we all keep thinking that they will be any better? It seems they have had ample opportunity to take a stand on civil liberties and the war but have refused to do so. The country has been stolen by a bunch of crooks who are fencing it to their buddy's and they just seem to want in on the racket...

yenehC hcaepmI's picture

Is something wrong with my monitor or does it look like Hillary had a bad experience with a plastic surgeon or bad reaction to botox?

Best one liner by Kucinich already.

Bill looks nervous for some reson today.

Joe Blow!

Obama Uma...Uma Obama.

Bush Bites's picture

Nobody has....yet.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Note to self:
$25 to Kucinich. Stop payment on Edwards’ check.

kucinich is kicking ass tonight. i'm sold. officially. kucinich absolutely gets my vote.

obama is fumbling. hilary is status quo. edwards loses me on certain issues. biden and dodd have no chance.

give me kucinich/richardson.

Bush Bites's picture

That's 30 seconds, Bill.

dan's picture

If you dig a hole deep enough you'll get to China....

Someones going to get a rise in the polls.

Andy K's picture

Davideo @ 73:

Maybe I'm just too cynical, but with the democrats caving in on every occasion to the white house on such essential issues, why do we all keep thinking that they will be any better? It seems they have had ample opportunity to take a stand on civil liberties and the war but have refused to do so. The country has been stolen by a bunch of crooks who are fencing it to their buddy's and they just seem to want in on the racket...

The Democrats? Surely you mean enough Democrats to make it hurt.

AnnCoultersMoustache's picture

BlueKnuckle @ 50:

No one is responsible for the vote of a freshman or a veteran for that matter except for that member is question. What kind of government do you want where blocks control votes - a Republican one?

Yeah thats what I want! give me a break.

So fine Hillary, Obama, Kucinich, and Biden, have no moral responsibility about how fellow Democratic senators vote on a bill that violates my privacy and is at best illegal, and most likely unconstitutional?

That is pathetic! I'm suppose to vote for someone who doesnt have the spine to even stand up against a vote casted by a fellow Senator that subverts the Constitution?! How can I expect them, if one of them becomes POTUS to rally a Democratically controlled congress to vote on a bill?

Captain Kangaroo's picture

To hell with Richardson. He did NOTHING about voter disenfranchisement in New Mexico. Nothin!

Bush Bites's picture

Ah well....nothing's going to work.

It's fucked up....It will always be fucked up.....

Andy K's picture

What a bullshit question. Al Quaeda takin' over in Iraq? Sadr's people, maybe....

BlueKnuckle's picture

AnnCoultersMoustache @ 81:

BlueKnuckle @ 50:

Yeah thats what I want! give me a break.

So fine Hillary, Obama, Kucinich, and Biden, have no moral responsibility about how fellow Democratic senators vote on a bill that violates my privacy and is at best illegal, and most likely unconstitutional?

That is pathetic! I'm suppose to vote for someone who doesnt have the spine to even stand up against a vote casted by a fellow Senator that subverts the Constitution?! How can I expect them, if one of them becomes POTUS to rally a Democratically controlled congress to vote on a bill?

I don't disagree with you on principle, but I don't think it's fair to blame THESE Dems for the rest of their spineless sort. If you can't vote for them and won't vote for a Rep, what does that leave you?

Captain Kangaroo's picture

81-
Sceam it from the MOUNTAINS.

Bush Bites's picture

What did Hillary say?

Ah...nevermind.

Bush Bites's picture

Andy K @ 84:

What a bullshit question. Al Quaeda takin' over in Iraq? Sadr's people, maybe....

Good point.

The smart candidate would call "bullshit"

yenehC hcaepmI's picture

Recycled talking points...

I got a 3 point plan

Davideo's picture

Andy K @ 80:

Davideo @ 73:

Maybe I'm just too cynical, but with the democrats caving in on every occasion to the white house on such essential issues, why do we all keep thinking that they will be any better? It seems they have had ample opportunity to take a stand on civil liberties and the war but have refused to do so. The country has been stolen by a bunch of crooks who are fencing it to their buddy's and they just seem to want in on the racket...

The Democrats? Surely you mean enough Democrats to make it hurt.

Well in effect its pretty much the same thing, isn't it? How would this be any different if the Dems got the white house?

Chris's picture

does anyone know the news on why gravel was left out? cnn says something like they missed a deadline, but that seems kind of harsh to exclude him for missing some deadline from a while ago

shiva priest's picture

I think if either Hillary or Obama become the Democratic candidate for president they should pick Kucinich as their running mate. Best kind of insurance possible. No wingnut will ever act upon threats to them with the prospect of Kucinich becoming president as a result.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

$25 more for Kucinich.

Bush Bites's picture

Well, they're all guessing, but so is everybody else.

Bush screwed that one up too big for anyone to fix.

BlueKnuckle's picture

Davideo @ 90:

Andy K @ 80:

Davideo @ 73:

Maybe I'm just too cynical, but with the democrats caving in on every occasion to the white house on such essential issues, why do we all keep thinking that they will be any better? It seems they have had ample opportunity to take a stand on civil liberties and the war but have refused to do so. The country has been stolen by a bunch of crooks who are fencing it to their buddy's and they just seem to want in on the racket...

The Democrats? Surely you mean enough Democrats to make it hurt.

Well in effect its pretty much the same thing, isn't it? How would this be any different if the Dems got the white house?

There's a fear that Chertoff's gut is right and the Dems don't want to pay the price of going against the FISA measure and having a subsequent terrorist attack. That's just a fact. Don't take that to mean that I agree.

andy's picture

Dennis knocks another one out of the park!

BoilThemInTheirOil's picture

They ALL are significantly more competent and well informed than any of the Republicans (who were so, so lame on ABC last Sunday).

But what's missing from the stage is Al Gore. Gore's presence would restore my confidence that the nightmare of the past 6+ years really is truly coming to an end!

Bush Bites's picture

I think obama just slammed Hillary, but it's hard to tell.....he's too wordy.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Chris @ 91:

does anyone know the news on why gravel was left out? cnn says something like they missed a deadline, but that seems kind of harsh to exclude him for missing some deadline from a while ago

He couldn’t afford the train trip.

BlueKnuckle's picture

BoilThemInTheirOil @ 97:

They ALL are significantly more competent and well informed than any of the Republicans (who were so, so lame on ABC last Sunday).

But what's missing from the stage is Al Gore. Gore's presence would restore my confidence that the nightmare of the past 6+ years really is truly coming to an end!

Amen and agreed.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Bull shit Hill!

Bush Bites's picture

Just blame Bush. I would.

It's fucked up and nobody can fix it.

odelisk8's picture

kucinich is home again

Lauralu's picture

Keith is a born moderator. He's doing a fantastic job.
Kucinich has Colbert balls!
Hillary is a bit scary.

Bush Bites's picture

Captain Kangaroo @ 99:

Chris @ 91:

does anyone know the news on why gravel was left out? cnn says something like they missed a deadline, but that seems kind of harsh to exclude him for missing some deadline from a while ago

He couldn’t afford the train trip.

He's busy throwing rocks into Lake Michigan.

BlueKnuckle's picture

BlueKnuckle @ 100:

BoilThemInTheirOil @ 97:

They ALL are significantly more competent and well informed than any of the Republicans (who were so, so lame on ABC last Sunday).

But what's missing from the stage is Al Gore. Gore's presence would restore my confidence that the nightmare of the past 6+ years really is truly coming to an end!

Amen and agreed.

Someone needs to ask the Republicans about why they're afraid of a YouTube debate and why they wouldn't show up at the NAACP debate.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

The only way to force Bush to end the war is to defund it, Hill. YOU failed!

Bush Bites's picture

Obama's pissed.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Don’t you just love the internet?

BlueKnuckle's picture

Ding ding. Dodd vs. Obama.

AnnCoultersMoustache's picture

BlueKnuckle @ 50:

I don't disagree with you on principle, but I don't think it's fair to blame THESE Dems for the rest of their spineless sort. If you can't vote for them and won't vote for a Rep, what does that leave you?

Disillusioned, pessimistic, and angry.

The passage of the FISA bill on Friday night showed that the Netroots are irrelevant. It was the Netroots that got Webb in the Senate, It was the Netroots who rallied behind Casey that allowed him to get in, and I voted for Feinstein and she lead the way on this vote.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

$10 to Obama

BlueKnuckle's picture

Obama is a great counterpuncher.

odelisk8's picture

OBAMA! NUKES ARE FLYING! Damn good body blow to clinton and Dodd!

shiva priest's picture

Obama is knuckling up! Damn!

BlueKnuckle's picture

AnnCoultersMoustache @ 111:

BlueKnuckle @ 50:

I don't disagree with you on principle, but I don't think it's fair to blame THESE Dems for the rest of their spineless sort. If you can't vote for them and won't vote for a Rep, what does that leave you?

Disillusioned, pessimistic, and angry.

The passage of the FISA bill on Friday night showed that the Netroots are irrelevant. It was the Netroots that got Webb in the Senate, It was the Netroots who rallied behind Casey that allowed him to get in, and I voted for Feinstein and she lead the way on this vote.

I honestly have no desire to pour salt in your wounds. I do empathize with your feelings, however I have to go with one of these blokes and probably Obama.

Bush Bites's picture

Uh oh.....

Captain Kangaroo's picture

She should smile more. It looks genuine.

Andy K's picture

Davideo @ 90:

Andy K @ 80:

Davideo @ 73:

Maybe I'm just too cynical, but with the democrats caving in on every occasion to the white house on such essential issues, why do we all keep thinking that they will be any better? It seems they have had ample opportunity to take a stand on civil liberties and the war but have refused to do so. The country has been stolen by a bunch of crooks who are fencing it to their buddy's and they just seem to want in on the racket...

The Democrats? Surely you mean enough Democrats to make it hurt.

Well in effect its pretty much the same thing, isn't it? How would this be any different if the Dems got the white house?

No, Heath Shuler caved. Artur Davis caved. 41 representatives- yes, all with D followin' their names- of separate constituencies caved. How did Nancy Pelosi vote? John Conyers? Charlie Rangel? Henry Waxman? 186 other House Dems?

It's not the party! It's the districts, damn it! If ya don't like Shuler's vote, move to N. Carolina and help get his ass replaced! But good luck in yer new=found role as carpetbagger.

nativeokie's picture

Hillary said it, Islamic Extremist. Eat that Rudy.

Bush Bites's picture

Hillary says don't go after bin Laden.

Gets booed.

hope's picture

I simply do not understand Hillary's appeal. She seems so utterly programmed.
And she needs to quit yelling!

BlueKnuckle's picture

OOOOOHHHHHHHH She just got booed!!!!!!!!!!111

odelisk8's picture

BOOING CLINTON!!! TERRIBLE ANSWER! Obama comes out on TOP! Dodd plays it safe....

shiva priest's picture

Hilary is getting booed for that slam. Its a very lively debate.

BlueKnuckle's picture

That'll teach her for espousing careful talk.

Working people want honesty, Hill!

Bush Bites's picture

K.O. should just keep it going.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

This is the way a debate should be.

nativeokie's picture

Obama is now re-writing history. That is not what he said. I am kinda of tired of his "I am not an insider" crap.
He is a career politician. Same as the rest.

BlueKnuckle's picture

It's like Christmas in August. Hillary booed. I'm beaming.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

Oh, oh. Questions from the AFL-CIO audience. This could get boring.

shiva priest's picture

Kucinich is looking damn good in this debate.

sam's picture

OBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Thats was great!!!! HE OWNED HILLARY AND DODD!!!

Bush Bites's picture

Ah...Obama said if we had intelligence we should take him out.

Everybody else tried to make it sound like he's going to send two divisions over the border.

BlueKnuckle's picture

nativeokie @ 129:

Obama is now re-writing history. That is not what he said. I am kinda of tired of his "I am not an insider" crap.
He is a career politician. Same as the rest.

Come on. At least there are levels of Washingtonitis. He's much less married to the machine than most of his companions on the dais.

baby jesus's picture

baby jesus was busy in Darfur, did Hillary just get booed

blueeyedpupil's picture

i vote best debate moderator so far

KEITH OLBERMAN

Bush Bites's picture

Obama should have added something like "Like your husband tried to take him out, Hillary."

hope's picture

Olbermann is a natural at this. I love it when he's not in a forum where he has to defer to Tweety.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

hope @ 122:

I simply do not understand Hillary's appeal. She seems so utterly programmed.
And she needs to quit yelling!

She’s a political genius. I hate her though.

tyree's picture

obamas just a warmonger withdraw from iraq put them all in afganistan and invade pakistan if need be , fuck him!bring em all home!

BlueKnuckle's picture

Keith is the man. I'm a big fan. Did you all see him on HBO's "Big Love" last night?

nativeokie's picture

I don't get her being booed. It makes no sense. Is that much of America out of touch with the reality of foreign diplomacy?
I have issues with her, but Obama is so out of touch with reality.

You cannot invade another country like he wants. He actually sounds like Bush.

The crowd there wants another Bush if they want a fly off the handle, put your head down, listen to no one and invade president again.

yenehC hcaepmI's picture

I don't like when they go into their phony speech voices to get a crowd reaction when they are just supposed to answer the stupid questions.

odelisk8's picture

i dont see any genius tonight....

GDliberal's picture

I wonder what else bill's girl thinks that she won't tell us.

BlueKnuckle's picture

tyree @ 141:

obamas just a warmonger withdraw from iraq put them all in afganistan and invade pakistan if need be , fuck him!bring em all home!

The REAL terrorists are in Pakistan. Obama was right. If Musharaf won't act, we must.

Captain Kangaroo's picture

baby jesus @ 136:

baby jesus was busy in Darfur, did Hillary just get booed

Did you bring any beer back with you?

Ron's picture

I don't think there any way the candidates can answer questions on how to fix what the republicans have made a complete mess of for the last 14 years, in 30 seconds or one minute.

tyree's picture

wonder how many of the croweds wearing chinese made crap

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