Notes on the Democratic Debate in New Hampshire

I have had a very busy week (parent-teacher conferences until 8 pm for 2 nights), so I am just going to jot down some notes as the Democratic debate in New Hampshire takes place.

• I teach 2nd grade and we work on raising our hand to get someone's attention and to show respect by letting other people finish. I think Hillary Clinton failed to learn this because in every debate she blurts out at some point and interrupts someone else.
• Mike Gravel needs to be a TV show. He is out there, but his point about voting for cloture for 40 straight days and grab the Republicans by the scruff and make them end this war is right on.
• I have been supportive of John Edwards' leadership on Iraq since he apologized for voting for the war over a year ago and then saying to support the troops and end the war. However, his message on Iraq is beginning to be overshadowed by Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, and Chris Dodd. It isn't that Edwards's message has changed, it is just the others are making stronger arguments.
• The question about having all the troops out of Iraq by 2013 is very telling. Richardson, Biden, and Dodd all make strong case that this needs to be done. Clinton and Edwards were unable to do that. For some reason, Obama was the only one not asked this question.
  
• I take back that comment about Gravel having a TV show after his answer to the question about him filing for bankruptcy.
• Richardson's wearing the pie chart pin from Iowans for Sensible Priorities.
• Clinton blurts out again... however, her point about the importance of fiscal responsibility is a very strong argument.
  
• National Law banning smoking in public places? I am all for a smoking ban in public places, but Clinton and Obama are right when they said the decision should be made locally.
  
• Clinton: "I thought Bill was a good President." But then she insists that she is running on her own merits.
• Kucinich lays it on the line and gets lots of laughs by saying you can vote for a President who support a not for profit health care system, etc or for a President who is tall.
• Obama tells Richardson that it is time to tell the truth about how long it will take to get troops out of Iraq and about solving Social Security by growing the economy. Does this mean Richardson isn't on Obama's list of possible VP candidates?
• Edwards says he won't expand nuclear power, but misses out on a chance to say we should put a halt on coal-fired power plants until there is carbon sequestration technology available.
  
• Hillary, when told a quote about torture was made by her husband, says "well, he isn't standing here." Line gets laughs and some applause. Then Hillary says "well, I will take to him later." This line lost any positive and strength she gained from the previous statement.
  

Winners: Biden, Dodd, and Richardson all made strong positions on Iraq, torture, and restoring the constitution.

So-So: Edwards. Edwards contrasted his views with Clinton on Iraq and today's vote on the Lieberman bill about attacking Iran, but wouldn't commit to bringing all the troops home from Iraq by 2013.

Losers: Clinton, Edwards, and Obama all underwhelmed. Edwards and Biden took Hillary head on a few issues and Clinton gave many non-answers. At times it seemed Obama wasn't even there.

Thanks for Participating: Gravel and Kucinich