Transcript from NPR Democratic Presidential Radio Debate

[Karmadillo]

It was a good debate. Here's the transcript for those who missed it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59300-2004Jan6.html

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CONAN: We have two hours, so we'll talk about Iraq and terrorism, about deficits and taxes, but we also want to step back from the news to ask about some broader issues, about your views of America and its place in the world, about the proper role of government, about who you are and how you think.

The first question is for Governor Dean.

Forty years ago, in his State of the Union address, President Lyndon Johnson declared an unconditional war on poverty. Both Democrats and Republicans have controlled the White House and Congress since then. Why are so many Americans still living in poverty?

more...

[Kathleen04]

1. Here's a link to the audio:

http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/debate2004/index.html

[Rose Siding]

2. Joe hit Dean on anger and unity

Dean's response:
I would submit, Joe, that's just what I'm doing. As you know, today Bill Bradley endorsed me; a month ago Al Gore endorsed me -- two people who fought bitterly for the nomination four years ago, as you're well aware.

If I can begin to breach the gap between Bill Bradley and Al Gore, and bring in people who have served long periods of time in Washington, and all the enthusiastic supporters we have, then I think I may be the right candidate to beat George Bush.

DEAN: Let me just say one other thing. I agree with accommodation. Bill Clinton did a fantastic job as president, because he had extraordinary political skills, bringing people together.

But you cannot accommodate to the right wing led by people like Tom DeLay. Their values are not the values of the American people. And I think that it's time to stand up to those folks' values.

I truly believe that the right wing of the Republican Party puts the interests of their own party and their own power and their own vision for America ahead of the interests of the United States of America. And I agree with you, I'm proud to be an American.

I believe -- and I have a history as governor of working with Republican Senates and Republican Houses and Democratic and so forth and so on. But when people are unreasonable and put their own interests before the interests of America, then I say it's time to stand up, that is not the time to accommodate.

[liberalnurse]

3. The message is clear, articulate

and powerful. Yes, I say..."We the People".

[Bucky]

7. Another bothersome Dean quote

I cringe at the parochial point of view someone must have to say something like...

If I can begin to breach the gap between Bill Bradley and Al Gore

If you don't get the unintentional irony here, let me 'splain. There is no great political gap between Bradley and Gore. They're both liberal centrists who played the game, did moderately well, went for the brass ring, and got undeservedly trashed. Now they're both on the outs with the Democratic establishment and looking to reclaim the country for the people. There is personal animosity between them. They had competing ambitions in the last presidential nomination cycle. They have different hair styles. But there is no gap. If Dean thinks there is, he lives in a very narrow universe.

I'm not in trash Dean mode here. Don't call this trashing. I'm criticizing. Too often I hear him speak or read his words and I am perplexed by the insularity of his world view. He compares his betting criticism from opposing candidates to the way Job was afflicted by God.

When confronted on the fact that his mail outs in Iowa called Kerry "Bush-lite" his response was essentially, "oh, those are just mail outs. I don't know anything about them." As if leaders aren't accountable for what their campaign workers do.

He thought he could reach out to moderate southerners by mentioning the Confederate flag. He thought he could reach out to Christians by suddenly announcing, oh, whenever he's in the South he'll start talking about God for the first time in his life.

I'll vote for him in a New York minute (as we say down here in Texas, for some weird reason), but too damn often he just opens up his mouth and makes me cringe. I know my neighbors. I disagree with their politics but I understand where they come from. This fellow won't cut it in Flyover Country. He'll leave Bush reelected because he won't reach out beyond the angry demographic.

I'm angry so he'll reach me. But the majority do not go there. Bush and Ashcroft and Rummy like 'em scared and keep 'em scared and now they're more scared than angry. If we don't overcome that fear, all the anger in the world will not produce an electoral majority.

[LWolf]

4. Well, I'm listening now.

And I've already read the transcript. They all sound good tonight. I will say that I think the smaller field of candidates allows each to say more. They all sound relaxed and are getting their message out. They haven't said anything that surprised me; they've each presented the perspective on the issues I've come to expect. Some I agree with more than others, and I've made a choice based on who I think will do the best job in the WH in taking America where I think she should go. Still, I respect all and like most. Good job, candidates!

And now I'll say that I was intrigued by CMB tonight. I really like her, I have all along. Tonight she seemed to be reaching out to Dennis. She made a few clear statements of agreement with him. They are close enough on enough issues that it doesn't surprise me.

[pasadenaboy]

5. I thought this was the only debate that Lieberman did well in

Kerry seemed whiny, everyone else was okay. Grades:


Braun B
Everyone Else C+
Kerry D

[cryofan]

6. mooch-ass grassy-ass....I was waiting for this -- eom