Legal Commentary

Nevada Dems Debate: Live Thread Two

By Jeralyn

Resumes with questions about economy. So far, everyone is behaving and acting very conciliatory. What a welcome change.

After this part, each of them will be able to ask two questions of the other candidates.

Hillary gives a specific answer on a complicated finanical thing. Obama converts the question to one on energy and fuel. Then answers about sub-prime mortgage problem and criticizes lobbyists and advocates for disclosure He will restore accountabilty and regulatory oversight over financial system.

Edwards asked if he regrets his vote on bankruptcy bill. Says absolutely. Updates below. Hillary: We need bankruptcy reform now to give relief to homeowners. She recounts her sub-prime financial plan on freezing interest rates. Says we also have to reform bankruptcy law going forward so people caught in the loan mess will be able to get relief.

She says the "black and brown" communities, African Americans and Latinos/Hispanics are most affected. We have to help them. She has a real sense of urgency about this.

Asks Obama about the 2001 and 2005 votes. I didn't hear how he said he voted. He talks about special interests again.

So here's a difference betwene Obama and Hillary. She talks more about helping people, he talks more about ending special interests.

Obama talks about bills he has introduced.

Next segment: Candidates ask questions of each other.

Edwards asks first question about campaign financing. Says we all want to do something about health care. They both took money from drug companies. Do you think the drug companies expect something back for their contributions?

Obama anwers first, says he doesn't take money from banks and lobbyists. (Not the question of course.) Talks about his small donor contributions.

Hillary gets to ask a question. She wants to ask Obama to join her on something. About war and Bush. We have to prevent Bush from binding hands of the next President. She's introduced legislation to make Bush come to Congress. She asks him to co-sponsor her legislation. He says, "We can work on this, Hillary."

(I just over-wrote a section with the next part, sorry.)They get back to the war. Williams asked Hillary if she would pledge to withdraw troops. She says yes. Edwards then attacks Hillary on war stuff. Then it's all nice and laughs again. Obama has a question for Edwards but decides not to ask it when told he'd use up his question. They all laugh nicely together again.

Second break, coming up will be more domestic issues.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 15, 2008 (boomark / email).