9:15
15 minutes in and everything is about race. I thought we had more issues than just this one. Of course the media is trying to spark another news cycle.
9:20
Hard to make it out but someone was yelling something from the audience about race based questions. It will be nice if someone can catch it and make it out.
So far the three have been very civil to each other. I do like the format and now that other issues are coming up, things should get better.
9:30
We need to start a change drinking game. Every time a candidate says change, take a shot. Wait – I would be passed out by now (and I can drink a lot!)
Hillary and Obama are differing on what the President should do, or how they operate the White House.Obama wants to delegate it more so than Hillary. Hillary’s answer to the question seems much more plausible – accepting the accountability of the office and holding to it.
9:33
Brian Williams is asking Obama about internet rumors. Why do these moderators echo these stupid rumors? They are just that – RUMORS. Don’t give the people the attention.
9:45
Questioning has turned to the economy. Major concerns over the news that large financial institutions are looking for bail outs overseas. Obama added one of the problems is that we have no energy policy. They all seem to be agreeing on what should be done – including freezing interest rates for 5 years starting now.
Edwards just said he regrets his 2001 vote for the first bankruptcy law. Good move on his part, but the damage has already been done.
9:48
Hillary also said she regrets her vote for the bill, but that is ok because it “didn’t become law”. Why is it so hard for her to give a mea culpa?
Continue following the coverage here
9:53
Obama brought up the fact that the ultra rich pay a lower percentage of taxes than the middle class. This needs to be a constant talking point echoed throughout the general election.
9:56
Hillary was asked about the impact on the housing market if we froze interest rates. She brought up a great point. The fed is cutting interest rates, but these crazy mortgages allows the rate to continue to rise. It doesn’t make sense to lower interest rates in one part of the economy, while raising it in another.
10:00
The candidates get to ask a question to each of the other candidates. First up Edwards. He is asking if Obama thinks that big donors expect something from their money. Obama responds that people are giving because they like what he says. He also said he supports public financed campaigns. That’s a bonus point for Obama.
And after Edwards, Brian Williams said he was told the candidates could ask one question to one opponent. Nice change of the rules after Edwards uses his.
10:05
Hillary asks Obama if he will join her in stopping Bush from tying the hands of the next President on Iraq. Obama agrees – needless to say.
Williams asked if the others will join in Obama’s pledge to get troops out in 2009. They both agree with it. Edwards adds that there will be no permanant bases in Iraq.
10:10
Obama asks Edwards if no combat troops means none at all and brings up the possibility of terrorist bases forming. Edwards said he would go with a quick reaction force stationed in Kuwait. Basically the Murtha plan. Obama then agreed with that.
Commercial Break WOOHOO!
10:20
Now questioning on Yuka Mountain. Obama says he will kill the project.
Hillary says that she has been constantly against it – which is true.
Edwards turned it into nuclear power. He said that he is the only one totally against it.
10:30
Still on nuclear power. They are piling on Edwards for his opposition to nuclear power. Edwards is brining up that we need to focus on other power sources also. This is true.
10:36
Another email question. It seems like all of these have gone to Obama. You think they would distribute them fairly.
10:40
Now we are on guns. Hillary wants a national database of gun purchases and owner transfers.
10:45
Edwards wants the assault weapon ban reinstated. This is a great move, and remember that Edwards is a pro-gun candidate.
11:00
All over. It was an interesting format, but rather bland. All the candidates appeared very presidential, but I still like Edwards. He knows he has made mistakes and he don’t try to spin it. He just admits it and moves on. More than I can say for the other candidates. Actually that is a very rare trait in any politician, and one that earns a lot of respect from me.