CNN/YouTube: Avoiding The Questions

Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2007 12:40 PM by Countdown

CNN is taking a lot of flak today for their lack of disclosure on one of the questioners in last night's debate...and perhaps deservedly so. In fact, more is coming out about some of the other YouTube submissions that made air...and it appears there are more Democratic leaning questionners than just the retired general. Of course, the smear machines (Malkin/Limbaugh etc.) will whip themselves into a frenzy over this...and they'll completely avoid the issues brought up, and the questions raised (Andrew Sullivan cut through the CNN gaffe(s) to talk about the issues on his blog). It just proves Marshall Mcluhan right again, the medium is the message.

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Comments

What I find amazing, Mr. Olbermann, is that people are talking about the issues surrounding the campaign. If this was a Republican plant in a democratic debate, you would be having a stroke over it, but since it was the Clintons, your preferred candidate, it will be OK. When was the last time you actually discussed the results of a democratic debate. No you are too busy devoting 2 segments to Bill O'Reilly, and one segment to Brit. Look yourself in the mirror, you are the one that is not discussing the substantive issues that America wants to talk about. Your blind patronage to the Clintons is sickening. Sorry, folks, but this is really getting irritating.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:01 PM)

The Republicans are well aware that "the medium is the message" and they abuse this to no end. They never let simple things like the "truth" get in the way of propaganda. Goebbels would be proud.

The Democrats have forgotten this lesson and have allowed the Republicans to frame the debate and the message. This has gone on long enough and it's time to stop.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:04 PM)

Perhaps I am just too young and naive...but what does it matter? The questions were still more than valid. Shouldn't the republican candidates want to answer questions that democrats have?
I think this is good...republicans should have the opportunity to as democratic candidates questions as well.

Sarah, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:05 PM)

One more thing...I really agree with everyone about Brittney. She is hardly news, and if anyone is curious they will watch E! or Entertainment Tonight or something. Your viewers are loyal to you because of your coverage of the news.

I fast forwarded through the Brittney segment (and the commercials before and after it).

Sarah, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:07 PM)

I am continuing to be more impressed with Mike Huckabee. He carries himself very well. I do have concerns about his taxation plans, and his plans for illegal immigration. As for foreign policy experience, most governors don't have foreign policy experience. He seems to have a reasonable approach to almost every topic. Still researching though..

As for Bill Clinton, yes everyone knows that he is not running for the White House. This is a problem for Hillary, as everytime he goes out on the trail, he discusses his experience almost as much as Hillary. Quite frankly, Hillary should not have much foreign policy experience as First Lady. She should not have been negotiating peace settlements on behalf of the US as first lady. She is overblowing this experience factor while in the white house. It is coming back to bite her now.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:14 PM)

Is should not surprise any of us that Mitt, the political acrobat, once again demonstrated he is not only a flip flopper, but a hypocrite!! The man says anything to get elected, from his failed attempt against the great Senator Ted Kennedy to his shocking victory in his bid for Governor of Massachusetts. He's a liar, can not be trusted and I believe most everyone sees through him!! Here's some more of "The Best of Mitt"!!

Mitt - PART I

TORTURE

During the second Presidential debate, Romney supported the use of enhanced interrogation techniques in handling suspects at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, stating, "enhanced interrogation techniques have to be used -- not torture but enhanced interrogation techniques.
- (You can’t accuse Mitt of not knowing how to split a hair!!)

GUANTANAMO BAY & DUE PROCESS

During the debate in South Carolina held May 15, 2007 Romney stated that in his view "We ought to double Guantanamo." He then went on to state "I want them in Guantanamo where they don't get the access to lawyers they get when they're on our soil.”
- (Habeas Corpus still on hiatus!!)

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:16 PM)

Mitt - PART II

IRAQ WAR

Romney states, "so long as there is a reasonable prospect of success, our wisest course is to seek stability in Iraq, with additional troops endeavoring to secure the civilian population and could become a base for al-Qaeda and could mean a future with far more military involvement and far more loss of American life."
- (Mitt, why don’t you support the troops?)

In the June 5 New Hampshire debate, in response to a question asking if Iraq should have been invaded in hindsight, He stated, “if things occurred the same way they had, with Saddam Hussein turning away UN inspectors, Iraq should have been invaded.
- (The Mexicans bombed Pearl Harbor!!)

It was pointed out that Hussein did in fact allow UN weapons inspectors into Iraq, and they no WMD were found.
- (And O.J. is still looking for the real killer!!)

In conclusion, it is transparently striking how consistent Mitt been throughout the years. Yet this poor man continues to be ruthlessly attacked and some have had the audacity to call him a flip flopper!!

For instance, he states that he has never supported gay marriage and only domestic partnership benefits are in dispute.
- (A perfectly rationale justification for his myriad of sea changes!!)

Romney states “his political opponents like to mischaracterize his past positions for political gain."
- (Whew, that’s good enough for me Mitt and it certainly explains your numerous U-turns throughout your political career - poor misunderstood man – now everyone leave him alone!!)

Yeah, ok Mitt; you're an opportunist and a coward if I saw one!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:17 PM)

News Hole - If you are not going to post comments, as MANY are missing, have been resubmitted, etc. I have asked that you have the courtesy of emailing me.

Please do so or post the comments submitted.

Thank you!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:20 PM)

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:14 PM)

Kevin -

How much foreign policy experience did George W. Bush have before running for president and being awarded the position by SCOTUS?

ZILCH!! I beg to differ, Senator Clinton has much more foreign policy experience, both from her role as First Lady and Senator than Presiden Stupid and Commander Bombsalot ever had!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:24 PM)

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:14 PM)

Completely agree! I really enjoy Mr. Huckabee and feel like he really outshined the other candidates last night.

He was clear and concise and on target with every answer.

AND-I see now what the big deal is that Kerr was a questionner at the debate last night. I guess I didn't think it was a plant, but it probably was.

Sarah, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:26 PM)

Kevin, I have submitted this six times now; however, it has not been posted. I did not ignore you, I hope it finally gets posted!!

Kevin, with all due respect, it is my firm belief that George W. Bush is a stupid and evil man!! Anyone who would betray the military of the United States in the manner he has and continues to do, is evil.

In addition, his IQ has been rated at 93; his inept policies, his destruction of our civil liberties; his grasp of the English language; his bombing of a sovereign nation who did absolutely nothing to provoke us, which has resulted in nearly a million innocent Iraqi lives cut short, etc. etc. etc. qualify him to be identified as both "President Stupid & Commander Bombsalot"!! I will continue to do so.

I do appreciate your comment; however, George W. Bush is deserving of how I choose to refer to him in my opinion. Also, he has not taken that right away from me -- yet!!

We'll have to agree to disagree; as your comment was just made up and my conclusions, i.e. President Stupid, regarding George W. Bush, are based on facts!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:32 PM)

During the debate in South Carolina held May 15, 2007 Romney stated that in his view "We ought to double Guantanamo." He then went on to state "I want them in Guantanamo where they don't get the access to lawyers they get when they're on our soil.” - (Habeas Corpus still on hiatus!!) Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:16 PM)

Pam – I’ve already reserved my bunk. There’s no hope for most of us here to avoid it. Might as well just accept it. I’ll be happy to lend you my Harry Potter books and the nerdy romances, but you have to bring your own anti-Billo bathset.

Anomaly (well, at least Gitmo will be warm) (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:38 PM)

Beware the "Homegrown anti-terrorism act which passed the House 406 to 6 or something close. Pelosi, Schumer and several Dems didn't vote. It was written by a Dem. Jane Harman said some incredibly stupid things about adolescents being talked into "domestic terrorists" on the internet, the highway to hell. Idiots are always terrified of free speech and they're terrified of the internet. They should be terrified of themselves. Keep your eye on the homegrown bill, it's a McCarthyism blanket for idiots to jail innocents who disagree with national policy. be careful.

doomed (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:39 PM)

Rudy Guiliani is completely unqualified to be president. His only claim to fame is that he was the mayor of New York on 9/11. Big deal! He portrays himself as the hero of 9/11. Untrue! The heroes were the firemen and policemen who went into the buildings trying to save lives. There are dogs that displayed far more heroism than Guiliani. Civilian heroes lined up around the block in towns all across the U.S. to donate blood. They are heroes. The tiny country of Bangladesh even sent $1,000. They are heroes. Guiliani has lied time and time again about the taxes he "cut" some of which he voted to increase. This man is as big a liar as our current liar in chief and is even less qualified to be president (which is almost impossible to wrap the mind around).

disgusted, TX (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:41 PM)

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:20 PM)

Watch out News Hole moderator, Pammie will hunt you down like a dog if you don't post her comments promptly and in full!

True Liberal (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:45 PM)

Anomaly (well, at least Gitmo will be warm) (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:38 PM)

I appreciate your response; however, I don't understand what you mean by "we must accept it." I'm sorry, I know it's me, will you please elaborate!!

THANKS & PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:50 PM)

True Liberal (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:45 PM)

True small scottie - I'm done; you know what I know, so you will NEVER threaten or mess with me again!! I will no longer respond, but always remember, I know where you are should you threaten me again!!

CIAO USED CAR SALESMAN!! GET TO WORK NOW!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:52 PM)

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:17 PM)

Pam:you left out Mittt appoinitng a judge who let out a murderer who not just murdered but did it in such a heinous way. Then the murderer goes to Seattle and murders a couple.Mitt's answer: fires the judge, nothing more. Shades of Willie Horton days.

Adelaide, Sunnyvale, CA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:52 PM)

Pam

Hillary is relying on her "First Lady" experience as part of her qualifications. That is fine, if you call that experience, but then she should NOT have a problem releasing those White House records that support her claim that she gained valuable foreign policy experience. Let the American Voter then decide whether they agree.

I do have to ask the question, should the first lady be negotiating on behalf of the US in foreign policy matters. Is that her jurisdiction. This is an innocent question, as I don't know that answer.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:53 PM)

Enough with the Brittany - no she wasn't pregnant- who cares. It's a non story, enough of Paris, enough of Lindsey, tired of these young tewnty something girls with their Love Me Daddy issues. If I wanted to watch this junk,I could put it on any rag TV show.

Adelaide, Sunnyvale, CA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:55 PM)

HM, in an ivory tower somewhere (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:55 PM)

Even if you put all the Repugnikant presidential candidates together, you will still fail to get anyone close to being qualified for the job. They're just Bush Clones with extremist agendas disquised as religion or patriotism.

I'm not thrilled with the Democratic candidates, but any ONE of them is better than ALL of the Pugs combined. If only Al would run .....

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:57 PM)

Thaks Keith for having John Edwards on tonight.I supported him in 2004.He had fire.He was agaisnt Out sourching. He ate Cheney in the debate.Too bad Kerry couldn't stand him and did not use Edwards more to fight the battles. I want to know what happened to the guy who ran in 2004.Where did he go? This Edwards is not the same guy.

Adelaide, Sunnyvale, CA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:00 PM)

None of the candidates talk about the constitution and how the present government has disgraced us.

McCain is only concerned about winning a war that was illegal to start with just to save face. Who cares about the cheoas we have created in Iraq due to lies but nope we will kick everyone's butt just to say 'we won'

Romney talks about illegal immigration like he is the best example. I can give him several towns and cities in Massachusetts that are sanctuary cities and he would have nothing to say. He has the worse recordfor spending. the biig dig project went billions over budget and a total fiasco. Before leavign office, he gave the same contractor who were found guilty of negligence the contract again. Guess he probably got some serious $$ over that.

Guiliani runs just because he was mayor during 9/11 and that made him a leader. While he did nothing when Bush wanted to block the 9/11 commission. Shame on you Mr Guiliani.

Fred Thompson. Just your average bag of donuts; will say anything to get elected. According to him in the last debate, our economy is doing fantastic, sure get out of dreamlanf and tell that to the 1000's of american who have lost their job due to the government's reluctance to deal with outsourcing.

Huckabee. Doesnt even know where he stands. Typical preacher talks. He did increase taxes and was in favor for that. Gave kids of illegal immigrants lower college tution rates.

Ron Paul. CNN doesn't even give him enough time. He is a man of honor and firm beleiver in the constitution. That's why he gets more money from the military than even McCain. We need Ron

When wil we wake up and realize that it's not all about kicking butt, we are indeed causing a lot fo countried around the world to hate us because of our 'bully' policies. We need a serious change.

Ash (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:04 PM)

I am continuing to be more impressed with Mike Huckabee. He carries himself very well. I do have concerns about his taxation plans, and his plans for illegal immigration. As for foreign policy experience, most governors don't have foreign policy experience. He seems to have a reasonable approach to almost every topic. Still researching though..
Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:14 PM)

Kevin:He supports the right to carry guns not for hunting. No he supports having each American carrying a gun for protection agaisnt the tryanny of our government" He even reffered to the black helicopters coming after us.......

Adelaide, Sunnyvale, CA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:04 PM)

So they were against it before they were for it?

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Olbermann_Rove_rewriting_history_by_denying_1128.html

P. Westerberg, Minneapolis, Minn. (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:10 PM)

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:52 PM)

Why do you insist on lying, I have never threatened you? But I really do hope you go after that poor used car salesman, that surely would be an amusing scene. You never really had any credibility, but now instead of being zero it has plummeted into negative territory.

scott henderson nv (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:11 PM)

The man was not a employee of the Clinton campaign, he is a supporter and he is also a gay American military man . . . his question was legitimate and he had every right to ask it . . . while he may be a Clinton supporter, he has the right to know what other potential presidents might feel. Not an issue except for the "us v. them" crowd. Most REAL patriotic Americans understand the concept of government for the people and by the people. Those folks are our employees and we have the right to ask ALL of them, regardless of party affiliation, how they feel about different subjects before we "hire" them.

junebug (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:13 PM)

I don't understand the anger over plants at a debate. In fact, I would think we would get better questions, and perhaps answers, if we allowed Dem supporters to question Republican candididates and vice versa. One question that was never answered although a very good one was from the young African American boy (standing next to his father) who asked the candidates how they justified spending billions in Iraq yet ignored the plight of the innner-city youth and Black-on-Black crime. I'm sure after hearing Romney's and Guiliani's responses the kid scratched his head and exclaimed, WHAT? They skirted the question terribly and none of the commentators mentioned the terrible responses to the boy's question after the debate. If we let a few mature folks from the opposite party question these candidates (Republican and Dem) skirting important questions would be a little more difficult for the candidates and we might get the information (and each candidate's actual positions) that we are all seeking. And if the candidates would not be willing to particpate in such a format then perhaps we should be encouraging both parties to get in a few plants at these debates.

C A, Tusclaoosa, AL (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:15 PM)

I'll answer your question, Pam. George W. Bush had NO foreign policy experience. As Governor of Texas, he had no real administrative or legislative experience because the Governor of Texas is an extremely weak office by constitutional design (protection from carpetbaggers and scalawags during the post Civil War era). The Lt. Governor of Texas is the true powerhouse in our government. The Governor of Texas is essentially a glad hander and a back slapper. So, Mr. Bush not only had no real government experience when he was elected, but he had crappy business experience. Everything he actually touched (except the Texas Rangers and he didn't really have much to do with their success except lending his name and showing up for the games) in business turned to pure dee crap.

All of the above information was readily available to anyone who cared to read it . . . apparently, party loyalty trumped loyalty to country . . . twice.

Gapgirl62, Texas (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:21 PM)

When I watched the debate last night, for me it was a given that most of the questions would be left of center. But then, that's the case in all the debates, Youtube or not.

I'm not surprised at all that activist from Hillary, Obama, and Edwards got their questions in.

David Molinero (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:24 PM)

I can't watch the republican debates I keep trying but about two minutes into them I feel completely insane. I simply cannot relate to things they seem to think are of vital importance. When they talk about torture I'm ashamed people in our country not only believe such things and have the gaul to stand in front of John McCain and say them.

jen,il (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:32 PM)

I appreciate your response; however, I don't understand what you mean by "we must accept it." I'm sorry, I know it's me, will you please elaborate!!

THANKS & PEACE!!
Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:50 PM)

Pam – Read my post on the Wednesday show thread. I mean we’re all going to Gitmo. They already know Newsholers are discontented with the government. Might as well get used to the idea. I’m packing now.

(It's a joke, Pam.)

Anomaly (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:35 PM)

True Liberal (1:45 PM Post):

Why don't you just discuss the issues and topics and quit the attacks against bloggers here. You add nothing to the discussions. I have seen Pam spit fire here on this blog but also apologize if she were wrong, change her position from time to time if convinced to do so and treat those who do not post personal attacks with the greatest respect. The kinds of comments you make here as the one in your 1:45 PM Post only convince others here not to give you much credence regarding anything you have to say. Everyone is welcome to debate whether they agree or disagree on the issues, but your comments are frankly quite childish.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:36 PM)

I understand the issue with a questioner who has direct ties to one of the Democratic candidates; however, I don't quite grasp the problem with Democratic leaning questioners, and this relates to last night's WPiTW mention of the Republican Party in Virginia. I'm registered to vote in a state that holds open primaries, and the primary I vote in often does not match the party affiliation of the candidates I vote for in the general election.

Ultimately, this is a matter of blurring or eliminating the dividing line between the primary campaigns and the general election campaigns. I'm not sure that it's a bad thing to force candidates to answer to the concerns of all Americans early on in the process. Lest we have forgotten during Bush's tenure, the President is supposed to work for all of us.
HM, in an ivory tower somewhere (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:55 PM)

I completely agree with you, HM. I don't really care whether the questioners were "Democratic leaning" or "Republican leaning", whatever that's supposed to mean. What I saw last night certainly didn't seem to be the sort of leading or loaded questions that make up so many push polls these days. Regardless of who asked the question, it's the answer from the candidate that I'm interested in.

Samuel, Lincoln, NE (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:38 PM)

As far as the plant asking the "democratic" question, aren't these guys running for president. They should be able to answer any question asked. When they are president they aren't just going to be asked questions from thier party or even our country. They will be expected to make decisions that effect the whole world, if they can't deal with one unfreindly question they are clearly not presidential material.

jen,il (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:39 PM)

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:53 PM)

Kevin - First of all, I also stated that she has a great deal of foreign policy experience based on her seven years as a US Senator; also, I stated George W. Bush had zilch.

Now, moving on to her papers; I agree that they should be released; however, I also believe George W. Bush should release his father's papers!! I have commented on this many times, I have asked many of the Bush supporters, I never received a response on that one.

As far as her dealing with foreign policy as First Lady, Senator Clinton was the first "First Lady" who had experience as an accomplished attorney, a long history in politics dating back to her early college years, and was instrumental in her husband's successful bids as governor of Arkansas and President of the United States.

Therefore, I must say yes; she was completely capable in many capacities to handle and/or voice her opinion as it related to foreign policy. Also, Senator Clinton had much more foreign policy experience than Condoleezza Rice ever had!! (Karl Rove and the other “Architects of Destruction” of Iraq also)!!

As Secretary of State, Rice has been an utter failure; and again, deep down inside, I know you realize this!! Senator Clinton had and has infinite more experience that any of the other candidates, in addition to many current administration cabinet members!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:41 PM)

Steve Turner -

Check your email!! I cannot use my regular account, it's down, but I got one to you friend!!

PACE & AMORE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:42 PM)

Pam- You forget that while bush was governor he hosted the Taliban to talk about the pipeline going thru Aftganistan. He of course didn't get a chance to build it until after he was president, but it's there now. Also 93 seems kind of high to me.

jen,il (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:44 PM)

I just came back from the Michelle Malkin link. One of the commenters #126 posted the following:

" On November 29th, 2007 at 2:01 pm, Kovacs said:
As of 8:45, according to her live-blogging, MM thought that the questions had been really good. They continued to be really good, even if you exclude the 'plants'. So why all the whining? You either heard some useful back-and-forth among the candidates, or you didn't. If you did, stop complaining, for pete's sake.

The real joke on the Republicans is that the confederate flag guy and the Bible guy weren’t plants. "

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:45 PM)

David Molinaro- Do you think your the center?

jen,il (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:46 PM)

Kevin in NJ- The differance between democrates and republicans is that democrates get upset when we find out our candidates are putting thier own plants in the audiance. Like the girl who hillarys campaign had ask her a softball question. We like it when our candidates are asked hard questions from people who don't already agree with them. Republicans get there panties in a wad when someone outside thier campaign asks them a question. Apparently, they only run to be president of there party and not president of the entire US.

jen,il (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:51 PM)

All of the above information was readily available to anyone who cared to read it . . . apparently, party loyalty trumped loyalty to country . . . twice.
Gapgirl62, Texas (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:21 PM)

Thank you and I could not have said it any better!! Anyone who voted for President Stupid & Commander Bombsalot is equally culpable for what has transpired during his presidency from Hell!!

Sadly, those of us who DID OUR RESEARCH and knew better, are also paying the price for their irresponsible votes!!

PEACE FREIND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:51 PM)

It is my belief that Rudy will NOT be the Republican nominee for President. He did not have a good night last night, and I think the public is getting Rudy fatigue similar to Hillary fatigue.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:53 PM)

I never ever thought I would be supporting a Republican's quote(other than Lincoln):

"I have to say this is one of the most arrogant, incompetent administrations I've ever seen or ever read about. They have failed the country." -- Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, speaking Wednesday before the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

Adelaide, CA (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:56 PM)

Ash (2:04 PM Post):

Much of what you say I agree with. However, I am not so sure I agree that Huckabee does not know where he stands. In fact, and I may be wrong, but I think Huckabee knows exactly where he stands and therein lies his dilemma as a Presdiential candidate. I believe that his internal decision making process is a very difficult one. And that is because he is designed by way of training and personal beliefs to look at the issues from two perspectives. One as a political leader and the other as a Minister. The political leader may tell him it is wrong that children of illegals get lower college tuition rates (most likely due to the parents immigrant wage income), yet the Minister in him is telling him it is morally wrong to keep any kid no matter who they are from receiving a higher education if a way can be found to provide it for them.

This may not be the best of examples but I think when answering the question "What would Jesus do?" and giving the response "Jesus would be smart enough not to run for public office", I think in a way he was speaking of himself. Not that he was saying he was Jesus, but that he understood the difficulty of making those decisions that those in public office have to make versus what decisions they would like to make based on what they feel in their heart and on their personal faith. In other words, I'm sure when making that decision about tuition Huckabee struggled with his belief that Jesus would never deny any child an education, whether their parents were illegal immigrants or not versus the feelings of the majority of his constituents. And if my analysis is correct then Huckabee either needs to get out of the race or if given a chance could possible make one of the best Presidents this country has ever seen. For I do believe Huckabee does have that care and concern for people that so many of the other candidates lack.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:00 PM)

scott henderson nv (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:11 PM)

I beg to differ, small scott . . . I've seen your threatening posts and have suggested that the moderator remove them as they are most likely, under current laws, illegal.

junebug (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:13 PM)

junebug (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:14 PM)

HM, in an ivory tower somewhere (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:55 PM)

You eloquently articulated the point I think a lot of us were trying to make. It doesn't matter if questions were planted or who asked them...what is important are the answers to the questions.

Sarah, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:26 PM)

Republicans who are blowing a gasket over this aren't interested in fairness. they want what they are accustomed to - calling the shots.

I mean, come on! you saw VERY antagonistic questions at the Dem You Tube Debate. Shoot, the MSNBC Dem Debate with Brian Williams was VERY antagonistic. can you imagine Repubs welcoming a debate with KO or CNN's Jack Cafferty? no way. fairness my eye. they want to contol the context of every discussion they have. not to worry. maybe You Tube will enforce LOYALTY OATHS next time and they'll all feel right at home!

cage free brown (Sent Thursday, November 29, 2007 3:27 PM)

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