CNN/Youtube Debate Livethread
So the Democratic Presidential debate starts in 15 minutes. You can see it online at CNN.com.
It’s a special new type of debate where people upload videos of themselves asking questions to youtube, and CNN will choose “sample questions” that they’ll ask the candidates.
And here’s a special bonus. Community Counts is a website that has people vote on the submitted youtube questions themselves. Chris Dodd and John Edwards are both going to answer the higher-rated questions. That’s great!
I agree with TechPresident on this:
On the surface, this format seems like a revolution in citizen participation in presidential politics, and it could inject some life into the drab debate format that — let’s be honest — excites neither the candidates nor the audience.
[snip]
But cool technology on big screens is only half (or less) of the technological revolution — it’s really all about the people. To be sure, it’s great that YouTube and CNN are involving the YouTube community in this effort. But there’s a glaring omission: CNN will be the sole arbiters of what videos are shown and questions are asked. This format is contrary to what YouTube’s community of users — and other online communities like it at Digg, Facebook, MySpace, and elsewhere — are used to.
[snip]
But if CNN has total editorial control over what videos are shown to the candidates, it’s pulling the rug out from under the so-called “user-generated content” revolution. This stuff is much less fascinating if a third-party gatekeeper comes in and tells us what is interesting and what is fluff.
[snip]
Micah suggested this, but we were told that if they did this, the candidates would know what the questions would be in advance, and it wouldn’t be fair. However, I don’t think this is the real reason. What would be so terrible if the candidates knew the questions in advance, sort of like an open book test? And wouldn’t their answers be even more telling? After all, if you had the questions in advance and still flubbed the test, wouldn’t that reveal something? Besides, this idea of surprising a candidate into making a gaffe reeks of broadcast, old-politics thinking — the exact sort of think CNN and YouTube say they’re trying to change. The simple fact is, CNN is uncomfortable giving up editorial control.
Still, this is something new, and probably better than the old debate format.
So feel free to comment on the debate as it happens here at RT. Or don’t. Freedom is a wonderful thing.
And here’s the famous Dodd Talk Clock. Enjoy.
Chat live with other progressives during the CNN-Youtube debate, as you watch live on tv. Just go to http://www.thebluestate.com , enter a chat name, and you are set.
Looks like I’ve committed to liveblogging the whole thing.
Find all questions here - http://www.youtube.com/debates
7:02 - Anderson Cooper, others tooting their own horn about how “revolutionary” the format is. Marketing, blather.
Showing clips of videos they don’t like.
7:05 first clip:
This one: How do we know you’ll actually do your campaign promises?
Dodd: I have experience. If you want to know what I can do, think about what I’ve done.
Obama: Attacking special interests and lobbyists. Interesting that he stopped attacking “cynicsm”, now attacks them.
7:07 This question to Kucinich: Why are you different?
Kucinich: I’m the only one to vote against Iraq war, the only one not to vote to fund the war 100% of the time. “Strength through peace”.
Clinton: Democrats are united “for change”. Republicans suck. Emphasizes experience, competence.
Obama: Problem is not just Republicans. We have to get rid of special interests in both parties. I take no PAC or lobbyist money.
7:10
Question for Clinton: Are you a liberal?
Yes! Push the candidates to talk about how liberal they are.
Clinton: Liberal means freedom. Not big government. I am “a modern progressive”. Rights and freedoms. Society must work together.
Clinton, progressive? I’m unconvinced, but it’s a good sign that she wants to pretend to be one.
Gravel: I am neither a liberal or progressive. Obama does take money from lobbyists.
Obama: I passed transparency law. I’d like to remind people that I was a state legislator.
For Biden:
“Partisanship is a problem in Washington. Which Republican would be your running mate?”
Biden: Hagel. Lugar as Sec State. Let me stress my bipartisan credentials.
Biden: Public financing of all elections!
As a personal note, I disagree. partisanship isn’t the problem. Obstructionist republicans are the problem.
Public Financing of elections! Yes!
Edwards: Triangulation is not the problem. Corporate interests are the problem. Let’s take away power from the corporations.
Hooray for Edwards and pushing the debate. Corporations are great for the private sector, but they’re pushing into the public one, which is bad.
Chris Dodd is copying a Richardson commercial format: Job interview.
—-
7:16
Question: Reparations for slavery?
Edwards: No. Instead, let’s try to bring more equality. Example: Black people pay more for mortages than white people. that’s a bad thing.
I will take on banks, etc, as president.
Obama: Reparations as investment in schools.
Kucinich is the only candidate who wants to pay reparations. Inequality of opportunity. Challenge interest groups.
7:20
Question for Dodd
“what role did race and class play in Katrina aftermath? Will you fix it?”
Dodd: Good question. Katrina was bad. Yes, I agree. If New Orleans was mainly white, it would’ve been different. That wouldn’t happen on my watch. “Mark of shame in our country”
Richardson: Here’s what we must do: Let’s eliminate red tape. Let normal people come back to New Orleans. Stop predatory lending of insurance, mortgages, etc. President must make a commitment.
Question: Obama & Clinton: “When I read about you, author mentions race or gender. How will you address people who attack your blackness/feminity”
Obama: Catching a cab in manhattan anecdote. Broader issue: Race permeates our society. People want to get beyond racial divisions. White house hasn’t invested in trying to do stuff to get over racial disparities, like healthcare, insurace.
Ie Obama claims its sorta a class problem.
Clinton: I am a proud woman! Glass Ceiling. I’m qualified & experienced. Seems clinton learned from spitzer: “I’m going to make change right away, hit the ground running, etc”
7:25
Cooper: Will edwards be a better advocate for women?
Edwards: re:Obama, Clinton. If you consider not voting for Obama, Clinton, I don’t want your vote.
-Womans problems involve minimum wage, poverty, healthcare, etc. I’m a tireless advocate for the poor, etc.
He’s trying to say that he’s involved in problems that womens are affected by a lot, rather than specifically “women’s issues”
Clinton: Elizabeth edwards is good. I’ve been committed to helping women.
7:28 Question: Gay marriage?
Kucinich: Yes! Constitution! All are created equal! Equality before the law!
“Civil Marriage”
Dodd: Supported the Defense of Marriage Act. Equal rights. But! “Civil Unions”
Richardson: I will do what is achievable: Full civil unions with full marriage rights. Repeal Don’t Ask/ Don’t Tell.
Support Hate Crimes Act.
Question: to Edwards
“Religion was used to justify slavery, segregation, denying women the right to vote. Why is it still acceptable to deny gay americans their full and equal rights?”
I love this one.
Edwards: “Good question”. Religion shouldn’t be used to impose laws. Personally, I’m torn. I respect you, but nope.
The questioner is in the audience. Cool. Wants clarification.
Edwards: It’s wrong to use relgious beliefs to deny gay marriage. But I oppose gay marriage anyways. But it’s wrong to use religion to do that.
Edwards is slippery.
Cooper: “hey obama. What’s the difference between laws discriminating against gay marriage and interracial marriage?”
Obama: Under the law? Civil unions = marriage. Religious institutions have to decide whether to endorse gay marriage.
Clinton Commercial.
Pretty cool. Attacks bush, refers to hillary’s pushing of healthcare in the 90’s.
Doesn’t address how Clinton seems to be in bed with corporate HMO interests these days.
7:39
Edwards commercial. Inspiring music. People-based metaphors.
International Questions:
Darfur Question:
Richardson: People expect America to help out. Diplomacy is key. America must show leadership. Stop thinking about strategic things like oil. Let’s care about Africa. Let’s have a more values-based foreign policy. UN needs a standing army.
Biden: Why Darfur? Because we can. We have to act now and send troops. “they think we can save them. we can!” Stop the genocide now.
Gravel: We need sensible global governence. The African Nations don’t want us there. Why? Because they’re afraid of us. Why? Because the US is acting aggresively.
Clinton: UN! No Fly Zone! No troops on the ground, but let me push the no fly zone.
Bah.
My thoughts: Gravel is right. We’ve destroyed our moral credibility. African Nations are afraid of us. Why does everyone assume the US won’t supply troops to the UN?
Question about Iraq:
“How do you pullout now? It seems hard”
Obama: I opposed the war from the start (dig at Clinton, Edwards). Platitudes.
Biden: it takes about 1 year to leave. It takes skill to leave Iraq, political skill. I am excellent at foreign policy. I’m the only candidate that can get us out skilllfully.
Question:
Democrats were supposed to leave Iraq. That was 2006 all about. Why are we not out? Are you afraid of the Republican spin machine?
note: the republican spin machine is a formidable adversary.
Clinton: blah blah blah. Pentagon accuses me of being antiwar.
Kucinich: Politics is the problem. Blame Democrats. They can just defund the war.
Dodd: The first responsiblity of the commander in chief is to keep us safe and secure.
WRONG! First responsibility of the president is to uphold the constitution
Dodd: The administration is treating diplomacy and statecraft as a gift to be given to enemies.
Very true. Just talking is not a problem.
Richardson: Leave Iraq by end of the year. No residual forces.
Good point. Other candidates want to leave many troops behind.
Question: Gravel, you said “the entire deaths of vietnam died in vain”. I disagree.
Gravel: Our people in vietnam died in vain. You can go to vietnam and get a baskin robbins. We have most favored trading status with them. Obviously “losing” did nothing.
Did our soldiers die in vain in Iraq?
Obama: First off, let me point out again that I opposed Iraq from the start. Yo, hillary. You should’ve asked about an exit strategy before we went into Iraq.
No, they didn’t die in vain.
Edwards: The troops in vietnam didn’t die in vain because the commander in chief sent them.
[sahar:]What? I don’t get his logic.
Let me attack Bush.
I missed the question.
Oh wait: “Should women enter the selective service like men?”
Dodd: Let’s have a national service. Every American should serve their country in some way. But not mandated.
Clinton: Sure, women should enter the selective service. but no draft.
National service is good. Legislation: Public service academies.
Legislation: Student loan relief
Obama: Reference black people who were able to be in the army.
Edwards: Obviously.
Gravel: I was the one who filibustered the draft!
Good for him.
Question: Yo Hillary! Arab states don’t take women seriously. How will you overcome that?
What a softball!
Clinton: I have met with these people. Remember? I was first lady? I am a senator too. Let me stress my perceived competence/experienced.
Look at other women presidents and prime ministers. They don’t have problems.
Question: In tradition of Sadat’s peace treaty with Israel, would you boldly go talk to Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Syria, North Korea?
Obama: Of course. The idea that talking to your enemies is doing them a favor is riduculous. Reagan talked to “the evil empire”. So yes. Especially Syria, Iran.
Clinton: I will not promise to meet them. I will not be subject to propaganda. But I will be diplomatic. There must be preconditions.
Edwards: Yes, but Clinton is right. We must make sure they won’t be used for propaganda. But! We must talk about our values around the war. Equality! Opportunity!
Notice how Obama is trying to stop Clinton’s strategy of blurring differences between her and everyone else.
Question: When will we leave Iraq? How many family members do you have in Iraq?
Dodd: I pushed to leave Iraq by April. Let me list people who have been in my familty who have historically been in the military.
Richardson: No residual forces. 6 months. Clinton wants to leave 50k troops in Iraq after we leave.
Richardson is good to point this out.
Biden: 6 months is impossible. I know a ton about military/iraq affairs.
IED resistance vehicles are important. Biden is good to highlight them.
Clinton: I have a 3 point plan. It will take a while, logistically. Pentagon isn’t even planning to withdraw.
Kucinich: I wanted to leave 4 years ago. Obama keeps voting to fund the war, rendering his antiwar credentials moot.
Gravel video lists his opinions on issues. Follows with his ripple motif.
8:13
I hope this helps people. If no one needs me to liveblog, that would be very nice. I think I’ll stop transcribing, talking more about my impressions.
First off, there’s one elephant in the room. Impeachment. The most popular video in Community Counts talks about it. At least Edwards will have to address it.
Richardson commercial: goes back to job interview theme.
Questions seem to be about values rather than issues. edit- nope.
Gravel is really miffed about not getting to talk much.
No Child Left Behind question! Yes!
Richardson wants to scrap: Good. Emphasizes teachers, science & math, and culture.
Biden: Scrap.
Only Biden and Richardson respond? Bad.
Later on, Dodd wants to amend.
Does the Al Gore speculation hurt your feelings? Priceless.
Global Warming?
Only Kucinich gets to answer. What?
Reducing energy consumption. Good idea.
And now they ask Gravel? Why do they keep trying to marginilize green issues?
Gravel wants a consumption tax? What? Horrible idea. That’s a regressive tax.
Dodd wants a carbon tax. GOOD!
Nuclear power?
Someone better talk about the Japan earthquake and the nuclear disaster it built.
Edwards: No. Also, nuclear waste. No liquid coal. (Dig at Obama.)
Obama: Yes to nuclear power, as part of a basket of ideas. Both Republican and Democratic administrations haven’t addressed energy policy. Cheney task force.
Clinton: Stop tax breaks to oil companies. “Focus on innovation and technology” soundbite. Ambivalent on nuclear.
Talks about using green technology to create jobs. Good for her.
Vote reform. Will anyone talk about paper verified voting?
Richardson goes right for it! Good for him.
Same day registration good. Talks about Republican voter supression, DOJ corruption. Verifiable paper trail. Yes yes yes!
Richardson didn’t talk about supression of college students.
8:39
God I have a headache.
Both Biden and Kucinich use official campaign ads. Weird.
Obama talks about how most candidates are independently wealthy, so they can afford minimum wage. Good to point that out.
Richardson has a wishlist of things to do social security wise. Won’t talk about raising taxes/ cutting benefits.
Guy wants less taxes.
Biden wants to get rid of tax cuts for the wealthy.
Biden, Richardson, and Kucinich have to respond to taxes. Weird how the “mainstream candidates” get a pass.
Maybe I’m biased because I’m don’t have to pay taxes, but I don’t see why taxes are such a sensitive issue. Taxes, in isolution, are neutral. If we use taxes revenue to give kickbacks to corporations and the wealthy, then taxes are bad. If we use taxes to invest in infrastructure, education, and so on, taxes can be good.
Healthcare questions:
In the wake of Sicko, will any candidate talk about how insurance tries very hard not to find any pretext not to pay up benefits.
Obama, again, attacks corporations through attacking the Democratic policy.
Edwards just attacks the corporations.
Clinton touts her healthcare effort in 93-94. Attacks insurance/drug companies. She’s still deeply embedded with them.
Dodd, Richardson want to talk about their healthcare vision.
Clinton neatly deflects criticism of “bush-clinton-bush-clinton”, by saying “Bush being elected was indeed a problem”
Gravel attacks the DLC, and corporate and banking interests controlling the Democratic Party.
Reference to “god, guns, and gays” from Anderson Cooper.
God -
Time to talk about religion.
Atheist question. Good for him.
Edwards: I will separate my church and state.
Gun control question: Biden breaks the hesitation to criticize assault weapons ban.
“Talk about the Candidate to your left. One good thing, one bad thing.”
Edwards on Clinton. This could be exciting. What will he attack her for?
Nope, he doesn’t go for it.
Seems like most candidates don’t want to say anything really negative.
Bah.
Ok debate is done.
Again, conciliatory. No sharp elbows.
I think they used the word “liberal” twice, and the only candidate to say they were progressive was Hillary Clinton.
Impressions:
This was better than other debates, I guess.
But no impeachment questions? Bah.
The issues raised were nice. My favorite part was when candidates talked about American foreign policy being based off of values, american ideals, freedom, equality, and so on.
Over at TechPresident, they are of the opinion that the health care videos alone justified the use of youtube in the debate.
Over at TAPPED, Garance Franke-Ruta really liked the debate.
I didn’t see Impeachment being discussed at all. Did I miss it? No mention of Presidential signing statements, no “King of the World” discussed, no taking assets away for suspicion of undermining the mission in Iraq. No surprises. (Yes, I know these will be moot points in regards to a future president-or not?)
Nope. Nothing. Even though the impeachment video was highest rated on Community Counts.
Though John Edwards did answer a few minutes ago, and he’s against impeachment, but pro-censure.
I really do wish they’d at least ask about signing statements.
Finally got around to reading this live blog. Excellent job Sahar. It was like I was there.
Nice work.
Thanks for doing that (no cable…)
’bout what I expected.
You’re welcome.
I don’t have cable, either, by the way. I watched it live on CNN.com.
Glad I was helpful, though.
ditto that. no cable and no inclination to watch online.
thanks, sahar.
Great debate, bad camera work. I couldn’t see/read half of the youtube clips. They had too many broad shots, they needed to focus on the clips.
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