ABOUT HARDBLOGGER

Hardblogger delivers opinions and analysis on the latest political news by MSNBC anchors, correspondents, analysts and contributors. Whenever news breaks, Hardblogger will break it down, so check in often.

Hardball with Chris Matthews airs weeknights on MSNBC.



Matthews: What I'll be looking for at the debates

Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 4:11 PM by Hardball

This Thursday, my colleague Brian Williams moderates the first Democratic presidential debate for 2008 at South Carolina State University.

I’m looking forward to the event because it will be the first opportunity for everyone, including me, to see a number of things:

How will Hillary Clinton, the only woman on stage, look in this line-up of men?  Will she radiate with charisma?   Will she debate with strength and modulation?  Will she be cool, persuasive and appealing?  Will she clearly stake out her position on the war in Iraq and on Mideast policy generally?  Will she stick her neck out in this first joint appearance or simply give it the minimum, playing not to lose?

Will Barack Obama engage head-to-head with Hillary?  Will he bring the debate to her, challenging her vote to authorize the war, questioning her proposal to keep a residual military force in Iraq, and demanding her position on any military action against Iran?

Will John Edwards, a native of South Carolina, show off the same platform skills he shows before crowds?  Will he demonstrate the maturity to match Hillary?  Will he prove himself the senior national leader to Obama?  Will he prove, as he did for us in the Hardball College Tour last year in North Carolina, that he is far more prepared for the presidency than he was in 2000? 

Will Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, or Bill Richardson (or all three) succeed in opening up the debate, in proving themselves in the same league with the frontrunners?  Will one of them throw a punch which forces one of the three leading candidates to respond?
Will Dennis Kucinich state a position in the war in Iraq that drives the other candidates to either join him or distance themselves from him?

Experience covering these events tells me that the most vital, most telling, most memorable moments come when one candidate responds directly to another.

There is nothing like seeing candidates react when standing on stage with each other.   There’s something different in the chemistry, in the air, and it matters to voters.  Think of Kennedy and Nixon in 1960.  Think of Bush and Gore in 2000.  Just having the two candidates stand together on the same stage changed the direction of both campaigns. 

It could do it again this Thursday.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

is it true an american president be able to start world ending thermonuclear war to be elected?

Bruce M MacDonald Adams, Mass. (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 4:29 PM)

The question that I would like asked is: The current administration has put most American's trust in Government in serious question. If elected to the Presidency, how do you plan on renewing the American peoples trust in their government?

Robert Henry, Marion, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:26 PM)

I want to know what their criteria will be for appointments? Specifically, Attorney General, Homeland Security and Secretary of State.

Tony Jenson, Palm Springs, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:38 PM)

Joe Biden is the candidate with the most to gain in this debate. He is very experienced with his years in service. He speaks from the heart, and he knows the hopes and aspirations of a great deal of Americans and he knows the anguish of personal loss and family tragedy. His proposal to partition Iraq is sound albeit contoversial. He has bee right on the war in many instances and speaks forcefully to that end. But he remains the bottom echelons of the list when it comes to fund raising, which begs the question even Chris has asked, is it the money? Biden remains commited, dedicated and driven to see the convention floor, win lose or draw, the debaye is yet another shot to stay in the hunt.

Stewart Resmer (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:40 PM)

My debate question is: Should a candidate return a campaign donation that comes from a rapper who has made racial and/or ethnic slurs against a group?

Joan F. Grenzer, Parkville, Maryland (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:42 PM)

Please ask Gov. Richardson to justify his racist remark that his support of Gonzales (AG) is based on the fact that he has a Hispanic background. Further, the entire panel should be queried as to how they intend to handle the hypocricy in race relations (blacks allowed to use the "N" word etc., but a poison pill if uttered by anyone else, advocacy to not cooperate with police on criminal investigations, etc.). What kind of society do they envision with these issues so mainstreamed? Thank you.

M. Eppler, Irvine, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:45 PM)

Please ask the following question in some form: Many of the scandals of the Bush Administration are due to his appointment of unqualified and incompetent cronies, friends, and financial backers. Would each of you pledge to search for and appoint only the most qualified people for the positions within your administration ?

Paul Hecht, Medford, New York (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:45 PM)

My debate question is: Should a candidate return a campaign donation that comes from a rapper who has made racial and/or ethnic slurs against a group?

Joan F. Grenzer, Parkville, Maryland (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:46 PM)

I want to hear what the candidates have to say about the state of our economy and budget deficit...according to the US Gov't Comptroller who was on TV interviews a couple weeks ago--Healthcare-Medicare/Medicaid,Social Security, etc are in such serious trouble that it will take 20 years to see positive results- IF we start now!! So the question is--what and when will SERIOUS moves be made to address this?

Jane A. Malys-Hazi, Apex, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:50 PM)

We keep hearing about constitutional amendments for flag burning and gay marriage.These are emotional issues but not dangerous to the US democracy.This presidential campaing is going to cost hundreds of millions of dollars .How about a amendment for campaing finance reform , get the special interest out of our elections

Jeff Swenson , Seattle , Wa. (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:52 PM)

Polls regularly show that Americans' dissatisfaction with congress is even greater than that of the executive branch. How do you propose to prompt Congress to improve it's performance and use its time to benefit the American people, rather than attacking their peers for their own transitory political purposes?

Richard Heinzman (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 5:55 PM)

The question I would like to ask is: What will you do to bring our troops home from Iraq?

Sue H, Olympia, WA (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:20 PM)

There are many people in this country who's income exceeds state limits for help with medical insurance but who's income is not enough to afford medical insurace thus leaving many uninsured. I would like to know what, if any of the canidates have a plan for an affordable universal health care plan?

Stacy Stark, Chino Hills, Ca (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:27 PM)

what will you do to get this country straightend out we are like a second rate country,its a shame a country like ours have to endure this problem,doesnt any body tell the truth anymore.

ira goldman dallas texas (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:28 PM)

Do you think the current administration in Iraq can succeed in bringing about a political solution for the country and if not,is there anything that the United States can do to end the country's civil war.

Sarah, Portsmouth, N.H. (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:31 PM)

To Senator Dodd: I watched a recent NOW program on PBS recently which dealt with the problem of hedge fund corruption and an investigation by an SEC lawyer into a hedge fund high up which was not only nixed but the SEC lawyer ws then fired. (corruption and "justice" in the U.S.) In response to that Senator Grassley wrote up an amendment but then we hear that it was deep sixed by Senator Dodd. Why Senator Dodd, Why? Why are you covering up instead of seeking to uncover? Why are you seeking your own selfish vested interests instead of the common good and transparency in the Us gov.? Why? Do you care more about protecting special interest groups who fund your campaign than doing the right thing for the American people??

Gerri Michalska (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:38 PM)

The question that I would like asked is: Do you believe that every death of an American soldier in Iraq is now on President Bush's head?

Gary Lobaugh warsaw, MO (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:48 PM)

Great question Robert. I'd also like to ask them: The United States; aggressive and manipulative foreign policy over the last several years has created much discontent arround the world, what would you do to regain the respect our country once had?

Sean, Torrington CT (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:50 PM)

I will like to ask how will you do to win christian votes. Or do you at all need christian votes?

EE (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:04 PM)

hilary has to watch obama sarcasm and being critical person- critical to ohters.hes a good talker no substance.wartch out hillary.hope bill clinton will attend the debate.

priscela (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:06 PM)

It will be interesting because Hillary has shortcomings when it comes to the campaign trail, she doesn't come close to her husbands skills. It will be an opportunity for the nation to see Obama in action, the last time was in 2004. People like Todd, Biden, and Richardson can also become more known, although Richardson may have the best credentials of any of the current candidates. Even though millions have been raised by the front runners, it is good that all candidates get this shot early because we deserve the chance to hear all voices, not just those with the most money in the bank.

Mark, Dunkirk, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:10 PM)

In terms of free speech, in public, in newspapers, on television, or on the radio, many believe it is better to allow one stupid person to freely say something stupid, and at the same time allow the rest of the world to criticize that person for saying it, rather than not allow a person to speak there mind at all. Would you agree with this view of free speech?

Brian, Staten Island, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:12 PM)

The question I would like to ask is: Do you think that if we retreat from Iraq that everything will be fine and that the terrorists will leave us alone... Do they really believe that? Because if something does happen, in the United States, from those same terrorists will they blame President Bush or themselves?

angie, tampa, fl (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:13 PM)

What are the major issues that most separate democrats and republicans, liberals, and conservatives, and where do you stand on those issues?

Brian, Staten Island, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:13 PM)

I would like this question to be asked during this debate: What one principle so clearly guides you as a leader that history will look back and view your presidency as making America and the world a more civilized place to live?

John G. Rumple, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:16 PM)

My question of each candidate: Define “our National Interests in Iraq”. As used by this administration and as you would define it. And if there is more than one, prioritize what you believe to be the most important. Part Two: Do you believe that Oil is part of our “National Interest” and do you think that it should be a reason for us to be in Iraq?

Ruth Jameson Eureka CA 95501 (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:19 PM)

If elected President, what are you going to do about the rising cost of gasoline?

Karen Strickland, Crosland GA (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:26 PM)

I want to know from each candidate, " If you were to wake up tomorrow 4/27/07; as the President of the United States, what would your first action in office be"? No Pun's please!

Virginia Fippinger, Sarasota, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:28 PM)

Since "going green" seems to be the new thing to do, how would you tackle the topic of alternative fuel and protecting the Earth?

Kim Berry, Luttrell, TN (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:29 PM)

Why do the Democrats continue to support ammnesty for illegal aliens when they know it will economically destroy the American middle class and their American Dream?

L'Nore Kotulski, Bethlehem, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:33 PM)

If elected President, how would each of you go about trying to repair some of the friction between the US and other foreign countries?

Kim Berry, Luttrell, Tn (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:35 PM)

How can we restore America's image as a country of benevolence, honor and character in the world?

Terri, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:43 PM)

We the people have seen our constitutional rights eroded and corrupted over the last 6 years. If elected, what will you do to get our rights back?

Catherine Kitcho, Laguna Niguel, California (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:46 PM)

mrs.clinton:please answer this. as a vietnam veteran i understand what our troops are going through, but what i do not understand is why the pulling of our troops is the answer to stop the killing in iraq. if we do pull our troops out, the lives wil be lost again of our troops. the outcome of this solution will be the same as vitnam and iraq and all the surrounding countries will suffer along with us for letting this be done.why must we leave when soldiers do know what their purpose for being there is and the politians as yourself and the panel cannot understand. please clear this for me with how and what you think the outcome will be

wilfred martinez little falls new jersey (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 8:56 PM)

why don,nt we think for a minuit if we can keep giving them i think now 500billion dallars why can.nt we just one time give each of our states one billion dollars man for all our programs. that would what we would call taking care of our own first can you just imagine how we might put it to use

vincent hailey phila pa 19143 (Sent Tuesday, April 24, 2007 9:03 PM)

Interesting that the headline said you "would" pick a winner but you say you "could." You must have the same editor that changed Rudy Giuliani speech in Manchester, NH yesterday to the soundbite, "Rudy says that if Dems win the US is likely to experience another attack many times greater than 9/11." This was on your station MSNBC this morning at 6:05 AM. How do you feel about these exaggerations, Chris? I'll be watching this afternoon to see if you have the guts to answer.

Win Hinkle, Germantown, MD (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:39 AM)

Many Americans knew from the very beginning that invading Iraq was a mistake. I would like to ask the candidates who voted to give President Bush the authority to invade Iraq to justify their trust in him. Half of the American people were insightful enough to know the war in Iraq was ill-conceived, and many democrats (myself included) expect a leader with at least as much insight as most of the citizens. Without saying "knowing then what I know now..." or "we were misled into war by an incompetent president..." or "the administration cherry-picked the intelegence..." (we've already heard all of that rhetoric) please justify your vote which helped allow this to happen. The democrats who voted for this war are as much to blame as the republicans who have executed this fiasco. I suppose this question would be directed to Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Joe Biden.

Glenn, Killingly, CT (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:40 AM)

Questions for candidates: Would President Bush's proposed "war czar" office be authorized because of the emergency powers allowed by the Constitution during wartime? Since we're always at war, wouldn't it become a permanent office -- beyond anyone's control, even the President's?

samuel f. reynolds, bethany, oklahoma (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:51 AM)

A question that could win my vote: Will you seek to repeal the Patriot Act and place addtional protections against the abuse of power, therefore protecting American's civil liberties.

Shannon Fuller Winston-Salem, NC (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:39 AM)

My question for each candidate: What will you do about illigal's in this country, and the ones trying to get in ?

Larry Kimmons, Jackson, Ms. (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:48 AM)

It must be agreed that global warming is no longer an issue to be denied or ignored. Although the scientific community publishes report after report, the politicians continue to argue the semantics within these reports. Isn't it reasonable to take agressive action to persue all possible renewable, non-polluting energy sources? On the foreign policy platform, we sever our dependance on foreign fuel sources and on the ecological platform, we secure the survival of the human race. What are your plans to address this prodigious issue?

Mo Demers, Epsom, NH (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:03 AM)

I'll be watching just to hear Dennis Kucinich for the few moments he'll get to speak. He is honest, direct , and is the only candidate with a true progressive vision for the future of this country.

Michael Sheehan (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:06 AM)

What does "victory in Iraq" mean? As you see it, who is the enemy and how will we know we have "won".

Glenn, Killingly, CT (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:11 AM)

What I want to know is, what are the candidates views on same sex marrage? and their outlook on equality, and hate crimes?

Christopher Trujillo, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:25 AM)

Given the numerous challenges the next president is going to have to face in all areas impacting our country and the American people this is the question I would like answered. What personal quality do you possess that will enable you to be successful in meeting those challenges? Please give evidence of such quality in your answer.

Barbara Stoehr, Oneonta, New York (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:25 AM)

My question is regarding education. Gov. Richardson my kids attend Albuquerque Public Schools and the Westside(Ventana Ranch Elementary) is over capacity at the elementary and middle schools. If your Sec. of Education can't relieve these issues how are you going to fix our National Education System? I am very disappointed with the progress our state is making.

Gilbert, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:47 AM)

My question: After 8 years of bush's failed "cooperation in government" what will you do to increase bipartisianship in congress and help move america forward by doing something about the issues we really care about instead of those that YOU care about?

Jason, Dallas, Tx (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:53 AM)

I would ask what the candidates' plans are for the withdrawal from Iraq in terms of minimizing casualties to American troops and creating a framework for political and social settlement among Iraqi factions, as well as their military rebuilding plans in order to rest and recover American military resources so that we might be able to prevent futher terrorist attacks or respond to nations that support, aid and abet terrorist organizations.

me myself and I (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 11:53 AM)

Re: Iraq. A question for the debate. Since Turkey, Syria and Iran have historically vehemently opposed an independent Kurdish state and since Shi'ites and Sunnis both want a share of Iraq's oil reserves, how could (Biden's) proposal to partion possibly succeed? (The reserves are predominantly in Shi'ite areas?)

Richard Terrell (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 12:01 PM)

To all candidates: What will you do to see that health care is made available to all regardless of income? What will you do to cut health care costs and rein in the health insurance companies? Do you believe that health care and access to it is a right for all people?

Doris Vician, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Wednesday, April 25, 2007 12:21 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=166855


The Essentials

More Hardblogger

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Authors:

Syndicate This Site

Add Hardblogger to your news reader:
live.com xml
myyahoo msn
bloglines newsgator
google

MSNBC Weblogs