Democratic Debate Live Blog III
Posted in: 2008 Election, Democrats
Continue question on Darfur: Richardson says we need to care more about African generally, but would not use force to stop genocide.
All express concerns, all see broader picture, links to other policies, and as Edwards notes, links to declining moral authority of US. Biden reseizes “moral authority” mantel by saying we need to act
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Update: 9:00 p.m.
Q re federal deficits and what do to about them? More taxes or less spending? Richardson talks about balanced budget in New Mexico — favors pay as go, liine-item veto, balanced budged amendment. Talks about cost controls, but not tax issues. Grow the economy.
Dennis K: need to change pro-military spending policies; get rid of NAFTA.
Q re corruption in government and earmarks. Should they be vetoed? Dodd doesnt want to put budgeting into straight jacket. Refocuses on better fiscal policies. Gravel says, get rid of earmarks totally, and use line-tiem veto. No one explains earmark problem is transparency.
Hillary explains presidenting: we have to raise revenues and curtial spending, and that’s how we got balance budges in the past. We did it before; we can do it again. Gravel reminds her about “raiding” the SS fund.
Biden says the problem is private funding of elections; move to public funding.
Q: what is your top priority in first 100 days? Edwards — reestablish prestige of US; speak to world about real american values. Demonstrate US is not just strong, but moral and just.
Hillary — if Bush hasn’t ended the war, that’s the priority
Obama, and then deal with health coverage.
Richardson, — pay teachers more.
Biden = ditto.
Dennis K: reshape American policy for peace, cancel NAFTA and move to fair trade.
Gravel: end the war now, not then.
Dodd — restore respect for Constitutional rights.
Sounds like we have a Democratic agenda for the first 100 days.
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