Debate Open Thread

No, I didn't watch it

Well, I watched a piece of it...I like Wolf Blitzer, but he seems to think he's doing a simultaneous interview on The Situation Room instead of moderating a debate.

Clinton bounced back, although I don't think she did that bad last time minus the immigration question. I don't think any of these guys can debate, which scares me when they're up against the bloodthristy bastards on the GOP side. I feel like Giuliani will tear these guys apart and the idiot population will buy his crap.

I'm worried.

Lee Iaccoca Endroses Richarson

Lee Iaccoca, former Chrysler CEO and Ford President, has announced he is endorsing Democrat Bill Richardson for President. Iaccoca is one of Richardson's biggest endorsers in his uphill battle for the Presidency.

Iaccoca leans Democratic, but endorsed Bush in 2000 and Republican Gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos in Michigan in 2006. He did endorse John Kerry in 2004.

Iaccoca was considered the frontrunner for John Heinz III's Senate seat from Pennsylvania after he was killed in a plane crash in 1991. Democratic Governor Bob Casey wanted to appoint Iaccoca as a Democrat, but he turned down the job.

Iaccoca says Richardson's positions of health care, education and Iraq. He also says he "just plain likes the guy"

For the record, I have also endorsed Richardson.

NM-Sen: A Close One

Wilson (R) 33 Richardson (D) 62
Wilson (R) 38 Udall (D) 56
Wilson (R) 48 Chavez (D) 44
Wilson (R) 46 Madrid (D) 45
Pearce (R) 36 Richardson (D) 60
Pearce (R) 56 Chavez (D) 35
Pearce (R) 54 Madrid (D) 38

Interesting that Pearce does better than Wilson statewide, but Udall and Richardson would be the sure wins for this seat.

They also didn't poll Lt. Governor Diane Denish, who is being coerced to run for the seat.

If all things play out the way they're playing out, a Wilson-Madrid race would be the best bet for the Democrats, and that didn't go well last year.

NM-Sen: Domenici Out

This is about the best news possible right now for the Democrats. Domenici is an institution in New Mexico and the only Republican to win an outright majority statewide this decade. His retirement throws this seat into one of the most competitive races in the nation.

The GOP bench is minimal; with only New Mexico's two GOP Representatives, Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce, being the only formindable candidates. Wilson is marred by her connection to the Prosecutor Firing Scandal and Pearce isn't a major player statewide.

Democrats have a deeper bench including Rep. Tom Udall, Governor Bill Richardson (should he drop out of the Presidential race) former US Attorney John Kelly, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, former Attorney General Patricia Madrid, and Lt. Governor Diane Denish.

The Democrats have the upper hand, it's their year, all the Democratic Presidential candidates are polling well against the GOP canddiates and they have the better candidates, but because this is one of the top five most political competitive states in the country in my opinion (after Ohio, Iowa, New Hampshire and Virginia) I'd rather this one as a Tossup.

Best For America; President Bill Richardson

The United States is in a dire position in the world right now. The presidency of George W. Bush has left us damaged on a global scale. We're stuck in a war in Iraq with no good options on how to get out, Al-Qaeda is stronger than ever, our popularity in the world has plummeted, our allies have almost all but deserted us, energy prices are soaring, global warming is becoming a major issue, and access to healthcare is a severe problem in our nation, left almost ignored by our government. We need proven leadership from somebody with the experience and resume to back it up.

If you ask me there are two general issues I feel the next President will have to address. Two issues I feel President Bush has most failed on. Those issues are Foreign Policy and Energy Policy.

When examining the excellent field of candidates the Democratic Party has, I find that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has an impressive resume when it comes to both and has proven in his five years as Governor of the state of New Mexico and term as head of the Energy Department that he is a true leader.

Richardson began his career at the State Department and later worked on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In 1982, he was elected to the House of Representatives for New Mexico's newly created third district centered in Santa Fe. In his 14 years in Congress, he focused heavily on Foreign Affairs. He visited numerous countries, and many who are not quite friendly to us, including Cuba, North Korea and the Sudan.

In 1997, Richardson became Ambassador to the UN, becoming perhaps the second most widely seen diplomat in the American cabinet (after Secretary Albright). In 1998 he became Secretary of Energy, a job he held until 2001.

In 2002, he was elected Governor of New Mexico by a 59%-39% margin in a swing state. Richardson immediately got to work for New Mexico. He successfully implemented an excellent life insurance package of his state's National Guardsmen and passed a successful income tax cut. Widely popular in his home state, he was reelected in 2006 in a landslide, carrying all but one county; sparsely populated Carton County, which he lost by a mere six votes.

Richardson's strongest point to me is where Bush has been exceptionally weak...diplomacy. He held talks with North Korean officials in 2003 and negotiated with Sudan over Darfur issues. He negotiated the release of two American hostages in Iraq in 1995.

A President Richardson would provide strong diplomatic leadership in foreign affairs...good diplomacy is something that is missing almost entirely in our foreign policy. He will bring an experienced voice to energy policy.

Also, electorally, Richardson would provide strong geographic pickups in the Electoral College. Richardson's home turf is the Inner-Mountain West, a region the Democrats appear to be gaining in, and need to gain in. In 2006, Democrats picked up three house seats, a Senate seat and a governorship here. Richardson would win his home state of New Mexico, which Kerry narrowly lost, and would make a huge dent in the Republican dominance of Texas...The Texas 23rd district, where Democrat Ciro Rodriguez defeated Henry Bonilla this year borders New Mexico. Richardson could pull Colorado and Nevada safely into the Democratic column. He would throw Arizona in play and would play well with Florida Hispanics, most of whom are Republicans.

Personally, I like all of the Democrats who have announced their candidacy so far, but I for one, at this moment, will support Governor Bill Richardson for President.

Presidential Race: All Over The Place

The common consensus seems to point to a Clinton vs. Giuliani race as they are the frontrunners, right?

wrong?

When you look at the race state by state...It's all over the map...literally.

On the Democratic side, John Edwards has consistently held a small lead in the first caucus state of Iowa, Hillary Clinton is comfortably ahead in New Hampshire, Barack Obama has opened out in front in South Carolina and Bill Richardson is looking to pull off an upset in Nevada.

On the GOP side, John McCain appears to be doing well in Iowa...and only Iowa, Mitt Romney has staged a surge in New Hampshire, Fred Thompson, assuming he's running, is out in front in South Carolina, while Giuliani still holds a lead in Florida.

Although Iowa, New Hampshire, and the rest are early, they don't mean everything in this race. In 1992, Tom Harkin won Iowa and Paul Tsongas won New Hampshire and Bill Clinton ended up winning. Steve Forbes came in second in Iowa in the GOP race in 2000.

However, with the primary season altered completely this year, there is little chance for a candidate blown away in the early states to resurge as a certain former Arkansas Governor did in 1992.

Still, it's far from a certain Hillary vs. Rudy race.

Democratic Debate Part Deux

The Second Democratic Debate on CNN in New Hampshire didn't surprise me at all. Nevertheless, here are my thoughts on what I saw;

-Hillary Clinton drives me crazy. I'm scared of her blowing the election for the Democrats. I think she's too polarizing to be the Democratic standard bearer. Yet, everytime she gets up there, she sounds so presidential. She doesn't hurt herself at all. Occasionally, she even helps. She makes me think; "You know, if you weren't Hillary Clinton, you'd be running away with this."

Still, there is something that tickles me wrong about her, but I like her more as a candidate than I did when she announced.

-Obama did well tonight. Again, if he was the second term Governor of Illinois, he'd be running away with this, no matter what his race.

-Edward's Iraq rant annoyed me a bit. He voted aye on the war resolution and did not read the report, yeld scolded Clinton for doing the same thing and not apologzing. I'm glad he apologized, but it doesn't make it ok to scold those who didn't.

-Biden showed his expertise, especially on foreign policy. To be honest, I think he'd make a good VP now

-Richardson got off to a slow start and never recovered. I don't think he hurt himself, but he sure didn't help. I love Bill, but I'm tired of hearing "As Governor of New Mexico..." We know you're Governor of New Mexico, thanks.

Richardson Joins The Race

It's been a forgone conclusion for some time.

The twice-elected Governor of New Mexico was previous a member of the US House of Representatives from the Land of Enchanment from 1983-1997, US Ambassador to the United Nations from 1997-1998 and Secretary of Energy from 1998-2001. He won his first elected as Governor in 2002, being reelected in a landslide in 2006.

The interesting fact? Richardson is the only current Governor in the race. Four former Governors are running on the GOP side, Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Jim Gilmore of Virginia, Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin and Mike Huckabee of Arkansas

Frontrunners in Third

A new Des Moines Register Iowa Poll for the Democratic and Republican caucuses put John Edwards and Mitt Romney on top of their respective party's caucuses.

Edwards leads by six over second placer Barack Obama, followed closely behind by Hillary Clinton; 29%-23%-21%. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is at 10%

On the GOP side, Mitt Romney leads the pack with 30%, while John McCain follows far behind at 18%. Rudy Giuliani is in THIRD with 17%.

Giuliani and Clinton are supposedly the front runners, both in third according to this poll.

Governors' Endorsements

A list of Presidential candidates and the Governors who have endorsed them;

DEMOCRATS;

Hillary Rodham Clinton;
Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-New York)
Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Maryland)
Gov. Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey)

Barack Obama;
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-Illinois)
Gov. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia)

Bill Richardson;
Gov. Bill Richardson (D-New Mexico) Well obviously

REPUBLICANS

John McCain;
Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-Indiana)
Gov. Jon Huntsman (R-Utah)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minnesota)

Mike Huckabee;
Gov. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota)

Mitt Romney;
Gov. Matt Blunt (R-Missouri)
Gov. Don Carcieri (R-Rhode Island)

Notes on the Democratic Debate

-Why can't Hillary Clinton just answer a question. I agree with her points, but just answer the question. Do you agree with Reid or not?
-"Not a game show, not a win or loose" Good explanation from Biden
-Kucinich is right about one thing; Congress has no obligations to give President Bush anything, yet I still disagree about funding.
-Richardson's plan is a hard sell, but it's specific, it's a plan and it's logical.
-"This administration treats diplomacy as if it were a gift to our opponents, a sign of weakness, not a sign of strength"- Dodd-i l gets a key soundbite.
-Mike Gravel will apparently play the role of the frustrated liberal in this race. Still, his advice to the Democratic Senators is one you would hear from a Senate alumnus. Still, Senator Gravel, they don't need you, they got Robert Byrd. He's a manual.
-Clinton keeps stating the obvious
-I like Senator Clinton, she's my Senator, I gladly voted for her, but I feel like she's too Party and not enough Person. I'm not so sure I want someone in the White House who's allegiance is more to the his/her party. Isn't that what we have now?
-Senator Biden CAN be a man of few words, and he has a wit.
-Gravel frightens me
-Clinton really scores some points with me in how she responsed to why people hate her. She is surprisingly strong.
-Obama is right, bring the focus off the divisive abortion issue and bring it on the issues everyone agrees on; reducing teenager pregnancy, adoption etc.
-Dennis Kucinich had a gun...really?!?!
-Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush 43 were ALL Governors, so, yes, Richardson should remind everyone that he, unlike everyone else, IS a Governor.
-Message to Obama, he asked about the Confederate flag, you already talked about black infant mortality.
-"Mistakes about Health care and believing a President" I like a person who can admit his/her mistakes, good job Hillary.
-People, what does one sentence mean to you?
-"We have no important enemies." Senator Gravel, I hate to bring this up, because I don't like to dwell on it, but, hello, 9/11, people aren't going to agree with you with 9/11 in mind.
-I totally agree with Edwards on education in the Middle East. Education is the biggest reason Islamic fundamentalism exists.


There were no fireworks, no battles, no tension, although Gravel attempted to create it, not even really a clear winner in tonight's debate.

There didn't need to be. The Democrats were all united on the major issue that will definite whether one of them will inhabit the White House from 2009 until at least 2013...Iraq.

With a vast majority, nearly a super majority of the country opposed to Iraq and disapproving of President Bush, everyone wins by taking shots are him and his leadership and the way the war is going.

The Democrats have not yet perfected the art of laying out plans, but they seem to be getting at it. The fact is now that the public is paying attention to them and dismissing Republican plans as failures, the Democrats now have the oportunity to actually convince people their plans work, and they need to start doing that soon.

Right now the 2008 race will be another tight one, but if they get their act together and put forth good and specific plans, they can easily seal the deal and win a Presidential landslide for the Democrats not seem since 1964.

Democratic Candidates React to Virginia Tech Massacre

The top Presidential Candidates all responded today in the wake of the tragedy at Virginia Tech this morning.

Here is what they've said, thanks according to CNN. I am especially struck by Senator Edwards' statement;

Sen. Joe Biden, (D-Delaware): "Today's horrific events at Virginia Tech have shocked us all. There are few comforting words in such senseless times as these. Our humble thoughts and prayers go out to the victims' families and loved ones. We will grieve as a nation together with all those affected by this terrible tragedy." (Issued statement)

Sen. Hillary Clinton, (D-New York): "I am shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech. My prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the students, faculty, and community devastated by these gruesome killings. As a parent, I am filled with sorrow for the mothers and fathers and loved ones struggling with the sudden, unbearable news of a lost son or daughter, friend or family member. This tragedy is still unfolding and I hope as a nation we can come together and keep in our thoughts all those affected as we learn more about the events which took place this morning." (Issued statement)

Sen. Chris Dodd, (D-Connecticut):"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech earlier today. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the families of those who lost love ones." (From campaign Web site)

Former Sen. John Edwards, (D-North Carolina); "We are simply heartbroken by the deaths and injuries suffered at Virginia Tech. We know what an unspeakable, life-changing moment this is for these families and how, in this moment, it is hard to feel anything but overwhelming grief, much less the love and support around you. But the love and support is there. We pray that these families, these students, and the entire Virginia Tech community know that they are being embraced by a nation. There is a Methodist hymn that gave us solace in such a moment as this, and we repeat its final verse here, in hopes it will help these families, as it helped us:'

In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing,
in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see

.

'Our dearest wish is that this day could start again, with the promise of these young people alive. Knowing that cannot be, our prayer is for God's grace and whatever measure of peace can be reached on this terrible day." (Issued statement)

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois)- "There are going to major tragedies that we hear about as we heard about today at Virginia Tech and I can only imagine what its like for parents who still can't get in touch with their kids from all over the country. We pray for them." (During a campaign event in Chicago)

Gov. Bill Richardson, (D-New Mexico) "On behalf of all New Mexicans, Barbara and I extend our condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific tragedy. This is a sad day and our hearts go out to the Virginia Tech community as it grieves this loss." (Issued statement)

The Clintonesque Candidate

Thank you J.C.

The more we focus on the former Congressman, Secretary of Energy, UN Ambassador and current two-term Governor of New Mexico...the less we focus on the polarizing junior Senator from New York.

We Want To Win

The long-term impact of the Tinseltown tussle between the Clinton and Obama campaigns is no big deal, but it showcases a big issue in the primary campaign.
At issue: Can Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, or Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, be elected president?

Ah, there's that 800 pound gorilla in the room. It isn't bad enough that we're talking about the first woman and the first African-American (not, as I said earlier, should that be an issue), but also we have Hillary's waffling and baggage, Obama's inexperience and the fact that both of them are U.S. Senators and the Senate isn't necessarily the best springboard to the Presidency.

Democrats like both Clinton and Obama, but the question is "can they win?" Democrats want a winner. They're tired of loosing. They're on an adrenaline rush after the 2006 elections and they want to take back all levels of the government. Democrats don't want another Scalia or Alito on the Supreme Court, they don't want anymore of the failing neocon foreign policy, they don't want anymore abuses of executive power. Democrats want to win and they need a sure thing to do it.

While Hillary and Obama both represent a perfect balance of issues needed for a Democrat to win his or her base, they are after all, the former First Lady everyone loves to hate, and the two-year Senator from Illinois.

Perhaps it is time to look at other candidates as well...most notably, Former Congressman, Secretary of Energy, UN Ambassador and current Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson.

Not an official endorsement...at least not yet.