Third Estate Sunday Review: KPFA Blog from their debate coverage

6:51	Welcome to the Pacifca/KPFA Democratic Debate Live Blog: Your blogger-in-chief is Camille Dixon

6:51	Please type in your comments below, and if you would like to ask a question, please add your location so we can read it on the air!

7:00	What question would YOU ask Barack Obama and/or Hillary Rodham Clinton if you had a chance to ask it? Optional: Please respond with your name and city.

7:03	Ann Raber is a reporter at Pacifica affiliate KPFT in Houston Texas

7:07	[Comment From Mike in Berkeley] I would ask both these folks to Clarify your position on Same Sex Marriage...

7:07	[Comment From Ralph Nader] The question I would ask why do you divert questions about Healthcare away from Single Payer.

7:08	[Comment From bmagical] What are the explicit steps you are going to take to create a government of the people by the people instead of having our political leaders chasing the money?

7:08	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Is waterboarding torture? and what is your view about the USA adhering to the Geneva conventions and other international laws?

7:09	[Comment From Peggy Datz] Should you win, and actually try to change anything substantive, what will be the strongest institutional resistances that you will face, and how will you address them?

7:09	[Comment From Chance Massaro] A question for the two of them: what is your relationship with the Pintsky Family? Why is Penny, supposedly part of the reason we have the mortgage meltdown, chief of Obama's team and her brother working for Hillary.

7:10	[Comment From gar in Oakland] one of the CNN folks, I think Anderson Cooper, said that Univision was going to show the debate right now. Perhaps it was an issue of adding translation?

7:11

7:12	[Comment From Barbara] What is your position on the Middle East situation and how would you facilitate bringing the Israelis and Palestininans together to build a just and lasting peace?

7:12	[Comment From RebBoy] I believe the Univision broadcast will be at 8:30pm for Pacific, West coast.

7:13	[Comment From gar in Oakland] Yes, RebBoy, you are right. Anderson did say 11:30 eastern time.

7:13

[Comment From Bev in Petaluma CA]
Senator Clinton: You did know that the insurance companies would not be happy before you ever started on the health care issue - so what was the reason you dropped it??? Why did you never share your ideas with the American people? Did the importance of getting NAFTA passed supercede the health care issue?

7:13	Learn More about how US Veterans have been treated at KPFA's the War Comes Home... warcomeshome.org

7:13	[Comment From noelle] How will you dismantle the military-industrial-complex???

7:14

[Comment From Dave MacKenzie]
As Commander-in-Chief, you will have the authority to launch any or all of America's thousands of nuclear warheads at an adversary, either in the "fog of war" or pre-emptively against a potential threat. What can you tell the American people about the decision-making process you would use to determine whether or not to nuclear weapons in a difficult situation? The current president, George W. Bush, stated that "God asked me to end the tyranny in Iraq." Would your process for deciding on the use of nuclear weapons be totally logical, or would it perhaps include prayer, or some other method? As a follow-up, what would you do as President to reduce the risk of an accidental nuclear war, which could result in an immediate and even more severe disaster than global warming, perhaps even the annihilation of all of humanity? The accidental transport of six nuclear-armed cruise missiles by the air force in August shows that human error does occur, and surely one lesson of 9-11 is that some adversaries are not rational. Would you support the doctrine of "No first use", and would you reduce the U.S. arsenal to about 100 warheads, enough to still totally destroy any nation but to reduce the threat of an accidental nuclear war?

7:17	[Comment From RebBoy] Senator Obama, what do you consider a "good idea" that you took to Washington? And did it live or die? Please elaborate.

7:17

[Comment From Kathryn Neale Manalo]
I heard on a BBC report that Barack Obama has never cast a pro-choice vote while in the Senate. I'd like to ask if he supports a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. Further, I need to know whether both Obama and Clinton are aware of BAIPA, which regulations came out last year, and what they think about mandated resuscitation of "born alive infants" at any stage of fetal development.

7:18	[Comment From bradley from napa] Don't you think that it is time to lift sanctions on Cuba? A country which is much has a record of much less abuse than countries such as China and other human rights violators.

7:19	[Comment From Roquero] For both candidates: What are your immediate plans to institute the Dictatorship of the Proletariat?

7:23

[Comment From JC from NAPA]
How, as a species do we survive? We're losing our atmosphere, the bees, and virtually everything around us. Give us a plan! A new design for a civilization that can survive. To control panic is no longer an option. We need a design for survival and not business as usual. SHOW US THE FUTURE!!!!

7:23	[Comment From Roquero] Would you consider inviting Cuban advisors to the United States to help set up low-cost local health-care clinics?

7:23	From KPFA: We'd love to hear where you are listening from when you ask your questions... great stuff so far, Larry B will read some of your comments at the first break...

7:25	Here's an article about the Policy of Bush toward Cuba post Castro: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/19/us.castro/index.html

7:27	[Comment From RebBoy in SF] Senator Obama, would you also follow a cold-war style of policy towards Cuba like JFK did?

7:27	Clarence Lusane is Larry current guest... along with Laura Flanders...

7:28	On the air: Laura Flanders

7:29	Clarence Lusane

7:31	Professor Lusane's current research interests are in international race politics, human rights, and electoral politics.

7:31	Laura Flanders is the host of "RadioNation" heard on Air America Radio and syndicated to non-commercial affiliates nationwide.

7:31	[Comment From Roquero (San Francisco)] Hey, I wanna see Laura and Clarence (and you, too, Larry!) on CNN!!!

7:34

[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA]
Regarding the cnn.com artical about post Castro Cuba, it seems the U.S. Goverment still wants to talk down to the people of Cuba, just like they talk down to all the naughty children outside the reach of the USA Empire. Actually some of those "recommendations" in the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba would be useful in the "Homeland".

7:36	[Comment From RebBoy in SF] Did Laura just say "the big enchilada"?

7:36	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Regarding McCaingate, just follow the money!!

7:40	[Comment From Noel] Obama is a DANGER - Brzezinski's the reason

7:42	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] The plagiarizing issue was a big mistake, it played into Obamas hands.

7:42	[Comment From noelle] did Hillary say trade prosecutor?

7:43	[Comment From RebBoy in SF] I thought Obama was copying JFK the whole time. Wrong copy.

7:43	[Comment From Guest] Really, it's such petty stuff they're throwing around - no integrity, no true commitment to democracy, either of 'em. It's a joke! They're stinking liars and either one is a disaster, bad as McCain I hate to say.

7:44

[Comment From Two Things]
I want to know why KPFA has two 'experts' commenting who both support Obama. That's not free speech. I want Laura Flanders on the record explaining why it's okay that Barack Obama used homophobia in South Carolina by putting four homophobes on stage for an event and letting the 'ex gay' preach the 'evils' of homosexuality.

7:46	[Comment From Ralph] I agree that homophobia needs to be addressed. This is San Francisco for God's sake. If we can't get talk about Obama using homophobia, then no one can. And isn't Laura Flanders gay?

7:46	[Comment From Noel] Well, I want to know why no one's calling BOTH their bluffs

7:47	[Comment From Bob in San Jose] What are you going to do about investigating, indicting, and trying the leadership who condoned or ordered war crimes be committed in our "war on on terrorism"? I am talking about Nuremberg style war crimes tribunals here.

7:47	[Comment From RebBoy in SF] If race isn't even addressed with Obama, I don't see homophobia making it up there any time soon.

7:48	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] want "Smart Fencing", write a big fat check to the GW Bush Presidential Library.

7:51	[Comment From Noel] People should listen to or read Webster Tarpley's depth-political take on Obama in particular. E.g. listen to the interview with Kevin Barrett on rbn.org last Saturday (archived). Barrett's show is "Truth Jihad radio" on that site.

7:51	[Comment From RebBoy in SF] I like that Hillary actually went to the border. Both senators pretty much have the same policy regarding that. But Hillary's constantly pushing the analysis on what "comprehensive immigration reform" is.

7:52	[Comment From Gary in Stockton] Webster Tarpley is a LaRouchite and a nutcase.

7:52	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Once there is enought of a mass movement to support gay marriage and equal rights for LGBT people, dont be holding your breath for them to embrace the homophobia issue.

7:53	[Comment From Noel] Comment post-er: you rock!

7:55	[Comment From Noel] Tarpley has perfectly sound things to say about your man, check it out, and decide then. It's the advisory team that's the serious concern - Obama is a Manchurian!

7:55	[Comment From noelle] read Goodbye to All That: why Obama Matters by gay Republican Andrew Sullivan on Atlantic Monthly website....basically arguing Obama can transcend the baby boomers' endless post-1960s culture war. I was convinced, being born the last month of the last year of the Baby Boom.

7:57	[Comment From Noel] And Reagan is one of Obama's heroes on that score!?! Yikes. Take note of that. The "excesses of the 60s"!! Indeed.

7:58	[Comment From bmagical] This country is not color blind or gender blind...though it is forbidden to talk about it, how are you gong to deal with the racism / sexism that you will encounter?

7:58	[Comment From Jeff] Candidate questions:

7:58	[Comment From bmagical] to Noel...it would be worthwhile to dig up the entire quote...it was parsed unfairly...about Reagan

7:59	[Comment From noelle] no, Reagan is not a hero to Obama, he was just stating the obvious impact that awful president had on this country

7:59	[Comment From organic mechanic] Obama voted against the War on Iraq when it wasn't popular to. Yet, folks continue to find fault w/ every single little thing. That vote alone clinched it for me. What about you?

8:00

[Comment From Jeff]
Candidate questions (to both): 1) How can you claim to be against the war when you have constantly voted to fund it? 2) Why are you supporting environmentally harmful sources of energy, like coal and nuclear power, instead of supporting local, small scale solar and wind power, which are the least environmentally harmful?

8:00	[Comment From Noel] I heard the comment in real time - it was not a provisional approval of Reagan; he seemed to affirm him as much as he affirms the nuclear industry and JP Morgan Chase.

8:00

[Comment From Sara]
My question to Obama: "Why is it okay for you to use homophobia while campaining for president?" As for Organic Mechanic, Obama didn't vote against the war. He was elected to the Senate in Nov. 2004, he was sworn in Jan. 2005. If that's what "clinched' it for you, you may need to rethink your vote.

8:00	[Private] What question would YOU ask Barack Obama and/or Hillary Rodham Clinton if you had a chance to ask it? Optional: Please respond with your name and city.

8:01	What question would YOU ask Barack Obama and/or Hillary Rodham Clinton if you had a chance to ask it? Optional: Please respond with your name and city.

8:01	[Comment From Barbara] To Sara,

8:01	[Comment From organic mechanic] Why not look at his actual record as a Senator? He's authored legislation on a plethora of clean energy bills. In fact, looked in total, the man was actually quite busy as a Senator.

8:02	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] It's hard to imagin Obama voting against the war, if he was in the U.S. Senate at the time of the authorization in 10/2002, DC is a logn way from Springfield Ill.

8:02	[Comment From Noel] I'd ask each whether they pee in the shower - always important to get to the nitty gritty with these kinds of people, if they're gonna be your employees and sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom and stuff.

8:02	[Comment From organic mechanic] Fact: Obama did vote against the war as a Senator.

8:04	[Comment From Barbara] Barack Obama opposed the war at the time of the vote. That's good enough for me. Hillary voted for it and hasn't even the guts to admit here vote was a mistake. I want no one in higher office that voted for this unnecessary immoral military action.

8:04	Max Pringle and Puck, live shot from KPFA Studios...

8:04	[Comment From organic mechanic] Question to either: You will inherit an absolute mess. All things imploding. What qualities in the folks you will assemble for your Cabinet will you be looking for, and will you invent any new Cabinet positions?

8:05	[Comment From Jim] How did Obama and Clinton vote on the Patriot Act and PA2? Did they both cave on the amendment to the spending bill that required Bush to go to congress before taking any action on Iran? And did they both vote to sanction Iran?

8:05	[Comment From Noel] If Obama is nominated and he pees in the shower, what message will that send to our children?

8:05	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] I don't think Obama was a U.S. senator back in 2002/2003 when Clinton voted "for the war" (she actually claims she was opposed to that clause in the bill).

8:07

[Comment From Bob in San Jose]
To both candidates: There has been an "economic war" on the middle class going on for some time now, resulting in many people slipping significantly in their standard of living. What are you going to ask the Congress do to restore tax fairness for the middle and lower classes to the tax code and restore the "Social Safety Net?"

8:07	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Good that he voted against the war, but it was not in DC, it was in the Illinois legislature.

8:07	[Comment From Noel] If Hillary is nominated and Bill pees in the shower, how old is the bus driver?

8:07	[Comment From organic mechanic] Didn't you listen to the debates? He's always been able to take the honorable road because he did vote as a Senator against the war. Shall we just click our heels and say: there's no one good enough, there's no one good enough....

8:07

[Comment From noelle]
read Chalmers Johnson's books: we are in the grip of military Keynesianism, and i 'm afraid no politician dares to challenge the military-industrial-complex(also a major point of the documentary Why We Fight). Plus, I would ask, them "Will you admit that we have permanent military bases in Iraq?"

8:07	On the Air: Tom Hayden

8:08	Tom Hayden is a leading voice for ending the war in Iraq, erasing sweatshops, saving the environment, and reforming politics through greater citizen participation.

8:10

[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)]
Put yourself in Hillary's shoes in 2002 as a U.S. Senator of the state of New York. It would've been political suicide to vote against the war. And, honestly, Bush & Co. grinded all of Washington D.C. to have that war bill passed. Even if Hillary voted no, it was gonna pass. It's easy for Obama to say he is agianst the war since the beginning, he had no political risk (and both candidates play that game).

8:10	[Comment From organic mechanic] noelle -- good on admitting on permanent military bases!

8:11	[Comment From bmagical] To the moderator...please filter un-necessary and irrelevant comments...most of us are trying to have serious thought and conversation...it is a distraction...

8:11

[Comment From Jon from Joshua Tree]
I have heard that 80% of all voting machines in the US are now the electronic type, owned by only TWO companies: ES&S, and Diebold. I have also read that 30% of all votes cast are unverifiable, with no paper trails. The thought of how easy it can be for elections to be stolen is, frankly, terrifying. What are each of the candidates planning to do, to curb this insidious, potential specter of election fraud?

8:11

[Comment From Jeff]
I like Tom Hayden and voted for him once (for governor?), but I'm disappointed that he thinks that Obama is an anti-war candidate. Obama wants to build military bases in Iraq, increase the U.S. military by 100,000 troops, and attack Pakistan. These are not the positions of an anti-war candidate.

8:11	Semi-Live KPFA Studio shot - That's Free Speech Radio news's Antonio Ortiz

8:11	[Comment From organic mechanic] why aren't there any new pundits?

8:13	[Comment From Ralph Nader] Watch my interview on Al Jazeera today on the newstalk program hosted by Riz Khan.

8:13	[Comment From bmagical] Will you fund the department of peace?

8:13	[Comment From Ralph Nader] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjUcQeUNsbE

8:14	[Comment From organic mechanic] will you tax the rich?

8:15	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] Haha. "Tax the rich" would be taxing themselves too. Obama did say he'd cut the tax cuts to the rich, does that count?

8:15	[Comment From organic mechanic] let's hope so, Ramses!

8:16	[Comment From Roquero (San Francisco)] The Russians de-Stalinized; isn't it time for us to de-Reaganize?!?

8:17

[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA]
The department of peace will be just another goverment body the dishes out reports just like the U.N. Oxfam or Amnisty International, that nobody in power will ever pay attention to, I'ts by beleif that if there was a peace department in the Bush Admimistration some neocon hack life John Bolton or Negroponte would be appointed to run it. So much for new ideas.

8:19	[Comment From organic mechanic] not only time to de-Reaganize, but time to de-Bushify. of course, that will take added decades.

8:20	[Comment From Jeff] Hey, how about de-Clintonizing? NAFTA, GATT, welfare "reform," it's all gotta go.

8:21	[Comment From organic mechanic] we're trying -- hence the Obama sticker.

8:23	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] To All: Do you think that Hillary Clinton being continuosly associated and criticized for her husband Bill Clinton's 1990's policies is sexism?

8:23	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] In this country we need to de-a lot of things, it's not just about one politician for 4 to 8 years it about the way capitalism has run our daily lives into the ground, especially int he last 30 years or longer.

8:23	[Comment From bmagical] What is Obama's position on South America? What is his view of the role of undermining soverign states via the economic hit men?

8:24	[Comment From organic mechanic] no. i do not think it's sexism. not when she used him to stump like she has.

8:26	[Comment From Roquero (San Francisco)] It's time to return to an Eisenhower-era national tax structure. (Or at least Kennedy-era.)

8:26	[Comment From Peter in Merced, CA] If Obama voted to continue funding the war in Iraq, is he being a hypocrite when he criticizes the excessive "12 billion a month" and military resources that have been allocated to Iraq?

8:26	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] With the Clintons you get the package, or bundle. If she were running...say in 2016 or 2020, it would be sexism.

8:27	[Comment From organic mechanic] agreed, Daniel.

8:28	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] To All, What was the corporate tax rate during the Ike and JFK eras?

8:29

[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)]
what does 2016 or 2020 have to do with the question about sexism? It is the idea that Hillary is purely Bill Clinton's political extension that is being criticized as sexism. As if Hillary didn't have her own opinion and different politics. I guess I was hoping the question came off as rhetorical, but maybe others just don't agree.

8:30	[Comment From organic mechanic] Daniel -- don't know the rate, but heck, when you think back on how small "corporations" were in those days compared to the behemoths we have now it's so frightening.

8:30	[Comment From organic mechanic] not that there weren't huge corps back then, too. just maybe more diversity?

8:32

[Comment From bmagical (San Carlos)]
With regards to corporations, if you read some of Jim Hightower he articulates how corporations initially had to applie to exist for a stated purpose and if they didn't fulfill their purpose they were suppose to decease...instead, they have now come to be seen as having human qualities and human rights...in a similar way the social security numbers were suppose to be temporary...long, long ago.

8:34

[Comment From Roquero (San Francisco)]
Comrades--Aren't we all missing the point? Clinton and Obama are missing it for sure, but so are we KPFA-ers, too. Yesterday's "Chronicle," for example, ran a terrifying article about all the "dead zones" being discovered in oceans all over the world. We are sleep-walking towards disaster! All we'll really ever get from "Hillary Obama" is just some slightly modified version of business as usual. We're doomed, my friends!

8:34	[Comment From Sitome] Corporations, like you and I, have legal personality and can sue in the same way that people can. Prior to corporations having legal personality, there were tight regulatory controls on corporations and their ability to have tremendous influence over government as they do now.

8:34	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Remarkable that Corps are trated like persons but have more human rights than anybody but a Hitler would excersise and even get away with

8:36	[Comment From Sitome] yes remarkable isn't it...but more remarkable is the way in which the American populace has allowed it

8:38	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] I think the people of this country have had no say and have been kept purposely confused and powerless over the issue of giving and allowing corporations more power.

8:39	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Are they drugged with propaganda or are they really accomplaces? Im not 100% if the allow it.

8:39	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] This Obama-Clinton race is like Gonzalez-Newsome for SF Mayor.

8:39	[Comment From bmagical (San Carlos)] The experience 'issue' makes me laugh...if you take away Clinton's time as Bill's partner...they are about equal in experience...

8:41

[Comment From bmagical (San Carlos)]
As for 'allowing' it...if you travel across the country...which I did a few years ago, you'll realize that we are very privilaged here and whether we have degrees or not, we are highly educated compared to much of the country...most people are just trying to survival both financially and emotionally

8:41	[Comment From Jeff] This Obama-Clinton race is NOTHING like the Gonzalez-Newsom race for SF Mayor. Gonzales was a progressive; neither Clinton nor Obama can honestly claim that.

8:41

[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)]
No way. As "first lady" Hillary actually did a lot of things. That position actually gives you some power and influence in DC and abroad. But again, isn't it sexist to assume Hillary's politics should be solely centered around Bill's? I lived through the Bill Clinton era, and I don't see Hillary trying to replicate that era.

8:42

[Comment From Sitome]
The SF Mayoral race is not like the Obama/Clinton race in that Matt Gonzalez dropped out of the race giving his supporters and the movement he started in SF with no place to go and no direction. In fact, he dropped both the race and his own seat as Supervisor. That to me smells of a quitter. I don't see Obama or even Clinton in this same light. Perhaps I should ask how you view the two races to be so similar.

8:42	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Were does Hillary differ from Bill?

8:44	[Comment From Jeff] Matt Gonzales did NOT drop out of the race, he lost it. Sheesh, get your facts straight.

8:44

[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)]
Obama has a similar following like Gonzalez. Where Newsome is seen as "machine" support like Clinton. Obama claims new changes, hope, faith, bla bla, but didn't he already state that if he loses the Democratic nomination he'll just drop it there? I'd be for him if he took off and split the Democratic party, but so far he's like the token Democratic Party poster child.

8:44	[Comment From Roquero (San Francisco)] So...how about an Obama/Clinton ticket for the Dems? Think Hillary'd go for it?

8:45	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Gonzalez just like Nader, No follow-up no movement building.

8:45	[Comment From Jeff] Obama is all hype and no substance regarding important issues. Gonzales is miles better, there's no comparison.

8:46

[Comment From Sitome]
Hillary's singular brave moment in politics was her effort to get universal health care for all while a first lady. Unfortunately, the health care industry pumped a lot of money into defeating her. While running for her senate seat in NY, her largest campaign contributors WAS the health care industry...So much for Hillary having accomplished many things

8:46	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] Hillary differs plenty from Bill. Just listen to what she said about the border today. Bill militarized the border in the 1990's and was never for a comprehensive immigration reform, none of that was accomplished during his era.

8:47	[Comment From Sitome] give me a break Jeff

8:47	[Comment From Peter in Merced, CA] Ramses: Hillary wants to militarize where there isn't a wall on the border (as does Obama).

8:47	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] I'd argue Hillary is reviving Universal Healthcare like back in 1993. Read her website, listen to the speech! FREE health care for ALL! It's a replay.

8:47	[Comment From Jeff] What does Bill Clinton have to do with any of this? Hillary Clinton is awful based on her voting record in the Senate, and Obama may be microscopically better.

8:48	[Comment From Sitome] far from microscopically

8:49	[Comment From francisca] can the commentators speak more to the issue laura flaunders just tuoched on about the difference in the campaign orgnaizations of obama and clinton? i've not hear or read much, if anything, on this issue.

8:49	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] I cant afford healthcare, Hilliary will garnish my wages. Universal shakedown.

8:49	[Comment From Sitome] Ramses...Hillary is NOT reviving Universal Health care

8:49	[Comment From Sitome] Amen Daniel

8:49	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] I think there is a relation between the border (militarization policy or not), immigration reform, and labor in this country. Hillary connected them back in the L.A. speech.

8:51

[Comment From Jeff]
Sitome, what has Obama done that makes him significantly better? He's constantly voted to fund the war, has filled his foreign policy staff with people from the military industrial complex, supports the coal and nuclear industries, and is nothing but a mainstream, pro-corporate Democrat.

8:51	[Comment From Sitome] of course there is a relation. The border became more open for goods, supplies and trade in general while shutting its borders to people. In the end, immigrants were forced to cross through desert to their deaths. This is a direct result of the criminal policy of NAFTA

8:52	[Comment From Roquero (San Francisco)] Clarence's current point is well taken. Why aren't the Dems coming down harder on Bush? What are they afraid of?

8:54	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] Clinton takes back supporting NAFTA. It's been 15 years, and it's up for renewal.

8:55

[Comment From Bob Marston]
Hillary Clinton sold out the American People on Healthcare in 1993 with her Universal Access "Program". The word Universal Access is a code word implying that Health Insurance Conglomerates and Big Pharma should be kept involved in the system. Never mind the fact that per capita Health Care Spending is nearly 50% higher than the nearest Single Payer Country. Barbara Ehrenreich in a recent article in the Nation pointed out that Clinton's 1993 Commission held SECRET MEETINGS that shut out the public. So please stop hoisting the false canard that Hillary Clinton was some sort of champion on the issue of healthcare when in point of fact she is nothing of the sort.

8:55	[Comment From Joan in Mill Valley] This broadcast and blog are so good! Out of appreciation for the work of Larry Bensky and KPFA, I'm going to contribute online to KPFA's fund drive and I encourage you all to do the same.

8:56	Note from KPFA: KPFA is a listener supported radio station. If you haven't already, please consider becoming a member by supporting KPFA online using our secure online donation form. We depend on your support to bring you broadcast and web projects like these. Click here to learn more.

8:56	[Comment From Sitome] Thank you BOB. Your comments are dead on

8:58

[Comment From Habu]
How this one for Hillary Clinton: Senate Amendment No. 4882 (autumn 2006), an amendment to a Pentagon appropriations bill that would have banned the use of cluster bombs in civilian areas. . Senator Obama of Illinois voted IN FAVOR of the ban. Senator Clinton of New York voted AGAINST the ban.

8:58	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Bob's posting goes to one of the reasons im not supporting Hillary, It's to easy to yearn for a romanticized version of the 90's.

8:58	[Comment From Sitome] Thank you Habu and Daniel. I couldn't agree more

8:59	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] Sitome, I agree with you comment on the relation between the border and NAFT and immigration, but it is not a complete view. It's more complicated.

8:59	[Comment From Bob in San Jose] Thank you KPFA for pulling together an excellent group of people to parse and analyze the words of the candidates. Thank you, too for setting up this "blog".

8:59	[Comment From Sitome] Thank you so much KPFA, and staff

8:59	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] Thanks KPFA!

9:00	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] Thanks KPFA!!

9:00	Broadcast Credits: Blogger in Chief - Camille Dixon Host: Larry Bensky Producer: Max Pringle

9:00	[Comment From Lynne in Menlo Park] Instead of picking apart the two Democratic candidates for going far enough on each issue, why not discuss how we can pull them together to squarely defeat John McCain. The details can be worked out once they are in office.

9:00	Technical Support: Antonio Ortiz and Puck Lo (Blogging Sidekick: Michael the Web Guy)

9:01	[Comment From Sitome] Ramses, yes indeed it is very complicated and nuanced and I have done extensive research on the topic, just not enough time to post all of it here

9:01	[Comment From Peter in Merced, CA] Thank you KPFA: staff, commentators, Larry Bensky, and fellow bloggers.

9:01	Guests: Ann Raber Laura Flanders Clarence Lusane Lou Dubose Bob Fitrakis Tom Hayden Anne Davies

9:02	[Comment From Sitome] you can google me and get in touch and I'd be glad to talk and share my knowledge on the topic

9:02	[Comment From Bob in San Jose] In the OGG audio stream, I can hear someone's keyboard just before a new Blog message appears. Interesting!

9:02	[Comment From Ramses (S.F.)] Sitome, so have I, including crossing the border ;)

9:02	Special Thanks to all of our live blog participants - This was a great discussion, and we'll do it again soon!

9:03	[Comment From Sitome] Ramses...get in touch

9:03	[Comment From Daniel in Concord CA] No matter who the Democratic Nominee is, we the people in KPFA land need to hold ther feet to the fire and skeewer them just as we had to do to Bush Cheney!!! Love all of you and keep them $$$ coming into kpfa!!