The Battle of Los Angeles (Part Two)
Last night's Republican debate featured a thinned out field, and with fewer candidates in the mix the rhetoric was more combative than ever. Expect even more fireworks tonight, when Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton face off in a mano y mano slugfest in L.A. The debate will be televised live on CNN starting at 8PM EST, and we'll be live-blogging the whole shebang here in the Disabled Politico blog. So stop by, check out the action, and throw down a comment or two.
Oh what's that, you want a sample to tide you over, well then here you go:
P.S.
In addition to the live-blog, disaboom will be hosting a live political chat during the debate. To get there, click on the discussions/chat tab in community and go to general chat. Then, hit the down arrow on the right-hand side next to general chat and select political chat
8:01- "The Only Rule is That There Are No Rules"
Says Wolf Blitzer, who strides out onto stage with his beard looking as neatly manicured as ever. And now, here come the candidates, and a round of applause that seems to last an eternity. Barack and Hillary look civil for the moment, but I'm still convinced we're just a few minutes away from some serious bloodshed.
8:05 - Change, Change, Change
Not just from George W. Bush, but in everything else throughout the country. By the way, does Hillary look like the joker? And not to pick too much on Hillary, but what about a change of hairstyle?
8:15 - Define Yourself!
"Senator Clinton believes that we have to force those who don't have healthcare to buy it," says Obama, when asked to define the most important policy difference between him and Hillary. He also emphasizes his commitment to decreasing the influence of lobbyists in Washington, and reminds everyone that he opposed the war in Iraq while Hillary was voting for it.
8:18 - Talk to the Bully
It's interesting that Obama says he would talk to Iran and treads very carefully when talking about 'using military might' wisely but relying on diplomacy whenever possible. Some claim that talking with rogue governments like Iran further legitimizes their deeds and demands, but Obama has been consistent in his belief that dialogue, even with our enemies, is more constructive than silence.
8:25- But Kennedy Says...
According to Obama, "Ted Kennedy says that he is confident we will get universal healthcare with me as president." As he points out, Kennedy has also gone through 12 failed universal health care plans.
8:27- Swipe This
The moderator quotes Obama and asks, "Was that a swipe at Hillary Clinton?" Gee, no, Mr. Moderator, why would he want to do a thing like that? A politician? Swipe at his opponent? Never.
8:31- Expensive Amputation
Obama expresses disappointment in the cost of a foot amputation in his second disability mention of the night, the first being a reference to a woman who cannot afford health care for her son who has cerebral palsy.
8:35- A Taxing Fashion Statement?
Obama lets everyone know that the upper class will be paying higher taxes if he's elected. Hillary states that she'll roll back the Bush tax cuts to put more money in the pockets of everyday Americans. Another possibility might be to sell her matching turquoise earrings and necklace.
8:38 - Where's the Blood?
Blitzer says 'no rules' and we thought for sure that would ensure a chaotic and entertaining debate, but that hasn't happened! What is with the civility? It is definitely not as fun to watch...
8:46 - Immigrants don't Need to Drive
Obama: "People don't come here to drive, they come here to work." What? Does that mean you don't need a driver's license or the ability to drive in our economy?
8:47 - When You Were in Diapers...
Hillary, asked if she was missing from the table when Obama and others worked for a comprehensive immigration policy, responds that she co-sponsored a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2004, before Obama entered the Senate.
8:59- None of Your Business
The question asks why voters should elect either Obama or Clinton as "CEO of the country," given that neither has run a large business. Clinton replies that the country is, "so much more than a business," and notes that the "CEO/NBA president," referring to Bush, did not deliver results that pleased her. Obama defers to her response.
9:05 - Inclusivity?
"African Americans, Latinos and Whites," says Obama. What about the Norwegian Americans, Asians and Indians?
9:15 - This Just In, Hillary's Notepad!
Wondering what she's been doodling? We have the scoop...
9:17-Does a Politician by Any Other Name Smell Just As Sweet?
Hillary's asked whether or not she can be an agent of change as a descendent of the Clinton Empire. She responds that "the great thing about our political system is that everyone is judged on their merits." Meanwhile, CNN pans through the various Hollywood celebrities in the crowd. Pierce Bronson, Stevie Wonder, and Rob Reiner are all included. Rob Reiner looks like he has lost a few pounds.
Oh wait, he hasn't
9:46-Let's Deal With the Spouses
We knew this was coming, but now it's finally here. Clinton's asked if she'll be able "to control" Bill when she's in the White House. She states that "it's a lonely job in the White House," and that at the end of the day she'll be the one making all of the decisions.
Hmm, I don't think the Oval Office was a very lonely place for Bill.
9:45- Let's Get Together/Hallmark Hillary
The final question asks the candidates if an Obama/Clinton or a Clinton/Obama ticket is possible. Obama immediately clarifies, "There's a big difference between the two," and then refuses to answer the question directly, but says he wants a VP and cabinet members who are working for the American people and are willing to say no to him. A round of applause follows his statement that there will be, "No more yes-men in the White House."
Hillary then says, "I have to agree with everything Barack just said."
A little hand-pat is exchanged between the two, and Hillary (over the moderator's attempts to interrupt) plugs her "interactive national town hall meeting," coming up on the Hallmark Channel, prompting the moderator to scold, "We'll do the plugs here."
9:51- It’s Over
And I need a drink, or maybe six. This is the last debate before the Super Tuesday primary, but stay tuned to the Disabled Politico group blog for more election coverage as the race progresses.
