Just watched the Dems debate replay on CNN.com. The you tube format really worked. Made for a most interesting and entertaining candidate debate. Here are my brief observations (may have more to say here later):
Biden said his net worth was between $75,000 and $150,000 and therefore as President he would not work for the minimum wage (one of the questions). As a U.S Senator who I assume has at least owned a residence the last few years, it seems to me just the appreciation on a typical Senator residence would far exceed this figure. I can't believe this was a true statement. Biden did give a great response to a you tube video from a gun toting maniac on gun control, the first time he has ever said something that impressed me.
It seems to me if most of them will work for minimum wage if elected, they should make it part of their campaign promises. Heck I think they should pledge to work for free. And pay for their own health care insurance. After all, we all know it is not the salary that attracts these people to the job. But we also all know none of these people are willing to make any REAL sacrifices (except maybe Gravel or Kucinich).
Edwards was his usual scripted, carefully word smithed self. Too much ego there for me. Ditto Hillary. Their you tube candidate videos were also too cutesy for me.
Obama was likable but seemed rather meek. Richardson and Dodd both seem competent but flat.
Kucinich was as usual right on all the issues but tries too hard.
But Gravel pulled no punches and wiped the floor with the rest of them.
Please post your comments about the debate below.
PS: Gravel was the only one who admitted he took the train to get there. The rest, with the exception of Kucinich, begrudgingly admitted private jet was their mode of transportation.
Well my friend, I’m old, you are young. We see things differently. But I believe we want the same thing in the end.
Make your enemy your friend and the rest will take care of itself.
John,
You’re not that old, buddy. And yeah, we do want the same thing. (At least, I think so…)
To Sameer and Bushtool,
Excellent debate you two! It’s refreshing to see that there can be a logical and reasonable exchange of ideas, albeit different ones, in these times of increasing despair.
Thank you.