Washblog

I went to Kos to read the diary and thought it was brilliant commentary.

The thing that stood out most for me (I only watched about 15 minutes of the Repubs) was the contrast of the stages.

There were the Republicans - a stage full of grumpy old white men


Then there were the Democrats - the face of America. A woman, a black man, a hispanic and a white man.

The Republicans argued over who could be the more stern and conservative - while the Democrats argued over who could best provide care and nurturing for the American people.

On the whole, a great night for the Democrats. - especially the hispanic ;-)

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue

by The Left Shue on Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 10:20:00 AM PST

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I couldn't tolerate more than a few minutes of the Repub debate, as each of the candidates sends my blood pressure through the roof, especially Guiliani and Romney. My husband feared for my health.

We watched the Dem debate with a great deal of interest. At least the candidates were allowed to talk for more than 30 seconds without a buzzer going off.

I got some insights about all the candidates. I don't think anyone who is decided would change their minds because that debate, but they most likely were addressing the undecideds.
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I am pro-Edwards and thought he did very well. He repeatedly makes his point about the need to control monster corporations, which are stomping on  average Americans and dominating government, healthcare policy, media, etc.

I'm convinced that because of that persistance, the other candidates are FORCED to address that topic - a topic that elected officials do NOT like to address.

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Obama has a deliberative, non-confrontational, positive-thinking style that is part of his personality. I see why many people are inspired and attracted to this, especially if it is also their OWN style.

I felt he really does get it, all of the important issues. BUT if he's president, he will HAVE to appoint an attack dog/watchdog (someone like Edwards) to perform those confrontational missions for him.  

We really do need BOTH types of leaders to destroy Repub spin and corruption, clean up the mess we'll face in 09, plus the potential oncoming difficulties (climate change, etc).

We need leaders of every stripe - honest, non-authoritarian leaders - who can motivate everyone to get involved in their own democracy.
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If I didn't know a great deal about Hillary's recent history, I might've been impressed by her obvious determination and quick thinking. But knowing what I know, I have no reason to trust her. And I dread re-living the 90s.

Hillary did as well as could be expected in her position. She had to try to knock down Obama a peg, but I don't think she succeeded. Her scolding tone isn't her most appealing tone.

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Richardson made a lot of excellent points about Iraq and energy, and I was glad he was present to do that.

One thing: I didn't understand his idea to ask (or insist, or demand) that a foreign leaders "step aside" if the U.S. needs to attack terrorists in their nation. Is that realistic? Do we demand that elected leaders (like Musharreff, or Chavez) "step aside"? Did I hear this wrong?

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At the end Charlie Gibson (who interjected right wing points repeatedly) asked:

"What have you said in previous debates that you'd like to take back?"

That's a classic trick question, like an employment interview where you're asked "What are your weaknesses?"

It's meant to see if you will foolishly reveal what will give the interviwer an insight into potential problems, like "I'm impatient" or "I'm told I'm not a team player" or "I don't have a grasp of ____".  

The proper answer is to state a "weakness" which puts you in a good light, such as "I tend to work too hard." or "I'm a perfectionist, I insist on quality".

Hillary deflected this trick question deftly, complimenting all the Democrats as contrasted with the miserable Republican field and adding: "I will leave it to others to speculate what I should or should not have said."

Obama said something similar, as I recall.

Edwards used the question to turn on the charm, saying with a big smile: "I made the mistake one day of teasing Hillary about her jacket [a flaming pink jacket, as I recall]. I'd like to make up for it by saying she looks terrific tonight."

"Thank you," she replied graciously.

Richardson reminded viewers that he had previously stated his favorite Supreme Court Justice was Whizzer White, appointed by Kennedy. Later, he was informed that White was an opponent of the Roe-Wade decision and and civil rights.

Yikes. Bill just reminded everyone of one of the dumbest statements he ever made. Self-deprecating humor, but IMO ANOTHER mistake. In politics, you DON'T voluntarily remind people of your past stupidity. Even I know that!

by dinazina on Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 11:58:36 AM PST

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