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Democratic Candidates Offer Grim View of America

By? (Whoever wrote this, is thorough, and objective!... As the Left can be! - tha malcontent)
Associated Press Writer Sep 10, 11:06 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP/FOXNews) � The Democratic presidential candidates took President Bush to task Tuesday, chiding him for creating, among other things, a quagmire in Iraq, a police state at home, a disenfranchised Florida and a health care crisis in America.

(ap) - I want to apologize in advance, this post will seem very longwinded, basically because it is, and due to the fact that I have 3 stories on this one post. I am attempting to illustrate, with example, the difference between the Associated Press Wire, and Independent AP affiliates such as FOXNews, in regard to stories that cover politics. This first version of the DemocRAT debate from last evening is from FOXNews. The second is one of two stories that I could find of any consequence on the AP's Main Wire. I did not expect the AP to do any collective harm to the Party that they will most likely vote for next November, but their negligence in reporting on what really happened at that Circus of a "debate" last night with the DemocRATS, opting for a "Favorite Songs" of the DemocRATS lead which I posted last evening, only further illustrates that they are, themselves, DemocRATS, and no more than a mouthpiece for their Party, and their Wire copy is nothing but DNC Talking Points masquerading as legitimate news. Anyway, enjoy the "objective" take from FOXNews, I am sure that the Left would disagree with this, but they also believe that the Center starts with them! FYI, the third, and final story, is a little extra nugget for those who know! - tha malcontent)

The depiction of the president as the root of all evil began at the top of Tuesday night's debate, in which the candidates complained that Bush's rush to war in Iraq had distracted America from the real threat of terrorism.

("The President is the Root of All Evil" is exactly what the DNC and their pathetic cadre of misfits are pushing on a daily basis, along with their ever obedient "Free Press"! Keep in mind, we have not been attacked since the 11th, and the "direct threat" that Saddam posed to us with "WMD's" in 1998, according to Clinton and his minions, that "Justified" the launching of a 500 Cruise Missile attack against Iraq , has been taken care of finally... 5 years later. So you Lefties can save the "Saddam was not a Threat", and the "Saddam had nothing to do with the 11th", TRIPE for someone who cares, and is Ignorant enough to swallow that load! I have two names and two dates for those of you who Ignorantly, and or, Dishonestly assert that Saddam and Iraq had "nothing" to do with the 11th. Yousef/Mohammed - February 26th 1993, and Mohammed - September 11th 2001. Yousef was an Agent of Iraq and Saddam, this is not in dispute by any one to date, including the Journalistic Left that was making the connection back in the fall of 2001, in an attempt to derail Bush (43) and his War against bin Laden. In the end, Yousef's partner finally finished the job that they failed to do almost a decade earlier. Saddam also directly funded International terror, and allowed safe-haven for al-Qaida/Al-Qaeda officials... End of List! Now we have taken the fight to our enemies, as to spare our Civilians. Don't like it?... Better get out and Vote next November, or sit down, and SHUT UP! "You are either with us, or with the Terrorists"... Don't ever forget that!... Infinite Justice! - tha malcontent)

"Where is bin Laden?" candidate Al Sharpton asked in response to the lead-off question posed by National Public Radio national correspondent and Fox News contributor Juan Williams, one of three panelists questioning the nine candidates.

(Can you imagine this: "Where is Hitler"?, or this insanity: "Sure Hitler killed himself". The Left has sunk so Low, that I am not sure they are even conscience any longer! By the way FOXNews, brilliant politics baiting the CBCI and the NAACP into that Circus, and helping to legitimize Sharpton, while eventually doing severe harm to the collective DemocRAT!... Oh, maybe I should not be pointing that scenario out. The Left does check on me from time to time for some of their planning, after all! - tha malcontent)

"This guy has out more videos than a rock star, but George Bush's intelligence agencies can't find him," Sharpton said of the Al Qaeda terrorist leader.

(I think Sharpton also said that TIME and Newswe(a)k could find bin Laden... Really, (r)everend? They should share that information with our Soldiers in the field, or maybe Al should, st-st-st-st-stop Lying. - tha malcontent)

"This was a mistake this war, and the president got us into it, and now we're going to have to get out of it," said former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who added that walking away now would leave the United States facing a greater threat of terrorism than when Saddam Hussein was president.

"When you consider the fact that Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9/11 ... I think that the attack in Iraq was a foregone conclusion after 9/11 even though they had nothing to do with it," said Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who earned applause when he told the crowd that he voted against the war in Iraq.

(Sorry, already pointed out the connection... Yousef/Mohammed. Also, Iraq was a Terror Sponsor as a State, so save it little Denny! You are so far from being (44), that I'm not even sure why you are wasting your breath, little man, or why I am wasting mine on you! - tha malcontent)

"This administration did not have to go to war against Iraq, there are no weapons of mass destruction [that] have been found, and [Bush] basically misrepresented the case to the American people," Kucinich said.

Tuesday's debate was co-sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and Fox News Channel, on which it aired live. The debate was the first of two being co-sponsored by CBCI and Fox News. The second debate will be held on Oct. 26 in Detroit.

Brit Hume, host of "Special Report With Brit Hume," the channel's premier political news show, moderated the event.

(Again, Brilliant political strateegery FOXNews! - tha malcontent)

The debate was taking place at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., a historically black college where Williams, Ed Gordon, managing editor of Black Entertainment Television, and Farai Chideya, author and former ABC correspondent, asked questions on domestic policy and of ongoing concern to black America.

Among the first questions asked was whether any of the candidates would pull troops out of Iraq.

Most sentiments leaned toward continuing commitment of the troops as long as an international force participated in the security of that nation.

(We are not pulling out, as Clinton's Father should have, so you all on the Left, should just moveon.org with that noise! Apparently the economy is not doing as badly as the Left had hoped after all! Sucks to be a (D) in 2003! - tha malcontent)

"This is a battle in the war on terrorism. Failure and defeat is not an option," said Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, who added that he would be willing to send in more U.S. troops if they were needed to protect the contingent already there and an international force was months away.

North Carolina Sen. John Edward said an international force is needed to relieve the burden on U.S. troops in Iraq and taxpayers at home and to reduce anti-American sentiment on the ground.

(Let's see, John is talking about a "burden" on taxpayers is he?... How about the Half TRILLION Dollar new Entitlement that your side is fronting in the form of prescription drug coverage? I think taking the fight to the Terrorists for 59% of 87 Billion, is entirely Justified, my Marxist friend! Could you name the Federal program that has been cut DemocRATS? Your side bitches about Bush not spending enough, but then you whine when he passed your spending measures during Clinton's Recession, and it caused Deficits! Make up your minds ya Dishonest Bastards! While your at it, check the Constitution and tell me which one of these is Authorized to the Fed within it's text, War, or Healthcare/Prescription coverage? You know the answer, Liars! - tha malcontent)

"We need to lead in a way that brings others to us and brings respect for America, because at the end of the day, we'll be safer in a world where America is looked up to and respected," Edwards said.

(Memo to Mr. Edwards, and the others sportin' the (D): How about following some of your own advice first, and stop Disrespecting America, and her current Leader, for purely political gain... - tha malcontent)

Former Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley Braun took a different approach, saying the problem in Iraq was caused when the Congress "abdicated" its responsibility by handing over to the president authority to declare war. She added Bush took that authority and "frittered away" relationships with allies.

(Is there a joke to be had with her use of "fritter"? - tha malcontent)

The candidates also said the president rushed toward war without planning for the peace.

(There are only 2 elected DemocRATS out of the nine in this field of clowns, who have the "moral" high ground! The rest of you can't complain, Honestly, about what you are on the Record in the House and Senate, as supporting, with your precious vote of "Yea"... Now, sit down and SHUT UP! - tha malcontent)

"It's an act of negligence of remarkable proportions because this president started this war on his schedule," said Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, who said that no more U.S. troops should be sent there.

(John (F.) Kerry voted in the "Yea", and is therefore a documented (H)ypocrite, and should now SIT DOWN, and SHUT UP! - tha malcontent)

"When I am president, if [Bush] hasn't already, I will get the help we need, I will preserve the alliances" that Democratic and Republican presidents have counted on for 70 years, said Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt, who repeated his frequently used phrase for the president as "a miserable failure."

(Little Dick Gephardt voted in the "Yea", and is therefore a documented (H)ypocrite, and should now SIT DOWN, and SHUT UP! - tha malcontent)

Kucinich said getting the U.S. out of Iraq could be achieved if the U.N. were left to handle collection and distribution of oil revenues, contracts for reconstruction and circumstances for creating an Iraqi government.

Sharpton said the president was acting like a "gang member" and a "bully" by going to war in Iraq. He also chastised Congress for allowing the president to go to war without insisting on an exit strategy.

(This is exactly why FOXNews is doing this... To let Sharpton make a fool of the Party he hopes to Fail for next November. ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN would NEVER give this kind of voice to Sharpton, or many of the other jokers who are running for the (D) currently. Nice job FOXNews! - tha malcontent)

Bush requested in a national address on Sunday night that Congress provide $87 billion in fiscal year 2004 for the war on terror, including $66 billion for military functions in Iraq and Afghanistan and $21 billion for reconstruction. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have pledged to approve the money, though they want to hear the president's plan first.

(The VAST majority of these troops are full timers, and let's not forget 100% Voluntary, and about 59% of the amount of money requested by Bush (43), would be needed, regardless of our involvement in Iraq... Just a little bit of Truth, that the "Free Press" is not about to let you in on, while allowing their Party to relentlessly, Dishonestly, and Unjustly attack our President! - tha malcontent)

"Well, I am glad the president finally found an economic development program, I am just sad it is in Baghdad," Kerry said, adding that the U.S. must cede humanitarian and civilian authority to U.N. members.

(Meaningless, mindless PAP!... Sit down and SHUT UP, son! You are no JFK, you little monkey! JFK knew that tax cuts spurred economic growth, and proved it by example! JFK was also the last Honest Democrat to hold high office in this Great REPUBLIC! - tha malcontent)

The candidates who are members of Congress were asked whether they would vote for the president's $87 billion plan. Lieberman said he would support it in order to bring troops home, but he called the president's request a "price tag not a plan."

(Bitch before you vote "Yea"... Bitch while you vote "Yea"... And then bitch afterwards. This is exactly what is terminally wrong with the braying Jackasses in the 21st Century! - tha malcontent)

Edwards and Sen. Bob Graham of Florida said they want to make sure the money doesn't go to "no-bid contracts" by friends of the administration, including Halliburton, the company formerly run by Vice President Dick Cheney.

(An elected DemocRAT from Florida?... That means Mr. Graham represents some really stupid people, at least according to the excuse they gave for their constituency not understanding the same ballot that the (R)'s seemed to successfully vote with! No, I haven't forgotten, and I never will... I am an Elephant in this game, remember? - tha malcontent)

"I will support whatever is required to protect our brave men and women in Iraq. I will not support a dime to protect the profits of Halliburton in Iraq," said Graham, who opposed the war in Iraq and called it a "distraction" from the war on terror in Afghanistan, Yemen and other places.

(Yigity-Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn! - tha malcontent)

Kucinich said he would oppose the president's plan.

"Hell no," he said. "The U.N. in and the U.S. out."

(Bold talk from someone who has a snowballs chance in "hell" of winning the nomination, much less the Election! Denny reminds me of one of "The Monkeys"! - tha malcontent)

About 20 minutes into the debate, a spectator in the audience began shouting, disrupting Graham, who was explaining why he voted against the war in Iraq.

After a few minutes of the screaming disruption, Sharpton interrupted to broad laughter, saying, "Y'all don't get to the Black Caucus debate and start acting up now."

(And Al didn't even have to put on black-face to do his little number neither, no sir! - tha malcontent)

However, after the second disruption in which a protester screamed in support of perennial candidate Lyndon LaRouche, candidates registered frustration on their faces.

Sharpton again retorted to the audience: "Will you all respect our right to be heard like we have respected everybody else."

Several outbursts later, Sharpton said that if security there could not contain the room, members of his National Action Network would.

(Actually, I thought I heard, "some brothers", to be specific! - tha malcontent)

On the Middle East, Dean was asked to defend an earlier statement in which he said the United States should not take sides in the issue between Palestinians and Israelis and Israel should dismantle settlements.

Dean said his comments have been misinterpreted and what he meant is that to be a credible negotiator, the U.S. has to be trusted by both sides and must not ignore the conflict the way Bush did in his first 18 months of his term.

Dean added that his positions mirror those of former President Bill Clinton.

(Please Dean, moveon.org! - tha malcontent)

But Lieberman, an Orthodox Jew, said Dean was suggesting that as president, he would change U.S. policy.

"Howard Dean's statements break a 50-year record in which presidents, Republican and Democrat, members of Congress of both parties have supported our relationship with Israel based on shared values and common strategic interests," Lieberman said.

(LIEberman supports Israel?... Shocking! - tha malcontent)

"Israel is the one country in the region that we can rely on today, tomorrow, 10, 50 years from now to stand with America in a time of crisis," Lieberman said. "We do not gain strength as a negotiator if we compromise our support of Israel."

Domestic Issues Center on Jobs, Health Care, Cultural Problems

(This section is also know as, "Playing the Race Card"! But only in regard to Blacks! Other Races are not important to DemocRATS... Yet! Keep an eye on the Hectors, people! - tha malcontent)

Candidates offered their views on foreign policy, domestic policy and issues critical to the black community. They were each given one minute to answer questions offered by the panelists and 30 seconds to respond when they were criticized by another candidate.

Doug Thornell, CBC spokesman, said before the debate that while "African-Americans are disproportionately affected by the downturn of the economy," many of the issues that will be addressed are "major concerns in everyone�s community."

Asked about the U.S. economy, the candidates prioritized jobs and health care, again criticizing Bush.

"Here's a man who just asked for billions of dollars on Sunday night while we have record state deficits," Sharpton said, complaining that Bush is more interested in educating students abroad than students at home.

(Not only is this, and what's to follow, patently Dishonest, it is also Ignorant! Let's discuss how the DemocRATS want the American taxpayer to pay for Abortions outside of this Country! And keep in mind, DemocRATS have never opposed a spending Bill that I have ever seen, unless it involves the Military, so putting this all on the man with the pen is pretty WEAK, SHEEPle! - tha malcontent)

"How many Americans have to lose their jobs before George Bush loses his?" Gephardt asked, adding that Bush "only has one idea in his head -- tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans followed by tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans followed by tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans."

(The Clinton/Algore Recession of 2000/2001 is over Little Dick, and unemployment is down from it's high of 6.4%, to 6.1%, while the Stock Market is teasing 10,000, from it's lows. Almost every other economic indicator is in recovery, and this is precisely why the Left is focusing on Iraq and how they are about to Conquer America... PAH-LEEEEEEEEEEEASE! - tha malcontent)

Referring back to his run as the 2000 vice presidential candidate, Lieberman said, "No community has suffered more from the fiscal irresponsibility of George W. Bush than the African-American community.

"It began even before he was president in the denial his team carried out in Florida for African-American voters who were trying to go to the polls to elect Al Gore and me," he said. "It's time for new leadership and we can do it by cutting back on those tax [cuts] for the wealthy and protecting the taxes for the middle class, investing in America's future together."

("It began even before he was president"... Yes it did Joe, the economic decline Factually began during Clinton's final year in office, back in March of 2000. It is saddening that the "Free Press" is incapable of informing "the people" of this Fact, though! - tha malcontent)

Gephardt said his plan would be to repeal the tax cuts to pay for health care for all Americans that "can never be taken away from them."

(And here we have Little Dick, doing his impression of Karl Marx! Please people, listen to what he is saying here! - tha malcontent)

Kucinich said the only way to restore the strength of the American worker is to take health care out of the for-profit realm. Edwards echoed a similar sentiment, saying lowering the high costs of health care is the only way to ensure everyone gets it.

Responding to the disproportionate incarceration of black drug abusers compared to white abusers, who are a much larger fraction of drug users, Kucinich said his health plan would make sure that drug users are given treatment over incarceration. He also said that as president he would seek to eliminate mandatory minimum prison sentences.

(The incarceration rate is not about "abuse", but the sale and distribution of said drugs. Why do the Facts always get past these people? - tha malcontent)

In terms of civil liberties, Edwards said he would support "dramatic revision" of the Patriot Act, the law passed shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that makes it easier for law enforcement to surveil terror suspects.

"These very liberties, this privacy, these constitutional rights, that's what's at stake in this fight and we cannot let people like John Ashcroft take them away in an effort to protect ourselves."

(Memo to the Ignorant: John Ashcroft did NOT Vote for the Patriot Act, but virtually every single DemocRAT did! The Dishonesty out of these people is Legion! - tha malcontent)

Braun and Kucinich said they would go further than revising the Patriot Act, they would roll it back altogether.

Asked about gay marriage, Graham said he would support domestic partnerships but would not support marriage between homosexuals.

"I believe that marriage is an institution established by marriage, culture and law for a man and a woman for the principal purpose of being nurturing of children," Graham said.

(Sounds as if Mr. Graham is a "Homophobe", to me! - tha malcontent)

Candidates Appeal to African-American Voters

(I thought the "Race Card" had already been played?... - tha malcontent)

On race relations, Lieberman said he walked with Martin Luther King Jr., 40 years ago and would walk with his spirit while in the Oval Office.

(The "Content of their Character"... NOT the "Color of their Skin". And 40 years later, the Left still doesn't understand what King was saying! - tha malcontent)

Dean, who has taken issue with questions about his appeal to minority voters, was asked whether he could address the African-American community's needs since he represented a predominantly white state.

"If the percent of minorities that are in your state has anything to do with how you can connect with African-American voters, then Trent Lott would be Martin Luther King," Dean replied, referring to the former Senate majority leader who was ousted over remarks suggesting he applauded the late Sen. Strom Thurmond's 1948 segregationist presidential platform.

(And let's not forget about the Senior DemocRAT in Congress from West Virginia, Robert "there are White Niggers" Byrd, while we trot out old news! Unlike the Left, in regard to Lott, I do not have to "insinuate" that Byrd is a Racist! That is the prime difference between my side and theirs! - tha malcontent)

Dean, who answered that hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean performs his favorite song, also said America needs to continue with affirmative action programs because of the built-in bias employers, who are primarily white, have against people who don't look like themselves.

(Does anyone really believe that a Dean staff member did not drop the Wyclef reference on him "to score points with the Negroes"?... PAH-LEEEEEEEEEEEASE! - tha malcontent)

While Braun said that she would support gun controls, Dean said that he doesn't think gun control laws that are applied in urban communities where gun crimes are higher should be applied in rural states like Vermont where gun crimes are low.

(The Left says, as Braun did last night, that law abiding Citizens need not worry about gun control Laws, because they are not focused on the Law abiding... The same could be said about the DemocRATS Patriot Act, couldn't it kids! - tha malcontent)

Edwards said he opposed school vouchers, adding that public schools allow the have-nots, disproportionately minority students, access to a decent education. He said he would increase pay for teachers and make higher education available to everyone.

Kerry said the school system is separate and unequal, and added that Bush has not funded the No Child Left Behind initiative that aims to raise standards.

(LIARS!... Bush (43) let Ted Kennedy (D) write the Education Bill, that he then signed into Law for Ted, only to have Ted shove a shank into his lower back and kidneys! Enough with the Dishonesty please! - tha malcontent)

"Until the federal government is prepared to make up the difference in funding, we do not have a prayer of making real the full promise of our country," Kerry, who would propose funding for after-school programs, special education and teacher salaries, said.

He added that vouchers are an illusion because they help 50 kids "at the expense of 4,000."

(What Kerry has just said, is also known as, the Big LIE! - tha malcontent)

Blacks have traditionally been strong supporters of the Democratic Party. In 2000, Bush won just 9 percent of the African-American vote.

(For 50 years, the DemocRATS had 2/3 to 3/3 Control of Gubmn't, and could count on 90% of the Black vote every other November, yet the condition of the Black community has not enjoyed the same gains as the Guilty White Liberal community has in that same time frame! It's time to Free the DemocRATS Slaves, and do away with the New Slave Plantations, Government Indoctrination Camps, that have helped the DemocRATS farm for votes and keep their Power... Until now! - tha malcontent)

The African-American community's impact on the general election is significant -- blacks make up 12 percent of the voting public and 84 percent of registered African-Americans voted in November 2000. And its role in selecting the Democratic nominee cannot be overplayed.

In July, seven of the nine candidates attended the National Urban League annual conference. All the Democratic candidates attended the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People annual convention in Florida that same month.

Three of the candidates -- Kucinich, Lieberman and Gephardt -- had intended to skip the event, but ended up coming later and seeking forgiveness in front of the assembly after the NAACP's leaders strongly chastised them for the absence.

(Classic! - tha malcontent)

On Saturday, Sharpton warned of the dangers of the Democratic Party taking black votes for granted.

(It's Factually the "DemocRAT" Party AP! Both Parties in America are "Democratic", so stop attempting to co-opt the word for political gain already! It's tiring, and shallow! - tha malcontent)

"We must no longer be the political mistresses of the Democratic Party. A mistress is where they take you out to have fun, but they can't take you home to mama and daddy. Either we're going to get married in 2004 or we're going to find some folks who ain't ashamed to be seen with us," Sharpton told an awards banquet for minority-owned construction firms.

(It's taken you 50 years to figure this out people? - tha malcontent)

Asked whether the black community should start dating the GOP, Sharpton replied: "We need to take the Democratic Party home to our daddies and discuss marriage or a break-up ... We helped take you to the dance, and you leave with right-wingers, you leave with people you say are swing people, you leave with people who are antithetical to our history.

(Yep Al, this has been happening every other November for 5 decades now, and at the expense of generation, after generation of Blacks being kept Dependent on the promises and crumbs of the White, American Left! It's good to see that at least some in that Black community are starting to get it! - tha malcontent)

"I am saying in 2004, if we take you to the party, you are going to go home with us or we're not going to take you to the party," Sharpton added.

Thornell said the candidates "so far have done a fairly good job of addressing issues that are specifically important to African-Americans -- civil rights, education, the economy.�

But not everyone agrees. Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., a CBC member, told Fox News: �Both parties probably have not been exactly forthcoming and as giving to minority voters as we would all like them to be." But, Watt added, Democrats have been better than Republicans.

(How would you know Mr. Watt? The last time the REPUBLICans did anything to you, or for you, was the 1964 Civil Rights Act! You haven't tried the (R) in your entire Life, have you?... That's what I thought! - tha malcontent)

Asked before the debate whether black voters were hearing what they wanted to hear from the candidates, National Urban League spokeswoman Michelle Moore told Foxnews.com: "We�ll reserve comment at this point."

(If they thought Al Sharpton had any chance at all, they would have already thrown their hat in his corner... But they will wait to see who the DemocRATS send to the political alter, for slaughter next November! - tha malcontent)

Edwards Critical of Dean Over Race Remark

By NEDRA PICKLER (Direct descendent of Karl Marx! - tha malcontent)
Associated Press Writer Sep 10, 11:06 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) � Democrat Howard Dean's claim that he is the only white politician who talks about race to white audiences drew criticism Wednesday from his presidential rivals. Sen. John Edwards said the entire field discusses racial issues on the campaign trail.

(With exception to the "Favorite Songs" TRIPE from last evening, this is all that the main Wire of the AP has to say about that Circus last night... And it is no accident! What the AP is attempting to do here, is to weed out the silly, incapable candidates, and get these numbers down, so that they can start focusing on LIEberman, or Little Dick! I Love how the AP is fostering some "racial" issue amongst the (D)'s! How many DemocRATS in the Senate are Black again?... That's what I thought. Dean had a point, although he is no example to Live by in regard to "talking to Blacks"... How condescending was that statement! I really have very little time for this story. I have included it for comparison purposes only! Time to go now, enjoy your evening. - tha malcontent)

"I think what Howard Dean said last night does a disservice to everyone he stood next to and all the people before us who have raised this issue over and over again in front of all audiences," the North Carolina lawmaker said one day after the nine candidates debated in Baltimore.

Dean, defending himself against criticism that his supporters are mostly white, told the predominantly black debate crowd, "I'm the only white politician that ever talks about race in front of white audiences."

Dean was wrong.

Edwards urges racial tolerance in nearly ever speech he gives on the campaign trail, including addresses to white crowds. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut talks about his efforts as a student during the 1960s civil rights movement. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts has discussed race and its role in his Vietnam service.

"What he said last night was divisive and divisive is exactly what we're trying to overcome. He's right about one thing, politicians should talk about civil rights wherever they go. And in the future, I hope he leads by example instead of by attack," Edwards said in a telephone interview.

"Sen. Lieberman marched with Martin Luther King. Sen. Kerry talks about his experience in Vietnam. I grew up in the segregated South. Fighting for civil rights is part of who I am which is why I talked about it in front of every audience and whoever I'm with," he said.

The North Carolina lawmaker had avoided attacking his rivals until Wednesday, but his criticism is another sign that Dean's eight rivals are throwing elbows at the front-runner in an effort to force their way to the front.

"Governor Dean's statement was as false as it was inflammatory," said Jim Jordan, campaign manager for Kerry. "John Kerry has been speaking out bluntly, in front of all audiences, on the issues of race relations and discrimination since he became a pubic figure more than 30 years ago."

In previous appearances together, the candidates have looked more like a ragtag team of underdogs hankering to make the big leagues and take on President Bush. The sharpest barbs have been aimed at the president, while the candidates largely have avoided challenging each other by name.

Not so Tuesday night at a debate sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus. Some of the sharpest exchanges were between front-runner Dean and Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2000.

Lieberman said comments Dean made last week about the Middle East "break a 50-year record in which presidents, Republicans and Democrats, members of Congress of both parties have supported our relationship with Israel."

The former Vermont governor responded that his position was the same as former President Clinton's, and Lieberman, who is Jewish, interrupted by saying, "Not right ... not right."

"It doesn't help, Joe, to demagogue this issue," Dean replied.

And so the gloves were off.

Several other Democrats said Lieberman's performance illustrated why his rivals shied away from attacking Dean, even at the risk of allowing Dean to build on the momentum he developed over the summer.

"It basically sounded shrill to me," said Joe Shanahan, veteran Democratic activist in Iowa. "Lieberman didn't make his point well, and Dean responded strongly."

One candidate who didn't take on Dean was the one who may be most threatened by him, Kerry. Dean has taken over Kerry's early lead in the early primary state of New Hampshire. Kerry has decided not to go negative now, although some of his supporters and even some advisers have been pressing him to do so.

The debate was at Morgan State University, a historically black college, and the Democrats took pains to stress their support for civil rights and other concerns to blacks - although Al Sharpton said black voters shouldn't allow themselves to be taken for granted.

"We need to correct the party so we can beat Bush with one expanded pie," he said in remarks critical of what he sees as Democratic inattentiveness to black concerns.

But international affairs dominated the debate. It opened with questions on Iraq, and some of the candidates tried to maintain their focus on Bush by criticizing his handling of the postwar reconstruction.

But those who opposed Bush's attack on Iraq put some of the blame on their fellow Democratic candidates who voted for the war resolution - Kerry, Lieberman, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt.

Without mentioning any names, Sen. Bob Graham of Florida said they handed Bush "a blank check." Former Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley Braun said they gave the president "the right to go on a free-for-all."

Sharpton threw one of Gephardt's favorite lines - that Bush's foreign policy is a "miserable failure" - back at him and the other war supporters.

"I've never heard of people acting like they didn't know we needed an exit when we gave him an entrance," Sharpton said. "That is a miserable failure for us to allow this president to play these kinds of games."

Lt. Gov. Kernan Takes Over in Indiana

By MIKE SMITH (This one is for reference only! - tha malcontent)
Associated Press Writer Sep 10, 8:46 AM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) � As Gov. Frank O'Bannon lay in a coma following a stroke, Indiana's lieutenant governor took over as acting governor amid uncertainty over whether to formally transfer authority to him.

(ap) - Bonus Story!... I guess I need to start looking for mine! For those of you who know, enjoy, for those of you who do not... Sorry! And if that day ever comes, don't come knockin' for favors either! - tha malcontent)

State lawmakers on Tuesday held off invoking a process spelled out in the state constitution for formally handing power to Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan.

However, Republican Sen. President Pro Tem Robert Garton said he and Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer could initiate the process, perhaps as early as Wednesday.

Doctors said O'Bannon, 73, had evidence of brain damage and that it was too soon to say whether he would recover. They said he would probably remain in an induced coma for several days. He remained in critical condition Wednesday morning.

Garton and Bauer would need to send a petition to the Indiana Supreme Court for approval of the transfer. Kernan said he believes he can conduct business without the formal process.

The legislative leaders have asked for a written statement outlining O'Bannon's condition from his attending physician. They said they also want the O'Bannon family's approval before proceeding.

O'Bannon, a Democrat in his second term, was found in his pajamas, unconscious and near death, on the floor of his Chicago hotel room Monday morning. He had suffered a type of stroke that involves bleeding in the brain.

In Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Kelly Sullivan said doctors saw evidence of brain damage, but the extent of it was not yet clear. The effects of such damage could range from slurred speech to paralysis.

O'Bannon is expected to remain under sedation for at least several days. Patients with such injuries are often placed in drug-induced comas to help relieve the pressure on the brain and allow it to rest and heal.

Kernan became acting governor under a provision in the state constitution that allows him to temporarily carry on business without a formal transfer of power.

"I think all of us are in state of disbelief that this could happen to someone who is so vital, who has so much energy," Kernan said. "But at the same time, we've got to realize, in his absence, it is our responsibility - and it is exactly what he would tell us - that we need to step up."

The acting governor met with Tim Joyce, the governor's chief of staff, who said they had discussed how to carry on the office's day-to-day duties - everything from reviewing agency vacancies to issuing proclamations.

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On the Net:

Governor's office: http://www.in.gov/gov

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