New Hampshire Democratic Debate: Live Thread
The debate is starting. If you are watching and online, please chime in with your reactions.
Time is on the honor system. Answers should take about one minute. They must stay on topic of the question or they will be stopped. There are no opening statements, just introductions.
First question to Obama using yesterday's terror bust. He says Bush doesn't get credit for lack of terror attacks since 9/11.
Goes to Edwards. Global war on terror is a Bush bumper sticker. Hillary doesn't agree with Edwards. We are safer than we were, we are not safe enough. Kucinich: Patriot Act undermines civil rights and as President he would repeal it.They move to Iraq. Lots of blame for George Bush. Questions about reading the NIE report. Edwards defends his not reading the report but says he was wrong to vote to authorize the war.
More...
Move to immigration, Richardson is asked whether the path to legalization is amnesty. He supports earned path to citizenship and penalizing employers. The Z visa isn't amnesty because there are requirements. It's a process that takes 13 years. He won't support a bill that sepatates families. Guest workers should have labor protections. We don't want an underclass.
Biden: Agrees there doesn't need to be a 700 mile fence. Deporting them isn't feasible. Get a background check, deport the criminals and provide a path to legalization.
Wow, he voted for the border fence to stop drug traffickers!
Obama now. He also voted for the fence.
Health insurance next. Edwards favors mandatory health insurance for everyone, even if taxes have to be raised. Hillary says she isn't sure if taxes need to be raised because we'll be saving huge amounts by other changes. Obama stresses savings through changes even though some will not have insurance. Kucinich wants a no-profit health care system.
Gays in the military and Don't Ask, Don't Tell. All oppose it now and say gays should be able to serve.
What role should Bill Clinton have in a new Administration? Mike Gravel says yes, he should be Ambassador of the World and he should take Hillary with him. Big laugh from Hillary. Hillary says when she becomes President, Bill will be a roving Ambassador.
Question to Dodd: What would you do to reduce gas prices? He has no specifics except for reducing dependence on foreign oil and global warning. Biden gives specifics.
Part One of the debate is over. There's a break and then New Hampshire voters will ask questions.
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