One of These Quotes is Not Like the Others

What The Candidates CAN Do (4.00 / 3)

Those candidates who agree that a couple of media powerbrokers should not be able to by themselves limit the New Hampshire debates on Saturday to "just a select few" can do something about this.  

They should INSIST that all of the major candidates who have been invited in the past several months to forums and debates put on by the political parties or other event organizers be included in these debates, despite "Iowa," and despite "polls."  

And if the decision to dis-invite half the candidates isn't changed, THEY, the candidates themselves, can find a location on their own for this Saturday.  The logistics are not that difficult.  The debate could be held in a number of places, and a couple of neutral moderators could be found.  The media -- the rest of it not among the powerbrokers trying to limit the debators -- will be there.  

The New Hampshire Primary is a statewide election paid for by the state, not a news station.  The debate is serious democratic business, not a TV show.  

Candidates in both the Democratic and Republican Parties need a Ronald Reagan moment, and it should occur this Saturday.  By setting up their own debate, all the candidates will be paying for their own microphone.

We will listen.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 21:44:11 PM CST

Outstanding idea. n/t (0.00 / 0)

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 21:50:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Too bad you can't add the theme music to a post (0.00 / 0)

"Which of these things is not like the other ..."

Politizine.com

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by: Tony Schinella @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 12:42:14 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Song in my head... (0.00 / 0)

Thanks!  Now I'll have that song in my head for the rest of the day...
:-)

Feeling hopeful since 2004...now "Secretary" of the New Boston Democratic Caucus

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by: Kelly Nordstrom @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 13:36:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Disappointment in Edwards (4.00 / 1)

If this is the kind of leadership Edwards will exhibit as President, I urge his supporters to consider Barack Obama.

It is shameful that Edwards just rolled over and would not even suggest that the media include all of the candidates.  This does not portray someone who wants a fair and open process.

It suggests that he is happy being an elite.  

The choice is clear.

OBAMA 08

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by: Helenann @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 21:53:20 PM CST

Hm. I'm troubled by that quote too, (4.00 / 2)

but I'd love to have seen how the original question was parsed, considering that the quote was from a putative statement to UnionLeader.com:

In contrast, John Edwards told UnionLeader.com this afternoon, "I'm staying out of that. I don't get to set the rules for the debates. I'll let the people who are in charge of the debates set the rules. And I'll be there."

Just wondering, since the UL is the only source I have been able to find for this so far. Some context would be useful.

Not that I don't implicitly trust the UL, but my memory of William Loeb still burns brightly...

Think I'll wait to be disappointed until I hear Edwards say it somewhere else.

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 21:56:21 PM CST

Deja Vu, twice. (0.00 / 0)

I am getting dissed big time.

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 22:03:48 PM CST

I'll pat my own back (4.00 / 1)

Fleet of Foot (4.00 / 2)

If:
There was a conference call today to simply agree on two things
-Pressure the sponsor to allow the 3
or
-Move to an alternate location, e.g. UNH
I hear so much about carrots and sticks, surely the candidates have power collectively to steer this in the right direction?

The press brigade will follow, so I wouldn't worry so much about the hassle that will ensue for many, if the venue is changed.

The act itself will cause a huge buzz.

I don't favor abstention. This is not a time for silence. NH voters and America want more voices, not less.

By: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 10:20:43 AM EST

Edwards Passive?

It is somewhat confusing, Edwards release:

In contrast, John Edwards told UnionLeader.com this afternoon, "I'm staying out of that. I don't get to set the rules for the debates. I'll let the people who are in charge of the debates set the rules. And I'll be there."

This limp statement conflicts with his "closing" skin: "Mr. Chip on his shoulder"
You would think he would say something terse like, Screw those 3 guys. I need the air time.

-snip

by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 19:34:03 PM EST

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 22:23:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Dodd thanks the netroots (0.00 / 0)

for helping to expand debate beyond the major media's control:

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 22:05:59 PM CST

Good catch... (4.00 / 3)

... but it also makes me wonder if there could some a little pushback on Kucinich, eh?

We'd like our candidates always to be saints, but...

And I think the "media blackout" point is well taken, but it's not entirely fair to hold Edwards responsible for something he didn't say. It's something we've all noticed, but -- I stand ready to be corrected with a link -- it's not something he's mentioned personally. If he has, or Elizabeth has, it certainly hasn't been said forcefully enough to register as a major story, and I do try to keep up with my reading.

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by: lambert @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 22:06:36 PM CST

That's a fair point. (4.00 / 1)

I've heard candidates lower on the food chain than Edwards talk about it (note YouTube up above), and I've heard Edwards talk about media consolidation, and the like, but whether he himself has referred specifically to tradmed keeping him out, I don't know.

I gather it would not be to his advantage to say so, being given generally less attention than Hillary/Obama, but a whole lot more than the others.

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 22:13:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

So, where's John's statement??? (0.00 / 0)

So, if the quote in the Union Leader is one side of a conversation, and we don't know the question he's answering, then why doesn't he issue a statement?

I know for our part (SGS and myself, anyway) we put out a call-to-action with the Obama campaign staff and all of the email lists/blogs we had access to... Can't say of course that this flurry of comunnication had anything to do with the Senator's press release; but he issued a statement.

If the above quote is not John Edward's position, than I hope his supporters here in NH are pushing him to release a statement clarifying just what his position actually is.

He's happy to be in the top 4, and as we've heard him say before, he's happy to have more room on stage...

Feeling hopeful since 2004...now "Secretary" of the New Boston Democratic Caucus

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by: Kelly Nordstrom @ Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 22:48:03 PM CST

One hand clapping ? (0.00 / 0)

I think I missed the 'hand party'. That was Sleepy Jack clapping for himself...don't get a sore arm guys.

And now we will announce the name of the brave candidate who dropped out of the debate. It is _________ ?

I think at some point you have to have a cut, like in football or Little League. Some kids go home crying. Some cry. Some get better for next time. Michael Jordan did not make his High School basketball team as a freshman or sophomore. He practiced more.

We represent the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop guild.

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 06:25:07 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Biden on Pakistan (0.00 / 0)

Would be great to get his thoughts.

They add something, Jon. That is how the platform is built.

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 07:55:59 AM CST

[ Parent ]

this isn't fifth grade (4.00 / 1)

And I don't want the corporate media  or the people in Iowa making these decisions for me.  

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by: susanthe @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 09:32:17 AM CST

[ Parent ]

You don't cut the team before the first try-outs (4.00 / 2)

Can you imagine if you got cut from the team because someone told the coaching staff that they didn't think you had a good arm?  Or, "Cut Johnny Bresler because we don't need him to try out, if we watch him try out we won't get to see Billy do more free throws..."

I doubt that Michael Jordan was cut before he even got to try out.

Let's remember that NH is the first REAL contest of this season, shutting people out before a vote has been cast is not the NH way...

Feeling hopeful since 2004...now "Secretary" of the New Boston Democratic Caucus

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by: Kelly Nordstrom @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 10:53:17 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Brady drafted in the 6th Round n/t (4.00 / 1)

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 11:34:38 AM CST

[ Parent ]

The debate misnomer. (0.00 / 0)

Hmmm, the Obama and Kucinich people are together on this one...it must be about second place choices in Iowa, not NH...they don't want to piss anybody off. As far as the media, they madde a commercial decision to be relevant. The so-called debates, a misnomer of critical proportions, have led many to the conclusion that its been more like a reality show, than a debate. I guess the MSM missed this story line, oh wait I mean they created it...well, like it or not, for now
"that's the way it is,Tuesday January 2nd, 2008."

We represent the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop guild.

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 15:15:24 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I hope he does have something more to say on this, (0.00 / 0)

and one hopes that this has not escaped the notice of EVale and others who participate here regularly.

However,

as we've heard him say before, he's happy to have more room on stage...

where was it that "we" heard this, exactly? Is this the same mysterious place we heard him complain about the MSM blackout? Just wondering (again).

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by: GreyMike @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 09:19:34 AM CST

[ Parent ]

The whisper heard 'round the world (4.00 / 2)

We heard this (sorry, I paraphrased) after the NAACP forum in July 2007.  To refresh your memory:

Clinton: "We've got to talk, because they are just being trivialized."

Edwards: "They are not serious."

Clinton: "No."

Clinton: "I think there was an effort by our campaigns to do that. That got somehow detoured. We got to get back to it, because that's all we're going to do."

Clinton: "Our guys should talk."

While Clinton and Edwards did not specifically mention any candidate by name, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, posted a scathing statement on his website condemning his two rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"Candidates, no matter how important or influential they perceive themselves to be, do not have and should not have the power to determine who is allowed to speak to the American public and who is not," Kucinich said. "Imperial candidates are as repugnant to the American people and to our Democracy as an imperial President."

Eric Schultz, a spokesman for Edwards' presidential campaign, said the former North Carolina senator was not suggesting excluding candidates, but instead is proposing to "break up the field into smaller groups for real debates."

Clinton, Edwards Caught on Open Mike

Feeling hopeful since 2004...now "Secretary" of the New Boston Democratic Caucus

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by: Kelly Nordstrom @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 11:00:05 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Thanks for the clarification. n/t (4.00 / 1)

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by: GreyMike @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 11:16:35 AM CST

[ Parent ]

we will have his thoughts (0.00 / 0)

Biden has never been shy.

We represent the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop Guild, the Lollypop guild.

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 08:58:01 AM CST

My thoughts (4.00 / 1)

If my candidate was one of the ones excluded I would be typing in all capital letters and otherwise yelling about the injustice...

I hate these things called debates or forums because they are contrived and awkward and there are too many people on stage and they are undignified and often stupid.

The only thing I know about John Edwards' position is from this post. So taking the quote literally, this chore is one he has delegated.  OK.

If he thought there was something that must be done about this - he would do it.  Not issue a feel good statement that accomplishes nothing. (my opinion)

They are running for President of the United States, not class president in High School or even College. I don't like this particular cut.  So what.

standing on the sidelines looking for a reason to enter the fray.

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by: smucci @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 15:25:47 PM CST

GOTV and Who's Coming to Dinner? (100 Club) (4.00 / 1)

Here is a tasty inspriational from Obamaland:

Also, got a PR from Obamaland with a post-caucus schedule. Whew!
The 100 Club Dinner is on it. I'm psyched.

Have all the campaigns committed to attend? I am sure Clinton has. That is a "Party" function and the Clinton's are a brand name.

Looked at the Edwards' NH site, no dinner on the schedule?
Looked at the Richardson's NH site, no dinner on the schedule?

Ray, who's coming to dinner?

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 15:33:24 PM CST

One wants to be, just like another (4.00 / 1)

Hey, we all have our James Stockdale moments...
on the eve of the Iowa caucus.

Ben Smith repeats

Hillary also "fired up," "ready to go"

"We are fired up and we are ready to go, because we know that America is ready for change," Hillary said moments ago in Davenport, melding Obama's signature line into one of hers in a sort of campaign slogan medley.

She's also got a radio ad out casting her as the candidate of "hope," Halperin reports.

SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

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by: Sleeping Giant Stirs @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 17:53:37 PM CST

Drew Cline Agrees WIth Us (4.00 / 2)

Here.

Which makes like three times in six months.

Maybe I'm wrong about bipartisanship after all...

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 20:01:41 PM CST

Fighting for the little guy indeed (4.00 / 1)

Sure, I'll fight for the little guy against big corporate interests like mass media...unless those big corporate interests coincide with my campaign's interests.

Nice.

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by: Delegator @ Thu Jan 03, 2008 at 06:24:20 AM CST