February 01, 2008 03:30 PM
Democratic Presidential Debate at the Kodak---Midday Open Thread
What a wild time! I took this picture in the balcony of the Kodak theater at the historic Democratic Presidential Debate Thursday with my iPhone. This was a special night.
Update: Just Above Sunset has a host of photographs for the entire event.
Friday, February 1, 2008 – Political Hollywood
The Los Angeles Democratic Presidential Debate, January 31, 2008, at the Kodak Theater on Hollywood Boulevard – JUST ABOVE SUNSET received press credentials and covered the event, live, here, from inside the hall. This was what was happening outside, just before the debate began.
The Photographs:
Police Abuse in Cleveland: http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=82447 (disturbing video)
Must've been awesome. Good seats but a bit far
Progressive bloggers get the best seats, huh?
Shouldn't you have been in the mosh pit??
Thats pretty gruesome... Police brutality certainly
To actually watch a debate that was intelligent, forthright was refreshing. Watching the Republicans was like watching two neanderthals beating their chests. I hope everybody will vote Democratic and leave the Repukes in the dust.
I am in Ireland at the moment and on CNN they commented about how it was in the same theater that they give the oscars "for best actor and actress" implying that it was all a show....
I waited in line for about an hour this morning to see Obama here in Boise. They had many more show up than expected, had standing room only, and had to turn away hundreds. About 12,000 were inside the arena (Taco Bell). My daughter and I went down to the floor and were selected to stand on the riser behind Obama, so we were within twenty feet of him. Way cool. I'll be at the caucus on Tuesday. Fun, historic, and exciting!
Will @ 6:
It's funny - for all the smear talk about Democrats and "Hollywood actors" it seems to be the Republicans that actually put them in office! (Reagan, Thompson, Bono, etc...)
This was quite a contrast to that Reagan airplane. I'm hoping that was the last time we have to look at that darn plane. Ever. What a backdrop!
mo-dems,
If conservatives can claim that Clinton-Lewinsky led to certain immoral behaviors then certainly the rest of the United States citizenry can claim that Bush has created a violent police state. That video is unbelieveably disturbing. All of those cops should be dismissed from police work forever.
I really enjoyed this Debate as I have already voted for Hillary. But I did appreciate the views and comments by both Hillary and Obama. I respect Senator Obama's campaign for the White House but it's always bothered me after viewing his record as a Freshman Senator, that he has a lot to learn. I listen to him speak about his work for Illinois and his first term as Senator. I wondered if I owned a company and needed to hire a CEO would I pick a great speaker with little experience or an experienced proven person with over 35 years working in the world that my company has. We'll see if Americans want the USA to be in the hands of a freshmen or a senior. I know McCain, GOP and the Media are pulling for Obama to win. It would be much easier for McCain to put up his 20 years in the Senate and 4 years in the House of Representatives. Yes and of course the War Hero who was a PWO. Plus the tape that shows Obama as a Freshmen Senator making a big mistake and McCain has to call him on it and correct him. Obama had to admit he was wrong and McCain was right, as Obama said he had a lot to learn. Yes McCain will slam dunk Obama on his lie as it was made public and in the end Obama was wrong. I admire the GOP this time for not using Karl Rove's dirty tricks, they only need to have a weak Democrat with two years in office as the GOP will win.
Now if McCain had to go up against Hillary, she would slam dunk him on each issue and more.
Uh where did last nights "Billary" post go???
What happened not enough support for the beast?
We were given the upper balcony to view from by CNN. I didn't bother to try and get better seats because I wanted to be able to get back to my laptop in the media room. CNN did a great job dealing with all of the media. And it was packed....
Jackie @ 11:
They haven't started with the Rovian dirty tricks yet. Just wait...
rduke @ 12:
That post was done a week ago, but it got republished for some reason by Word Press. Then it got fixed by the techies...
Our democracy has been hijacked by the Corporate MSM and progressives are buying into it. What a sad state of affairs. I really do not think there is much concsiousness left in the progressive movement. If those of you reading this blog found this debate refreshing, then I would say most of you are brain dead. And no, I am not a troll. I'm a true blue democrt, just disgusted by the way our democratic elections are being hijacked and turned into a Spectator Gladiator Event similar to the Super Bowl. How sad!
redjalapeno @ 10:
So true. And when all of our traumatized, brain-dead and desensitized Veterans come back, we're going to have some serious problems. Take poor minorities from neighborhoods already prone to violence, send them to Hell on Earth, then send them back to those same neighborhoods. If there's one thing Republican policies succeed in doing, it's creating monsters.
I hope for your sake you are correct Jackie...
As She will not receive my support.. Period... as the Clinton's FUCKED this country up enough the first round through-- And yes, Do not kid yourself.. The economy may have been good DUE to the technology rise during those years.. But it was all illusion and Hype.
Hillary will most likely not have that luxery...
NAFTA, WTO, GATT... Alone is enough to despise the name Clinton forever...
Look at where we are today...and look where we are going to be tomorrow.
"But it was BUSH!" you will say...
Sure.. It was... However just about everything Bush has done was paved by Bill... Bill set George up.. and George spiked it..
So for all the seriously naive Clinton supporters who think shes the cats pajamas... I hope there are enough of you to make up for all the Dems who will simply not vote for her, and at the same time defeat all the wood worms that will come out to vote against her...
Perhaps you don't grip the magnitude of the seriously grave problems we face... Peak Oil, War.. and an Economy that is going to dive to the center of the earth, and so forth...
I do not think any person is going to be able to pull us out of the mess.. However I do no think the people that opened the door to this whole goddamn problem deserve a second chance in the seat of power.
So... Yeah I will vote for Obama.. but never for Clinton...
Bush .. Clinton.. Bush.. Clinton... Bush?...
What the fuck is going on in this country when we have over 20 years of this country ran by the same two families...
Only two people running for office?
Next Tuesday more states will vote then have voted so far by a factor of two or three.
WTF Dodd Richardson and the rest got screwed along with the rest of the country.Time to boycott.
It is all a scam anyway..
This election is more glaring of that FACT then any other in my lifetime...
If voting changed anything.. they would make it illegal...
Facts are nothing will change... whom ever is 'selected' to play power puppet will continue to feed this country to the machine that has been devouring it over the last 120 years...
People will still clamor to one side or another and IGNORE their own candidates glaring faults while trying to focus on the oppositions weaknesses... all of which are most likely manufactured to begin with.
Eventually we will all be stacked under so much debt (which is illusion).. and we will finish our lives biter and salty ... yet never letting go of the party...
1984... is literally 5 year away.
Great picture, John. You must have been sitting with Jane Harmon if you were that far up. LOL
I just watched that video and it seems we americans could have caught the Nazis a thing or two. If there is a God, help us!
rduke @ 18:
You're certainly free to feel that way. It's your vote, however if we lose this election then this country really does not deserve to be saved.
Taught- my hands are shaking so much
Pretty soon you will get to pick from Twittle Dee and Twiddle Dum for President. The Corporate MSM has preselected our candidates over year ago. Your two choices have been laid out for you already. Pick from Corporate Candidate A, or Corporate Candidate B. It will be McCain vs Hillary. The Corporatists will have their way, you know it, and I know it And, sad thing is, there's not a damn thing you or I can do about it. If voting could change things, they would make it Illegal!!!
cool shot. Those picture taking phones can come in handy...what the help will they think of next? Picture taking phones that have good sound? That would be a treat...
:)
miss_kitty @ 26:
What the *Hell* will they think of...
So you took the pic with your NSAT&T phone of people who will do nothing to stop warrantless spying. How appropriate.
It's the July 4th Donny and Marie show?
Well.. thats a tough one to bring up as it makes 'Mericans upset when you bring up parallels with themselves and Nazi Germany... and they usually jump straight to the Concentration camps and gassing jews ... (usually to try to shut you up and allow them to go back to sleep)..
But Nazi Germany was more then that .. and they did most of their foulest things long before the camps were built... The camps were easy compared to the journey it took to bend the will of the people like that.
Suffice it to say we learned it all from them...
Operation Paper Clip... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Paperclip
In that rocket scientists were merely the tip of the iceberg...
Fantastic Obama video, with Black Eyed Peas and many, many more. Moved me to tears!
Late Night Music Club selection???
Nicole Belle: You beat me to it. Don't worry, we're featuring it today.
Ree @ 23:
I think we need to hit bottom before the masses wake up enough to warrant a saving.
I do not think the Democratic party is capable of saving this country... The spineless fucks can't even stand up to a lame duck president with a 24% approval rating!!!!
OR did we forget that?
beautiful theater and stage...
that set is rather gawdy though... a bit tacky, dare i say...
good thing the players were great... and they were... are...
(go barack!)
Ree,
"You’re certainly free to feel that way. It’s your vote, however if we lose this election then this country really does not deserve to be saved."
Are you saying Hilary has a better chance of beating the Repugs?
Wow, I see it 180 degrees differently. Hilary will bring out the Repug base like flies to poo. The hatred of anything Clinton by a large segment of this population is not to be undersetimated. I've said from the beginning of the nomination process, that Hilary is the only Dem that could lose to the Repugs this time. I don't have big problems with Hilary and I'll support her if she gets the nod, but I think the Dems would be foolish to nominate her as she could well lose it, and that is too horrid to contemplate.
miss_kitty @ 27:
I never misspell cuss words. lol
mo_dems @ 1:
Part of a very long list of reason I left Ohio over 30 years ago. OH has a few decent people in it but most of it is downright medieval.
The candidates who could have "saved" America were flushed down the toilet by the media and those who are swept up by media hype. We can all get hyped up about the domestic measures either candidate will try to bring America, but the dark underbelly of government is what Bush has done to the Constitution, his overt support of Corporatism, and his illegal actions both domestic and foreign. Nobody left even mentions these cancers now embedded in American government.
That's why I won't get caught up much in the remaining campaigning or even the election. The die is cast, no matter who wins the election.
For those who still have hope that the Democrats can restore America, I won't rain on anybody's parade, but please, please stay on your toes and don't ignore it when the new administration refuses to deal with that evil underbelly that now exists into perpetuity if its roots are not eradicated.
In a family reunion of Kodak Bears, do they always have that one relative that wants to take everone's picture, whether they want to or not?
"Fantastic Obama video, with Black Eyed Peas and many, many more. Moved me to tears!
Late Night Music Club selection???"
Moved you to tears? Great speecgh poisoned by the contributions of those in the video. Would I ever take political advice from the man who gave us "My Humps" or the woman who gave us "Dont cha with your girlfriend was hot like me"...
Corny and manipulative. Americans seems to eat this stuff up. Celelbrities need to learn from 2004 and lay low. I'm voting for Obama but I swear if i see another awful singer or useless actor/actress try get my support with a video as god awful as the songs/movies they create, i'll change my allegience to Clinton.
Sany @ 16:
Sany --
My thoughts exactly! No one here even gets the obvious pun that this event occurred at the very place the "American Idol" finals occur every year. This is particularly humorous, in a way, because I've been saying for weeks how this is nothing more than the political version of "Idol" where people are choosing candidates based more on style than on substance.
I confess, I watched last years "Idol" -- for the first time ever I thought that the show actually presented a truly talented singer, Melinda Doolittle. Watching "fan" reactions towards the end, I could not help but get miffed at the people who voted for Jordan Sparks. There rationale was strikingly similar to the rationales of Obama supporters:
"Melinda is a great singer, but she's 'there' already. Sure Jordan is younger and not as polished, but she has 'room to grow.' She'll become a great 'American Idol.'"
This whole campaign has been manufactured from the start: Present a large field as though there are real choices, slowly marginalize then deny access altogether the people who really represent meaningful and profound change, narrow down the filed to three candidates that supposedly represent all choices -- one white man from the South, one white woman from the MId-West, and a "black" man with multi-racial, international roots -- show the force for "change" is so great that the Southern white man needs to bow out, then present the "dream ticket" for the AI finals at the Kodak Theater.
Talk about "manufacturing consent!"
The "choice" are purely cosmetic. "Historic change" in this election is all about the look of a candidate and nothing about truly historic fundamental change in the way the U.S. is doing its business of governing. The only fundamental changes I see coming with any and all presidential candidates left on the show is the continuance of the abolishment of citizen and states rights as established in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
But this is all to be expected: "They set out to mould their policies to people's inner desires and feelings, just as capitalism had learnt to do with products.
The politicians believed they were creating a new and better form of democracy, one that truly responded to the inner feelings of individual. But what they didn't realise was that the aim of those who had originally created these techniques had not been to liberate the people but to develop a new way of controlling them."
Check this link out: The Century of the Self href="http://eurokin.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-01-29T16%3A15%3A00-06%3A00">The Century of the Self
I watched the video of the police brutality. You need to realize that I saw some of the same type of behavior from the police in the early 70s when Reagan was Gov.
millie wink @ 31:
thankyou thankyou thankyou
just beautiful... and hopeful... ... thank you.
I think the debates should not be sponsored by any company, media outlet or business. They should enclude all candidates no matter what they are polling.
They should be held by the party not the news channels or anyone else. At one time the Legue of Women Voters did the debates.
It should be up to the candidate if they want to participate or not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Number of Operations Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom casualties
as confirmed by U.S. Central Command: 4404
rduke @ 18:
Seriously naive Clinton supporters? Whatever. But there are enough to outnumber those Dems "who simply will not vote for her"... or perhaps I'm so naive as to imagine there aren't that many morons. I guess I was wrong in 2000, when so many seriously naive citizens voted for Nader, a total idiot who is so simplistic as to view the world on such Chumpsky-esque, pseudo-knowledge terms.
Unfortunately, that was a luxury we just don't have this time... and we really didn't then.
I wish I could believe this election was going to make a difference but I just don't. The democrats have caved to republicans too many times, the fiscal mess facing us is larger than most know or are willing to admit. This election will not make a difference because there isn't a candidate with enough ablls to do what must be done.
If you have ever spent any time in Washington then you would know if you want to get something done, it's all about how much you are willing to pay. Bipartisan politics is a result of buying both parties.
katy @ 42:
Thank God. Because that video is good!!!!
The neocons will never learn,so bring on all your dirty tricks,breaking the law,killing...but there will be Democrats in charge soon. With all our flaws,we will make a better America.
I have choosen my pick for who can best take on the greed,lawlessness,haters and scum in the repuke party. Off my soap box now...oh who did I pick...only the mail in counters and I will know that.
Why are ALL of the primary presedential debates on cable only?
Peoples Front of Judea @ 48:
Good Question. We need media reform in this country bad. The airwaves are considered to be part of the commons or what we all own as Americans. Or at least the used to be. We need CHANGE.
Things I learned from Clinton during the debate (that the media somehow managed not to cover). She has the endorsement of the United Farmworkers. (kind of a big deal in California). She has the endoresement of Robert Kenney Jr (kind of a big deal for environmentalists. Also an interesting story of split in a political family. But I guess CNN and MSNBC don’t agree.)
Things I learned from Wikipedia: Michelle Obama “served on the board of TreeHouse Foods, Inc., a major Wal-Mart supplier with whom she cut ties immediately after her husband made comments critical of Wal-Mart at an AFL-CIO forum in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 14, 2007. She was paid $51,200 by TreeHouse in 2006.” Fair game, ABC?
Another thing I've NOT learned from the mainstream media. Clinton has the endorsement of the Denver Post.
Wake up, Dems. The media is trying to snooker you into nominating Obama, who will get the Harold Ford treatment and lose in November. Anyone that the GOP and its media fears as much they fear Clinton has my vote.
This a must read for everyone.
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2008/020208.html
Sany @ 25:
kind of like a herd of cattle being drove into the slaughter pen!!!
I am expecting a huge truck full of KARMA to be pulling up the the Whitehouse to make its delivery to #43 (gwb). It should come in the form of investigations onto why, to avoid accountability, his administration has repeatedly sought early dismissal of lawsuits that might finally expose government misconduct, brandishing flimsy claims that going forward would put national security secrets at risk. President Bush’s excesses in the name of fighting terrorism are legion.
Full article.
Hillary was the only Democrat at the debate. Read what Obama said was the reason that people voted for Reagan.
"I think they felt like with all the excesses of the 1960s and 1970s and government had grown and grown but there wasn't much sense of accountability in terms of how it was operating. I think people, he just tapped into what people were already feeling, which was we want clarity we want optimism, we want a return to that sense of dynamism and entrepreneurship that had been missing."
The excesses and growth of the government were what the Democrats did. It was Medicare, the Great Society, The Environmental Movement, Civil Rights, Progressive taxation, Government Regulation of Corporations and the Gay Rights Movement. Calling them excesses is Republican language. Most Democrats didn't think they went far enough. And the Optimism was against the honest soul searching that Americans had after Vietnam and Watergate of our place in the world. And lets not forget that Reagan's rose colored glasses made those suffering from aids invisible.
Aren't we at least lucky the mainstream media allowed us two candidates to choose from? The American people have gotten screwed by these idiots deciding who is the most "electable".
intelligent discussion vs childish name calling and bickering......
D.
GOP.you decide.
mo_dems @ 1:
Several somebodies need to be fired.
well...that didn't exactly work out the way I wanted...........oh well......you decide.
Hillary kicked B.O.'s butt up and down the block in that California debate. (Somehow, the media that just can't wait for a McCain win over Obama managed to miss that. Gee, wasn't Hillary's "It took one Clinton to clean up after the first Bush, perhaps it takes a second Clinton to clean up after the second Bush" THE applause line of the night? Somehow the media missed that, too.) He cannot keep up with her on policy and experience.
All anyone needs to know: New York Post endorses Obama.
BTW, I wonder if Moveon read about Obama in Mother Jones. http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2008/01/obamas-israel-shuf...
Hope your nosebleed is better.
P.D. @ 5:
And vote for corporalist 1 or corporalist/warmonger 2 sorry if this is the best that the democrats have to offer I'm staying home same old same old
Anybody know where I can watch a recording of the debate on Thursday night? - I missed it and would like to watch it.
To Loubie @ 59: As one of the commenters at that article writes, "Senator Obama has been labeled an 'idealist' -- as if that's a bad thing. Perhaps he's more a 'pragmatist' than we all realize. T'would be nice if AIPAC would just stop their meddling in American politics. Since that isn't going to happen, obviously candidates have to play the game. It's unfortunate."
Ya wantsa play, ya gots ta pay.
Health care union switches from Edwards to Obama
I've been thinking about the debate. In response to a viewer's question regarding the downward pressure being exerted on the wages of low-skilled American workers as a result of illegal immigrant workers flooding the labor ranks, the candidates suggested that this problem would be resolved when the 12-14 million workers who are in the USA illegally are placed on a path to citizenship and allowed to work legally. This doesn't make any sense to me. If you increase the number of workers who are willing to work for less money because our minimum wage is many times what they would earn in their home country, won't that serve to drive down wages even further for the low-skilled worker who are currently making more than minimum wage? OF COURSE IT WILL!
both these goobers are going to break your heart, but like the man says if you want to play youll have to pay!
unsurebtwilling @ 61:
Thanks for not making a difference.
A political debate is your idea of a wild time? Where do you live, your mother's basement?
MTV has a cool show on now where candidates are fielding questions submitted by audience members.
Millie Wink,
I understand what you are saying, but how does this make Obama an agent of change?
Unlike people who believe in a peaceful solution to the problems of the entire Middle East (like the assasinated Rabin), AIPAC is about conquest, and loves the wars in Iraq and Iran. One thing to remember is that Bill Clinton actually orchestrated peace with (among dozens of others) Israel (Rabin) and Palestinians (Arafat). That was too much for the giant plasma TV war hawks to handle. So, Obama, who Hillary has made clear has voted "pro-war" or "present" since acually taking a responsibile office, runs as a dove. But he sleeps with the hawks.
I'm convinced that Mr. B.O. will get to watch the inauguration as a spectator, though.
rduke@18
For what are the Clintons hated? Those eight years in the nineties were perfect. That little blow job set up that cost many millions of dollars was nothings in comparison to where the country is now days as we speak. NAFT, WTO? Probable mistakes, I must admit.
How about what this asshole has done to my country. Take a look.
The War in Iraq Costs: $491,028,704,626
275 million per day
$4,100 per household
Almost 4,000 U.S. soldiers killed and more than 60,000 wounded
700,000 Iraqis killed and 4 million refugees.
I take Hillary any time. 8 years on the job training (First lady), 8 years as a Senator. Total years experience: 16
If you want change for the sake of change and put a trainee with two years experience. Be my guest. After eight years of fuckups, I don't expect any better.
Maxstar @ 54:
I think Obama was correctly pointing out that Raygun was the right man with the right message for the time. The country was ready for a renewed optimism and wanted to be proud of America once again. Much like today, we need a candidate with hope, vision, and optimism. I hated Raygun but I understand why he won.
And I think Obama was talking about the "excesses" of the 60's and 70's ( sex,drugs, and r&r ), not the "excesses" of the government. There was a backlash by the frightened, angry conformists ( conservatives ) and Raygun swept to power.
To imply that Obama is not a true Democrat because he '' hearts" Raygun is missing the point of his statement. He's no Raygun-phile.
What political changes do you want to see occur in five years time.
The media wants everyone to believe the Clintons are hated, bacause the media's owners (THEY ARE NOT DEMOCRATS) are sacred to death of them.
Obama's every endoresement gets put up in lights. Every Clinton accomplishment is played down if not ignored.
I do not respect the way the Obama camp allowed the media to portray the Clintons as racist through strategic sound clips.
When Bill Clinton said "Give me Break," and "What a Fairy Tale," he was speaking of Obama's campaign up to that point. The Obama campaign up to that point was "hope" and "change."
When the media started twisting it to attacks on MLK and blacks in general (to my shock, Kieth Olbermann led the charge), Mr. B.O. just stood by and let it happen. Who is it that played the race card?
Peoples Front of Judea @ 57:
Fired my ass we witnessed a sexual assault the faces are clear no excuse not to lock um up and throw away the key. And no I don't want them strip searched.
The economy, the optimism, the peace, the respect of the world since we are not the animals they tend to think we are.
Yes, the Clinton times. (Sans blow jobs). They were the best times this country ever had. But the man had to fuck up his personal life, and in the process the country, which as a result ended up in evangelical hands.
My God I've been trying to explain to some of Billos fans that he said homeless vets don't exist in America.
I've shown them the transcript, the video, not fallen for any side tracks yet they continue to claim Billo is innocent.
I'm not sure if they're being obtuse or if they really just don't get it.
Legalize industrial Hemp. Let's put getting energy independence above the prohibitionist attitude toward a plant.
I will say it made me proud to see both of them on the stage. I actually watched this debate and was pleasantly surprised. I stopped watching them a while back because they were so bad.
The time to legalize pot is way past due. Any of these "agents of change" up to the task?
you got an iPhone
im jealous
want one so bad
nice pic
great debate
Orangutan. @ 78:
Here here. Energy independence trumps phony prohibition anytime.
katy @ 42:
Tell me, what does any of that have to do with politics, and what's really happening in the real world. Black eyed peas, please. Bill playing saxaphone. It's all a show to get you to think of them.
Where is Barack today. He really isn't doing his job as the campaign is taking his focus away from the critical votes going on in congress. Clinton supports most of the actions. Notice that neither candidate has the strength to step up to challenge or lead on any matter.
But the Black Eyed Peas, and a few well worded statements makes a man bring you to tears. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! WHAT IS SAID, AND THE ACTIONS AFTER THEY GET WHAT THEY WANT ARE 2 DIFFERENT THINGS!!! Most on this site are democratic and fought tooth and nail for Kerrey, but I'm sure you all remember Bush saying, "We are not a nation builder." What did he do less than 1 year in office, bombed Afganistan and soon thereafter went into Iraq. Now his entire presidency is reliant on "building" Iraq. Don't allow yourselves to be distracted from the truth because of a few good shows and some pretty words. This makes me sick.
Barack doesn't take PAC or lobbyist's money. That seems cool to me. He's trying.
Orangutan. @ 78:
I don't disageree with you but you're going to need to refine that arguement a bit since Hemlock is a plant too.
CD @ 85:
There's a law against growing hemlock? Weird. What about POISON IVY? Will I be arrested if there is some of that in my yard. There are these little red berries that grow wild, but they are quite poisonous. I guess we'd better round up all the people allowing this to infest their property.
On St. Barak and sources of money
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/30/us/politics/30donate.html?_r=1&scp=15&...
Also, what say you, Orangutan, about Ms. O and the Wal Mart food supplier?
Keep in mind that the GOP will not be shy about saying things that the ultra-left want to make taboo about Barak (Can't Say His Middle Name) Obama. That includes those years in New York that are oh so murky right now.
Obama speaks to a good side of the US, which is much needed at this time. He doesnt invoke bitter 'culture war' images, unlike Hillary who remains a divisive figure, even if it is undeserved. I hope this new generation appeal is for real and that he proves to be an effective leader.
The dismall policies of the last 8 years are largely the result of a toxic political climate, rational critique was not possible and look at the results. Obama could be the way out of it and he seems to be the only hope.
bmw 528 @ 67:
Seriously. The funny thing is, you go to a conservative blog and the Chicken Littles there are the mirror image of the Chicken Littles here. "OMG, both candidates are exactly the same!! They're both [bought-and-paid-for corporatist warmongers/baby-killing socialist Islamofascist-appeasers]!!!! We're doomed!!! DOOMED!!!!"
Rusty Shackleford @ 89:
Being a paranoid victim is part of the Republican mantra. Like we really feel sorry for them.
Pawn @ 83:
You are just another cynical critic without any redemptive solution and a revisionist view of history. We have enough of you people to last a thousand years. Maybe you can tell us what your solution is, genius.
Look how shiny and pretty!! And that new Fascism smell...once you drive it around for a month you really never get it back. Oh...if we could just hold this image forever...sigh.
John, watched you on C&L, you definitely sound good on camera, you would be a great pundit, I hope to hear more from you off-line. To CNN's credit they didn't waste alot of time panning around the audience looking for Hollywood celebs. However, did we even need to see one of them in attendance?
I guess you can't expect their coverage to be exclusive to pressing issues, they had to throw in a tiny bit of fodder for the A.D.D. crowd.
I feel sorry for poor John McCain facing off on either of those two. He has provided both with all the ammo they need for a prolonged seige. Hillary would eviscerate the poor guy, Obama will be much nicer. But quite honestly an election with a focus solely on issues and not personal idiocy and attacks would be great, but it likely is not in the GOP playbook, even when they clearly are outgunned.
mo_dems @ 1:
I would like to find out who these officers are.
Ooops, meant "watched you on Countdown"
I was very excited watching the debate and listening to Hillary talk about health care—particularly the Congressional Plan. I have relatives that work for the government and their health care costs are VERY affordable—not like what the rest of the country is paying. Imagine not having to worry about a pre-existing condition, and actually having health insurance you can afford. The way healthcare costs are now, you might as well be paying on a mortgage.
I also got excited when Hillary brought up how good it was in the 90's. I remember the debt coming down, and ample jobs!! That's when I was actually able to save a lot for my retirement because the economy was so good!!! I kind of feel sorry for the kids nowadays—I don't know how they make ends meet. I hope Hillary will make the economy good for them, like Bill did for us in the 90's. As Maxine Waters says, "I've got people in my district who hope they'll have a job, who hope they can have heat. We don't need hope, we need help!!"
garcia @ 76:
Garcia, you have the right to keep your sex life private, and Bill Clinton's should have been kept private as well. It should have never been made public—we have the Republicans to thank for that. I'm sure if the Republicans went after you like a pack of hungry wolves, any of us for that matter, we would not come out looking so great either.
Carmen @ 97:
if he would of came out and said........this is between me and my wife...........that would of been it for the general public.....but not the repugs.....they needed it....cause they paid for it......This is all speculation on my part...but I think she was hired to do just that...bring down the Clinton Presidency.........I wonder who interviewed her and how the interview went............no.....she got paid to do that imo.
shit.....would have..........................ughhh............ sigh.......
RancidVenison @ 44:
Yeah ignore the FACT that the repiglicans stole it...
Ignore the Fact that Gore laid down and spread eagle..
Ignore the Fact that the Supreme court selected BUSH..
Ignore the FACT that 250,000 DEM's voted for BUSH...
Ignore the FACT that GORE lost his HOME STATE...
Keep ignoring the FACTS and keep regurgitating it was Nader and his 20k votes in Florida that lost it...
Useful idiot...
Loubie @ 50:
Uh... Who do you think served as WAL-Marts LAWYER???
Fucks sake ..
DOES ANYONE SEE WHAT I MEAN?
I am in no way giving ANY cocks smacking politician a free pass .. ANYWHERE...
However LOOK AT THE WHOLE GODDAMN PICTURE..
Jesus Christ..
This nation is doomed... No matter what.
Know that... and Remember it.
Bottom Line...
This election is going to suck.... I do not care who wins it anymore...
We are going to lose coming and going.
I know .. you guys are all starry eyed... Mark my words..
This has only just begun... none of them have any real answers.. they have your loyalties (for FREE, as most of YOU don't even bother to CHARGE for one of the only things you have worth selling)..
They all just want to enrich themselves... at the cost of all of us.
I hope to be proven wrong... thats where my hopes lay...
However.
Unless this current administration spends the next decade in prison... All we have is a white wash.
They have committed blatant crimes... and to let them slide... (as the DEM HOUSE has since 06 )... would be even worse then the crimes themselves...
If WE do get a Dem in office (which is a very likely scenario).. YOU PEOPLE HAD BETTER NOT RELAX.. YOU PEOPLE BETTER GET MORE MOTIVATED!!.. YOU BETTER GET EVEN LOUDER!!... YOU BETTER BECOME A BUTT PLUG INTO WHOSOEVER ASS IS SITTING IN THAT OFFICE!!!!
Or they got us again...!
Historic? I can remember when we actually had DEMOCRATS at our Democratic debates...come to think of it, the Republicans had actual Republicans too. Not really sure what these guys are now.
Maxstar @ 54:
Reagan bought death squads to Guatamala, El Salvador and Nicaraugua, Reagan bought "Iran Contra", Reagan brought and trained Al Qaeda, but most tragically it also brought an invasion made for T.V. of a tiny island called Grenada, and it boosted his polls. And his bullshittability. Then his battling of communism brought forth a resurgence in the military industrial complex badly battered by Vietnam that plunged us into an arms race we "won".
Now, after largely sensible govt. under Clinton (with a few missteps, nothing like today of course) we have reverted to uber Reagan, only the variety with NONE of the acumen and guarded reservation to getting into a "public" fight that Americans could see.
Enter the neocons, who would change all that and go public, reminding everyone of 9/11 as their cover for war crimes.
Reagan was the antichrist and the neocons are his cult followers.
Wow! John! How exciting for you! We are all so happy that you're having the time of your life when everythings going to hell for everyone! Isn't it great to be SOMEBODY finally! Yay! Yay for John! Yay! He's on TV! He's SOMEBODY now! Yay! How 'bout some more lame music vids on the blog! Yay!
Without Edwards or Kucinich, I see no reason to watch any Democratic debate. I'll be focusing my attention on the Republican debates from now on.
Vexed @ 65:
Clinton was the one who admitted the downward pressure on wages, Obama tried to pander to the Latino vote by talking about "scapegoating".
But their solutions are much the same, and as a low wage factory worker myself, I have to agree with "comprehensive immigration reform". It simply is not possible to seal off the border with Mexico or deport all the illegals already here. What makes the illegals uniquely exploitable is their illegal status. The employers who use them can underpay and overwork them and not only fire them if they complain, they can have them deported as well-pick off the the uppity ones, and keep the scared into virtual slavery ones. Same goes for the landlords who rent to them, car dealers who sell to them, coyotes who smuggle them in, etc.
It's these virtual slaves who drag us all down the farthest. If they have some rights, however, they won't settle for subminimum wages or working conditions. In fact, they become more like the rest of us...looking to improve their situation and worried about the next horde flooding over the border and threatening their gains.
"Comprehensive immigration reform" is NOT simply legalizing everybody already here and throwing the door open for everybody who wants to come. It's a way to get control of the situation and allow for enough immigration to keep the economy going.
The iPhone is the greatest invention in all of the history of man. Sushi is #2.
bmw 528 @ 91:
Call me cynical, that's ok. I am somewhat cynical in regards to Obama and Hillary. My solution to the problems were other candidates who were not given access to the American people as those who remain today. The point of my comment is don't get so excited over what people say, your setting yourself up for disappointment. Look at their actions. Neither candidate is taking any leadership in today's biggest issues to avoid any potential backlash from colleagues or opponents. Is this the truth, or is it my imagination.
i know john mccain's stubborn resolve (if that's what it's called) served him well in Viet Nam, but it feels strange in a climate where Americans are more entrenched and divided, and while we won't admit it, we are demoralized and want unity because we NEED it. now, if nearly five years in Iraq has us at each others throats, what will 100 years do? at this rate, will our country even HAVE 100 years? this is why i can not work up a grain of passion and resolve for this cause-mainly because the young(born and those unborn) will pay. imagine your unborn child sitting in your womb and a calculator running a steady tab. this is how much the republicans value the young-they grab the gold mine and leave the country's youth with the shaft.
Rocky @ 107:
I noticed that they kept that table big enough for three candidates, but only two seats were filled. It's as if John Edwards has ceased to exist, like the other candidates that dropped out before him.
Comments are closed on this entry