Flag City Politico

Democratic Presidential Debate (New Hampshire)

Continuing on ABC tonight, the top four Democratic contenders will meet. Barack Obama, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson are now on stage.

After a majority of the new polls show Obama leading in New Hampshire, Clinton needs to do something to get back into the lead.

9:05p

The first question is about nuclear terrorism. Obama says that if Osama Bin Laden is known to be in Pakistan (with hard intelligence), he would go in after him. When Gibson points out that this sounds a lot like the Bush doctrine (will history books now call it this?), Obama points out it is different because of the intelligence we would have.

Quick question (from me to you): with Richardson supposedly making a deal with Obama in Iowa for support on the second-choice situation, is Richardson hedging his bets now thinking that he could be Obama's VP? Think about it, youth and change candidate would do well to have a VP with experience (remind anyone of the current situation we have now?).

9:15p

I know it is early on, but there seems to be no energy in the room. Clinton just went on for four minutes about what she thinks about the hypothetical Pakistan question, and it looked like Obama, Richardson and Edwards were zoning out as much as I was.

9:19p

What would you do the day after a nuclear weapon goes off in the US, and what what should we change to eliminate the threat? Clinton wishes we would have a very high level of commitment to marshaling our resources for better homeland security. All of their responses so far seem vaguely familiar to what we are currently doing (another Bush doctrine?).

9:26p

Gibson points out how voters in Iowa wanted change, and then asks Clinton what questions remain about Obama that need to be answered. Clinton points out that all the Democrats are all for change, and that New Hampshire voters are very independent. She says that Obama flipped on health care issues, and that is relevant when looking for a president we can count on.

Obama says that the AP was quoting Clinton's folks, and that he has never flopped on the health care issue, and very nicely lays out what he has said, and the philosophical differences he has on this topic with Edwards and Clinton. He then goes on to point out that (regarding social security), he (and Edwards) have been specific in their plans, and that a difference in opinion between the two does not mean that he does not have a plan.

Clinton comes back pointing out specific issues where Obama says one thing and has voted another way. He quickly jumps back to the health care issue, and stammers a little as he tries to get off this topic as soon as possible - pulling a Romney and saying that all the Democrats are more alike than different (seems like a Clinton maneuver when she was always attacked).

And Edwards comes to Obama's defense against Clinton, calling her a force of the status quo. I am sure that Obama will be happy joining with Edwards to knock her out.

9:36p

I guess all of this boils down to what your definition of 'change' is.

Richardson - "I've been in hostage negotiations that were more civil than this."

9:39p

Richardson makes a nice point - when did it become a bad thing to have experience and ability to lead to affect change?

Obama tries to wrap it up and go back to how the people really want change and how the government responds to what they want.

9:42p

What do you think now that there are signs that the surge appears to be working? Clinton points out that the surge was designed to give the Iraqi government time to do what they needed to do, and 37 soldiers dying in December was unacceptable. Richardson points out there has been no progress in Iraq, and until we deal with ending the war, we cannot affect change at home.

When questioned by Gibson about the real progress that has been made, Obama is quick to point out that he opposed the war from the start (and opposed the surge), and mentions the $1 trillion that has been spent, not including the loss of life and injury, to just arrive at a point where we were two years ago.

9:48p

Just received a text message from a friend - halftime, Jacksonville Jaguars 21   Pittsburgh Steelers 7

9:50p

Edwards continues on that there has been no political progress in Iraq, and that he would pull 40-50k troops out immediately. He would combat missions, and there would be no occupation.

9:55p

It's commercial time. The first half has ended, and you want to bet that the Clinton campaign already has a list of issues where Obama has changed positions? Besides a few moments where she lost her temper a little, I think that this has been a very civil discussion. You can see how Obama is trying to act like the person in the lead, and adopt Clinton's old tone of challenging the Republican stand on issues instead of attacking each other.

10:00p

Clinton makes a nice point that in 2000, Americans voted for the candidate they would like to have a beer with, and just liking someone more does not necessarily make a candidate better. She points out that she is an agent of change, and that being the first female president could not be more of a change.

10:03p

Obama says that he already knows the Republican play book - we have seen this movie before (referencing the multitude of questions about him that the Republican candidates mentioned in the first debate).

10:09p

In answering where youth should preclude someone from being president, Richardson says no and refers to Kennedy who inspired America (you can see the steam coming out of Clinton's ears because this was a nice compliment to what Obama achieved in Iowa).

10:15p

Clinton - "Words are not action. And as beautifully presented and as passionately felt as they are, they are not action." Anyone think she was talking about Obama?

She then says that others on stage cannot do the job that she could.

10:20p

Obama says that the American people are looking for big, not incremental, change. Says that people are looking for someone to inspire, someone who uses the words to get people elected, someone to get things done, and this is why people are responding in such large numbers.

10:25p

Gibson moves them on to a question about carbon tax. After the last fifteen minutes, this topic is very anti-climatic. The energy has lowered a little - it's as if they were building to that crescendo.

10:35p

What do you wish you could take back from any of the debates you have participated in?

Clinton - nothing

Richardson - favorite Supreme Court? He said Byron 'Whizzer' White before he knew he wasn't for Roe v Wade

Richardson - for teasing Clinton about her jacket

Obama - nothing

10:39p

There probably wasn't a clear winner tonight, but a few things stand out

John Edwards probably did the best of everyone tonight, but it is too little too late. If there were a few more weeks ago, he may have had a chance if he could focus on Obama directly.

Clinton seemed very negative this evening. Almost everything she said was an attack toward Obama, and the manner in which she presented herself was unappealing.

Did you know that Richardson has a nice resume? Any other year, he may be higher in the polls - but he may have a real shot at the VP slot.

Obama was clearly under the gun from Clinton, but seemed to handle himself well, keeping with his themes and his inspiring words (too bad they aren't actions).  ;-)

10:50p

Well, it was clear that all the candidates tonight were very tired. All the candidates have been going full-tilt for the last two weeks (and longer), but the accelerated schedule between Iowa and New Hampshire has ramped everything up; there is not as much time to affect a change, so you campaign longer, and it takes a toll on you physically and mentally.

In case you didn't hear, Mitt Romney won today's Wyoming Caucus, and check out the latest numbers from Iowa to see how McCain and Obama have come from behind and appear to now be leading in New Hampshire.

-RSKnopfJr

Values Voter

Monday night the first ever Values Voter Presidential Debate/Straw Poll was held in in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Now, before you dismiss this as a fringe group, keep three things in mind...

1. Christian conservatives are a huge voting block that can sway election results
2. The straw poll participants were not selected by the candidates, but by national conservative leaders
3. A majority of Republican candidates showed up to participate

With that said, the top four candidates (Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, McCain) all skipped this event citing scheduling conflicts (even though Giuliani was in Florida on Monday, and Romney & Thompson were in Florida today). Their absence was noted:

“How can we expect these no-show candidates to take on Osama Bin Laden and other world leaders when they’re afraid to show up and answer questions from Phyllis Schlafly?”
Rabbi Aryeh Spero
Jewish Action Alliance

“If you care about our votes, you need to care about our values enough to show up.”
Rick Scarborough
President of Vision America

Mike Huckabee


So, who did the Values Voters respond to the best, and who did they select:

• Mike Huckabee - 64%
• Ron Paul - 12%
• Alan Keyes - 5%
• Sam Brownback - 5%
• Duncan Hunter - 4%
• Fred Thompson - 4%
• Tom Tancredo - 2%
• Rudy Giuliani - 1%
• John McCain - 1%
• John Cox - 1%
• Mitt Romney - 0%

A couple of interesting things.

1. Mike Huckabee is clearly resonating with conservative voters more than Sam Brownback (his main competition from Iowa)
2. Mitt Romney's percentage was not rounded down...he did not receive 1 vote
3. Ron Paul continues to gather support from little pockets of voters

Ron Paul


The big question to ask is, will this have any effect on how this block of voters acts during the primary season. According to Janet Folger, a member of the debate’s host committee and president of Faith 2 Action, believes so:

“They (the candidates who did not appear) have the mentality of, ‘Look, we’re going to get you guys anyway because you don’t have anywhere to go. What literally happened last night is values voters moved from the back of the bus to the driver’s seat. We’re now going to see a united front.”

According to the New York Times, she said that many Christian conservatives had been praying for a clear winner to emerge from the debate, which is what happened. As a result, she said, she will be casting her lot in now with Mr. Huckabee. “The values voters have spoken. It’s loud and clear. It’s unmistakable.”

-RSKnopfJr

LiveSTRONG

The past two days, yellow bands were out in full force in Iowa as the Lance Armstrong Foundation hosted a presidential forum. Candidates showed up to discuss cancer and health care with co-moderators Lance Armstrong and Chris Matthews (of MSNBC's Hardball).

As a cancer survivor, and an individual who has worn a LIVESTRONG bracelet since they came out, I am a huge admirer of Lance Armstrong and all he has accomplished. Not only did he survive cancer (a feat note worthy by itself), but his record of winning seven consecutive Tour De France races, and parlaying his celebrity and fame into the creation of the foundation bearing his name, are major accomplishments.

When I was going through my surgery and treatments, there were plenty of days that I felt like giving up. Unfortunately, I did not have someone to look up to ...someone going through what I was going through and someone I could relate to. I feel that he has brought cancer to the forefront, and I appreciate that he has become a role model for everyone afflicted with this disease.

It was a surprise, but a testament to Armstrong's political and public influence, that this event occurred. Partnered with MSNBC, this was the first debate I can recall that was created around such a specific issue. I am glad it happened, and am a little disappointed that less than half of the active candidates participated.

On Monday, the Democrats were invited, and Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich accepted the call. Earlier today, it was the Republicans turn, and only Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee attended. Below are a few recaps of what they said and reaction to the event.

Lance Armstrong Hosts Cancer Forum
Democratic candidates for president mixed politics with the fight against a deadly disease on Monday. Cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong returned to Iowa to continue his personal battle against cancer. And four Democrats running for president answered questions about cancer research and treatment at a specialized Iowa forum at the U.S. Cellular Center. >>>
Dave Franzman
KCRG-TV

Dems square off at Iowa forum
John Edwards and Hillary Clinton took different approaches today to how they would treat insurance and drug companies in reforming the country's health care system, as they and two other Democratic presidential hopefuls took part in a cancer forum put on by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. >>>
Ed Tibbetts
Quad-City Times

Huckabee Stars as GOP Stumbles
Despite six no-shows, the Republican session of Lance Armstrong's cancer forum firmly established health-care as a campaign issue. And it gave the former Arkansas governor an opportunity to shine. >>>
Jonathan Alter
Newsweek

GOP's Huckabee, Brownback duel over health care goals
Republican presidential contender Sam Brownback pledged a goal of ending cancer deaths in 10 years while rival Mike Huckabee used a health care forum Tuesday to suggest that federal food stamp participants get more buying power for healthy foods and less for junk food. >>>
Rick Pearson
Chicago Tribune

If you would like to find out more information about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, or need access to free information regarding cancer and treatments, please visit their website.

-RSKnopfJr

After the South Carolina Democratic Presidential Debate

It has been more than 24 hours since the great 'YouTube' debate, and of the things to come out of the evening has been the almost unanimous praise for the format and the way the evening unfolded. Instead of focusing on the answers that were given, I am going to put the spotlight on those who made the evening a success: YOU!

With questions coming directly from the public for the entire debate, it seemed as if there was a different energy. No one was sure what to expect (with the format and questions themselves), and the novelty of the process seemed to wear off as soon as the seriousness and depth of the topics presented themselves.

From the start, the tone was clear; we have had enough of politics as usual, and the candidates were challenged several times to answer the questions instead of dodging the issues.

Sure, there were unique and humorous ways to ask the questions (who will forget the pair from Tennessee or the snowman and his son), but the peek into the lives of everyday Americans, those struggling with the same issues that affect us all, brought the subject matter to life.

Seeing a young woman with breast cancer have enough courage to remove her wig in front of millions of people as she asked about preventative medicine was much more effective than any manner Anderson Cooper could have broached the subject.

The presentation and topics made it possible to invest ourselves in the questioning. We could see ourselves asking the same questions and searching for the same answers. It could very easily have been any one of us in the videos wondering how to take care of a loved one with a long term illness, or lamenting over the death of someone we know.

So, what happens from here? The Republicans have a debate in September, and you can get your questions submitted now. After that evening, does the novelty of the experiment fade away, or does the manner in which these events are held slowly begin to change? With the egos of the networks and personalities involved, you know we are going to move back to a 'distinguished panel of journalists' asking their sanitized versions of what they think the important issues are.

However, we are in a new era. The Internet seems to be at the center of our collective consciousness, and the more we get on-line, the more 'connected' our global community can become. It was not a mistake when we all won the Person of the Year award from Time...it was a realization that a revolution is taking place...social outreach is merging with technological advances to form a new frontier.

Whether the questioning from the public is in the form of videos, e-mails, real-time polls and opinion tracking, or inquiries coming from those in attendance, the idea that the populace is ready to reclaim their deed of democracy is an exciting notion. I'm just glad I'm able to watch it on-line!

;-)

-RSKnopfJr

I apologize to everyone expecting this post yesterday. Between some technical difficulties with the blogging servers, and me feeling a little under the weather, an early trip to bed ruled the night.

But I'm feeling much better now.

Democratic Presidential Debate (South Carolina)

9:30

Well, this was once again a fun evening. Watching the CNN wrap-up and some of the recaps on-line, the winners vary (and that is to be expected).

As for the big experiment using videos, I was happy with how they were used. I think that the public asking the questions, with their voices and faces, was very effective. The questions, and the manner in which they were asked, was very different from the way the media normally presents the material. Perhaps those running the debates this fall for city council and mayor could incorporate some variation of this.

Overall, I was impressed with the debate. Anderson Cooper did a good job, much better than someone else from his network did in a previous debate. The Citadel was a good venue for this, especially considering how much Iraq remains in the forefront of the news.

As always, I will try to find some video tomorrow to share with you. Have a great night and thanks to everyone who stayed with me this evening.

-RSKnopfJr

9:25

Bailey, the FCPolitico mascot, just came back in the room. When I put my monitor in front of him and asked who won the debate, he put a nose print on Kucinich as well. That's 2-1 against me...what did I miss? then again, what should I expect from a beagle?

9:20

Comments from my wife: "I hate to say this. I like Edwards, but if I had to vote based upon this, I would vote for Kucinich."

9:15

She may be the leader in the polls, and by that nature, she will get a lot of support for doing well tonight. However, I thought that Joseph Biden did the best tonight. He kept coming back to 'telling the truth', and his straight talk is similar to John McCain from previous years. After Biden, I think you can throw Clinton, Obama, Richardson and Edwards into a pot and pick from there.

9:10

The candidates are with their families on stage and shaking hands with each other and the audience. All except one...Bill Clinton is nowhere to be seen.

9:03

Final question about the night goes to all candidates asking them to look at the person on their left and say one thing they like and dislike about them. A lot of joking, and subtle hints that others would be good vice-presidents and secretary of state.

8:56

Anderson is doing his best to try and get through these videos as quickly as possible...another question about bringing change to Washington...a question about what the words 'In God We Trust' mean to the candidates...a question about how secular citizens have gotten snubbed (and could be snubbed in the future).

8:53

Would health care cover illegal immigrants? Dodd - yes. Richardson - yes.

8:48

Health care montage...how to provide universal coverage? Obama says that folks desire it but cannot afford it. He point out there have always been plans, but no one has been willing to fight for this. Edwards says that Obama's plan does not provide for universal coverage. He then talks about his 'Poverty Tour' (I have been waiting for him to bring this up). Clinton calls the lack of universal care a national disgrace.

8:43

Videos are coming rapidly now...two in a row about social security benefits. Raise taxes? Cut benefits? Change the age to receive benefits? The candidates can say anything they want, but is anyone really going to risk modifying the social security/Medicaid/Medicare systems?

8:40

Would the candidate's be willing to be President and work for the minimum wage? It turns into a running joke about how much money they all have...none of them really takes the question seriously. That is too bad, because that could have been a good discussion.

8:39

We come back from the break with a video from Kucinich.

8:35

After a quick question about standardizing election methods (paper trail) and answer by Richardson, we go to break with Biden's campaign video.

8:30

When asked about using nuclear power as a safer, cleaner energy source, Edward would not support because of the waste and the cost. Clinton points out that American technology may come up with a solution for that.

8:26

Global Warring contributes to Global Warming...Kucinich points out how fighting for oil contributes to environmental problems. To encourage people to reduce their use of energy, Gravel would tax on what we spend...not what we earn. Gravel also points out that he was the only candidate to take a train (instead of a jet) to get to the debate.

8:23

Anne asks if candidates have talked to their children about sex using accurate, age-appropriate information? What a timely topic since there was a big story this week about Obama being accused by Romney of wanting to teach sex-ed in to five year-olds.

8:20

Edwards kids go to public schools...Clinton had her daughter go until high school (in Washington)...Obama's go to private...Biden's went to private school (Catholic school)...Kucinich - public...Gravel - public and private...Dodd - public.

8:18

A question about whether 'No Child Left Behind' should be scrapped. When Richardson answers that he would scrap it, my wife almost jumps out of her chair applauding so hard. Anderson points out that everyone on stage who was in Congress at the time voted for it.

8:15

Who is your favorite teacher and why? Gravel tells about a man who taught him how to speak...and then Gravel slams the debate format by pointing out he rarely gets to speak. The rest of the responses are generic.

8:14

Richardson's video brings us back from break.

8:10

We go to break with Gravel's video. Hey, he spoke!!

8:05

Biden with the BEST answer regarding Iraq I have heard in a long time (I'll try to find the video for you tomorrow). So good, my wife was even nodding her head (and with the answers tonight, that is an accomplishment).

BTW - my wife pointed out the uniforms are gray. I still like them.

8:02

Stephen from California asks if they would sit down with Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba with no conditions. Obama says he would. Clinton would promise diplomacy, but would not promise a sit-down (for fear of being used). Edwards would sit down, but wants to make sure that the countries would not use it for propaganda.

8:00

Question from a soldier stationed in Japan asking Clinton how foreign countries would take her seriously since some think of some women as second-class citizens. She points that there are other countries that have female leaders.

7:56

Tony from Ohio asks if women should register with selective service when they turn 18. Dodd says yes (he is getting quite a bit or air time this evening). CNN cameras go to a young female cadet in the audience. Citadel students have nice uniforms (looks like they are my favorite color - blue).

7:53

Question for Gravel...does he defend his comments about American troops dying in vain in Vietnam? He will not flip-flop on his comments, and he points out how this debate is not fair.

7:49

Are Democrats putting politics first? Why hasn't Congress done anything to get the troops out? Clinton answers that there is no support from Republicans, the Iraqi government doesn't care, and Pentagon accused her of being unpatriotic. Kucinich admits that Democrats failed the American people. Dodd says that the political and religious leaders of Iraq will only take things seriously if we set a date to leave.

7:46

How do we pull out of Iraq now? Obama says there is no military option that will get the job done, and we should start a phased withdrawal. Biden says that if we started now, it would take a year to get all the troops out...he points out that he is the only one who has come up with political solution to get this job done.

7:45

45 minutes into the debate, and we finally get around to Iraq. The audience gives a standing ovation to Citadel graduates who have died in Iraq. What a great moment.

7:42

Gravel explains how African nations are afraid of us. Clinton says NATO should institute a no-fly zone, but no American troops on the ground.

7:39

Question about Darfur and what should we do. Richardson says how he has been to the refugee camp that was in the video and personalizes the experience. He says that the answer is about us caring for Africa, not just countries that have oil. He advocates UN forces (assuming American troops would be part of it). Biden jumps all over the question...he has been there as well...he wants us to get troops there now before any more people die.

7:35

As we go to break, Hillary's campaign video. When we come back, John Edwards.

7:32

Why is it still acceptable to use religion as a crutch to deny marriage rights for all when in the past religion was used to support slavery, etc. Edwards gets to (sort of) answer the question....and then we have a surprise guest...the person who asked the question is in the audience and gets to follow-up. Edwards says that he does not support gay marriage. Obama gets asked why gay marriage is different from interracial marriage. Obama says it is up to denominations to 'recognize' marriages, but civil rights should be allowed.

7:29

Mary and Jen from Brooklyn ask if they should be allowed to marry? Kucinich...yes for civil unions. Dodd...yes for civil unions. Richardson...yes for civil unions with marriage right, eliminate don't ask/don't tell, hate crimes legislation.

7:27

Edwards panders to the public by saying that if someone doesn't vote for Obama or Clinton because or their sex/gender, he doesn't want their vote. Who's gonna disagree with that? Did it really need to be said?

7:20

Morgan from Atlanta asks if the Katrina response would have been different if a mostly white city would have been hit? Dodd doesn't answer the question, and just attacks Bush. Richardson finally answers a question and talks about the red tape. What about answering the question...if the hurricane hit Findlay, would the government have responded differently? Granted, we may wait awhile before we have a storm that size coming down the Blanchard River...but still, it is good to plan ahead.

7:16

Should African-Americans get reparations? Edwards...no...and then switches the subject about how Charleston African-Americans pay more for mortgages (skilled). Obama...says reparations should be investment in schools...nice yes/no answer. Kucinich is the only one who says reparations should happen.

7:15

Campaign submitted video by Chris Dodd...it is like a commercial. Nice rabbit!

7:13

Another great question...if they had to pick a Republican running mate, who would it be? Biden selects Hagel...Edwards selects Hagel (interesting since his name keeps popping up as a potential running mate for Bloomberg on an independent ticket).

7:11

Clinton considers herself a progressive instead of liberal. That will be a theme for whomever gets the nomination. Gravel is next, and immediately goes after Obama. Obama refutes Gravel and tells him he does not take money from PACs or corporations.

7:09

Obama doesn't take PAC or lobbyists money? How long until that changes? Super Tuesday?

7:07

Kucinich gets to speak before Clinton or Edwards? What is going on? I am not sure how the rest of the evening is going to go, but I already declare this a success. He answers how he is different from the others, and gets a nice round of applause. Hillary's next and doesn't exactly wow them with her answer.

7:05

First question is pretty good...how are these politicians any different from those that have come before them? Chris Dodd is first out of the gate and no more starts his answer than my wife rolls her eyes. His answer is more of the same rhetoric that we have heard before. Obama gets a nice gift from Anderson who says that his supporters believe he is different, and Obama jumps on the theme.

7:04

Anderson explaining how we got to this point. Only 3000 videos submitted? Out of 300 million+ Americans? You do the math. Anderson is also explaining how they filtered the questions.

7:00p

Here we go...and the first video challenges the candidates to actually answer the questions tonight. Your host, the photogenic Anderson Cooper.

6:58p

Anyone have debate fatigue yet? Is it bad when the only reason anyone may be tuning in this evening is to see how this video experiment goes?

6:55p

I saw the stage, and let me tell you, CNN did not spend any money to upgrade their background. I don't see where they are going to play the videos, unless the background will transform into a giant display. Can't you feel the excitement building....5 minutes to go.

6:52p

Joining me tonight...my wife (ready and willing to offer a comment), and the FCPolitico mascot, Bailey.

6:45p

Good evening. Tonight, the Democrats meet in Charleston, South Carolina for a debate sponsored by CNN and YouTube.

       

YouWho?

Tonight at 7p, the Democratic candidates will be gathering in Charleston, South Carolina for the next episode of 'American Idol' (aka the presidential debates).

In a new twist, the questions for the evening are all coming from the public, submitted via YouTube videos. It has been promoted as an opportunity for the people to speak directly to the candidates...but to some people, they are worried about CNN (partnering with YouTube for this debate) filtering the unique aspects of this endeavor.

"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," writes Joshua Levy at Techpresident.com.

"This stuff is much less fascinating if a third-party gatekeeper comes in and tells us what is interesting and what is fluff. Instead, YouTube and CNN should let YouTube users decide what the best questions are, and then use those questions in the debate."

It will be interesting to see how this experiment plays out, and whether the questions are any more provocative, in-depth or challenging than those normally presented by media outlets. With CNN selecting the videos, however, we may not see any difference.

Join me on-line tonight around 6:45p...I will once again be doing my best to give you a blow-by-blow account of the action. If you have any questions before or during the debate, post them in the comments section or e-mail me at flagcitypolitico@gmail.com.

-RSKnopfJr

After the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Debate

I started out looking for a good video that would show the background from last night's debate. Before I knew it, several people had put videos of the debate on-line. So not only can you see the backdrop (I thought it was obtrusive), but you can take in little bits of what happened. What did we ever do before YouTube?

Democratic Presidential Debate (New Hampshire)

9:22p

Tuesday night, the Republicans take to the stage. Same bat time, same bat channel.

I really enjoyed this evening, and look forward to doing it again. I will talk to you on Tuesday.

-RSKnopfJr