Dodd, Dennis, Biden, Richardson and Gravel Ignored in CNN/YouTube Debate

Debate means a fight. You are trying to beat out the other people and make yourself look like the best person in the world. But, how is one supposed to do that if one is not given enough time to answer important questions. This was the situation for five candidates during last night's You Tube/CNN Democratic Debate. Dodd, Dennis, Biden, Richardson and Gravel were definitely not put in the spotlight long enough for the national audience to get to know them. It was sad because they had many ideas that even I, as a Republican, thought were decent, if not wonderful.

One example that popped out during the first question was that Dodd has 26 years of experience. He stated new ideas he has had and that he has worked in a bi-partisan manner. For some reason, Anderson Cooper didn't believe that answered the question of what would make him most effective. Obama's answer was that changes in attitude needed to be made and that he could bring people together. Comparing the two, I see a no contest. Dodd came out ahead. Gravel said it himself that if one of the front runners was elected into office, there will be no uniting and no change. While that may not be completely true, there was a fabric of reality to his statement.

Kucinich was not given many chances to answer questions, but I don't think it would have made a difference. He kept using the Bible to say we should allow for gay marriage and pay reparations to African Americans. I can't tell you how many times I rolled my eyes at some of his answers. He was truly running for office and nothing else. He was making speeches every chance he got. I don't think Anderson was very amused with that. Therefore, I don't blame him for not asking Kucinich for answers very often.