Isn't that contrary to what the candidates say they are focused on? Don't celebrities have enough privilege and influence in this society, especially in Hollywood? Whose decision was that, cnnpolitico? And who the heck is politico? California is already not taken very seriously by the rest of this country in terms of their political savvy, as it is. Californians are looked at as shallow, star-struck, crunchy granola, protein-bar eating barefooted, sun-tanned, empty-headed bimbos who only care about their looks and having fun. Yet to prove the rest of the country wrong, only a select group of the most affluent people in this country are invited to witness the debate over the welfare and the economics of this country, which affects them the least. They are the serious people, who play other people for a living, and get paid millions to do that. They don't even live in the real world, yet they are the real people? I appreciate the arts (my sister Laurine is an actress in New York), but in this context, where is the sense in this? Hillary and Obama, why did you allow this to happen, when you proclaim to listen to the voices of the disenfranchised, the laborers, the people upon whom the backbone of this country lies.

And then to have it aired on CNN, as if everyone, obviously, has cable TV, in these economic, near recession times. I am disappointed in both Hillary and Obama for not seeing the hippocracy of this whole debate in this setting. Both of you lose points for that as far as I am concerned and it makes your professed concerns about mainstream America less credible. Is this what California represents? Hollywood? Why don't we change the name of the state to Hollywood, and make California the name of the city centered at Hollywood and Vine? My sister, Ginny, who is residing in New Hampshire has stated that Californians are shallow and stupid, even though she was raised in California too. In this instance, I cannot disagree, for those who made the decision to have the debate in this venue.

If Obama's handling of questions is 'prim & proper' he may soon be ahead of Hillary.
Otherwise Obama can sure say goodbye.
If polling results are to be believed, then, Hillary's lead is only slender.

Today's (Jan31st) debate IS SURELY IMPORTANT FOR SUPER TUESDAY FEB 05, 2008, AS PEOPLE WILL BE WATCHING THIS DEBATE VERY THOROUGHLY.

Democrats are known for raising taxes on Americans so it will pay for programs that Congress and the President okay. With this being said, at what percentage of a person's salary do you feel a cap should be placed where an Amercan is not responsible for being taxed.

I would bet that neighter would give a specific on this!!!

If a debate is 60 mnutes and ther eare 4 candidates, why not track total time, end early, and give those tht had less air time free time to talk and make upp the diff in time? Is the press afraid of equality? I believe it is the press that resulted in John Edwards' fate and wil likely do the same to Huckabee... the only two people that could have made this an election of the best person versus us heading for a lesser of two evils AGAIN.

a republican that wants to vote for obama

I actually felt that Huckabee even in his litte time won that debate but he and Ron Paul were not allowed equal time. Tired of McCain's constant war stance as much as I was of Rudy's 9/11 overused tirade.

At this point every station's bias is clear so in looking at all the stations I can gleen a bit of information on each candidate. Um, isn't getting information what these stations do for a living. Sad to think u have to channel surf to get a fair overview on these people.

None of the station are doing their job IMO. Get on with finding out the details, the plans specifics not the agendas. It's been a year these people have been spitting out the same stuff; we have almost a year to gather the details....that's the medias job. Stop with the race, gender and nonsense.

Hillary and Bill give more of the same warmed-over arguments for why they represent the best choice for America. Hillary has had 35 years to make a difference and failed miserbaly to convince me that she should be my President A lot of lip service, but I have not benefitted 1 iota from the Clinton leadership. Have you? Vote OBAMA

Hillary failed on bringing together a bi-partisan agreement on health care. When Bill was President. Why should I believe she can do it now? Vote OBAMA

Hillary supported and was paid handsomely by a Wal-Mart regime, that vehemently opposed organized labor in the US while shamelessly exploliting child labor abroad. She has not expressed an original thought no answered a direct question since the campaign started. Vote OBAMA

Enough of the Clinton's already! Vote for a new America with a new spirit and new direction. Turn the pasge on tis ugly chapter of American history.

Vote OBAMA !

LJ, Atlanta

Its too bad that CNN did not call McCain and make him stick to the question. When are we going to get moderators that will quit allowing all candidates to give campaign statesments inset of responding to the question?

The democrats are going to eat McCain up as being of NO substance. Most republicans will vote for Obama or Clinton if McCain is the republican candidate.

Shame on you CNN! That was disappointing and the debate was simple poorly managed.

While I am pleased to learn Congress is willing to work with President Bush on the proposed economic stimulus package. Most presidential candidates and economic experts agree that the need is immediate. If this is the case, why is the IRS waiting to process the stimulus package funds after processing our 2007 tax returns? This does not make sense and seems inefficient.

It seems to me, that all the taxpayers’ information is readily available at the time of doing their 2007 tax returns. Surely, the IRS could have a "tickler" or simple additional form to complete. Then process the stimulus funds at the same time of that of our tax returns. If the funds are indeed available, there should be no reason for "hanging on" to the funds and going through another whole and essentially, "repeat,” return to process the stimulus rebates.

I am asking you to introduce this sensible action and require the IRS to comply by processing the stimulus rebates at the same time as the processing of our citizen's 2007 tax returns."

If he isn't I'm afraid the whole debate will be pointless

and a sham!

Ron Paul talks about issues that concern me.

Why don't they just come out and say it: If your last name isn't Clinton, Obama, Romney, or McCain, just stay away, because your views aren't important. I mean, it's only the process of electing the next "Leader of the Free World."

Debate Moderators,

Please ask relevant questions about the real issues. Avoid the media generated issues…race, gender, Bill Clinton, Kennedy, etc. Who really cares. I care about the Economy, Education and the Environment. All three are so very connected and if properly addressed would lead us to peace and social justice.

I would love to see a debate on just issues and not what he said/she said.

This, of course, would be a disservice to the country and to the Republican Party as well.

I would echo Marian's post above about asking the candidates about real issues. I also like Matt's suggestion that each candidate be given the same question.

Most importantly though, please give each candidate equal time...unlike the last debates by MSNBC and Fox (mostly MSNBC) where the top 2 candidates (McCain & Romney) were given the bulk of the time. I am interested in hearing what each candidate has to say, not just the front runners. The front runners might not be the front runners if the other candidates were heard equally (doubtful but possible).

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter.

Brian

Please ask relevant questions about the real issues. Avoid the media generated issues...race, gender, Bill Clinton, Kennedy, etc. Who really cares. I care about the Economy, Education and the Environment. All three are so very connected and if properly addressed would lead us to peace and social justice.

Could it be that he is the only real threat to a Democrat winning in November?

The Baker-Hamilton Report recommendations for peace in the Middle East and with Muslims states in RECOMMENDATION 13: "There must be a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts."

It also states: "Political engagement and dialogue are essential in the Arab- Israeli dispute because it is an axiom that when the political process breaks down there will be violence on the ground."

The US gives between 25 to 30% of all its foreign aid to Israel, a nation of 6.5 million, on par with per capita income with much of Europe. Israel is a nation that sold our military technology to nations of potential threat; gave US shared intelligence to the Soviet Union; fired on the USS Liberty and killed 37 US sailors after circling the US intellegence ship with clear identification for more than three hours, etc. Yet Israel seems to control American politics in their favor, making it difficult for the US to maintain an even-handed, credible, foreign policy within the Arab and Muslim world.

As president, how wil you interact with the second largest lobbyest group at the national level, the American Israeli Political Action Committee, AIRPAC, and what will you do to encourage limits in its control over congress?

Will you talk with Hamas?

Note: you are free to modify any part of my question(s) as long as the intent remains with the intent.

Buzz Kalkowski
California

I am an International Simulcast Television/Radio (CNN Bldg.) and Certified Court Interpreter in the Spanish language since 1979, and have practiced this pofession in a multi-level, multi-field capacity for the past 35 years.

I would like to volunteer my services as a "Simulcast Television Interpreter" for the upcoming presidential campaigns in Los Angeles.
Please let me know what I need to do.
Respectfully,
Rosemary Levi, Certified Spanish Interpreter
Email: NeoShoShy@aol.com
Phone: 323 573 0806

As a supporter of Mike Gravel, I apologize to you, CNN, for him. I am sorry he is trying to say what he believes is the truth. I am sorry he tries to hold others accountable for his actions. I am sorry he refuses to take money from lobbyists. I am sorry he tries to make a difference in this country.I am sorry he isn't young and handsome. And I am sorry that he doesn't hide behind that old lie of "hope."

Thanks,
Deven