Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell called the debate “disgraceful” for the questions asked by ABC moderators Charles Gibson.
“The network [ABC] disgraced itself,” Rendell said. The questions did not relate to policy issues Rendell said.

Rendell did say he expected high voter turnout in Philadelphia. “The turnout in Philadelphia is going to be very very good,” he said.

In his talk about the economy, Obama said hedge fund managers were making tons of money. Could this be a hidden stab at New York Hedge Fund staffer Chelsea Clinton? MSNBC reports on Chelsea’s role at a hedge fund: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15549672/

From MSNBC:

“NEW YORK - Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton has joined Avenue Capital Group, a $12 billion hedge fund manager whose founder has contributed to many Democratic Party campaigns, a person familiar with the matter said Friday.”

…even The Triangle can’t resist reporting some of the swipes between the two candidates.

Photo source: http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/01/28/chelsea29107_wideweb__470×390,0.jpg

Both candidates pledged to not raise taxes on people making between $200,000- $250,000. Obama said that he would not only pledge to that, but that he would also lower taxes. Clinton said there will be no middle class tax increase of any kind.

Candidates began to discuss policy with Iraq.

“Upon taking office I will ask Secretary of Defense [and others] to create a plan so I can begin to withdraw within 60 days,” Clinton said.

Obama said that he would also stand up to generals that are for staying in Iraq because “[the] Commander and Chief sets the mission, that’s not the role of the generals.”

When discussing Iran, Clinton said that the US cannot permit Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and that an attack on Israel will result in sever retaliation from the US.

Obama agrees and call an Iran attack on Israel unacceptable.

Candidates spent a lot of time discussing religion, honesty and patriotism instead of addressing policy issues such as healthcare, the environment and the War in Iraq.

“For us to be obsessed with errors, is a mistake,” Obama said when the moderators addressed Clinton’s dishonesty.

 

Both of the candidates have yet to discuss a policy issue in the opening 42 minutes of the debate.

28 minutes into the debate and Clinton and Obama are still responding to questions about Rev. Wright and Clinton’s pastor’s support of Wright.

….Do PA voters care? Let us know!

The debate opened with the most recent quote controversy over the comment by Obama that PA voters could be “bitter” and have turned to guns and religion.

Obama said voters focus on “things that are constant” to explain this “bitter” comment. Obama said the economy is what matters and blamed Clinton for focusing on the comment rather than policy.

Clinton said PA voters are “resilient” and “positive” and said what is important is the candidates records. She said cited her own family history as a way she can better connect with PA voters.

“Do you think that Obama can beat John McCain?” Stephanopolous asked Clinton.
Clinton agreed that Obama will be a formidable candidate, but “he has the wrong ideas about America.”

Stephanopolous asked again if Clinton thinks Obama could win.
“Yes. Yes. Yes,” Clinton said, although she believes she is the better candidate.

Obama immediately said that Clinton can win, but that he is the better candidate as well.

Charles Gibson and George Stephanopolous are moderating the debate held in the Kimmel Theatre that just began.  Ed Rendell, Chelsea Clinton and Mayor Nutter are joined in the front row of the theatre.

·         Each candidate has 90 seconds to answer each question.  

·         Gibson will make sure that each candidate has the same time to speak throughout the debate

 The opening remarks addressed the need for change in American.  Candidates spoke about the frustrations that Americans have shown and will hopefully shed light on those throughout the debate.

Philadelphia Mayor Nutter and his daughter Olivia Nutter have just arrived at the debate. The Mayor recently endorsed Clinton along with Pa. Governor Ed Rendell. Nutter also joined also joined Senator Clinton at Drexel on stage for a town hall meeting April 11.