South Carolina Debate – Part II

South Carolina Debate – Part II updated liveblogging

9:13: BREAK… then free for all! … .. They’re sitting down now.

9:20: Edwards smacks Obama right off. “Bring the country together” – Obama… NOTE: OBAMA OWNS THIS CROWD. Second time he says “as president.” Applause breaks out.

Malveaux race baits here; shouldn’t blacks vote for a black man because that would change how whites feel about them? Seriously? Worst. Question. Ever. … .. Media wants a race slug fest from the Democrats. Don’t give it to them.

9:25: Clinton: Worked with Adelman after law school. Experience and 35 years. (She’s not going to have a voice in a couple of days.) Goes after Bush here; reminding everyone of Bill Clinton’s economic efforts, especially for African Americans. Serious effort to remind people of the prosperous years of Bill Clinton’s presidency.

Obama reminds Edwards he has a comprehensive poverty plan. Edwards says he’ll read it to help him get to sleep. … ..

FACT CHECKING HERE: Clinton. Obama. (via reader Grey)

Obama goes on about a woman, an African American and John. Edwards just shakes his head.

9:29: Edwards reminds Obama he was involved in urban poverty long before he was in politics. Talks about his fight with Bill O’Reilly about our troops in poverty. Edwards is on his game. Insert schooling Obama here.

Bill was the first black president. Was he, Barack? “Well… uhm…. Bill Clinton did and still does have a great affinity in the African American community. … … ” But can Bill dance? –laughter here– I’d have to see that before I can say he’s a brother. “I’m sure that can be arranged,” laughed Clinton.

Clinton: CELEBRATE a woman, an African American and a son of the south on this stage. Democrats. … .. The high road found for a moment.

9:40: Is Bill overshadowing your voice? He is very much advocating on my behalf. A huge asset. It’s about us, not our spouses. Who would be the best president “on day one.” Who can best withstand the Republicans in order to win in November in 2008. “I think I can make the best case.” – Clinton … .

9:43: Obama is “troubled” that Bill Clinton is not talking correctly about him. Hits Clinton on “working majority.” I can reach out to independents and Republicans. Bush-Cheney has given their party a very bad name. We’ve got a unique opportunity. Expand the scope of the electorate and a 60% majority. I can do it better, says Obama.

Edwards: McCain will likely be the nominee. Who is strong enough to compete against John McCain everywhere? We’ll do well in many places. But will we be competitive in the “rural areas?” Edwards says he’s the won who can beat John McCain, citing a CNN poll. NOTE: This is what Edwards should have done from the start. Take on both Obama and Clinton. …

BREAK….

9:52: Ruh-roh. Obama now touts Elko, Nevada. It’s Bush country. Not good if you’re trying to win the Democratic nomination. “I’m a proud Christian,” Barack says out of nowhere. Democrats are bad, we haven’t reached out to the wingnuts. He loses me here completely. I can’t stand to be lectured by anyone in politics about faith. WE NEVER GAVE UP THE FAITHFUL. Geez.

Clinton says she is best to take on John McCain on national security. Clinton on Republicans: I’ve been there and done that and I’m still here. –Big applause here–

Edwards gets redundant on public financing. … Clinton comes back. (I need a glass of wine.)

10:00: Obama hits Clinton on McCain and national security. “We’ve got to overcome the politics of fear in this country.” Keep America safe; I wouldn’t hesitate to blow someone away. I will meet with our friends and enemies, quotes JFK. –sigh– Fearmongering since 9/11, we shouldn’t play on their battlefield.

Edwards says it demands something beyond a short-term foreign policy. It takes visionary foreign policy. “We need to be that light again.”

Why would MLK endorse you? That’s the final question. (video to follow.)