What's with the sound? Russert asks Obama what will he do if the Iraq Debacle is still ongoing when he becomes President? Obama makes the arguemt "we should not vote for funding without a timetable."

Good Obama. No worries about "playing chicken."

Followup - Can you promise there will be no troops in Iraq by 2012? Obama, can not promise but will do all he can.

Russert asks Clinton the same question - also can not promise.

Strangely, defends the Democrats' performance in trying to end the war.

Edwards - same question. Same answer.

Terrible question BTW.

I am getting utterly bored already. Russert stinks.

Richardson goes for the his pander answer - all troops out within a year NO MATTER WHAT. If you believe that, well, good for you.

Dodd - the current policy is counterproductive. We must begin redeployment. Congress has an obligation. To use the Power of the Purse. We must terminate the funding of this Iraq Debacle.

Buried his lede.

Biden - my great political plan of partition is the political solution. and if Bush adopts it . . . (zzzzzzzzzz, Bush will NEVER do it.) He makes a commitment to having them out IF Bush does not adopt his policy.

Kucinich - I was right all along. (He was.)

Gravel - How to end the war. Vote for cloture, vote for override. Do not give in.

Rips Hillary for voting for the Lieberman Amendment. Praises Dodd and Biden. Don;t know if that is good. Hillary uses the "disarm" laugh on Gravel.

Hillary responds that IRG is a terrorist organization.

Dodd gets a second bite of the apple. No funding. We must lead now if we think we can be President in 2009.

Would Israel be justified in attacking Iran as it did in Syria? clinton says it was a hypothetical (which it is) while Russert insists it is not.

Hillary seems to say Israel was justified.

Rudy promised to bomb Iran. Will you promise to do the same?

Hillary - Promises diplomacy. Criticizes Rudy for his juump to war.

Obama - Not sure what he is saying frankly. He just is not good in this format.

Call Rudy "irresponsible." Pretty good shot there.

Edwards - Smoothly eludes Russert's question and say Ahmadenijad is unpopular in Iraq. then turns around and nails Clinton on the Iran vote. Well done. Edwards winning now.

Richardson - I dunno, I just don't get him. I am sure his answer is fine but I just don't get him.

Switching to immigration and sanctuary cities. I'll leave it to you folks in the comments to blog this part.

Biden - Rudy is an idiot. A nonsequitor but a good one.

Dodd - Seemed to say that the question focuses on a distraction and rejects the premise of the question. Then gives a good informed answer. Calls for national leadership.

Clinton gives a good answer on why localities can;t do the feds job.

The reality is what is the question proposing a President do? Arrest Mayors? Stupid question

Dodd shows some humor. Deflects a tough quote against Hillary.

Hillary asked about Health Care. Standard answer.

Biden said something about 15% of the GOP. And that Hillary can't get them. I guess he can?

Edwards - With the "bunch of people in Washington" line. Sorry, that one gets old fast.

My stamina is lagging. As is my interest. I may jump in with more if something interesting happens.

Update [2007-9-26 21:52:21 by Big Tent Democrat]: Molly Bloom is following for us in the comments. Check it out.

Update [2007-9-26 22:28:15 by Big Tent Democrat]: Back for the big finish. Thank you Molly for your great work.

A lightning round promises Russert. Typically crappy debate BTW. Though Russert makes them worse than usual.

Russert asks the dynasty question. Hillary sez "I think Bill was a pretty good President. . . "

Biden asked about Move On. Have they been good? Biden says on some things yes. It is not their party, they are part of the party.

Kucinich asked about gas tax. Greenspan said it apparently. Kucinich seems not to answer. Don't know what happened.

Gravel would and then says something I actually do not understand.

Dodd for a carbon tax. But Russert asks whether Dodd would ban imports from China until safety is verified. Dodd says yes of course.

Obama asked about "tepid" response on Jena. Obama says he was in DC fighting to end war in Iraq.

Richardson would not accept honorary Chairmanship of Boy Scouts of America.

Reopens Iraq Debate.

Obama says we have to withdraw safely.

Edwards no to nuclear power.

Obama says can't take it off the table.

Kucinich against nuke power.

Gravel - Wind power!

Clinton - not off the table.

Russert watches 24. Ticking time bomb. Should we torture?

Obama - America can not torture.

Biden - No.

Clinton - No.

It was Clinton, Bill.

Dodd highlights that he has opposed it and has introduced legislation on Habeas and torture. Leadership now!

Richardson - No. Mentions FISA.

Edwards - No. But the problem is much bigger.

Everyone says it does not work. Which is true.

Russert asks about disclosing donations to libraries and foundations.

Clinton says the donors should be disclosed.

Obama amplifies on the issue. Bundling? Not sure I get it.

Russert is a jerk. Hair cuts? Idiot.

Good moment for Edwards.

Faith and values? Uh. Favorite bible verse. Oy vey.

Obama - Sermon on the Mount.

Clinton - Golden rule.

Gravel - Love.

Kucinich - St. Francis.

Edwards - Whatsoevr you do to the least of my brothers, you do on to me.

Dodd - The Good Samaritan.

Richardson - Sermon on the Mount.

Baseball. bleh.