Who won the final Democratic debate before Super Tuesday? We did!

This was by far the best debate of any Democratic or Republican debates. The American people were treated, FINALLY, to a conversational debate on the issues. It was educational, to say the least, regarding topics of Healthcare, Iraq and Immigration. The differences between the candidates were explored in the kind of detail, where we all could learn which one seemed to address any concerns we had, or help each of us formulate a position for ourselves on the topics. I think any Democrats should feel proud of both candidates in this debate. It showed the kind of politic we are all craving for as Americans.

After the debate was over, I realized that it was Barrack who really helped create this tone. He did it by choosing not to find holes in Hillary's explanations but instead to allow her own words to stand for us to examine. One exchange where this was particularly evident, was around the Iraq war position that both candidates took. Obama went first and said he is the best-positioned candidate for the general Election because he did not support the war from the outset. Wolf Blitzer then asked Hillary, why she can't just admit her vote then was a mistake. She didn't take Wolfe's invitation, but instead rambled on as to why she made the vote she did and how she had entrusted Bush not to go to war, but to just allow the inspectors to get back in. It rambled on and on and proved Barack's point, that it is a difficult position to articulate and to defend. He could have taken a shot at Hillary, by saying in rebuttal. "You heard her response and I ask you to judge whether the response will work in the General Election against the Republicans or will they say she flip flopped on the issue. I don't think that will work but you judge for yourselves. That is the point of these debates"

Well Barack didn't have to comment, as it was obvious, he was right and wise for not rubbing her nose in it. He truly is here to change the politics of the past. We are lucky as a country to witness this bright and wise young man help us become more conscious in our voting deliberations. Thank you Senator Obama. We are indebted to you for this rare experience. God watch over you and keep you safe and healthy.

Oct. 30th Democratic Presidential debate: Can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!

I watched the last Democratic Presidential debate twice to see where I came out on it. I found John Edwards did a great job of speaking to America and distinguishing his differences with Hillary. In doing, so he elevated all the candidates’ status. Joe Biden was terrific and rightfully discussed Iran and the saber rattling in the context of the much more important issue with Pakistan: having Nuclear Bombs on missiles pointed at India and the instability of Pakistan's President Musharraf's Government. Obama tagged on to Edwards going after Hillary and did OK. But Chris Dodd was also a positive surprise pointing out Hillary's problem with about 50% of the population saying they would never vote for Hillary. All in all, it was the first really good debate. As for the jousting amongst the candidates going after Hillary on her stands and inconsistency over the issues that inspired Gov. Richardson to come to the defense of Hillary, I found it resulted in my ruling out Richardson as a viable candidate. This is the very type of debate we need. It's about issues, political stands and inconsistencies in what the candidates have said in the past, that needs to be debated. As this phrase came from President Truman who is depicted in the picture above, Gov. Richardson, if you can't stand the heat on others, get out of the kitchen!

An Open Letter to the people of Iowa

My fellow Americans, in your hands is the opportunity to influence the rest of America. The media has already done a good job for you of selecting your Democratic choice for president. It is all but a slam dunk for Hillary to be the candidate for President and to end this idea of the people's choice in just a few months. Unfortunately, there are many good candidates who won't have a chance. You can change that by shaking up this coronation by how you vote in your Caucuses.

Ask yourself the following questions:

If I didn't vote for Hillary who would I vote for?
Who do I trust more on Foreign Policy decisions when it comes to Iraq?
What message do I want to send to the rest of America with my vote?

If you would be willing to share your answers here, I would be most interested in reading them. I watched the ABC debate today and had some refreshing insights into some of these leaders , especially the conversation about Iraq and ending the war and also on the issue of Education and teachers. Let's hope that Iowans were watching as well. This is the most important election in the past 50 years. Our very survival and standing in the world depends on all of us making the best decision to preserve our Constitution and restore our image across the world, as a country that indeed is one of compassion, peace, and wisdom.

The second Democratic Debate: Winners and Losers

I don't think there was much doubt last night about who won the debate. It was Hillary. She seemed in command of the night, was eloquent, down to earth and the best I have seen her at being natural. So that's out of the way.

Who surprised me the most, it was Senator Joe Biden. He seemed to command the facts on many issues and was well spoken although his frustration over both the President's stubbornness and the fact the Democrats only have a 50 vote majority and can't muster the votes to override a veto. was all too evident as Joe was angry and it marked a difference between him and all the other candidates.

Some other observations:

Gov. Bill Richardson seemed to stumble a bit over some questions and he seemed to not have formed his thoughts before speaking.

Senator Gravel seemed like a crazy man and not a serious candidate for President. He challenged the other contenders but seemed a joke at times.

Senator Obama had a few quick and bright moments, didn't make any big mistakes but appeared at times as a consensus builder between himself and the other candidates.

Senator John Edwards seem to want to engage in battle in a semi polite way. His skills at pointing out differences between himself and both Hillary and Obama, were tiring at times.

Senator Chris Dodd was too wordy and never seemed to answer a question until he had no time left. Reminds me of a typical politician.

And Kucinich was the usual Far Left candidate a peace promoter and anti war to the core.

These debates are useful and gave me a chance to see some good interaction and get closer to deciding do they deserve my support. Last night I came one step closer. I can't wait for the next Republican Debate.