Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:37:41 GMT

Why they government would not get as many Mine Resistant Ambush Protected armored vehicles as humanly possible to Iraq is beyond my comprehension! I'm sure if a few more people making these decisions had loved ones, or close friends in Iraq they would see the need. But then given the government didn't find it necessary for all soldiers to have body armor I should only be disappointed, but not surprised. It's too bad that Sen. Biden seems to be the only one discussing this issue!

Kudo's to Sen Biden and Gov. Richardson for returning money from a "donor that is being charged with involvement in the Iraq oil-for-food scandal." McCain and Clinton have not returned the money! Given Sen. Biden and Gov. Richardson's total fund raising to date is a fraction of what Clinton has been able to raise each quarter, their returning funds from a person now charged (but not convicted) with illegal activity has an financial effect, whereas Clinton wouldn't notice the loss of the funding. And yet she hasn't returned the money. She will do so, it will just take some time to see whether the story gains traction. Didn't her campaign recently say after the Hsu problem, they were going to step up their review of funding to ensure no more tainted money?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:55:55 GMT

Hillary giving money back to a criminal?
She'll give it back when the pressure gets to much like Norman Hsu......

Hillary seems to have learned a lot from her last failed attempts to shove Hillarycare down our throats. However, she still has not laid out the total plan, probably won't till after the election (if she wins and it is too late to do anything about it) or is forced to show her hand at the debates with the republican candidate.

In a way, John Edwards is a hypocrite. He talks about people losing their homes, yet he has a hedge fund that is doing exactly what he is talking about; kicking people out of their homes. The haircuts and the house is another thing. Hard to talk about people living in poverty when your haircut cost about the same as most poor people's monthly income. John Edwards has the right message, he is just the wrong messenger.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:04:42 GMT

Maybe the reasons they did not have the body and vehicle armor they needed was because they couldn't find a Republican-loyalist contractor to provide them and/or they were too busy paying the merceneries they've hired so they could buy the proper armor for themselves. Maybe a few intrepid journalists could find out.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

diane — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:09:27 GMT

I am honestly trying to figure out why you guys - the traditional media - is going overboard over Hillary's health care plan (of which the reviews are about split)but, never noticed, noted or commented much on either Edwards or Obama's health care plan when they came out.
bias much?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

karlos — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:09:39 GMT

please spare me the tax cut bid off by you'all politicos.it isn't the 500-1000 bucks that will save me and my family of 6 its stabilizing prices and eliminating profiteering by oil that kills my budget.my family averages 5 gallons of gas a day and 2 gallons of milk. since 2000 the rise in cost of these items will eat all of the $1000. leave my taxes where they are and focus on the economy inflation to get my money back.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Lyn, MD — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:11:54 GMT

Well I was there and it didn't fall flat....that's why people should not listen to pundits with an agenda.

BTW some estimates say there were close to 4k thousdand people. It was definetly well over 2k

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:18:09 GMT

By the time you save money with Hillarycare....

it will be eaten up by taxes, higher food prices, housing costs, fule costs, etc....

What kind of savings is that?

Now if hillary can get gasoline down to $1.25 a gallon, that will change some votes, but we all know that will never happen in a Hillary white house.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

North Carolinian, Raleigh NC — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:24:56 GMT

When we hire someone, we usually want someone with both bright ideas AND a track record of accomplishment, unless it's an entry-level position. Because I don't the US presidency an entry-level position, I won't consider someone with absolutely no track record of political accomplishment for the position.

I'm talking about John Edwards. While he has some great dieas, Edwards has never actually put any into action.

Edwards has been elected to only one office, ever. He never served in the state legislature, not even PTA. As part of a midlife crisis, he ran against a guy Forbes dubbed "Senator for Sale." Before completing his very first term, Edwards abandoned North Carolina to campaign for president/vp. After losing, he opened a "think tank" that did nothing tangible for our state.

(His campaign ploy of handing out tree saplings to New Hampshirites especially egregious, given that his own state is in danger of losing a state icon and major tourist draw, the ecosystm of Linville Falls, for want of only about $100k to treat the hemlock forest for an exotic pest.)

It's naive to think that someone with absolutely no track record of political accomplishment at any level could get anything done in the complex world of Washington. I urge New Hampshire not to consider Edwards until he can show just ONE political accomplishment other self-promotion.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:25:03 GMT

Diane - As I pointed to you yesterday, it was a very smart campaign strategy by Hillary. Obama and Edwards came out with their plans months ago - they were covered then, but people tend to forget what happened that far back in the campaign. Hillary, on the other hand, spent months creating a buzz about her plan by dangling little pieces of it like carrots - a little tease here, a little tease there - before finally unveiling the whole plan, at a time when her opponents were not unveiling much of anything.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

OEST, Raleigh, NC — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:44:33 GMT

John Edwards isn't any more "PHONY" than any other politician, but that's the CARICATURE of him that the media are determined to create.

John Edwards hasn't had any $1,250 hair cut. He paid the air fare and lodging for a hair stylist to cut his hair before a major event a year or two ago, JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER CANDIDATE HAS DONE from time to time.

The hair cut itself wasn't even $200, which is cheap for a politician on the campaign trail.

HILLARY CLINTON IS THE HYPOCRITE.

She's the one kissing corporate lobbyist behind, while trying to claim that their are not differences between her and the other candidates on the issues. She waits until Edwards and Obama release their health care plans, and then she models hers after theirs just so that she can once again claim that there are no differences, so you may as well go with her since she's the frontrunner.

She's a joke, and a hypocrite.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

nuanced — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:51:07 GMT

Back in 2000 my evangelical relatives said they had examined the candidates tax plans and were for Bush because they had calculated he would save them $500 in taxes with his proposed cuts. Since then Bush has added enough to the national debt so that every household owes over $20,000 more. Very foolish savings indeed.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Ashe, SF CA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:09:43 GMT

Note to First Read: Stop carrying Hillary's water

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Flat-earther, Georgia — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:23:13 GMT

The well protected humvees all went to Blackwater. We the taxpayers just paid indirectly; probably a lot more also.

Maybe Blackwater will leave them for the soldiers; naw, they will sell them back to the US.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

ex-marine,vietvet — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:08:40 GMT

the protected humvees will be turned over to that well trained iraq army at US TAXPAYER EXPENSE which will then be used to protect terrorist from US Army

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Lyn, MD — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:12:03 GMT

Obama has a must see new Ad Best of the campaign (any) so far:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/iowabelievead

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Richard, Palatka, FL — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:23:25 GMT

Exactly OEST!
The media and MSNBC diss John Edwards via opinion articles - while CONCEALING current negative info about Billary. The Clinton-Murdoch merger has been quite advantageous for Hillary.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0707/Defending_Hillary_from_the_left.html

Hillary's chief strategist, Mark Penn, owns a company that engages in union busting - while she woos the union vote! That's the 2 Hillary's the media doesn't reveal.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/18/1281

This summer Clinton hosted a free trade gala with the murderous thug Uribe of Colombia. And Clinton aides are free trade lobbyists for the Colombian government.

http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/ap_clinton_aides_being_paid_by.html

But don't look for any of these FACTS to be reported by MSNBC or NBC or Fox News or....

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

William, NYC — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:28:08 GMT

Yes - Hillary is a follower but the media dupes the people that she's a "leader."
The media also misuses terminology - casting Hillary Hawk as "moderate" - while claiming Edwards is farrr left - although Edwards positions are MAINSTREAM - per polling and studies.
If the people were provided the Truth - they'd realize Repubs are extremists and farrrrr right.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Retired Hippie in Florida — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:41:53 GMT

Don't be so stupid. There won't be enough vehicles because were going to cut the Defense budget by 60 billion to pay for health care and a "Won't you love America" capaign to make the terrorist love us again. You leftist don't know what the left hand is doing. Peace Man, who needs a military - free stuff for everyone.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

End This War, Dallas, Tx. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:54:24 GMT

Hillary Clinton health care plan is the same a the auto insurance, it will be mandatory to have even if you can`t afford it.
She plan on helping those that can`t afford it, but look at it this way if you make less than $35000.00 a year your still screwed as it is you have chldren to feed and clothe, payment for the house or appartment you live in and gas to put into the car you drive tom get to a job that is paying you the less than less than $35000.00 with all that done what is left for you to save for a rainy day. What is needed is for
the government to change the price that is being paid for health insurance not to make it mandtory for you to have it. America if we keep letting things like this happen we are going to be just like Russia, a country were the government tells you what to do and you better do it or to prison you go.
STOP THE MADDNESS this is so wrong.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Stacy S. Medford OR — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:53:43 GMT

Joe Biden gets it right again. In the face of opposition from the far-left that may cost him the presidential nomination, Senator Biden again and again shows leadership on this issue. Folks, funding the troops is not funding the war. The troops deserve every protection we can give them. It's heartbreaking that more poeple do not support Joe Biden for president.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

wayneTx — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:57:50 GMT

Hard to argue with Jerry on his 9:55am post

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Leslie, Savannah, Georgia — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:06:59 GMT

I'm with you Stacy! I can't understand why more people are not supporting Sen. Biden.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Lee Holmes — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:11:40 GMT

We will also bear in mind here that the elapsed time since the Democrat takeover of Congress now more than exactly matches Bush between inauguration and 9/11. Bush has been rightly faulted by the 9/11 Commission on his failures leading up to that momentous day. Republicans,when they had the leadership,were faulted on this ''HUMVEE/Armour ''issue by no less than the current Democrat leaders of both houses of Congress. Yet where has the appropriations money gone? Not to armour but to pet campaign contributors to the tune of over 100 billion dollars since January.[and that Democrats outside of Biden have suddenly become nearly silent on this issue]. The New Boss...Same as the old boss.....

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Tom,DC — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:18:41 GMT

Don't trust the Pudits a TV news ( Fox 5)live report of Obama rally 4.5K excited people

http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/News/Politics/Detail?contentId=4396257&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.14.1

(Come on guys do your homework)

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:50:11 GMT

Carrie, Eastern Iowa writes:

"Diane - As I pointed to you yesterday, it was a very smart campaign strategy by Hillary. Obama and Edwards came out with their plans months ago - they were covered then, but people tend to forget what happened that far back in the campaign. Hillary, on the other hand, spent months creating a buzz about her plan by dangling little pieces of it like carrots - a little tease here, a little tease there - before finally unveiling the whole plan, at a time when her opponents were not unveiling much of anything."

Carrie,

Seriously I'm beginning to think you must be a paid staff member of Clinton's campaign. Either that or you ..., no I'll stick with my strong suspicion, I hope the pay is good. The idea that 1. The late release of her "health plan" was a grand strategy to get media closer to the caucus, and 2. That the media gave Edwards, and Obama's plans combined anywhere near the coverage in the last 7 months (since Edwards plan first came out) that has been devoted in just the last 3 days to Hillary's plan, both in terms of amount of network and cable time devoted to Edwards and Obama's plans combined versus Hillary's, and the amount of print space, and location of the stories is an absolute joke. I can't find any other explanation than you either are on her staff, and your sole job is to write threads, or you don't subscribe to any newspapers, rarely watch TV, and maybe recently had a head injury.

There are many explanations why the media hasn't covered the specific of Edwards or Obama's health plans. They don't usually get into fine details of anything, either because they think the public doesn't care, or couldn't comprehend the details, also it is easier and fits programming schedules to merely report on the horse race. They may not even understand the differences between Obama and Edwards plans so they merely report on the claims between the candidates regarding whose plan covers more, etc. If any candidate other than Hillary released a health care plan on Monday it would be a small story, but because the media assumes that Hillary is the nominee, and because she is Hillary Clinton they devote a considerable amount of time and print space to her plan.

Hillary is not to blame for the fact that she gets more coverage than all other candidates combined. The media, not Hillary makes those decisions. But people have a right to complain about it, and be pissed that the MSM actually believes the public doesn't want a bit more fair coverage. Attacking the unfair media treatment is not an attack on Hillary, but on the lazy media.

The funniest thing you said was your claim that Hillary purposefully waited as some tactic. No she did not intentionally wait for better press coverage, if she had been able to do so, she would never release a plan. She was criticized by many groups, including labor groups for her failure to release a plan. If this delay was calculated, the vaunted Clinton campaign we keep hearing about is pretty stupid. She would prefer to be vague about everything. Empty platitudes is what Hillary provides.

Carrie, if you really are a typical Iowa caucus goer, who is even still mildly open to other candidates I'd appreciate you explaining why is does not bother you that Hillary refuses to answer questions at open meetings like all other non-incumbent Presidential Democratic candidates (including sitting VP's running for President) have always done. She did this one day during her first trip to Iowa (in January or February). But because she didn't like being asked about her war vote she no longer will answer unfiltered questions in any non-invitation only event in Iowa. Al Gore had to put up with questions about Bill and Monica in 1999, and the Lincoln bedroom etc., many times the people who attended the events weren't Bill Bradly supporters out to make Gore look bad, but republicans trying to embarrass Gore. But even though no one really gave Bradley much of a chance Gore still did as he had in 1988, and answered audience questions at his events. For me Hillary's refusal to answer unfiltered questions before a live Iowa audience disqualifies her as a candidate I will even consider supporting at the caucus. Even W took unfiltered questions in 1999 while campaign in Iowa, he shut that down after winning the nomination, but Hillary is the first to do it prior to the caucus. That is very unsettling. We are expected to believe she can handle being the nominee, despite her refusal to answer unfiltered questions now!

So please explain to me why any Iowan should support Hillary if she either doesn't respect Iowans enough to answer questions, or if she is so afraid of having a youtube moment that she won't take unfiltered questions at her events. I've asked you specific questions before, and you haven't answered this, I would greatly appreciate your answer to this question.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:18:36 GMT

Leslie, Savannah, Georgia & Stacy S. Medford OR

Don't worry Sen. Biden has a lot of support in Iowa, and it continues to grow. Most Iowa caucus goers place a very high premium on general election electability. One thing that David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register (Iowa's leading newspaper, and Yepsen is their political columnist), Howard Fineman and several others wrote after attending Harkin's Steak Fry was that there is significant sentiment among party activist that Hillary can't win the general election, both said that the concern is very real, and as a result a second tier candidate could win Iowa. Yepsen added that he expects more Hillary supporters will likely move away from her as the caucus grows near as a result.

What the media didn't report from the steak fry was that Biden supporters were the 4th largest group at the steak fry. (or that Sen. Harkin saved his most glowing introduction for Senator Biden) And they also didn't mention that the hundreds of Biden supporters all came to Des Moines from all over the state on their own and paid their own way in. Obama transported 15 bus loads of people through out the state to the event, Hillary had a similar number (Obama released his figures, Hillary didn't)Edwards had numerous buses, and both Dodd and Richardson had a bus from Cedar Rapids, and I don't know about any other cities. I would not be surprised if Biden had more supporters (people wearing a Biden T-shirt and holding a placard) who paid their own transportation and ticket in than any other campaign.

Have faith that Iowa will do the right thing. And if you want to see Sen. Biden win Iowa, and don't live in Iowa (or even if you do live here) go to his website and donate to his campaign to help get his message out.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

CJ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:25:03 GMT

I think Obama has displayed enough common sense...time to get Dem voters to vote for him with fire and passion while he still has the chance.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

J. D. in California — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:25:40 GMT

All of the democrats running for president have the same basic plans. They all are for universal health care, end the war, and an end to the power of corporate special interests. All of them! You minor mental midgets who campaign incessantly for one or another, while demonizing the opponents are just playing into the hands of the rupublicans. Demonizing is the vehicle of tiny minds. Also, all of this mindless campaigning will not make even the tiniest difference in which candidate gets the nomination. All it does is discourage the apolitical from voting in November. If you really want to make a difference then get involved in a local campaign where an individual can actually make a difference in who wins the election.

BTW, I thought it was funny that Jerry mentioned (in so many words) that if Hillary could bring down the cost of gasoline to $1.25 then he would vote for her. That was exactly the average price of gasoline when Clinton left the white house.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

George — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:46:36 GMT

That damn MSM keeps messing up. I know my candidate would be #1 in all the meaningless polls that are all too early to pay attention to if only they would listen to ME! The reason why my candidate isn't getting the kind of coverage the other one is getting is because they favor them over my guy. I BLAME THEM!

That's also the reason that the general public, who are both too stupid to realize that ONLY my guy has the ideas and experience or judgment, whatever, and the other guys are corrupt and BOUGHT AND SOLD by the big companies (no one can deny this!) and that everyone I talk to AGREES WITH ME!

I just don't understand how, because it is crystal clear to me that if you are for the other guy, you don't know ANYTHING! My guy has the best ads, the best plans and policies and nobody else comes close. I am sure I would feel the same way even if I READ all the other guy's ads and plans, because I KNOW my guy's stuff is better, and I haven't really read all of that!
So, stop with the bias and stupidity MSM! If you had all the facts, like I do, you'd be pushing those stories I post here that PROVE the other candidates are WRONG for America, and you would only say positive things about my guy, because when you don't YOU'RE BIASED!

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Adrian Sullivan — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:02:19 GMT

Sara, Cedar Rapids:

Thank you for renewing my faith. I have supported Biden since last year and was beginning to think he might never catch on.

If I travel to Iowa to volunteer on his campaign can you put me up?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

George — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:13:11 GMT

So please explain to me why any Iowan should support Hillary if she either doesn't respect Iowans enough to answer questions, or if she is so afraid of having a youtube moment that she won't take unfiltered questions at her events. I've asked you specific questions before, and you haven't answered this, I would greatly appreciate your answer to this question.

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, September 19, 2007 3:50 PM)

Dear Sara-

You are, of course, without any shadow of a doubt, right. We realize that the most important, if not the only important thing in this campaign is to answer your questions, which are obviously well-intentioned and without even a smidge of bias.
We recognize that if we could only answer your questions to your satisfaction, that we would be able to change your mind and erase all the negative things you continue to write about Hillary and gain your support, because as Sara goes, so goes Iowa. We know you have an open mind and are trying to figure out who to support and that you are just asking (like all the other times your questions have gone unanswered) to help you make up your mind, and that's why we are so sorry.

But you know that your questions are just too good, too tough, and expose the depth of the failings of our campaign and our candidate.
With this in mind we are prepared to do absolutely nothing, not answer your questions, let you continue to post your negative anti-Hillary, monumentally long posts until the caucuses, which we will win.
You are right Sara, Hillary doesn't respect Iowans, and she so fears a YOUTUBE moment that she will never ever take unfiltered questions. How else could you possibly answer those burning questions?
Despite this we will still win.

All of the other candidates are so much better; We are in fact, in league with the devil and have every intention of destroying the country when we take over. We really don't know why everyone doesn't listen to you and base their opinions on your unbiased reporting. It would save the country, if not the entire planet.

We thank you for your input and truly appreciate you joining the conversation.

The Hillary Clinton Team
(What did you expect, saying we DO respect Iowans? You wouldn't really believe THAT)

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Stacy S., Medford OR — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:55:28 GMT

Sara, Cedar Rapids - thanks for the remarks. Being out here in Oregon it's hard to tell what is really going on where the real campaign is happening. It sometimes feels like the press is treating this election more like American Idol than a serious debate on the direction of our country. Keep up your good work!

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Stacy S., Medford OR — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:26:14 GMT

If Hillary's last name was not Clinton, and she had exactly the same record of public service as she has now, would she be a top-tier candidate? Just who do Mrs. Clinton supporters really think they are voting for?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:00:34 GMT

George:

You epitomize exactly what I dislike about Hillary and her supporters - the condescending attitude. The minute anyone voices their displeasure with Hillary your tone turns dismissive and arrogant.

I have been a Democrat all my life. I volunteered on Bill Clinton's 92 campaign. But, Hillary Clinton does not have an inherent right to the nomination. She has to earn it like any other candidate.

One question - what happens when Bill cheats again? That is a real possibility and you know it. What happens if he cheats when she is President? Answer that. Let me know what her supporters are going to do when she is once again publicly humiliated. What message will that send the world?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:39:42 GMT

Hey George,

You mistake me for a Hillary hater, I'm not, although if her campaign doesn't stop push polling and other sleazy tactics against other Democrats I might become one. I actually think Hillary would be an above average President, and if she was a shadow President, and let Bill really run things she'd be great. I have met Hillary several times. The first time was the night before the 96 election when the Clinton's last stop before flying to Ark. was CR, IA (on the mistaken belief Sen. Harkin had a tough primary fight on his hands) I was at a fund raiser at her DC home in October of 02. It was for Dr. Julianne Thomas, a local MD, who ran against Cong. Leach in 02. That night she signed the picture I took of her holding my then 2 year old daughter the night before the 96 election. I contributed to her 2000 Senate campaign. I have personally spoken to her several times since January of this year, and each time found her to be very gracious and pleasant. (The Hall of Fame dinner on June 2nd, again on July 4th) And I saw her at the AAJ forum in Chicago on July 15th, the ABC debate in Des Moines, the livestrong forum August 27th, and the steak fry last Sunday. I could have made an effort to talk to her at those events, but had no desire to do so. I don't have any questions to ask Sen. Clinton. I know her voting record, and I know that other than Kucinich and Gravel she is the candidate who poses the biggest hurdle for the Democrats in the general election. I wish that were not true, I would sleep better if it weren't true. Under the best of circumstance Hillary would have a difficult time winning in Nov. 08, However if Hillary is the nominee there is a very good chance that California will pass the electoral college vote distribution referendum that will be on the ballot in June 08. If that happens we will not only lose in 08, but it will be a very long time before there is a Democrat in the WH.

I do not need any question answered by Hillary. I know her voting record, and more importantly I know the grave risk posed by voting for her. However, if a candidate, any candidate, will not take unfiltered questions during the primary from people attending the candidates events, it calls into question whether the candidate could win the general. The primary is a weeding out process to see how candidates do under pressure. If a candidate is afraid to answer questions in Iowa (or NH) from people attending open events, as opposed to the Hall of Fame dinner where only people who donate a minimum of 500 a head to the Iowa democratic party attend the candidate cocktail party prior to the banquet, or at other invitation only functions where no hard questions will be asked, then I will not vote for that candidate. I do not want to find out in the general election debate, where the moderator requires the candidate to answer the question, and where the attack from the GOP nominee is not subtle, as they have been from the Democratic candidates, that the candidate is not ready for prime time.

What you don't understand George this isn't about me every question I have asked of Hillary (Will you hold my daughter for a picture, and will you autograph this picture) she has answered. What it is about is why would anyone support a candidate who is acting like a Republican incumbent President? I don't understand why.

As I suspected, once again Carrie did not answer my direct question. And she won't answer it (at least not under Carrie, Eastern Iowa) because no Iowan would defend a candidate refusing to answer unfiltered questions.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:45:55 GMT

"If I travel to Iowa to volunteer on his campaign can you put me up?

Adrian Sullivan"

I already have a young women from PA who is taking her senior year of college off, so I don't have any room. However, call Jennifer at Sen. Biden's CR office, and tell her you want to volunteer, and we'll find you room at a Biden supporters home.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 02:36:23 GMT

Sara - I'm not quite sure why you felt the need to attack me, as a person, rather than respond simply to what I am saying. Is it really necessary to speculate about my occupation? Is it really necessary to surmise that I must have suffered a head injury? Way to elevate the level of discourse, Sara.

You dedicate paragraph after paragraph to preaching the virtues of Biden (who, incidentally, I have said repeatedly that I really like and respect, and who I have also said probably has the most relevant experience) but others are not allowed to speak about candidates whom you feel are inferior? This is precisely the ridiculous, bickering sort of post that has driven so many people from First Read. You, along with many others, are incapable of separating your opinions on a candidate from those who say positive things about that candidate, and feel the need to attack people who disagree with you.

I have always enjoyed your posts. I find them very informative. Looking at the complete lack of respect you have displayed for me in your post, I am going to chalk my prior enjoyment of your posts as a side effect of my head injury.

As for any questions you have asked me, either prior to this or now, I will not be answering them. I have no need to explain myself to someone who insults me for no reason other than that I disagree with her opinion of a political candidate.

By the way, how much does Biden pay YOU to sing his praises day after day? I mean, since anyone who defends a particular candidate must be a paid operative for that campaign, I figure you must be on the take given the number of times each day you fill these pages with pro-Biden sentiments.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

H P Boston — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 02:38:58 GMT

Yes Sara sometimes my eyes close and my mind blanks out trying to read your posts, so I just stopped.
So sorry , it will probably ruin my life before it ruins yours. So who did you say I should vote for? I missed the steak fry and all the fun, I am so so sorry Sara. Could you cut the posts down to half a page and maybe I could keep up. Iowa? Where is Iowa?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:17:28 GMT

Sara - Wow, patience is not a virtue of yours, is it? I have a life outside this blog, thanks...so I couldn't respond to your post ASAP. If you'll notice I did, in fact respond to you...but I imagine you will be disappointed with the response. Sorry about that. Those of us who suffer head injuries are kinda fuzzy on the details, you know...can't really get into specifics about why I like anyone.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:44:04 GMT

Elizabeth - Please don't tell me you are blaming the woman for the man who cheats. Hillary should NOT be humiliated if Bill cheats on her again. She shouldn't have been humiliated the first time, considering she did nothing wrong.

As far as what her supporters would do - if they would jump ship because her husband cheated on her, they weren't really supporters in the first place.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:47:11 GMT

Carrie, Eastern Iowa responds twice as follows: "Sara - Wow, patience is not a virtue of yours, is it? I have a life outside this blog, thanks...so I couldn't respond to your post ASAP. If you'll notice I did, in fact respond to you...but I imagine you will be disappointed with the response. Sorry about that. Those of us who suffer head injuries are kinda fuzzy on the details, you know...can't really get into specifics about why I like anyone. "

and again

"Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Thursday, SeptemBy the way, how much does Biden pay YOU to sing his praises day after day? I mean, since anyone who defends a particular candidate must be a paid operative for that campaign, I figure you must be on the take given the number of times each day you fill these pages with pro-Biden sentiments."

Carrie responding, and answering the question is not the same, and you refuse to actually answer the question. To wit:

Why blindly support a candidate who has failed since January (or first week of Feb, haven't checked the date) to take any unfiltered questions during the primary from people attending open candidates events, as opposed to at fund raiser, or events that are limited to friendly activists?

You won't answer it, because you can't defend it, at least not rationally. Not because you have this busy outside life, your on-line all day on threads. And my question was posed to you early yesterday afternoon, and you were on line yesterday after that criticizing Obama and praising Hillary long after I posted my question.

With respect to how much Sen. Biden is paying me that is funny. I wish he had the funds to pay me, but I wouldn't take the money. Clinton has an enormous Iowa staff (13 paid staffers in CR alone. Sen. Biden, as you know does not have the limitless campaign funding that Clinton does, so obviously he doesn't have the money to pay someone to defend him on line, and I wouldn't take his money, financially I'm on the donating, not receiving end to his campaign. I do support Sen. Biden, but I have also defended Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Richardson and Obama when unfairly attacked, such as your attack of Obama AGAIN this morning, on another thread. But when you or others make ridiculous claims i.e. Hillary waited to unveil her health plan to get better press, I do respond.

More importantly find one post of mine that has had a false statement, not one you didn't like, but one that actually contained a false fact. Also, you are the only one I've accused of being a paid operative. You attack other candidates (almost exclusively Obama) and often your attacks against him are false, and this morning hypocritical given your undying support of Hillary. You claim on C-span to have seen Obama refuse to be photographed with a volunteer at the steak fry. I watched the second edition of the C-span coverage Sunday night after returning from Indianola and unless they had different coverage in the afternoon, your charge against Obama didn't happen. (You said you started watching late and only saw Biden speak- during the second broadcast of the event there was nothing shown that demonstrated Obama refusing to be photographed.

I proudly support Biden, but I have defended candidates who are unfairly attacked, and will continue to do so, and as important, unlike Clinton's paid staff (not referring to you right now) I have not lied about other candidates.

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:31:26 GMT

Sara - If you haven't noticed, they are not exactly quick to update things around here, are they? And I responded within TWO hours of your post. Sorry, like I said, I have a life and I don't spend every waking moment here, hanging on your every word and waiting for some pearl of wisdom to drop from Mt. Sara. I'd be waiting a pretty long time if I did.

As far as my "attack" of Obama this morning...you have serious hypersensitivity problems if you think that was an attack. I questioned the wisdom of his choosing to attend a rally with celebs rather than participate in a forum in Iowa at which Clinton and Edwards were both going to be present. It's not a choice I would have made.

Name one false "attack" that I have made of anyone. I was mistaken yesterday re: the Jena situation, and once I learned of my mistake I immediately apologized for getting it wrong. That C-Span thing DID happen. Perhaps you were not paying attention. Perhaps you were too busy making kissy faces at Biden posters undoubtedly covering your walls. And why is it you didn't bring that up when you responded to me on Monday then, Sara? You went through a very detailed account of your experience at the steak fry, and then you addressed a comment specifically to my concern about Obama not taking that picture, saying that if it happened, you didn't see it. Nowhere in that post did you mention having watched it. In fact, I think you even said you were busy doing Biden things so you didn't notice anything like that at the event. You didn't say you watched it when you got home that night. It seems like that would have been the time to mention it, don't you think?

At any rate, I have grown bored with your temper tantrums and YOUR false accusations. Feel free to slander me all you want. I will no longer dignify it with a response.

One last thing...I sure as hell hope you don't treat all undecided people this way in your zeal to promote Biden. I have been leaning towards him for the last several weeks, largely based on things I have seen you post. I have said as much on numerous occasions. But you choose to zero in on the fact that I defend Hillary against the dozens and dozens of attacks that are sent her way. I have also defended Biden and Richardson and Edwards and yes, even Obama. I suppose you don't see that though, do you?

Oh-eight (D): The two Edwardses

Jillian, Chandler, Az — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:45:29 GMT

Senator Biden seems to be the only candidate that is getting anything done besides campaigning!
When is MSNBC going to wake up? Why do you constantly talk about every little thing that Hillary and Obama do - when they accomplish nothing?
I am glad that you are finally reporting about how Edwards is one person on the campaign trail and another person in real life.

The one candidate that is actually making a difference, who is actually fighting for our troops and for our rights, is the one candidate you chose to ignore.
Biden fever is everywhere I go. Isn't it time the media begins to take notice?