Democratic Debate, Vegas Style updated
It begins with questions, including some from the Internets. First question was about the race issue that recently mushroomed into quite an intense back and forth.
“We are all family in the Democratic party. … All of us are here because of what (Dr. King) did.” – Hillary Clinton
Obama, “Hillary said it well. … .. Race has always been an issue. … We can’t solve these challenges unless we come together as a people.”
MESSAGE FOR THE EVENING: Obviously, the candidates saw what the Republicans were making out of this inner-party fight, so they decide they’d better find some common ground as Democrats or we would be in trouble come November, no matter who the nominee is. … ..
Russert to Obama: “Do you regret pushing this story?” So for the first time we get confirmation that the memo I posted was indeed from Obama’s South Carolina office. Russert held up the “four page” document. Obama is walking away from any push on race. He just gave a gracious nod to Clinton on New Hampshire. … ..
Russert to Clinton about Bob Johnson, will you make him resign? He put out a statement on it and we take his word for it. … Then she turned to the economy and jobs. … Were his comments out of bounds? “Yes they were,” said Clinton.
Question from the Internets, choice of personality, why choose between first African Am. or first woman. Edwards begins by talking about his own challenges, “It is a personal, personal fight for me.” There are some differences between us. From the same Internet questioner: What is a white male to do running aginst these historic candidacies?” Says great things about our party and America. But people will make the decision on what we fight for. … ..
Williams about Obama’s “inhuman” moment to date, as Frank Rich deemed it, “You’re likable enough, Hillary.” (Let me state here that I was the only person around, besides George Stephanapoulos, that on that night said it was a problem. No one believed me.) … .. It was a subject that doesn’t apply.
NOTE: Seriously, this has started as a Democratic party commercial, which if it continues this will be a draw and won’t benefit any of these candidates. Sleeper so far. … .. We shall see.. … ..
RUH-OH… Someone in the audience just broke in and yelled: “THESE ARE RACE BAIT QUESTIONS. THESE ARE RACE BAIT QUESTIONS.” It got *very* quiet on stage and I believe Russert was stunned. Remarkable moment.
Clinton: Who is ready on day one, the war in Iraq, the economy slipping into a recession… then she goes into the economic problems. Hitting it out of the park. “How pathetic.” She was talking about Bush’s energy policy. .. … Finally some *real* energy. It’s been way too sleepy until now. … .. more to come…
Williams asked Obama a question about all the smears circulating about him. He trusts that the American people will figure out the truth. … ..
Edwards asked a question of Obama, but he also called him out on passing Clinton on Drug company money.
Clinton then took the issue of Iraq and challenged Obama on supporting her legislation. She took his issue, as she did on MTP, then pressed Obama on it. … ..
Russert just called them on the 2013 pledge they refused to make in the Dartmouth date. “Some troop present,” said Obama… All three admit that troop presence will be there. Clinton just called out Republicans and John McCain on Iraq. It’s dishonest to suggest you won’t have troops to protect the embassy. Edwards says “all combat troops out.” No military bases.
Obama started to ask a question… Nice laughing moment here on whether Obama is asking a question. Obama brings up terrorist bases and going after them. … .. Edwards talks again about his “quick reaction force in Kuwait.”
FINALLY, Edwards is taking on Obama. About time. … ..
Guns… Democrats got the message, but the assault ban that doesn’t ban assault weapons is comin’ back.
Williams, after final break, “We’re back on Los Angeles…” –insert laughter here– Like I said, everyone is tired. … ..
Democrats are up in about 15 minutes. I put up the video just to show you the focus of Clinton’s latest ads, but it’s now in Hot Topics. She’s really focusing on the economy. What’s happening from Bush’s failures is that Clinton can take advantage and remind people of the economy of the 1990s. This plays well for her. As for Obama, he’s had a couple of ads, one very lofty, the other trying to talk message on the economy, but he doesn’t sound sure or confident when talking about it. Edwards will likely take advantage and talk about the economy tonight. One note, foreclosures in Nevada are skyrocketing.
Hillary gets a gift tomorrow, I learned earlier, which Jon Ralson mentioned on “Hardball.” The biggest paper, the Las Vegas Review Journal, which is as conservative as you get, is endorsing Obama. Democrats throughout this state hold the RJ in abject contempt and for good reason. This is an unexpected sideways boost for Clinton’s Democratic credentials, further emphasizing Obama’s weak progressive bona fides. If the RJ is endorsing you it’s anything but a progressive nod. Most Democrats here revile that paper.
As for the other guys, follow the limping … .. It’s Romney in Michigan, McCain second.
elephant here. So far it’s Slick Mitt, but it’s just beginning.
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