The Brown-Black Forum is underway here in Des Moines. After watching the first hour, what really strikes me so far is the relaxed nature of the candidates. All of them seem to feel comfortable with the format, that differs somewhat from some of the more "formal" debates that have occurred so far this year. I commend all of them for even showing up, given the weather we have today in Des Moines.
Hillary is getting grilled right now about her stand on driver's licences for illegal immigrants. Her position is very moderate and centrist, not way off to the left like Kucinich. It will help her immensely with general election voters, who are overwhelmingly NOT in favor of granting drivers licences to illegals. I happen to disagree, I think they should be granted, especially to young people who should be taking driver's ed with their peers in high school.
Dodd also stuck it directly to John Edwards, pointing out that he voted for a bankruptcy bill that was very detrimental to poor folks in this country. Edwards looked a bit like a deer in headlights, but recovered nicely and ended up admitting that he was wrong.
The crowds outside the debate are lively as usual, with large crowds of young people engaged in a sign war and chanting. My folks went to a debate party hosted by none other than Bill Clinton. I was invited too, but decided not to go out in the bad weather.
Back to watching the rest of the debate...
Comment Preview