The Debate Part II
Richardson says if he were in Congress, he would not vote to fund the troops. He would withdraw "all of our troops" including residual troops by the end of '07.
Williams asks Dodd about the Feingold-Reid legislation. "Is that possible?" Dodd: "I believe it is, Brian."
Williams feels the need to introduce the country to Sen. Gravel. What's his advice for the rest of the non-Vietnam era field? Gravel: "First off, understand that this war was lost the day that George Bush invaded Iraq in a fraudulent basis." Gravel says he is embarrassed about Dems in Congress. Says he wants to sit down with Pelosi and Reid to pass a "law making it a felony to stay there." The press room titters.
An e-mailer asks Obama what his definition of a "mission complete" status is. Obama thanks the e-mailer's husband for his service and talks about the legislation he's proposed to increase the size of the ground forces. "We are one signature away or 16 votes away from ending this war. If the president is not going to sign the bill that has been sent to him, what we have to do is gather up 16 votes to override his veto." He praises the troops again.
Williams asks Clinton for a rebuttal. "I think what Barack says it right. I think our challenge is to put together the political support ... within the Republican Party... to [end] this war."
Williams promises to ask uncomfortable questions.
Obama: You've promised a new kind of politics, but just this week, the Resko story broke. Does Obama practice what he preaches? Obama: "We had thousands of donors. This donor engaged in some ethical [sic] behavior and we denounced it." He cites his record of bringing people together around this type of politics. He brags about not taking money from politics or federally registered lobbyists.
Edwards: You've spoken with great passion about poverty...his two America's themes... A Roger Simon quote is read. "The point is not the cost. But why did he pay for his hair cuts out of his campaign funds?" Edwards: "That was a mistake." He acknowledges that he lives a "blessed and privileged" lifestyle now. Yes, Edwards was a son of a mill worker. He vividly remembers his Dad after church, taking his whole family into a restaurant, and then his father realized he couldn't pay the prices that were on the menu and had to leave.
Williams asks Edwards about a hedge funds -- do they make America any better? Edwards: the financial markets are "an important component" of figuring out what America needs. Edwards thinks folks who work in financial markets can play a role.
Williams asks Clinton about hedge funds. Clinton: America "is a great country" because it is entrepreneurial and has "learned how to regulate" its great free markets. HRC notes that she represents NYC, the "global capital market leader" and a "big state where people have no access to health care."
Sorry MSNBC -- Clinton didn't take the bait.
Williams asks Richardson about his dawdling in calling for the Gonzales resignation. Cause he was Hispanic. Huh? Richardson: "That's how I felt, Brian." Richardson said he wanted to wait for Gonazles's testimony before he made up his mind. The American people "don't want blow dried candidates with perfection."
The press room titters.
Dodd is asked about his coziness with lobbyists. Dodd: "I am very proud to come from a family who served in public service."
Why did Williams not ask Clinton about her elephant? Inquiring opposing candidates (and this reporter) want to know.
Of course Obama would denounce ethical behavior and look the other way with his unethical behavior. Pot...kettle...black.