I watched the CNN Democratic Presidential debates last Tuesday night as it was heavily hyped as a new and innovative format in which regular citizens could send in their questions via You Tube videos for the candidates to answer. I found this format to be unique and I also liked how they mixed in serious to-the -issue questions concerning topics such as the War in Iraq and also provided more humorous off key questions to balance out the mood of the evening.
Anderson Cooper did a fine job as the host and moderator of the debates, often challenging the candidates if they swayed from the questions asked, as was often the case early on.
One notable difference here from the earlier Republican debate last month was that the three "major" democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards were literally center stage all evening. The face time for each candidate was noticeably skewered toward the favorites of the upcoming primaries, much to the chagrin of the other less-known democrats like former Senator, Mike Gravel who quipped: "I like the question. I don't get very many of them, but I'll just tell you...(LAUGHTER) Thank you. Thank you. Has it been fair thus far?"
Here were some other notable excerpts from the evening's debate.
COOPER:Senator Obama, how do you address those who say you're not authentically black enough?
(LAUGHTER)
OBAMA:Well...
COOPER:Not my question; Jordan's question.
OBAMA:You know, when I'm catching a cab in Manhattan -- in the past, I think I've given my credentials.
-On the comments that John Edward's wife made that her husband was more qualified to serve the concerns of women then Sen. Hillary Clinton:
I have made this a central cause in my life and a central cause in my campaign. More women have difficulty getting the health care that they need than men do. And I was the first person to come out with a comprehensive, truly universal health care plan.
COOPER:So do you think you're a better advocate for women than Senator Clinton?
EDWARDS:Those are issues -- listen, Senator Clinton has a long history of speaking out on behalf of women. She deserves to be commended for that. But I believe that on the issues that directly affect women's lives, I have the strongest, boldest ideas and can bring about the change that needs to be brought.
Ohio Representative, Dennis Kucinich also was clear in stating that the Democrats were not united on all fronts:
"Well, first of all, a clear record as having not only opposed the war from the very beginning -- the only one of the stage that actually voted against the war, and also the only one on the stage who voted against funding the war 100 percent of the time."
COOPER:Senator Obama, you were involved in that question as well.
OBAMA: "Look, I don't think this is just a Republican problem. I think this is a problem that spans the parties. And we don't just need a change in political parties in Washington. We've got to have a change in attitudes of those who are representing the people, America. And part of the reason I don't take PAC money, I don't take federal lobbyists' money is because we've got to get the national interests up front as opposed to the special interests.
And that is something that I've got a track record doing, and I think that is what the American people are looking for in this election -- people of both parties as well as independents."
Overall, I thought this new format was very innovative and new age in bringing the questions to the candidates directly that forced them to answer the real questions of the people without the benefit of prior rehearsal. I look forward to the Republican Presidential You Tube/CNN debates that will follow on September 25th. As always, I will be watching and ready to report back to the readers. -JSM.
Due to a combination of technical problems & lack of time of late I have not yet posted my thoughts on this past Tuesday's CNN Presidential debates, but I hope to finish it by tomorrow at the latest, so that I can post it at that time. But rest assured that I will have a lot to say about the topic so I invite you to come and check it out later on. Also, the polls for this week's songs close tomorrow afternoon so if you haven't selected one yet for Beatles Weekend the poll is below. Thanks. -JSM.
I thought in light of the recent addition of music to the Cafe I would quote a famous 1960's song title as an introduction to this article (granted, I altered one of the words, which I'm sure you can guess.) But I did promise to relay to my readers a detailed and accurate account of the events of this past Saturday and its aftermath so I will do just that as best I can remember, which isn't as much as I would have thought.
We couldn't have hoped for a more agreeable day weather-wise to host an outdoor gathering, however we had some misadventures along the way in setting up the volleyball net which seemed several inches too short, we also ran a bit behind in picking up some of the food that we were serving as well, and there was also that little matter of my vomiting all over the table incident to close out my participation at the gathering. But despite those minor set-backs I have to say that I had a heck of a time, however brief I was conscious. I also want to send a shout out to those that attended, as many of them visit the Cafe frequently and are possibly reading this right now.
I feel I should mention that in the course of the past few years I have observed & noted individuals at times "going through the motions" so to speak in an attempt to appear civil and polite in uncomfortable circumstances.
Let me state right now that I at no point ever witnessed any of that disingenuous behavior at my party. On the contrary, the mood of the occasion seemed continuously upbeat and fun and I cannot express enough the appreciation I have for all those who came and helped make this day as enjoyable as it was. What I witnessed was a display of class and enthusiasm among my family and close friends that will never be forgotten.
Due to everyone's busy schedules it is often impossible to gather everyone I know together in one place, which made this all the more special. And when you factor in that many of my guests worked long hours prior to coming for the occasion (and in some cases adjusted their work schedules so they could be there) yet still managed to not just show up, but actively take part in the festivities--well, it just means a lot.
I've written here several times about my doubts as it relates to human behavior and insecurities connected to social anxiety. I have often doubted my own standing among my network of peers. But it is days like these that I realize how far I've really come in my journey and it never ceases to blow my mind like a gust of fresh air. I don't just credit myself for this, I credit each and everyone that has stuck with me throughout. They know who they are and to them I say--Thank you.
I think special words should go out to my sister and my new beautiful niece, Mia for making the trip up here, and my cousin for providing the free music, and to my close friends who had to work, but still made the time to come by and have a good time. Most of all my parents for making all the arrangements and putting in all the hard work in making this as successful as possible.
My only regret is that I wasn't there to see it all the way through, but as the title indicates I was a bit predisposed. Nonetheless, thanks to everyone for putting the "special" in this occasion. I am proud, humbled, and forever grateful for the classy gestures of all those involved. Thanks again.
This week the readers select from 6 of the all-time most popular Beatle songs in what is sure to be a close race! Remember the winning song will be played here all this weekend starting Friday.
Many Blogstream members are there
already! Quotes from members: "It's like blog lite!" -- "I like the instant
gratification!" -- "Stop spectating, get in the game!"
If you have not joined in, you are really missing out!
