Debate part 2

Another question has arisen that will allow the candidates to criticize themselves…..Will anyone take the bait and fess up?  Edwards uses the opportunity to again apologize for his vote on the war.  Clinton expresses regret for that war, given the misuse of power by Pres. Bush.  Dodd regrets not filibustering the Military Commissions Act last year.

Incentive pay for teachers:  This is a tough issue for me.  I agree that teachers are valuable and deserve a good salary.  How does a teacher earn that incentive pay?  Is it based on the testing the students?  If so, teachers changing the answers on their students’ bubble sheets would create a problem.  I am not bashing on teachers, but this activity does go on.

Richardson proposes a minimum wage for teachers.  Clinton talks about early education through more access to pre-kindergarten and Head Start.

Biden:  If you want to know what someone values, just look at the budget.  It’s time we start valuing our teachers

Decisive Moment in your life:

Kucinich:  Living with his family is their car

Obama: Transition from high school to college.  I didn’t have a relationship with my father.

Biden:  Involvement with Civil Rights movement.

Richardson:  Getting married…..35 years of marriage.  9-11 inspired me to get back into public life

Gravel:  Did not answer the question as best I can tell

Edwards:  Father worked in Mill, didn’t go to college.  He learned to fight for those less fortunate.

Dodd:  Joining the Peace Corps after inspiration of JFK

Clinton:  Womens Rights and Civil Rights movement made it possible for her to be on the stage.  Her mother instill her with a can-do attitude.

And that’s a wrap.

The top 3 went into the debate in a 3 way tie for first in Iowa, according to an ABC News poll.  I don’t see how this debate offers much separation.

Iowa’s still going to be tight.  Clinton maintains her national lead.