Debate Lightning Round

Job description of VP:

Richardson: Not be Dick Cheney, member of executive branch, ready to step into presidency, everyone on stage would be good for that

Lobbyists quote by Clinton:

Clinton: Fundamental reform, clean up what they leave behind, end no bid contracts, get rid of contracting out of gov't jobs. Fought a lot issues against lobbyists, healthcare (not true), fought banks on reform (not true).

Allow bundling by lobbyists:

Obama: Do not have federal registered lobbyists bundling, doesnt take PAC money, people in stadium need to know who they are gonna fight for, his reason for public life is because of "you"

Trial Lawyers now contributing to your campaign:

DC lobbyists job is to rig the system, every single day. Lawyers go into court rooms, butu when lawyers give money to jury, thats a bribe. When lobbyists do it to politicians, thats politics. outspent 18-1 by corporate lobbyists. Prez to stand up for working men and women.

Counter terror, would you appoint a republican to run pentagon or DHS?

Biden: Consider it, next president needs to bring country together. Cant do anything with 51% solution, we need consensus, if you dont have my experience and success with it, why do you think you can do it?

No terrorists attack since 9/11, does that mean DHS was a good idea?

Dodd: We're not safer, the dep't is too big, tragedy employees can't organize. Terrorism is a big issue, a tactic, and it will require huge amount of cooperation. First responders at home haven't been funded, we're vulnerable.

What have Dems accomplished, changed?

Kucinich: Tried to lead Dems, 72 members signing onto HR 676, lobbyign to get out of Iraq, infrastructure. Dems havent kept promise to get out of Iraq, working to make them to do it.

Would you honor Barry Bonds at the White House?

Obama: Still gotta hit one more. Had the opportunity to meet Hank Aaron t his weekend, reminded me of what sports shoudl be, what people should look up to. Bonds has been amazing athlete, honor his achievement, but sports should be something kids can look up to, not be cynical.

Improve recovery in NO from Katrina

Clinton: Put someone in charge who actually cares, has a 10 point plan, make sure the White House gets a report every day, question every day would be what have you done? Rebuilding NO is an American problem.

Pledge to stop no bid contracts?

Biden: Yes.

455 days before general election. will it disturb you race to replace would begin days into first term?

Richardson: Yes, but would want to bring country together, has the most experience to do it, needs to be bipartisan, is electable.

Obama: Campaigns last too long, cost too much money, too influenced by DC insiders. Have to make sure we are mobilizing Americans across faith, place, race, change from bottom up.

Biden: If I did the job, it would not start then. The reason it started now is because we are so angry and know how badly this country wants change. Americans must know there is no margin of error

Clinton: Will be so busy I won't worry. Move on national healthcare, energy independence, education policy that works. Won't care if people want to go out and run, asking people to pitch in and work.

Dodd: Started early because people like those here were so angry/frustrated, parliamentary system would have Bush be out. If we begin fixing things, America will rally behind that

Edwards: It's definitely too long, publicly finance political campaigns. Need change, referred to James Lowe, 50 years with cleft pallet because he couldn't afford healthcare, too much at stake.

Kucinich: Seabiscuit of campaign, people will say no way I will run against this guy. After I accomplish all I want, workers will say no competition for 2012.