CNN

I just saw the republican debate, and though I am a democrat, I really enjoyed the stucture and how the DEBATE was done. NO SILLY QUESTIONS<, no OBAMA
waving his hand in the air to get everyone's attention when someone else was speaking, no oratory, just answers. I am sorry if you are doing the next democratic debate. It was out of control, and not good. I did not learn anything about the issues and the facts. I am ashamed at the way it was not controlled by you, the moderator.
Go back to the 90 secomd answers and the lights. The Republican debate was very informative, but hey, Wolf, if you want good TV and lots of newspaper, and E TV news the next day, mess up like you just did last week.
After all, good debating formats and letting the Democrats speak to the American people come second to squabbling and good ratings, RIGHT?
I only wish MSNBC had the last two debates. Yours was a travesty.

Ask Hillary why her senior thesis at Wellesley was ordered sealed by her husband when he was president. It is the only thesis sealed in over 100 hears at the college. Ask what is so damaging in it that it is sealed. She was a republican "Goldwater Girl" in 1963 and as Goldwater did, SHE OPPOSSED THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL OF 1964. THE CLINTONS ARE TRAYTORS TO BLACK BILL. THEY JUST SHUFFLE AND JIVE WITH THEM AND WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT HAS ADVANCED BLACK PEOPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN. ASK HER HOW SHE BETRAYED HER "BLACK FRIENDS" DURING HER HUSBAND'S ADMINISTRATION.

I heard Hillary speak yesterday at the church in Harlem.

She once again, as she did in her book, said "That she heard MLK in 1963 and it transformed her life."

But she was a Goldwater Girl in 1964...as she said, "Through & Through."

Goldwater was against civil rights at the time and he opposed LBJ in 1964; the same year LBJ signed the Civil Rights Bill.

Not saying she is racist or anything like that, I just would like someone in the media to ask her about this apparent hypocracy.

She could not have been transformed in 1963 yet be a Goldwater Girl and oppose LBJ in 1964.

Facts: The National debt has exceeded $9 trillion dollars! It would take over ten years of my current annual federal taxes, disallowing any and all tax deductions and adjustments, to payoff my portion of this singular tax burden. An estimated $30,000.00 dollars per citizen; a debt that at today’s interest rates would increase my personal debt an additional $350.00 per month to payoff in ten years. My family and I have debts that we are struggling to pay today as our income is reduced, due to cost of living increasing faster than our wages, and jobs are eliminated and outsourced to overseas countries for cheap labor. I am, bankrupt, as I consider this in its fullest scope. I owe a debt of $120,000.00 dollars to the US Government for my wife, two children and myself, to this Nations previous commitments and services rendered in the form of National defense, FEMA aid, border security, Health and Welfare funding, EPA protection and enforcement, and other public works. Combined with my personal and mortgage debts it means that I owe an estimated $175,000.00 dollars today, with an income of about $30,000.00 a year, it would exceed my personal income to payoff all this debt within ten years, over $1500.00 per month. My wife and I have resolved to balance our budget and payoff all our personal debts in the next 10 years by all means at our disposal, so that we may have at least 13 years to prepare for our retirement as we near the current age of 43.

My question: Will you as President make it an imperative to balance this next year budget (09, even before you take office), to commit, for the foreseeable future to making real and actual progress on every future budget year towards a DEBT free government for our decedents. I expect my children and I will never see this DEBT eliminated in our lifetimes. But I have yet to see progress during my lifetime to reduce it. Can we increase our planned debt reduction to 5 – 15% of the budget in the coming years before all other needs and public outlays? Will you increase taxes or consider enacting a “DEBT Tax and Tariffs “ that will move our Nation towards ending this situation and burden. Will you send the budget back to Congress for all improper and unnecessary programs, until it reflects only the necessary and needed funds and tax burden upon ”we the people”, while providing for our “common defense and General welfare”.

I respectfully with hold my true name at this time, from the public form.

Bankrupt Citizen

This question is for all candidates – Cancer is the number one killer of Americans. If you are elected President, will you re-declare the war on cancer that President Nixon declared and will you apppoint a cabinet-level cancer czar or Presidential commission to proactively address quality cancer care for the more than 10.5 million Americans currently living with cancer? Please provise a specific thought other than simply increasing NIH funding.

Anchor Wolf Blitzer keeps repeating Clinton's charge on election day. Without any facts proving voter suppression, but repeating those comments... you are doing great harm to our system.

CNN should consider what they are doing to the system.

I know quite a few Muslims, and it sickens me to see the Republican party and many media outlets even CNN just blatently attack their religon, everyone seems to jump as quickly as possiably to add Islam or Muslim to anything bad that a Muslim does. This is a definate form of racism, I am glad to see that you as Democratic candidates have avoided this, but I was wondering how will you help stop the bigitory and hate that is so prevelant?

Wolf

Please accept only straight honest answers to specific questions.. NO TAP DANCING.. we are getting tired of this game.

My question: First a show of hands, how many of you remember ENRON? Now how many of you know you were personally financially affected by its colapse and retirement investment scam.

401K's and 403B programs have been expanding and increasingly investing in the stock market through mutual funds. many of the plan participants in 401K and 403B programs, have no influence or information about financial matters with in the investments "narrower scope" due to the obscure and lengthy "prospectus" and legal mumbo jumbo. Frequently certain facts that an investor would like to know or should be made a where of ; such as the CEO's extremely high pay, retirement or annual contract bonuses are hidden and or lost in the numbers. In fact a number of CEO's have been given extremely high severance packages for extremely poor performance and even in light of blatant mis-management of some of these companies. I believe a Home Depot CEO received some $400 million despite his poor and infective management. These practices, stock options, perks and "payoffs" border on egregiously unethical and border on corporate theft. I believe that this "walking off" with the profits, of other investors is out of hand an costing many of us our proper share of the wealth and exposes us to undefined and unreasonable risk and financial loss. Congress and more importantly the financial investment community needs to clean up this type of deceptive practice's.

What new practices, or suggestions to Congress, and or the "investment community" need to be enacted, that will protect the public investment in our personal retirement 401K and 403B plans, as Social Security retirement benefits are reduced and or eliminated, while ensuring fair practices, and providing fair corporate salaries and bonuses, for work, effort and profit, while reducing loss to the small and individual private or employee investor.

Mr. Blitzer

Earlier this week, a young single African American mother turned to me and said that I was living Martin Luther King’s dream. I am a Caucasian man whose wife is an Asian immigrant and son is African American. Though I understand my young friend’s compliment, I do believe that Dr. King’s dream sought to bring people together regardless of their perception of race, gender, or creed so that all of our children could fully live life. This is much more than what my family may represent.

My question for all of the candidates revolves around Dr. King deep rooted belief that, for our nation to survive, we as a people must extend our hands in godly love and in reconciliation to those who hate us, so they may recognize our commonality and humanity. That, for all the injury someone may have committed against us, they still are good in God’s eyes.

Therefore, I ask these candidates if they will extend their hand across this bitter chasm of divisiveness, the bottom of which I have seen just grow deeper and wider in my life time, and hold steadfast to those who are willing to reach back so that we can pull together as a people to start addressing some of the most intractable issues of our time. I ask these candidates if they will show the courage to shun and condemn malicious attacks from any quarter because under scrutiny’s microscope we all fall victim to the denigration of those who gild their opinion under the guise of truth. I ask these candidates if they will avoid the principle of looking sympathetically at all sides such that they forsake a resolute commitment to any side. .

Mr. Blitzer, in the past 35 years I have seen Watergate, Americans held hostage, Iran-Contra, an Impeachment and a war base on non-existent WMD’s. Though I have seen compromising actions from a few elected officials these types of acts are far too few. (e.g. the gang of 14 in the 2005 judicial nomination crisis) This is the first election cycle I have seen in my life time where there appears a chance for our nation break these shackles of divisiveness and apathy. I know that America can do this. I just worry if she will.

QUESTIONS FOR NEXT DEMO DEBATE: For Obama-yes or no-When sworn into Congress, was his hand on the koran or the Bible? For Obama–does he recite the plede of alledgence and if so, is his hand over his heart?
For all candidates--Why can't we make it LAW that on ALL FOOD PRODUCTS–it must state where the product came from–what Country was it produced in? We as consumers should be able to pick up a product and know where it came from-not just where it was distributed from–whether it is a USA product or what country?

Questions for debate:
We currently have a National Debt of $9 Trillion. In WWII the top tax rate was 90%. Currently the top rate is 35% except for people earning money from stock offerings who only pay 15%. Are the wealthy today benefiting less from the War on Terror than the wealthy of 1940? Isn't it about time to raise taxes and start paying down the debt?

In about 2014 or thereabouts tax receipts for Social Security will be less than tax payments. How do you propose to raise money to redeem the bonds held by the Social Security fund to pay benefits?

We are told from time to time that the United States now has a 'Knowledge economy' not a manufacturing economy. A rational person might expect that our society would be pouring money into imparting knowledge to our population. However study of our current society reveals that more and more people are being priced out of higher education and those who do complete a course of study may graduate with an albatross of debt.
What specifically, are you going to do to make United States competitive in the 'knowledge economy'?

What would you do to provide a wide variety of economical accredited college courses to all citizens through the Internet?

Based on reported failures, the Federal Government appears to be largely dysfunctional in some very important areas. EX. FAA decides two controllers should be in the tower but only one is hired. A planeload of passengers die at least partially as a result of FAA economy. Ex. Food products and cosmetics come into the United States but the FDA doesn't test them and has no idea if they are safe. Some have antifreeze as an ingredient. EX. Toys arrive for toddlers covered with bright shiny lead filled paint. The Consumer Products commission tests less than 1 % of the products imported. Illegal aliens and drug dealers have been allowed to pour across our borders for decades.

What specifically, will you do to get government working or eliminate the agencies that are wasting tax dollars?

Some candidates want to give citizenship to people who are in the United States illegally. Others want to sell citizenship to these people through a series of fines, paid taxes and other contrivances.

Isn't either option clear evidence of support for selective law enforcement or a selective tolerance of crime?

Giving or selling citizenship to people here illegally is corrupt and makes the candidate appear to be soft on crime or favoring selective enforcement of the laws doesn't it?

Senator Clinton,

How can you as a feminist, supporter of the African American community, and mother, feel it is ok to align yourself with Bob Johnson a promoter of mysognistic music videos and negative influence on the culture of our youth?

Please tell me how this would play with your female voters?

Wolf,

For the candidates: The power of the Presidency in the World's most powerful nation is a dangerous entity. It can harm and help the world. As we know there is supposed to be a checks and balances in our government. This means that no single entity can do something without the – advice and consent of the Senate or signed into law by the President. That being said, how will you use the Presidential powers granted by the Congress? Will you be quick to use the Executive Order to legislate from the Oval Office? Or will you be willing to use the Constitution and allow the Congress that is also elected by those who elect you into office to do what they are paid to do?

Sincerely,

Steven Chavez

IMPORTANT QUESTION:

Do the candidates believe the length and cost of this campaign harms the country? It seems to me that it turns some people off and leads to cynicism about politics in general. For example: how many votes have Clinton and Obama missed in the senate? How in the world can any of the candidates have the time and energy to do justice to their current posts?

Q: How would your administration head off problems like the mortgage crunch we are experiencing? What mechanisms would you put in place to keep a finger on the pulse of segments of society that could get out of hand?

Take note from the MSNBC debate. Ask about the issues! The democrats are getting off easy. Not many care about gender or race.

The total US deficit is about 9 trillion and climbing to 10 trillion. This amounts to every US family owning a debt of approximately $100,000. How would the candidates reduce this massive debt during their term in office ? Will they sign up for a balanced budget and find a guaranteed way to bring the deficit down to half its value in 4 years.

Mr. Obama:

Please explain your cocaine usage in more detail than sketched in your book, and tell us how this would impact our youth with an improper message about illegal drug usage?

To Wolf:

Please keep this debate focused and don't let the participants to go on after their time limit. Also, please do not ask personal questions. Keep to issues.

All candidates:

What will you do to improve the crumbling schools and infrastructure in the United States?

Why not a program similar to the WPA?

All candidates:

There are about 20-30,000 illegal immigrants in the small state of Rhode Island alone. This state, as well as many others are in debt.

1. Since you are Democrats and are not willing to be tough on illegal immigration, I would like to know how you will help the states with the added burden these illegal immigrants put on social services, including hospitals, schools and police force?

2. What will you do to enforce the immigration laws that are already written?

3. What will you do to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the border for "a better life" in the USA?

4. Are you willing to work with the Mexican government to improve the Mexican citizens' life?

We often hear candidates tout their abilities to improve the economy and create jobs. The Republicans often repeat the mantra of "tax cuts" and most candidates talk about research for the future as a means to improve the situation, yet many experts say that a president has very little impact on the economy. With the threat of a recession looming ahead of us, what practical steps will you take as president that will have an IMMEDIATE effect on the economy and job creation?

Senator Clinton, if a nation clearly and unambiguously launched a nuclear attack against America, would you immediately retaliate by firing a nuclear weapon at that nation? Do you believe in the power and message of retaliation, especially given the number of innocent lives which would be lost in such an attack?

All candidates: How will you improve the education system in the United States besides getting rid of No Child Left Behind?

Question to All Candidates:

What would be your immediate action as President to stop illegal immigration? And
How do you feel about the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC) super-freeway being built?

In review of the senate voting records for Clinton, Obama & Edward's, why does Obama have so many no votes?

Mr Edwards, it is evident from the last debate that you have decided to align yourself with Senator Obama against the "forces of status quo", known more kindly as Senator Clinton. While you speak constantly and passionately against rich special interest groups, don't you find it ironic that each one of you has to be a multi-millionaire simply to run for president? Isn't this the real 'force of status quo', especially given that America is supposed to be governed 'of the people, by the people, and for the people?'

All candidates: What will you do to get the health insurance companies out of making health care decisions?

Senator Obama, if you are elected president, can you promise the American people that you will value the primary role of education in transforming the country? Given that a teacher is the most important determinant in improving a child's learning, what policies will you introduce to raise the profile of teachers and encourage a new generation of dedicated and inspirational teachers?

There have been many questions and comments made in the debates regardiong Iraq and the war on terrorism. Turnign to peace, how active a role would each candidate take in striving for a peace agreement in the Middle East between isreal and the Palestinians and other Arab States?

Exactly how do you, the candidates plan to address this question from a viewer in Michigan, a state whose economy is arguably one of the worst in the nation: How are you going to help us? How are you going to make sure the whole country doesn't fall into the same recession?

I would like to know from each of the candidates, if elected President , specifically, which 5 top priorities would they focus on in the first thirty days of their administration
and what are they.

To all candidates: Do you believe Health Care and Home ownership are rights? If yes, how do you expect to provide them for every citizen with so much of our revenue going to continue our conflicts in Iraq and Afganistan?

Hello~

Question for Hillary.
Did you know you conduct yourself as if being married to a former president gives you an edge of some sort. You made no diplomatic decisions. You traveled with with Mr. Clinton; tell us how that translates into experience where you made the difference?

The buzz word for this election is "Change". Every canidate promises the moon when they are running for election then they get elected and get bogged down in "The System". If you were "Joe/Jane Voter", and you've lost your job to overseas workers, or you can't afford proper medical care for your family, or you're working harder and longer just to keep your head above water, or you feel your freedoms are being taken away in the name of national security, or your husband, son, daugther, wife, etc., has come home from the war and can't get decent care for his/her patriotism, and you are worried that this country has lost respect in the eyes of the world which lever do you pull? What makes you think you are "The One" that can really make change occur? Everyone of you has been part of "The System". Some a short amount of time and some a longer amount of time. One more thing........exactly when should we start looking for this change to occur? So far the election if the same old thing as always.

How about specifics on social security?
As a 39 y/o physician-I see a good chunk of my check for the year go toward social security. I do not expect that this program will be available for me when I retire.
I have heard various proposals from "raise the income cap for social security tax" to "let's get fiscally responsible first" to "let's set up another commission"
What about using social security funds for social security only?
what about raising the retirement age?
Raising the income cap to me means more of my money into a program that will not benefit me-also it seems that it is too easy to use social security funds for other government programs, etc.
This is a problem that needs solutions! Especially when we have borrowed ourselves into a hole in Iraq. Who pays this bill??

Question for the candidates: Will you "stay the course" on the War on Drugs?

Why are so many Latin American countries electing center-left and socialist presidents? Chavez in Venezuela, Morales in Bolivia, Kirchners in Argentina, Correa in Ecuador, Obrador missed winning the election in Mexico by a half a percentage point... Why do the candidates think that pro-business and free trade candidates are losing to socialists in our hemisphere? How would they work with these Latin American presidents?

Senator Clinton, given your clear and well-documented failure to reform Health Care insurance during your husband's presidency, why do you think you will be successful in reforming it if given a second opportunity to do so as president?

My question for the candidates would be: Do any of the candidates ever forsee a time when gay marriage would not have the stigma that it has now? Why are'nt all US citizens deserving of the same rights as traditional "married couples" ? We certainly did not pick this lifestyle and yet we as Americans are so behind the times as compared to our counterparts in Europe?

Our current income tax system is dragging this country into the a recession by driving business out of the country and punishing auntrepreneurship.

Have you thoroughly and completely studied HR-25 the Fairtax?

The White House has an official website.
Would you pledge to have them create a webpage that includes every House and Senate elected official's record on pork spending,gifts received by special interests and government money used ( example plane trips,golf trips etc. )?.

The question I would like to see asked of these candidates is, Since you all feel that you are the change candidate to lead the country for the next four years, who do you plan to appoint to positions in the executive branch and White House? We all know that real change will come from new faces in these jobs and not the same old tired faces that held these jobs during the Clinton Administration. After all, we know what all those old Reagan and Bush I appointees accomplished for Bush II. True change will come with new blood!

If elected will you do everything in your power to repeal the unconstitutional acts passed by the Republican congress and signed by the Bush administration (i.e. Patriot Act, Military Commissions Act, Foreign Surveillance, etc.) and overturn all of Bush's illegal Presidential Directives and signing statements?

OR

If Bush, Cheney, or anyone that served in his administration are charged with war crimes after they leave office will you do everything in your power to insure that those charged will face whatever tribunal has the authority to judge them?

I have question that I would like to have both Democrat and Republican Candidates answer.

My question is: If you say you are for strenghtening the Middle Class and helping the Poor reach Middle Class which all Politician's Campaign on when they are asking for our votes, then why is it that all the legislation that has gone through and passed all Congresses (both Democrats and Republican) and signed into law by the past and present Presidents (both Democrat and Republican) since the 1980's do the opposite and support Special Interests and Corporate America....Which both the Democrat and Republican parties in all Official Offices seem to serve once they are elected.

I am not looking for an elegant answer, I am looking for an action plan to help me decide who I am going to vote for.

Thank you E

Dear Mr. Wolf Blitzer Pleas ask Mr. Obama if he's againts the war in Irack ,then why did he voted for the funding of the war especialy on the last few votes. Knownly that this war is the most criticides war around the world. At list Mrs. Hillary was miss led , so was congres and the senators.The present administration was send to the United Nations ,to get Irack to let the weapons inspectors to do their job ,serching for weapons of mass distructions,or not face sanctions . I remenber China,France and Germany was against. So Mr. Obama you can't have it both ways, iether you for the war or not. Aren't you for a change !

Would you create a position if elected President to investigate,document and eliminate all lobbyists,special interests and corporate influence with actionable results within the 1st year of your Presidency ?

to each candidate: the people of darfur, especially the women and children, continue to be driven from their homes, terrorized, raped, and murdered. despite vowing to end the genocide and ghold the perpetrators accountable, president bush has been less than effective, and does not seem to have made the ongoing tragedy of darfur a real priority.

if darfuris are still suffering and dying when you are elected, what, specifically will you do that will be different, will you implement a no-fly zone to prevent aerial bombardment of darfuri villages, and how will you generate the international will to stand up to the sudanese and their chinese enablers?

I have 3 suggestions for all candidates of both parties.

1) Would you support term limits for the legislative and judical branches of the federal government? If not, why not.

2) Would you support the abolishment of the electoral college in favor of a straight popular vote? Again, if not, why not.

3) In light of our current economic and military interaction with China, would you care to comment on an excerpt from the redacted version of the 1999 Cox Report?

Chapter 1 page 13: The 16-Character Policy: 'Give Priority to Military Products' "

Jun-min jiehe (Combine the military and civil)
Ping-zhan jiehe (Combine peace and war)
Jun-pin youxizn (Give priority to military products)
Yi min yan jun (Let the civil suport the military)

Without making excuses for the Democratic Congress ( we don't have enough votes etc. )

Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have allowed earmarks, pork spending and cave in to george Bush's demands.

Shouldn't we have a leader , especially in the Senate like Joe Biden

Senator Clinton,
Would you rent out the Lincoln bedroom to political donors or take campaign contributions from foreign countries?

Please ask each candidate:

Everyone wants to be the "change" candidate but change is subjective. All of you, as well as the Republicans, say you’ll change healthcare, immigration, energy, etc. You’ll do it in your own way, but there likely will be a change no matter who gets to the White House. But what major change proposal will you initiate that the other candidates won’t?

I saw my name on there, but not my question. What is that all about?? I want to know what all the candidates are going to do about NAFTA!!!!!!! Why do we avoid this question even on CNN?????? This is the downfall of America and even CNN changes my question?? That is very very fishy. Maybe it is true that the media is Republican controlled.

To Senator Edwards:

Losing a child is the most devastating thing a person can go through. You not only had to deal with that but also a wife struggling with a very serious disease. Where do you find the strength to keep fighting for America?

Question:

What great statesman said:

"Let it not be said that no one cared, that no one objected once it's realized that our liberties and wealth are in jeopardy."

Many jobs are going overseas due to the U.S. participation in the global economy. The benefit is lower prices for the goods that we buy, but this is hastening the disappearance of the middle class in America.

While the candidates give lip service to job creation and voice concern over the problem, I have yet to see any positive suggestions from any of them.

How do you balance free trade and American jobs?

Oh Wolf- why do you ask for questions? You just read them and them re-ask them the way you think it should have been asked if the common people has your brians and after the first candidate answers about half a sentence, then you shift gears and ask another question- I'd love to see these debates feature some actual uncensored questions from the public that aren't all twisted. A CNN debate for sure wouldn't be complete without the staged obligatory family with someone stuck in Iraq... do you have them picked out yet?

I would like all the candidates to address specifically what their respective education plans would consist of if were fortunate enough to be their parties nominee and the eventual president.

My state spends millions of dollars annually creating an exam that determines whether or not students have acquired adequate skills to graduate high school. When I was in high school, I remember taking the Iowa exam to determine our achievement. Instead of the states individually spending so much tax-payer money on these exams, I was wondering if any of the candidates had plans to create a nationwide exam for the core subjects that would help save millions of dollars in state funds. Those funds could in turn be spent on hiring additional teachers, which would decrease class sizes around the country. Those millions could also be spent on much needed upgrades in books, and technology for the classroom, as well as building improvements. These funds that are spent on these exams annually, and could be used for so much more than paying fat-cats to make up an exam that existed when I, now 32, was 8-years-old.

Thank You
Paul

If you had to pull out of the race, which other candidate would you vote for, and why?

If you do not win the Democratic nomination, tell me why the person to your left would make a good Democratic candidate in the general election.

Re: the economy: I would ask the candidates if they would do anything to curb high credit card interest rates and how they might do that.

To All Candidates

What can be done to eliminate all pork-barrel spending / earmarks?
The Republicans do it when they are in charge, The Democrats do it when they are in charge.

I am a third-year Political Science student with a question for Senator Barack Obama:

On August 1, 2007, you said that you would be willing to send troops into Pakistan in light of a report suggesting that senior Al-Qaeda officials were hiding there. You stated, "If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will."

In a recent press conference, President Musharraf said that he would declare such acts as a declaration of war and a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty.

I have been a supporter of yours for quite some time, particularly in regards to your anti-war platform. I agree with you that the Pakistani government needs to take more initiative in fighting terrorism. However, even the Bush administration has advocated diplomatic cooperation with Musharraf's government.

Senator Obama, as a candidate who professes a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, would you really be willing to risk repeating the mistakes of the Bush administration by sending troops into Pakistan? And what in your opinion would constitute "actionable intelligence"?

Thank you.

Simple question for the Democratic candidates:
Why are YOU the best candidate to beat the Republican candidates and win back the White House?

For Senator Clinton:

What do you mean by "universal pre-k?"
Would it be available to all children, or mandatory for all children?
What is your timetable for seeing this come to pass?

Would you task your attorney General or appoint a single person to eliminate special interests and lobbyists from government ?

( Not just feel good legislation that has Loopholes and fringe results )

.

Ask Senator's Obama and Clinton to hug.

And as Mr Kerry recently said, Jefferson was just 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, MLK was just 26 when he organized us the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and just 34 (not sure if I'm remembering the ages correctly) when he inspired current and future generations with his dream. Washington was 45 (younger than Obama) when he led the country in the most important war in our history. Those men didnt need "35 years" of experience to lead. I would ask Mrs. Clinton, does she believer there is such a thing as a born leader?

Also, please as Mrs. Clinton to clarify what exactly here 35 years of change include...

My previous submission of questions had a couple of typos. Here is it again. Please post, thanks,

Here are my questions sent to CNN for the debate in SC on Jan 21.

Questions to Obama:

1) If your wife is seriously sick, do you pick the Doctor who has the experience and qualification of treating patients or you will pick someone with very little experience but claims he can provide hope and insists he can provide change in the status quo in the medical field? Remember your wife is seriously sick and it is a life and death decision, just like our country’s situation now.

2) When you were down 20 points in polls, your campaign started personal attacks on Senator Clinton, calling her dishonest and not telling the truth. Do you think this is “Politics of Hope?”

3) When you visited Google recently, you mentioned that the two co-founders of Google were twenty something when they started their private company. Therefore you claimed that judgment should be more important than experience. Do you understand that there is a major difference between starting a private company and being a leader of this country? The founders of a private company gambles with their own money while the inexperienced person running for president is gambling with American People’s money and our country’s future. If the private company fails, the founders will be in debt, they will lose their own property. If the elected leader fails, as our current leader does, our country will lose and he will put our country in debt. Why should we elect a person who does not have enough experience and qualification but is willing to gamble with our country’s money and our country’s future?

Senator Clinton:

Please list five specific skills, specific experience, areas of expertise and knowledge specifically relating to the way a White House functions that require a learning curve, why it is so imminent now to have someone that can hit the ground running and what knowledge of processes, specifically relating to the day in and day out functions of the administrative processes of the White House, qualify you for this position.

I hear the politicians talk about building a wall to stop immigration which is going to cost the americans millions of dollars. The politicains talk about a lot of different topics. However I've yet to hear any of them speak on what they are going to do about the senior citizens that cannot work. The majority of the senior citizens are suffering with their set income. Politicians are focusing all of their energy on the middle class citizen. As the President what will you do to help the ones that do not fit into these catagories? High Class – Middle Class – Lower Class. You wonder why we don't fit into these catigories, well some of us don't make enough money to be middle class citizens, and we are told by the government that we make too much money to recieve assistance from the governmnet. After receiving our social security checks and we pay all of our bills for living expenses we are put in the position of deciding whether to puchase our medicians for the month or to puchase food for the month so as to not go hungry. We need to forget about the wall and invest the millions on your senior citizens. This question is lenghty I know however I feel that it is imperative that americans hear your response. This question is to be addressed by both parties. P.S. If cost of living continues to rise we will end up homeless in america. Sincerely, The forgotten Ameican. Paul Nieto – Idalou, Texas

As he visits Saudi Arabia, President Bush 'begs' for oil and is told we will "...raise producs when the market justifies it" and

at the same time he states that he will recommend that the US provide a $20 billion arms deal including 900 attack munitions

There appears to be much wrong here, can you explain how you view these circumstances in light of recent history?

1. How do the candidates intend to handle the immigration issue?
2. What have the candidates specifically done in the Senate/House that would make me believe you should be the next President. Be specific in your answer we are not concerned about answers that state how much better you are than Rebublicans, Bush or any other candidate? Please remember Bush is not running for office when answering this question, just what you intend to do that makes you qualified to unite Congress, and lead this country over the next four years.
3. How would the candidates unite Congress and actually create leadership that will move this country forward, and are you capable of working with Rebublicans, Democrats or Independents without creating greater division in which the country continues to suffer from government leaders inability to lead?
4. How do we know that you are capable of making the tough decisions neccessary to protect America, yet maintain Americans rights yet not create a government /police state as an end product?
5. Why should America vote for you specifically for President of the United States?
6. Do you approve of spying on americans?
7. Do you feel that the second amendment is a defendable part of the Constitution?
8. Are you for raising taxes on american citizens?
9. What is your position on illegal immigrants, illegal immigration, and protecting our borders?
10. If elected President, would you continue to fight the war on terrorism, or would you immediately pull our troops?
11. Are you for providing assistance to African countries that are involved in the killing of Whites and taking their farms, and businesses away for them, giving them to blacks.

With all the rancor about race over the last few days does Senator Obama think that the Clintons are racist or have engaged in racial politics or does he think that the Clintons have worked hard for civil and equal rights?

TO CLINTON:

WILL YOU RENOUNCE ALL INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR CAMPAIGN WHO KEEP BRINGING UP THE YOUTHFUL DRUG ABUSE BY OTHER CANDIDATES?

This question is for Ms Clinton and Sen. Obama.
For some time now it seems to me that the hard working, tax paying American citizen has ben overlooked and shortchanged by our government in almost all situations where assistance of any kind is concerned. That assistannce can be for almost anything across the board from food to financial. Today that help seems to go to anyone else, no matter where they are from, even if they aren't needy American Citizens. Our government seems more interested in helping "undocumented (a big word for illegal) aliens or even convicted felons before helping the real American Citizens in need. What has happened to the old saying that "Charity begins at home"?
I would like to ask you, if you were to be our next President, how would you put the needy Americans back in the front of the line.

Terry A Malason
Ambler, Pa 215 915 7345

A commentor posted this – I agree 100%. If I were a republican and wanted to win the white house, I'd want Hillary out of the way and have Obama, a two year Senator with no experience to win the nomination. It's a much easier win than beating HIllary.

January 15, 2008 12:13 am ET

Hillary was headed straight for the Presidency and the Republicans knew they could not beat her. I would not be surprised to find out that Obama is backed, knowingly or unknowingly; by those same covert Republicans who manipulated the 2000 and 2004 election wins. His candidacy came out of oblivion with no experience… a golden tongue, an attractive package and the right color skin to split the Democrats. I am not a racist, but this country is not ready to elect an African-American President with only two years of political experience… and the Republicans know it. I truly admire Barack Obama, but his campaign is a gift to the Republican party.

Divide and conquer and watch McCain, a Republican most Democrats can stomach, slide into the White House. The Republicans will win only because as a National Party, the Democrats are sooooo stupid and naive.

Sure McCain seems more like a Democrat than a Republican at times, but as far as the Republican Party is concerned…a Republican with a tint of blue is better than no Republican at all. The Republican infrastructure in this Country will remain the same and there will be no real change, just a little cosmetic surgery.

Shame on the Democratic Party. If you cannot unite your Party, how can you expect to unite this Country?

My question to the candidates…what will it take to unite the Democratic Party so it will win in November?

Change? Change was instituted on 9/11 by the first attack on our shores. Why don't we have a mandatory Draft when war is declared for any reason? It is the duty of all Americans when our County is at War. Would it not be easier to have a law stating that if the President and Congress declare a war it immediately required a Draft? This would take the 'political' pressure off either party of being the one to declare a Draft. It would be event driven, not politically.

The 'touchy feely' campaign going on now would have a whole new complexion. Why can't we have a draft and pay "OUR" soldiers the money paid to private contractors.

A question for all candidates:

Could you describe how fully funding special education mandates might positvely impact general education budgets and improve education as a whole?

A couple of things are bothering me about Mrs. Clinton and I would appreciate it if you would give her an opportunity to help clear them up in the debate:

1. The Iraq War: Mrs. Clinton continued to vote for funding even though she said her vote to go to war was a mistake. She has criticized Mr. Obama heavily for this, so I would like to hear her explain what the difference is. Also, why did she reject Carl Levin's resolution that would have forced President Bush to seek international support for an invasion and to return to Congress if he failed to do so.

2. I recently saw Mrs. Clinton on two news programs (including yours, Mr. Blitzer) where she discussed the Pakistan election that was to be between Mrs. Bhutto and Mr. Musharraf. She always sounds very knowledgeable when I hear her talk and she did in these two cases, but I later read that the election wasn't for president, rather is was for parliament. As a result I find myself wondering if she really knows what she's talking about on any issue. How did that happen with her level of knowledge and experience.

Also, a question for all candidates: As a mother of a small child that has a lead blood level that's much higher than average, I feel completely helpless in making sure my child is safe from lead. I've read that lead can be in so many things, including toys, dinnerware, vinyl diaper bags, Christmas tree lights, etc. Furthermore, the CSPC says that the lead tests you can buy in the store are not accurate. As an individual family, we don't have the resources to make sure things in our house are lead-free. What role do the candidates think the goverment can play to help with this preventable problem?

Question to all candidates:

The Baby Boom generation has now begun to retire. It is estimated that It will cost $45 – 75 trillion dollars over the next 40 years to pay projected Social Security benefits – and that's not even taking Medicare into account. According to the CIA, the current Gross World Product is approximately $60 trillion dollars. So, if we had to pay all of the projected Social Security benefits up front now, there would not be enough wealth in the entire world to do so. What is your plan to fix Social Security without raiding the future earnings of our children and grandchildren to do so?

Ken Falkenstein
Newport News, VA

I would like all of the candidates to be asked the following question:

I presume all of you have travelled to Paris, Rome, Venice, Tuscany, London, New York, Boston etc., and I will assume that you will all remember the walking traffic there and how small businesses flourished and how the culture of these areas is a source of admiration from the world. Perhaps you even remember the feeling you had when you visited these areas and the cultural kalaedoscope that the streets offered you.

Given the obvious fact that most small businesses cannot compete in advertising with a Target or a Wal-Mart and reach people in their cars through huge signage as they whiz by in the cars on the high way or in their radios through expensive radio advertisements –

and without having an architectural degree or urban design knowledge –

what role do you think that America's love affair with the automobile has had on the design of our cities, development of the small business and the quality of our life?

Also and if we can assume that we cannot continue this love affair forever, how would you help gear our country in the right direction.

Millions of Americas have travelled like you and they would like to know what corporate forces in Washington are aiding the neglect of public transportation in America and will you help take them on.

Mr. Blitzer-please ask Obama what his position on illegal immigration is and why. Please ask him and all the candidates how they will protect our borders and Stop Illegal Aliens from coming here without going through the proper channels as so many others have had to do before them. Please ask Obama if he has been to Iraq and if not does he plan on visiting the troops over there.

Wolf..

Lets get down to some real honest questions.

To Clinton

Do you really think people are voting for you or your husband? Why should people vote for you when its your husband who was president and govenor ?

To Edwards:

You claimed Hillary was finished if she lost NH. But you came in a distant third and are way behind in the polls. Why should have Hillary quit but you can go on ?

To Obama.

Tell the truth. Do you honestly believe its reasonable to elect a first term junior senator who has never run a business, city or state with only 3 years in washington to be president of the united states?

I am so tired of the division in this country caused by terms such as "African-American"–i would really like to know how many blacks in this country have actually ever been to Aftrica or even for that matter have a relative from Africa–this seperation is what is slowly taking this country down–Please ask Mr. Barack Hussein Obama why did he need to play the race card–I am a white professional guy who was considering voting for Mr. Obama until he started sounding like Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton and quoting DR MLK. For once it would be nice to see a black politician who felt secure that they would win the election based on qualifications instead of there race. Collin Powell never used his race and yet he would have been a wonderful canidate for President and decided against it–Let's get rid of these terms that keep seperating us as americans and come together before it is too late–Can Hillary or Obama put forth the effort to do away with government statistics dealing with nationality–We are All Americans and shouldnt be subdivided–

To all of the candidates: Despite the Democratic takeover fo Congress in 2006, the entrenchment of political power has long been a problem, will you pledge to support an constitutional amendment to limit the terms of members of Congress?

Within recent weeks, it is clear that the issue of the War in Iraq has taken a back seat in the Democratic race to other issues such as health care, immigration, and prior experience. Do you attribute this to the similar ideas amongst the candidates or the recent security success in Iraq. Moreover, in what ways do you think your plan for both the War In Iraq and the War In Afghanistan will succeed?

Thank you.

Since 9/11, the United States has been unable to locate Osama Bin Laden. What will the next President do to bring this person to justice for the murders of over 3,000 innocent Americans?

Please ask each candidate the following:

Will you pledge to balance the Federal budget every year that you are President of the United States? Why or why not?

Oops... I had a typo – here is the corrected version.

To: All Candidates

Re: Strength and Deficiencies

I would like each candidate to list at least three strengths of the Democratic and Republican Party and three areas of deficiency/weakness for each the Democratic and Republican party.

I would like them to tell me where they believe each party needs more work in opening up themselves to bipartisan collaboration and cite examples that are a good examples where Republicans and Democrats worked together to bring about good.

Each of you admits that the way the two parties and the Senate and Congress do (or not) business is broken. The old way of thinking and doing business no longer works. Yet, isn't the way you have treated one another and the candidates from the other party just same old? You in fact are continuing to perpetuate the same system with the same thinking, rhetoric and behavior. What you say and do oes not convey "common ground", "bridge building", "reaching across the isle". The "isle" is a quagmire.

This goes to the Republican candidates. How do you expect to cut spending while maintaining the military-industrial complex around the world?

To: All Candidates

Re: Strength and Deficiencies

I would like each candidate to list at three strengths of the Democratic Party and Republican Party and three areas of deficiency/weakness of the Republican Party.

I would like them to tell me where they believe each party needs more work and cite examples that are a good examples where Republicans and Democrats worked together to bring about good.

David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States (the nation’s chief financial officer), warns that America now stands at the edge of a fiscal meltdown. In short, as the first of America’s 70 million baby boomers are about to start retiring, the country faces the prospect that 70% of the federal budget by 2030 will be spent on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other entitlement programs. By 2034 those programs will consume 20% of the nation’s entire gross domestic product.

Add in the cost of servicing the trillions of dollars of debt the U.S. government has already racked up and there will be virtually no money left to pay for defense, education, public health, transportation, environmental protection, law enforcement, or any of the myriad other things citizens expect the government to do.

QUESTION FOR ALL CANDIDATES: What combination of tax increases and spending cuts do you propose to avert this fiscal disaster?

I'd like to know what kind of cars they own? American or not

As a Black woman voter I really agree with Mr. Aubery Tucker and would like Hilary Clinton to answer the following questions.

1) Regarding your claim of 35 years of experience please delineate what you count as experience. Is is the years at the law firm? the years as first lady of Arkansas or the White House? or is it your 1 term in the senate?

2) What legislation have you sponsored that has become law? Which one do you think has had the greatest impact on American Society?

To all candidates:

There is a lot of concern over pleasing religeous factions in campaigning these days. What would you say to the 10% of US citizens who are Secular/Agnostic/Atheist to gain their support?

What are your feelings on separation of church & state?

Please state your religeous affiliation.

Do you allow your religeous beliefs to greatly influence your policies?

Would you consider a secular choice for your running mate, given proper qualifications?

Which do you believe to be more prevalent, State's rights, or Federal Autonomy?

Some say the key to sound environmental policy is respect for private property rights. That no one is allowed to pollute his neighbor's land, air, or water. If you agree with this key environmental issue than why does the US so blatantly commit to preemptive wars which pollutes our adversary's land, air and water and in return has a global affect on our allies and ourselves?

My Question is for all the candidates:
If one of you is elacted as nominee and eventual president, who do you think would make best Vice-President among the people on the stage with you now? Please name 1 person only.

~~~~~~~THIS IS THE BEST QUESTION TO PUT THEM IN REAL TEST!~~~~~~~

My question is for Edwards:

I hear in his speeches that the deck is stacked against the little guy, and that class mobility just isn't possible because there are 2 Americas (I'm paraphrasing). But to show that he understands the little guy, he frequently describes how he grew up with his father working in the mills his whole life, and John was the first in his family to go to college. If John Edwards can go from rags to riches as a successful attorney, what is keeping other people from doing the same thing? Why aren't we using Edwards' life as an example of the social mobility that is still possible?

If this is the place to ask my question of the candidates, here goes. I live near Charleston, SC. I am retired, single, have no children, have no mortgage, no credit card debt and got out of the stock market. I would like to know what the candidates will do for seniors who suffer every time the fed reduce the interest rates that in turn reduce the interest rates we recieve on our CD. Trying to help one group at the expense of the other is not what my government needs to be doing. How will you remedy this inequity.

Regarding veronica...I'm a loyal CNN watcher and through CNN I have followed the campaigns, and I have to say over the past year to year and a half most of the positive spinning going on was geared toward the Clinton campaign...Obama has been receiving barely any coverage except for the past month or so. Anyways my question would be: Oil seems to be the source of many many many problems the US has(war, energy issues)...what steps would you mandate to help alleviate our dependence on oil?

Please ask each candidate:

Honestly, is it more important to you for a Democrat to become President or for YOU to become President? If your answer is the former, then explain how it is at all wise to tear other Democrats apart trying to get there.

Why do ask for change in the system when your not in Washington tring to make that change for the American people. But, when you are there I don't see anything thathas your name on the "new bill" that ask for that change. Come right out out and tell the, American People, whjust what action, what you will vot fore to make that change in our country. How aare you going to bring back jobs to this country when you don't own the conpany th haires the people. Do more that just talk but let us see some action via your voting power on the HILL.

Question to all:

As President would you be open to tax credits, through the Family Education Freedom Act, making it easier on home-schooler parents by allowiing them to devote more of their own funds to their children's education?,

This question is for John Edwards:
As a presidential candidate who is concerned with the US trade deficit, aren't you you also concerned with the negative impacts of protectionism in a global economy?

This question is for all candidates

this is a two part question

i was wondering if you were elected how whould you curve goverment waste. While stimulating the economy and growing and keeping jobs here because we can cut taxes all we want for any gruop in the the tax brackets, but it is not going to anything if people are losing their jobs

Have them define, with a specific figure, how they define "middle-class" when talking about "middle-class tax cuts." $50,000, $80,000? Don't let them dodge around, because there is going to have to be a number. Also, consider asking Sen. Clinton whether she will include life insurance proceeds in determining someone's income. I was told that her husband did so or was going to do so when he was President and took a position on tax cuts. Not sure if the latter issue is accurate, though.

Which one of you can say you never voted into law something that is clearly against the constitution? what should we do to politicians that do not uphold their oath of office for passing these laws?

Question goes to all candidates:

The country is in a recession. Because you personally are not in it, does not mean it does not exist. Why is it taking so long for government to a) achknowledge the recession is here and b) have some type of plan to get us out of it?

Comment: Racism will endure until we stop thinking in terms of groups and begin thinking in terms of individual liberty.

Question:

What would you say to individual like me that believes the federal government as an institution is particularly not suited to combat bigotry. That bigotry is a problem of the heart, and the federal government cannot change people's hearts by passing more laws and regulations.

What would you say to individuals like me who believes it is the federal government that most divides us by race, class, religion, and gender. Through its taxes, restrictive regulations, corporate subsidies, racial set-asides, and welfare programs, government plays far too large a role in determining who succeeds and who fails. That the federal government 's "kindness" crowds out genuine goodwill by institutionalizing group thinking, thus making each group suspicious that others are receiving more of the government loot which leads to resentment and hostility among us.

As president would you be open to solving racism by individual liberty? Liberty which means a limited, constitutional government devoted to the protection of individual rights rather than group claims. Liberty that means free-market capitalism, which rewards individual achievement and competence – not skin color, gender, or ethnicity? Would you be open to a free society where every citizen gains a sense of himself as an individual, rather than developing a group or victim mentality? Would you lead in promoting a sense of individual responsibility and personal pride, making skin color irrelevant?

For Mrs. Clinton

2 Women – One needing a liver transpant, the other wanting an abortion. Under your plan, would both be able to CHOOSE their own Doctor?

Ask both Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama what they plan to do to make sure that we dont have a continuing attack against the american people and thier civil rights and the rights that have been established in the Constituion . The Bush administration has turned the goverment into a tool to harass,embarass and intimidate the very people that they swore to protect.

Has John Edwards worked any gainful employment in the last 5 years? How many voters can take off work for 5 years to campaign? Is he a 'Professional Candidate'? How does constant campaiging while building a 20 + thousand square foot home make him 'one of us'?

Ask Obama why he thought campaigning was more imortant than showing up to vote on the Iran issue? Does he understand this to be a pivotal moment he could have documented his foreign policy stance. He braggs about saying the Iraq War was wrong, but did not hold the office to vote for or against. When he did have the authority to vote on Iran he blantantly avoided it. Didn't want to leave a paper trail?

How are American Workers to compete against the world two largest human populations, China and India with one of them Communist with the worlds largest standing army and can set sub standard wages.

Why are they content that we lower our wages to match the rest of the world?

What do they consider a 'service' industry'. If you don't manufacture it, you don't service it.

To the Democratic candidates:

1. Why are the Democrats trying to push a new immigration bill that includes amnesty for the illegal immigrants when they know the majority of the people in this country want secure borders first and a fair way to citizenship? That means, get in line behind those that are here legally trying to obtain citizenship.

2. Don't you think you should represent the majority of the citizens of this country rather than catering to big business interest that only want illegals here for cheap labor? Democrats are acting more and more like Republicans all the time.

All Candidates

The No Child Left Behind Act was passed in 2001. In 2008 there have been many acknowledgments and criticisms in relationship to this law. What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of No Child Left Behind? What will be your priorities to the education of this country?

Question for anybody besides Ron Paul:

Our nation is so deep in debt that interest payments will make it difficult even to stay where we are, let alone ever get out. This issue has rarely been discussed in this election. Does it matter? How will you address it?

Here we go:

1. Should you be elected, will you use signing statements on approved legislation?

2. What will you do to make the selection of Supreme Court justices an open
process as opposed to the high political process we now have?

3. What will you do, as President, to change the silly rule we presently have to override a veto which leaves the ultimate fate of legislation in the hands of one person rather than in the hands of our national legislators where it really belongs?

4. Would you support an effort to have the Vice President elected by the people, rather than the tagalong method we now use?

Aside to Wolf Blitzer: Bring a shrill whistle and if any of the candidates continue to bring up points we have heard from them time and time again, let them have it.
It does get boring after awhile.

Question...

Given our dependence on foreign oil and the pathetic situation it creates where a US president has to visit Saudi Arabia to "complain" about pumping levels and increased prices, why aren't the candidates talking about real, specific solutions that we could accomplish now? Here's a novel idea...why can't the US government create a non profit organization that can leverage federal land for pumping oil closer to home? That would reduce our dependence on oil from Arab countries, eliminate the need to fight a trillion dollar war in Iraq, give us a short term solution until we develop viable fuel alternatives, and the proceeds could be used to address our healthcare and social security issues. I'm sure we'll hear lots of challenges to an approach like this (e.g., no drilling in Alaska, gov't shouldn't be involved, etc.), but these are all driven by special interests. We have real problems and need real solutions.

Enough with the banter back and forth based on your recent, inaccurate poll results.

Seems like my comment was removed. Guess I hit my mark. Truth stings. CNN and all news commentaries need to practice integrity and responsibility. News in service to one's ratings is not a good thing. Lets concentrate on what is important.
For example: What are the candidates positions or thoughts on the following>

-Bush's recent billion dollar armament gift to the Saudi's, in addition to nuclear power (ostensibly for domestic use).
-Saudi's denial of Bush's request that they increase production to ease the resession in the US.

-Social Security benefits, medicare, and presciption plans.
-Education reform, we have been in a dumbing of America process. High School and College educated people who cannot read or write effectively or efficiently. The lack of students entering the sciences, etc.
The high cost of education.

-The economy, lose of manufacturing jobs, outsourcing, the trade deficit.
-The increase of jobs in the service sector while increasing are extremely low paying...how is that good for the economy?
-The real estate mortgage crisis.

The war in Iraq and in Afghanistan...billions of dollars and the priceless loss of lives. What is a better solution?

Pakistan: friend or foe? What is the reality?

American solution to world crisis is simply to throw money at the problem. Or to arm adversaries into "allies". Is there a better way?

Global warming crisis. Solar energy, alternative fuels...why the molasses in january approach to such a 'solvable solution". Notwithstanding our own untethered and protected oil cartells.

Corporate welfare. Is it time to finally say, enough is enough?

Those are my top picks.

From Tristan Penton in Miami:
OBAMA IS NOT FINDING COMMON GROUND. HE IS THE ONE THAT IS DIVIDING AND BANKING ON CLINTON'S ALREADY DIVISIVE ELEMENT IN THE POLITICAL WORLD.

HOW SICK. HOW SICK. HOW SICK!

HE IS FAST-TRACKING HIS CAREER! THE AUDACITY FOR HIM TO SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT!

WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT HIS DRUG ABUSE BUT HE CAN LIE ABOUT CLINTON TO EVERYBODY'S FACES IN HOPES THAT PEOPLE WILL BECOME UPSET ABOUT RACE AND WHO TAKES MORE CREDIT LBJ OR MLK?

OH MY GOD…

She later writes to remove her comments because she was not aware of such a double standard. May I inquire of why she never asked about our current President's marijuana and cocaine use with such urgency?

Frankly, after Bush, if anyone asks about past drug use in their past, I think all candidates should be treated as Bush has been by allowing them to sidestep the issue similarly so as not to impress children today with the sense that "daddy, the president smoked pot, maybe I should" (Bush's taped quotes).

Anyone who brings this up should be blasted for their double standards. Democrats allowed Bush to keep a lid on his usage for sake of his concerns above and his privacy. And I'll be horse-whipped before I see any sanctimonious hypocrisy from a Republican on the issue after allowing it to slide with their choice for President with nary a peep - they *better* keep quiet!

If you wish to press the issue with Obama, or Bill Clinton inhaling or anything else, then let's also demand a blood, hair and drug test from George W. Bush (he who chokes on pretzels and passes out in the Pres. bathroom a la 2001). If it's not equivalent, then yes Ms. Penton, there is that double standard so alive!

For Sen. Clinton: Why does your campaign support the Nevada State Teachers Association lawsuit against the Culinary Workers Union? The lawsuit seeks to stop an arrangement by the Culinary Workers Union that would allow casino and hotel employees to be able to caucus at their places of work so they didn't have to take time off of work to vote. Why is it a bad thing to give more people the opportunity to cast their vote?

For Sen. Obama: Your message of hope and bipartisanship is appealing to a great many voters, but has so far lacked in specifics. Please give an example of one specific thing you would do as President to bring an end to the partisanship and polarization in Washington.

Thanks and God Bless America! Peace!!

"How do you think that the role of the President of the United States and the nature of the presidency have changed in the last century?"

"Please share for whom you voted in the Presidential elections since you were able (if you did vote), why you voted the way you did at the time, and how you feel about that vote now."

General Question for all candidates:

I recently read an article on 'Yahoo News' about the number of single adult and single parent households actually out-numbering the number of 2 adult households.

Why is it that politicians seem to want to cater to the multi-adult households and seem to ignore the fact that single adults are actually equal or might be the majority these days?

Why are all Tax comments geared towards the multi-income households when single adult (especially the single adults without children tax credits) have no one to rely on, for ALL HOUSEHOLD expenses, except the single income and with absolutely NO tax breaksor 'responsibility credits'??

Also, with the number of Seniors (over 60) who are being widowed at an all time high and the number of younger adults being more responsible and not having children out of wedlock, I honstly think it is high time that politicians start to take a hard look at leveling out the playing field!!

I personally am part of the younger (mid 30's) single and childless demographic and I am tired of losing out on the extra 2 or 4 thousand dollars annually that are credited as a head of household. What politician has a plan to help out what has become or is fast becoming the majority of American Households?

Thank you!

Thomas T

Thank you for the opportunity, Wolf.

"It seems that with the increasingly easy access to information and the proliferation of Presidential politics as a form of entertainment, I spend as much time reading, hearing, watching and thinking about how the respective candidates play the game as I do about where they stand on 'issues.' While I am attracted to the notion of 'straight talk,' I am fearful that it too is more aesthetic than substantive. In addition to any public voting record that you might have, what do you suggest that I examine in order to best make my choice for our country's next president?"

Hillary Clinton is now telling us that she is an agent of 'change' and yet ,recently the tactics that she is allowing her campaign to use is straight from the Republicans playbook. I'm not impressed with that all. Quite frankly, I find it disgusting. So my question is when does this 'change' begin. (perhaps after we help her win the election?) hmmm

One of things that could help medicare is to put everyone on it. In fact everyone should have just what the old folks in this country have for healthcare (you don't hear them complaining ... medicare with a private gap policy to take care of the things that medicare does not. These gap policies are less expensive then the full ones offered now. With a huge pool it should help lower the costs for everyone. Healthcare should not be a profit making industry. It is a well known fact that medicare is far more efficient then private health insurance ... 3 percent of costs go to administrative costs vs. 12 to 15 percent for the private insurers. The car industry as well as other manufacturers' would have the healthcare monkey off their backs so that they can compete evenly with those countries that cover their workers with a single payer system.

I want each of the candidates to answer what is wrong with having everyone on the same healthcare program as our old folks ... medicare plus a private 'gap' policy?

Hillary has told us that she 'found her voice' in New Hampshire. Does that mean that she was merely going through the motions and saying only what she was told to say? My question is Should we believe anything that she said prior to New Hampshire because frankly it did all seem quite rehearsed.

Referring to Richard Cohen's article in the Washington Post, I would like Obama to comment on Dr. Jeremiah A Wright Trumpeter Award to Louis Farrahkan. Rev. Wright is Obama's spiritual advisor. Does he support this award??

Senator Obama,

I am a soldier in the United States Army. Why should anyone in this country vote for you when you refuse to put your hand over your heart or face the American flag during the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance?

I am a third-year Political Science major from California who has been following this election closely from both sides. My question is about a topic of great importance, yet one that has hardly been brought up – Israel.

Israel is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East, and the Israeli lobby is a strong political force in this country. The United States has sworn to protect the Jewish State from the aggression of its neighbors (in particular Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia). However, the Israeli government has not been held accountable for its violations of humanitarian rights under international law, or at least not by the United States.

A particularly significant example of this was seen in the Israeli-Lebanese War in the summer of 2006. This war was justified by Israel and the United States as part of the "War on Terror" and as a preemptive defense. (How ironic.) The U.S. Congress voted in support of "Israel's right to defend itself." After the war, a Human Rights Watch report attributed many of Lebanon's civilian casualties to "indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes" and accused both Israel and Hezbollah of "failing to distinguish between civilians and combatants." Israel's use of cluster munitions in civilian areas was also criticized, and many undetonated bombs still remain in Lebanon.

At the same time, however, Israel's conflict with Palestine remains unresolved. In order to facilitate peace, we need the cooperation of both parties. In addition, both parties must be willing to make certain sacrifices in order to bring about a resolution.

My question for the candidates is two-fold:

1. What will you do to make sure ALL nations – not just those we disagree with (i.e. Iran, Syria, North Korea) – abide by international law, and

2. What is your plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Questions for Senator Clinton:

Can you assure the American people that former President Clinton would be restrained from having any contact with White House Interns, should you be elected or re-elected into office?

Can you give us a quick walk-through of your "35 years" of experience, and what specifically you, not the Clintons, but you as an individual accomplished in these 35 years?

Does being a First Lady qualify as experience that qualifies one to run for the highest office in the land? Is that really the kind of experience that is needed to run the country?

What ever happened to IRAQ?!?!

If you really want a fair and unbiased debate, please allow Glen Beck to be on the panel of asking questions.

This question is for all candidates,

Given that today is the birthday of one of our most honored leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. if he were alive today how would you think he would react to the negativity that has played out over the last few days regarding race and personal attacks?

Today, elected officials at every level seem more interested in catering to special interests and slinging mud at the oppositon party than representing the will and meeting the needs of the people. As a result, vast numbers of Americans feel helpless and hopelessly disconnected from the political process that once made our nation the envy of the world. My question is, platitudes and generalities aside, what specific actions would you as president take to help working-class Americans feel more connected to our political system and restore their faith in their elected officials?

Wolf-

Hmm...everyone seems to be asking and discussing abt illegal immigration most of the time...we would like to know how the legal immigration will be handled by them, which too is currently a mess with H-1B turned out to be a lottery system and alas the greencard backlogs....the current processing is for 00/01 applicants...and high increase in H-1B fees and many companies unwilling to sponsor for the same reason...

For all the candidates: Will you, in an effort to save the image of the U.S., upon entering the White House, convene a war crimes tribunal against ALL those involved? This is to include President Bush, VP Cheney, Condalezza Rice...etc., as well as all those that had foreknowledge of those crimes?

In response to AMirabelli above...

"I would like to know from Senators Clinton and Obama what the reason is for the fact that it has cost them so much more money per vote than it has cost Senator Edwards, so far in this primary season."

You don't need to waste debate time on this. It's probably the same reason it cost him (Edwards) so much more for a haircut.

Will CNN please ask Obama to clarify the extent of his drug use? Some of us question if we could vote a man into the office of POTUS with narcotic drug use (cocaine) in their past.
The GOP will most certainly be bringing this up if he was nominated.

This questions is for Obama and HIllary-

I am a senior at the University of Illinois, which is in both of your home states. I want to know about the word "experience," because it ranks right up there with "change" as the most casually dropped term in this election. Is "experience" measured quantitatively or qualitatively? Is being the most experienced the same as being the best experienced for the presidency?

This one is for John Edwards-

Do you think this election has become too focused on race and gender?

I would just like to thank all of the Democratic candidates for their input on improving the economy. We know that the Republicans always offer tax cuts as a major stimulus to the economy and that these cuts are almost always weighted totally in favor of the rich !! Not to mention a nice Bush addition to the national debt when all of the middle class and poor are suffering and being downsized due to significant increases in food, gas/oil, and especially education costs.

I would like to hear their proposals on bringing jobs back to the US and especially for the Midwest US.

Please ask them something about illegal immigration or the success of the troop surge

Question for Hillary: Tell us how the Rose Law Firm Billing records suddenly appeared on a table in the White House living quarters? How do you expect us to believe anything you say now?

Can each candidate please explain their experience in politics in detail

To Obama:

When was the last time you took illegal drugs? Did you sell or only buy?
Why was his campaign and his wife so upset about any citizen or Hillary campaign staff or supporters raising the fact about his drug use. In my opinion, this requires much closer scrutiny. Mere premptive admission on Obama's part in a book is not enough. He needs to speak to it and reassure the american people.

To Obama & Hillary
What is his stand on abortion and clear timeline for turning around the education crisis, jobs going overseas, third world countries now accepting U.S. dollars, and the eco

As a casual observer of American politics, I am finding it increasingly difficult to separate the distinction between your two parties.

While it is often a common comment in my own country ( Canada ) that once elected there is little difference between the political parties, historically your country's parties appeared, at least to me, to have clearly established and defined boundaries. This does not appear to be the case today, and I offer the recent lack of governance in your Congress as evidence.

If I had the opportunity to question a candidate ( party really doesn't matter ) I would ask the question "Does party politics really matter today"?

Functionally it doesn't appear to.

Thanx and keep up the great coverage. It's nice to see something intelligent on the tube.

This question is to all candidates:

Do any of you really believe that you have the International experience, (which is sadly lacking at the moment), necessary to handle and understand the world we find ourselves living in today? If the answer is yes, please enlighten me, because I have seen no example of this yet, in any campaign speech! Thank you.

Question for Hillary:

President Bush was given the authority to take this country to war with Iraq, albeit and unbeknownst to most (including you, as well, I believe) on baseless premises. With this in mind, as president of our nation, you have said that one of your first orders of business will be to commission a plan to get our troops out of Iraq thereby ceasing what has come to be realized as a war that was initiated without sound reason or provocation. We know what the immediate plans are for our troops and the pacifying of America; however, since the United States is, for all intents and purposes, responsible for invading Iraq, what will you do as president to help put Iraq and its people into what, it is hoped, will be a thriving country?

Wolf- Please have the courage ( I Know you Do) to address with Obama the widely circulated rumors on the internet about his faith and is conduct in public office as to his taking oath of office using the Koran not the Bible and also his reported refusal to recite the "Pledge of Alligence". Is this or any of it fact or just rumor circulated to hurt his campaign? One rumor insisted he turns his back during the pledge with no respect at all. ??????????HMmmm

Please ask about illegal immigration and the McCain/Kennedy plan for ammnesty. It seems to me as liberals (I consider myself one, although 20 years ago I was considered moderate) we were in favor of zero population growth. The concept of zero population growth would seem to be in conflict with continuing this steady influx of people.

For Senator Edwards-–You speak much of putting an end to or fighting corporate greed in America. The non-union factories and businesses in this country seem to work more like the feudal system of the Middle Ages of Europe or a dictatorship. American's have shed blood all around the world fighting these kind of systems. Yet we seem to be subjected to this in our every day lives. I recently was forced to work 60 hr weeks for yrs in a factory job, I did not mind so much at first until it seemed to have no end. This company had been given several millions in grants from the state, had purchased equipment to expand their business, and the equipment has sat unused for over three years. My point is corporations seem not to want to invest any profit back into these businesses and create more job's. They seem to only take the cheapest way out. What kind of policies would you have to keep wealthy corporations from dissolving even more tax payer dollars that they don't need in the first place, and better working conditions and pay for the average American worker? Or would the average Americans life continue to be of lesser importance in the comparison of the, all mighty dollar, if you were to be President?

Senator Edwards-

Do you think you could be elected dog catcher in a national election?

How does Hillary explain her transition from a Goldwater Republican to a Democrat. I was just a toddler then, but wasn't Goldwater against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. I thought that LBJ was someone she admired, but here she was working for the man running against LBJ. Is she re-writing her own history?

Are you ready to change the 15-15-70 rule?

15% support an issue on one side. 15% supported an issue on the other side. 70% of the people DO NOT support an issue.
Politicians debate the 15-15 and ignore the 70% of WE THE PEOPLE over and over again.
Are you ready to CHANGE govt and start passing or not passing legislation on behalf of the 70% of WE THE PEOPLE?

Are you ready to shift the power back to the people?
Unity 08. Centrist politicians in power are unhappy govt is not passing their legislation. Corporate interests in power are not happy govt is not passing their legislation. Centrist and corp interests get together to form Unity 08 and propose their own candidate to take back control of the govt.

Do you view the combination of politicians (in power) and corp interests (in power) and forming an organization Unity 08 as change?

Are you all just willing to do anything for Illegal Aliens for the vote? Obama, Clinton, and McCain are among the many that voted to give Social Security benefits to illegal aliens.

Primary exit polls from New Hampshire threw in the question: How would Democrats have decided their votes if Bill Clinton had have been running? 47% of Obama’s supporters would have stuck with him, while 24% of them went to Bill; but in Hillary Clinton’s case, only 27% stayed with her and 58% chose her husband over her.

Question for Clinton: Do you feel voters may be choosing you because of your husband?

Question for Obama: What factors caused the majority of your voters to stick with you?

DEBATE QUESTION
Question to Hillary Clinton:
The general consensus is that climate change is real and happening. Recent reports say that the country has a 50% chance of heading for a recession with many saying we are already in a recession. How will you be able to combat global warming, become energy independent from foreign countries and avoid worsening a downward spiral economy?

"Direct action is not a substitute for work in the courts and the halls of government. Bringing about passage of a new and broad law by a city council, state legislature, or the Congress, or pleading cases before the courts of the land, does not eliminate the necessity for bringing about the mass dramatization of injustice in front of a city hall.

Indeed, direct action and legal action complement one another. When skillfully employed, each becomes more effective."

Illegal immigration......

My son-in-law was laid off from his mill job. (bad)
He was able to retrain at our local college. (good)
He did get a new job. (good)
He now makes less money and has fewer benefits. (bad)
He now works in a high risk job and my daughter worries every time he goes to work. (bad)
ICE had an immigration raid in an attempt to enforce US law. (good)
The mill had to shut down as the illegal workers would not come to work. (what?)

My question: Could you please stop saying that immigrants only take jobs that US citizens won't do as this citizen thinks you are naive? A yes or no would suffice.

This question is for Hillary Clinton,

You speak about exprience as must to be a President. I have recently seen speech of Bill Clinton in 1992 When he was asked that he does not have required experience to be president, he replied saying that experience is not a must,. Which is so true. Look at Bush he had so much experience, he just made a mess of this country in every way. So we feel experience is not a must, what person need to have ideas, ready to address the core issues, acknowledge the reality and above all have a vission. We will all of which Obama has and other hand you don't because you just trying to speak to please people. Like you say you will pull out the troops from Iraq in 60 days without giving any rational. Do you think by pulling out troops from Iraq in 60 days will solve the problem? What happens to the country after that. We are responsible for this mess and as a civilized society we should take control and do damage control. Dont you think withdrawal should be in a timely manner? ON this issue again OBAMA is more proper and thoughtful.

I am a gay, 20 year old male from Rochester, NY and my question for the candidates is this: If elected, what will you commit to in regards to granting marriage rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender couples. And, beyond marriage rights, how will you ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans-gender young people in our nation are treated with respect and not ridicule in our schools and in our places of work.

As we become more and more aware of the effect of our presence on this planet, it is nice to see companies with new and innovative ideas to reduce this effect. With options like the MDI/Tata air powered car set to be released this summer, what will you do as president to make sure these innovative options are not interferred with by those who wish to maintain our current dependence?

Question to all Candidates:
You all speaking about Global Warming. Can we ask you, What you have personally done in your personal lifes to reduce Global Warming? One of the examples will be what type of Car or Automobiles you drive which reflects your life style change for the Global warming. If you are still driving that gas thristy Cars./ SUVs and you still speak about Global warming, dont think you been hypocrite?

What if president would you do to address this epidemic of vaccine injured children, examples: autism, add/hd, asthma. bi-polar disorder, OCD, siezures, dyslexia, etc. Thirty million children, at least have been exposed to toxic levels of mercury and other chemicals used in vaccines required by law. Activists groups estimate that one in three children are damaged by mercury and these chemicals. Federal and state health officials, AAP, media, and many powerful political leaders have close ties to the pharmaceutical companies. How will you address this problem? Elaine Dow

After saying these words to General Petraeus:

“…your rather extraordinary efforts in your testimony both yesterday and today, the report that you provided for us really requires a willing suspension fo disbelief.”

Ask Hillary if she owes Gen Petraeus an apology and is she willing to admit she was wrong about the surge?

Ask Hillary Clinton if she plans to reach over to the Republicans and compromise on contentious issues. Who does she see among Republicans as people she can work with?

What is Hillary's relationship with lobbyists especially when she takes donations from them. How do we know that these lobbyists will control her when she is President?

When will Hillary remove all troops from Iraq?

Please ask all the candidates,

Why was the "comprehensive" immigration bill which failed last year, not a form of amnesty for the many illegal immigrants in the US? After, this bill would have given these people exactly what they broke the law, or many laws, to get, which is, the legal right to stay and work in the US.

Why do the Democratic candidates support the rights of so many lawbreakers over the rights of legal, law abiding US citizens and legal residents?

I would like to know from Senators Clinton and Obama what the reason is for the fact that it has cost them so much more money per vote than it has cost Senator Edwards, so far in this primary season.

Why must it be CUT TAXES – OR – CUT SPENDING?? We want CUT TAXES – AND – CUT SPENDING.

Why must the questions be THIS OR THAT, when it can be THIS AND THAT?

Thank you,
Mary Snyder, on the border in southern New Mexico, watching the illegals walk down Highway 9.

A question for all: As President, would you subscribe to Congress wasting it's time on frivolous issues like steriods in baseball when the economy needs their attention?

A question to all candidates:

Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute (the appointed War Czar) recently said that a military draft is "always on the table" as an option. Several reports have discussed the fatigue on our soldiers and their families due to repeated deployments, reduced leaves, and embarrassingly low salaries, not to mention shady recruitment practices. Some officials have described our military as being at the "breaking point".

With no end to the Iraq war in the immediate future, and the on-going needs in Afghanistan, how will you repair the damage done to our military and increase enlistment without having to reinstitute a draft?

How will you stop lobbies such as AIPAC from controlling the direction of this country and the decisions it makes? Will you be willing to give power back to the people of this country rather then fill your own pockets from contributions from lobbies with foreign interests in mind?

Atleast will you stop lobbies with foreign interests?

Why do we allow a foreign country such as Israel to have a lobby in this country, they have the intrests of Israel not America, all foreign lobbies should be stopped. Maybe then we actually be neutral.

This question is for Senator Clinton. Giving me a direct answer I need to know how you will improve the relations with other nations that will give us back our respect and standing in the world. Thank You!

Mr. Obama, every president seems to have a honey moon in his first year in office, one in which he can focus - and usually pass - one legislative priority to chart the course of his first term. Bill Clinton had health care (which failed), Bush had his tax cuts (which passed). What is yours?

To CNN debate questioner :
I also question the character of a man who has admitted cocaine use. I could not in good faith support such a man for election to the highest office in our land.
And to think that so many made such an issue over Bill Clinton's remark "I tried it but didn't inhale."
Granted, that was a silly remark, but essentially he was saying he did NOT smoke pot.
Now here we have Obama not only saying he smoked pot, but also used the narcotic cocaine.
To me, it calls into question his personal character and judgment.
Certainly the Republicans will raise this as a serious character issue should he get the nomination.
How can Obama further explain his behavior/

The Budget Plans from the Candidates are Unacceptable!!!

The War on Middle Class Citizens who are now currently undocumented Citizens; how are any Presidential Budget Proposals from any of the Candidates (Democrats and Republicans) will resolve and solve this problem when these undocumented citizens do not fit into any of their budgeted areas for relief?

A citizen (this exist) who is currently unqualified for unemployment insurances, unqualified for Social Security Disabilities, unqualified for Food Stamps, unqualified for housing, unqualified for medical insurances, unqualified for employment, unqualified for all Social Services Benefits …etc after the age of thirty-five (35). How are their budgets proposals or any for that matters, be beneficial to this undocumented citizens and relief this person from poverty, homelessness…etc?

I would like to know who and which Presidential Candidate can resolve this issue since, no current Governmental Agencies, State Political Leaders and the Presidential Offices has no solutions? Not even the more experienced and qualified Justices of the Law could come up with a solution. So what would make these Candidates for President, who is inexperienced, be able to resolve this issue when these are the same individuals who had premeditated this problem at their prospective job levels and State Levels and the issues are in existence today??? They ignored the option for resolution at their Job Levels and Governmental Offices, what would make them think they would resolve it when they are in the Presidential Office?

Under Mr. McCain’s plan of re-training at Community Colleges…etc. This is a revolving issue for disaster. Besides, these unemployed individuals are trying to use the money to pay for bills to stay from debts rather than paying for school, which was done once in their lives. Also, the Labor Dept re-trains everyone who are receiving Unemployment Insurances. The question is what happens when the unemployment insurances run out and the re-training they received from the Labor Dept. is not what employers/hiring companies want in an employee? These are the types of quagmire the Governmental Officials and Political Experienced Leaders have created. To summarize these are all out cries from the peoples which are unresolved and False Promises for corrections from Political Leaders and any/all Presidential Administrations, therefore is relief NULL?????Ms. C. Jugmohan

A question for all: All of you have preached the virtues of bipartisanship. Of all the current Republican candidates for President, who do you most respect (or admire, support, etc.) and why?

I would like CNN to answer if they would be willing to run public transportation campaigns for the President of the United States to help change the hold and paradigm the automobile has on the American identity and Ameircan lifestyle and sense of worth.

Advertising works! Media works! How can you help the President of the United States move forward the awareness of such an important issue and help create a movement?

Question to all candidates:
How much more free loot from Uncle Sugar's big gubmint coffers will you promise to give me if I vote for you? Bonus points for those who don't require me to get off my ever-expanding duff to earn it.

Another question:
When will the government institute a policy of national "Universal Single Payer iPods?" Also, what line will I be required to stand in, in order to qualify for the 80 gig model?

Last Question:
When will the policy of nationwide extermination and systematic execution of anyone more conservative than, say, Noam Chomsky, begin?

(Teddy Roosevelt, where are you when your nation desperately needs you?)

Obama, please explain to the American people who have lost a child to drugs or have had their child's life ruined because of drugs how your drug use as a child is justified becasue of a father wound and emotional healing.

Also, and in light of George Bush's cocaine abuse and alcoholism, and how arrogantly he has managed this country and has side-stepped his responsibilities, I would like for you to comment on what you believe the social connotations are of this cocaine use.

I know cocaine is a frightening word to say in the media, especially when associated with the President of the United Stats, but I am a little bit confused because I think that a lot of people can say, "Oh, Bush snorted cocaine and he's president, this isn't a big deal. I'll get out of it."

It's hard, I know and I am in no way saying that you are disqualified entirely in my eyes, but my heart, my mind and my feelings cannot process this.

What response to have to tell someone who feels very strongly about this and feels that you are running too soon to know better.

This question is for Rudy Giuliani. You bring to fore your experience on National Security based largely on the events of September 11. What did you do on that dreadful day that any other Mayor wouldn't have done on that dreadful day?

I'm interested to know how in touch the candidates are with the reality of the middle/lower class voters. Although during a debate they can't be challenged to grocery shop for a family of 4 with $75 for the weeks worth of groceries and cleaning products but I would like to know if they know how much a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, pound of beef and jar of formula are in their towns of legal residence.

Also they clearly know how to pander to voters nationwide but can they assemble a US map puzzle or name the states?

It is well past time that we have someone in office that is in touch with the middle and lower class. Perhaps were this to happen our domestic problems could take precedence over interfering in world matters.

What will the candidates do about the sorry state of our nation's public schools? Will they commit to increase funding?

Please ask Mr. Obama how he can justify being a member of the inherently racist Congressional Black Caucus whose membership is limited to African-Americans. I do not want a President that belongs to a "Blacks Only" club. Racism is racism, no matter who practices it.

Mr Blitzer,I have a question for all the candidates.What are your position on Executive Privilege! The Bush Administration has put a veil of secrecy around its actions domestically and in foreign relations using this privilege !

A question for all candidates: As we all know, the drought in the south has really hurt farming this year, and is putting alot of farmers out of the buisness; yet i havent heard the first thing proposed about how to provide assistance to the farms, and how any candidate plans on helping whats provides this nation with its food and is a billion dollar industry?....thanks for considering my question.

Question for Obama -

How does he explain his relationship with controversial Rev. Wright. who blames whites for everything that goes wrong in black community?

Please explain to the American people why your wife, who is earning over $200,000 a year still shops at Target and please tell me why this should play into your presidential bid?

Would you be willing to show the AMerican people receipts?

My question is:

Congress, although not by law, essentially has given up all its oversight responsibility over to the Federal Reserve. There are no true audits, and Congress knows nothing of the conversations, plans, and actions taken in concert with other central banks. The Federal Reserve relently increases the money supply. M3 has risen more than twice as fast as M2 and GDP in recent years. Many economist believe inflation is caused by such monetary phenomenon.

M3 is widely used by notable economists, policy makers, and investors as the most accurate and reliable true measure of the money supply

What will you do as president to ensure that the Federal Reserve reverses their decision to discontinue compiling and releasing the M3 monetary aggregate figures? Why should our Congress not be privy to the US Money Supply?

My question is for all the candidates.

I am 23 years old, and my generation only remembers two years during which the Democrats simultaneously controlled the White House, the House, and the Senate. By contrast, my generation remembers six years when Republicans controlled all three. If you receive our party's nomination and win in November, it is likely that the Democrats will also retain control of Congress. What will you do to make sure we don't relive the last six years of Republican domination and refusal to compromise while making sure the Democrats retain control of Congress after your first two years in office?

To all candidates:

Why don't you focus on the issues that concern the American people instead of pandering for votes just to get elected. I hear lots of ideas about "what you think the problems are" but I haven't heard any solutions to the problems.

If you have no solutions – then why should I bother to vote for you?

Question for Hilary:
Question 1: considering ISRAEL is the only contry with Nuclear power in the Middle East and occupying Palestine unlawfully, would your administration help the palestaian cause?
Question 2: US have spet over 1.8 trillion in false war in Iraq also damaged buildings, human lives etc there....to restore the peace and redevelopment in Iraq, would your administration spend even half the amount spent in the War?
NOTE: I know my questions won't be asked as they are bitter truth!

I know Senator Obama may not want to answer this question but it is something that has been on my mind alot lately, does he have any fear for the safety of his family and himself as he proves himself to be a formitable candidate? I think that unfortunately we enjoy pretending that we have evolved as it relates to race relations in America, but the last several days have proven that race does and is playing a role in this election. I just feel that there are those out there that just would be unable to accept an African American president. As history has shown us, they don't even react well to a president that relates too closely with African Americans.

My question goes to Hilary Clinton.
If you are elected to the white House today ,do you think Muslim world will be ready to sit down on the table with you?given the image of a woman in their society?

for all candidates, Both parties candidates where very appealing throughout 2007. Yet, so far, in 2008 things as usual have turned ugly. Candidates have turned wrong side up. I was very pleased to see the front runners in the democratic party where a black man and a woman both with good views but as usual one side couldn't accept falling behind the other and now we have something as ugly as race issues or wars on the table. America has been growing up and making a strong effort to dissolve judgement of race ( all, brain is pink, thats the important part of every human). Hatred has become a small issue as we've seen in Iowa and New Hampshire. Has not all the candidates in both parties with all there attacking of each other, in recent debates and interviews, showed that candidates personal attacks within their own party or across the board will weaken the American peoples hope that you are the right candidate for America? And do you believe you're the candidate that can bring America back to its former standing within the eyes of the nations of the world, as America used to be a nation envied by all the world?

For the canidates in the next REPUBLICAN debate:

What is your definition of a NEO-CON, and to what extent do you consider yourself one?

Hi
My question for All candidates
If elected president, would you solve the immigration problem in 6 months, a year or longer?

Question for All the Presidential Candidates: With the current problems in Washington, the partisan politics and divides that seek to tear us down rather than build us up. What makes you better suited than the other candidates to bring Democrats, Republicans and Independents together to bring about the CHANGE that Washington truly needs??????

To Hillary Clinton: I have heard a lot of talk about your years of experience (in particular, I believe the quote at the last debate was "that you had 35 years of experience making change"). Could you please describe, specifically, what experiences you have had and what changes you have directly effected in those 35 years that you believe give you a greater ability than Mr. Obama to change the country?

there have been many candidates raise the issue of universal health care; all I want to know is what is it Iam going to get, the same coverage that Hillary and Obama have or something quite different.

OBAMA When, How, What are you Going to CHANGE and Where is all the Money going to come from?

I'm in agreement with Johnny A. When will the government stop arresting patients? Medicine should be decided by a doctor, not politicians. We need to end the persecution of medical marijuana patients NOW! What will you do to stop the federal government from arresting innocent people?

Please ask Obama: What experience does he have? What is his record? He keeps directing to change, however, Clinton is always for change. She has experience, she has brought forth how she intends to lead and what she will do if president? What is HIS plan, what is his record, what "experience" does he claim to have?

My Question:

Our social security and medicare programs are endangered because the government squandered these funds on other entitlements. How do you justify fixing (scaling back) these two programs while expanding spending on universal health care and mandates for illegal aliens?

I am puzzled at Hillary's observation that the Voting Right Act and other civil rights legislation were only passed because of the good efforts of then president Lyndon Johnston. Sure, but would Johnson have just pushed for them on his own without the sacrifice of Martin Luther King? My point is that MLK was not in congress, but Johnson was not in the streets.

To all the candidates: Some have talked about trying to end the partisian divide so I want to know of two republicans you would consider appointing to your cabinet and why you would choose these two individuals.

Other question: we're headed for a recession, give us one thing you would do to cusion America and why it would work.

Please ask Mrs. Clinton to extrapolate on why her experience in the White House, an unusually active one, is quite valuable to realizing a better Executive Branch; and also how her 7 plus years in the Senate, with her skills in bringing both sides together on thorny issues, allows her that added view on how to get Major Reforms in government through a minefield in Congress. How would you combat fears that we are going backwards to the Bill Clinton Era, a supremely positive era for the economy and World prestige, and being able to create your own NEW era?

Being that the top tier candidates are crying for "Change", also please ask all the candidates how their rallying cries for CHANGE can be realized, knowing that change happens not but merely being eloquent in making speeches, but also being able to work through tough negotiations with a well organized opponent like the Republican Party.

Also, please ask Mr. Obama how does State Legislative Government experience assist with Federal Executive Branch government expertise and how can that help with the mounting issues with Federal government reform and the ever present World opinion of our country?

Thank you.

Thanks, again, Wolf–

For Mr. Edwards:

I am impressed by how, in your campaign, you honor the sacrifice your parents made to give you a better life. Mine did the same. What do you think you would take into the White House with you in terms of character that makes you better suited for the position than either Ms. Clinton or Mr. Obama ?

Thank you.

From what I am reading in the comments, regardless of party affiliation (or lack thereof), I think many of you would strongly agree with many of Ron Paul's ideas. Although he is a Republican, you may be pleasantly suprised that there is a sincere candidate running that supports many values that most Americans feel are important. No harm in at least looking him up, just "Google Ron Paul".

My question for the candidates is:

Jobs, or the lack thereof, across all levels, is an increasing concern. In light of this, would you support new or increased levels for foreign worker programs?

Question: All What is your stand on the Trilateral Commision and Globalization?

Question for all Democratic candidates:

I'm a military veteran, having served during Operation Desert Storm and several years thereafter. During my military tenure, I was witness to base closures and an overall reduction in forces. As we move further into an era where our forces are stretched to the limit on multiple fronts, much attention is given to military spending as it relates to weapons, equipment, troop deployments, and logistical concerns. Meanwhile, our injured soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors are provided substandard medical care, which worsens after they've left the service. As president, what would you do to ensure adequate military spending as it relates to medical coverage for our wounded military, their families, and veterans?

Why is that all the religous questions get thrown only at Mike Huckabee and none of the other candidates? Because the guy can also talk politics.

I appreciate you asking for our questions. But what I don't appreciate is you having Ralph Reed on without disclosing his current relationships to the candidates as well as past history (e.g. McCain exposing his ties to Abramoff). Reed might have financial ties to Romney (i.e. a consultancy), but this would need to be confirmed. Given his past, it might be hard to find out. That's precisely why he shouldn't be on until you can get to the bottom of whether he is.

Many people in America can't buy health insurance at group rates ...and are forced to do without .

I would like to ask each Republican and Democratic candidate. especially Mike Huckabee answer:

( 1) Would you support letting any American pay 100 % ( with a 1% service fee)

of the cost of the group rate that federal employees health insurance plans

and congress enjoy.
.
Clyde Young , Kansas City, MO

816-734-5844

My question is for all the candidates...

If elected, what is your plan to unite the country? There are a number of people out there that have lost faith in government, because government has lost faith in the people. They are scared to live, because the future is so bleak.

All partisian politics aside... What is your plan to unite us, as Americans?

I can understand how halting spending could really mess up the economic circle and I can also understand where we are moving to a "consumption' economy. In fact, one New York times report put the ratio at already 70/30 %.But while avoiding a recession is of immediate importance, I think that what is at the heart of my concerns is that by allowing the elimination of so much of what once was a varied manufacturing base, we are now dependent mostly upon only those industries which are tied to military expenditures and that this lack of manufacturing diversity is a bad thing. I mean, we're currently engaged in two wars and have bases all over the world and we're still heading into a recession.

My question to all candidates: Would a more diverse manufacturing base help to avoid future economic downturns and, if so, what can be done to bring manufacturing diversitsy back to America?

Campain Promises are exactly that – Campaign Promises. I have little faith that Campaign Promises ever come to fruition. With a fairly balanced congress, how can you convince voters that you will be able to fulfill even a small percentage of your Campaign Promises? Promises, Promises, Promises.

I have a question for Senator Clinton, Senator Obama, and former Senator Edwards. All of you say that you have a comprehensive plan for government sponsored healthcare in this country. My question is this: How much, in an actual dollar amount, is your healthcare plan going to cost the federal government?

This question is for Barack Obama:

The country has seemed to look past the experience that Senator Clinton has, and has fallen into you messgae of change. I believe that we all can be in agreement that experience is definatly a positve strength, so my question:

How do you plan, from day one, to lead the country, even though you do not have that much experience?

My question should take less then a few minutes of air time and candidates should be required to give only a monetary value and not be allowed to make a speech on the monetary values.

My question should be directed to all the candidates and is offered as a means of assessing to what extent the candidates know the economic burdens facing the American middle class today. I want each candidate to be asked in random order from the following list of common household family purchases the price of such necessities for families who are raising children:

1. Loaf of bread
2. Quart of milk
3. Box of Wheaties
4. Tube of toothpaste
5. Bottle of aspirin
6. Ream of school notepaper
7. Jar of peanut butter
8. Can of soup
9. Bottle of shampoo
10.Bar of soap

Each candidate need only give the price of one item so that no candidate can merely repeat the answer of another candidate.

A question to all:
When you visit a town with a packing plant there is a interesting occurence on paydays. Many of the workers head directly to the various money transfer depots. These funds are being sent over the US border to their families abroad.

Would you be for a tax on these dollars leaving our country?

I'm confused here. Wolf Blitzer is "stunned" by what? The quality of questions from his CNN audience? Oh, and this is amazing news is being broken on CNN.com? What a coincidence. I haven't heard or read about the amazingly brilliant, stunningly ingenious (must mean ultra-left liberal), CNN audience anywhere else except................................CNN.

Seems a bit contrived – but then, I'm no genius.

The economy has risen above the Iraq war in importance, according to polls.

However, to what extent has the $450+ billion spent on the war contributed to putting the economy in the tank?

Oh, here we go again. More Hillary Clinton bashing from CNN. I really sorry to see that CNN will be hosting this event. CNN's news coverage is blatantly anti-Clinton and pro-Obama. I consider myself to be an intelligent person and CNN, if you think people don't see through your bias, you're sadly mistaken.

I won't bother sending my question to you Wolf Blitzer, you won't use it anyway. Both you and Jack Cafferty need to stop trying to sway the voters. Just report the news, the truth, not distortions!

Would the candidates support a rise of the gasoline tax to support improvements only to the existing infarstructure?

If you were not running for president, which of the other candidates would you support?

For all candidates:

In all fairness to all Americans, would you swear the Presidential Oath of Office with your hand on the flag and a copy of the Constitution. Afterall swearing an oath on the Bible disregards other religions as well non belivers who also claim rights.

WE THE PEOPLE

I am very concerned about the country's erosion of our civil liberties.
What, if anything, will you do to reverse or eliminate the Military Commission's Act of 2006?

The media and Sen. Clinton keep relaying that she has so much more experience then Sen. Obama. Ask Sen. Clinton to explain exactly the experience she is referring to. I have researched her past and can find nothing that would cause me to believe that she has any experience except having access to the President for 8 years and a few years as a U.S. Senator. Please have her explain in detail because from where I sit I see nothing. Please do not let her answer this question vaguely...I want details.

Comment:
I am completely amazed at all the hatred for the illegal/undocumented workers. Some have suggested they be sent back to where they came from. Being raised in the '60's, it has a familiar ring to a former outcry for the blacks. Send them back to Africa! Have we as a country not learned anything from our mistakes? Those same people who have contributed much to build the infrastracture in this country have now completed their task, so it is time to send them back? I was not aware they were a disposable commodity. How about the money they have paid in taxes? Has that not helped our economy as well? Sure, they may have used illegal or stolen security cards, but the money was still paid to the government and will never be requested by that illegal/undocumented worker. Please stop demonizing these people. Remember that the illegal immigrants responsible for 9/11 came from our Northern border. I wish I could say that you need to turn your hatred there – but there is already enough hatred among ourselves already.
My vote is for Hillary – Obama is a good man without experience and will be torn to shreds by the Republicans. How sad...

I have been reading through some of the questions. I am appalled that most of them fail to even acknowledge that Sen Edwards is still in the race.
I even read one that directed their question to SEN MCCAIN.
Please, please stop the biased reporting on Clinton and Obama. John Edwards is still very much in this race, and his opponents should be just Clinton and Obama, not the news media.

Please just ask questions that will get answers about what the candidates actually have planned for the following: Health care. education, transportation, Seniors, Veterans, homeless. Ask them how they will specifically help places that suffered disasters like New Orleans. Ask them what the have specifically planned for solving the Middle East crisis.

Of course we know things change so todays answers may need to be reevaluated at a later date – however it wold be good to know what the candidates would do with todays challenges if they were president.

Maybe even a rule at the beginning of the debate that says the candidates cannot talk about what someone else didn't do only what they would do.

Thank you for having the debate – it's an exciting time in our history. It's exciting seeing our candidates discuss todays issues.

I always watch CNN. I detest FNN for their obvious bias. However, CNN is so biased now I am sickened. CNN acts like Obama walks on water and Clinton is the devil. CNN is horribly SEXIST !! Even FNN is kinder to Hillary than CNN. I know most white males have a hard time with a women being over them. Please STOP the sexist reporting of the 08 race!

Hey Theo, LEARN THE FACTS. A baby born IN THE U.S. to illegal immigrants is a U.S. citizen because ANYONE born in the U.S. is a U.S. citizen. PERIOD. If you don't like it, go change the Constitution.

Here's a question to you Wolf...can you please stop referring to your fellow CNN reporters as the "Best political team on television" everytime you transition to them??? Please! We get the point! Otherwise we wouldn't be watching CNN if we thought the coverage was lackluster! You've used that phrase almost as much as Rudy's used "9/11" as a crutch!

Why not discuss Race and Gender in the political setting? Besides that it is bad for the Democratic Party. Is this not an issue that needs discussion in America at this time?

For all the candidates:
Autism is an epidemic in this country. Research is underfunded and narrowly focused while treatment is difficult to secure through insurance. What will you do to address this staggering health issue? Will you be willing to face down the insurance industry over treatment? Will you be willing to face down the pharmaceutical industry about thimerosal and live virus exposure as contributing factors to the rise in Autism?

It is so sad we have Johm McCain saying "we should be in Iraq for a 100 years the same as Japan and Korea" Why? why should we control a Country (Iraq) that it is fact their was no reason to go there?. This is not Nation Building or Freedom this is building an Empire, look up the word Empire, we cover it with the word democracy.

What would it cost to occupy Iraq for a 100 years? and why do we have an Embassy the size of the Vatican and cost over a Billion dollars? last count 750 million, but it was not done yet.

CNN nor Fox gave this any attention.

We are 60 trillion in debt, including Social Security and medicare, the dollar is dropping, gold is over 900 an ounce, oil almost a 100. The fed is printing money as a fast as it can, Greenspan gave us" Sub Prime" or the real word "bad Loans"
No one goes to jail over this no CEOs not the Fed not Wall Street

Now the govt wants to bail out the banks, the specualtors, and make us pay for their mistakes. We can not afford it!!

Please other than Ron Paul that has real answers to these problems please make these candidates give real answers not this "get a vote" answer but soemthing that says they understand the economy and the Consitiution. Which again other hthan Ron Paul none of them could answer a question on the Constitiution.

Please no more questions on religion or the Bible, It is the Economy We are broke!!!

To all of the candidates:

If you believe a tax cut is a tax cut for the rich, do you then believe that a ciggarrette tax hike is a tax on the poor?

This is for all the candidates:

What would you consider an impeachable act for a president or vice-president?

To all of the Candidates:
Please be clear on your definition of midddle class-
What is the highest dollar amount of of annual income a middle class family can earn before they are no longer considered middle class?

To Obama, Clinton, and Edwards:

Do you support the attempts of MSNBC, its parent company General Electric, and ABC to exclude Congressman Kucinich from the debate tonight?

To Senator Obama:

How can you continue to refuse to support same-sex marriage when marriage by any other name is just another form of "separate but equal"? How can LGBTQ voters feel like you have our backs when you, like every other candidate here except Congressman Kucinich, are complicit with our second-class citizenship?

Hey "Bambie," you are incredibly uninformed. Barack Obama's "hometown" is not Kenya. If it was, he wouldn't be able to run for President, because one has to be born in this country in order to be a Presidential candidate. And Kenya is not a "town," it is a country in Africa from where some of Obama's relatives hail. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!

To former Senator Edwards:

How is your universal health care plan better than that of Clinton or Obama, and how does this reflect your superior commitment to the poor and working classes?

Mrs Clinton - You have talked a lot about your 35 years of experience. What experience are you talking about and how is it relevant to the Presidential race?

Wolf Blitzer,

Please make sure that Obama is grilled this time. I and many other Americans are tired of him getting a free pass in these debates with no hard questions asked or him not answering the question's.

If American's are in his cult, I think they should hear what he really stands for and his lack to answer the questions.

To Senator Clinton:

How is your universal health care plan better than Senator Obama's?

This question is directed at all candidates:

As a college student from a middle class family, my parents are struggling to pay my tuition. My mother even spent the majority of her inheritance from her parents to ensure that I get a good education. The Bush administration slashed funding for student loans and PELL grants, leaving many students in worse economic situations than I am high and dry. What do you plan to do about the rising costs of education, and how do you plan to ensure that every student who is willing to work hard can get the college degree(s) necessary to compete in an ever diversifying job market?

To Congressman Kucinich:

You stand before us at the podium only after a Nevada judge forced MSNBC, GE, and ABC to honor their initial debate invitation to you. How does your attempted exclusion from the debate relate to your relationship with corporate interests, and how are you different from Senators Clinton, Obama, and Edwards in terms of corporate connections?

Question For Edwards.

Have you been running for VP for Obama since you .5% win over Hillary in Iowa? You seem to try and side with him on EVERYTHING he has to say as of late. You even jumped on the Hillary bashing? Why do you think we would want to vote for you when you have no spine of your own?

I also question the character of a man who has admitted cocaine use. I could not in good faith support such a man for election to the highest office in our land.
And to think that so many made such an issue over Bill Clinton's remark "I tried it but didn't inhale."
Granted, that was a silly remark, but essentially he was saying he did NOT smoke pot.
Now here we have Obama not only saying he smoked pot, but also used the narcotic cocaine.
To me, it calls into question his personal character and judgment.
Will CNN ask Obama more about this?
Certainly the Republicans will raise this as a serious character issue should he get the nomination.

I am curious aobut Hillary Clinton's political experience. She has stated in mny interviews that she has the experience to change Washington. It seems to me that she's attempting to rely on the political experience of her husband and not her own. Perhaps this may be the information I need to make my decision on whom I will vote for in the next election.

Are you serious?
I read through many of the questions posted, and about 90% of them fell into three categories:

1) Question designed to directly attack a candidate they didn't like

2) Random rant about murder/corruption/criminals in office

3) Question about completely irrelevant topic

But it brings to mind the real issue in your debates, which is that all answers must be limited to a minute or two.

Your citizenry is trained to respond to soundbytes and one-liners and they don't think beyond that, partially because no one ever talks beyond that.

Now that there's only 3 Democrats, I'd ask you to give them Each 10 minutes uninteruptted to lay out in detail one change they intend to make, in detailed terms not broad statements about change, but actually what they'd seek to do and how, then actually explain

I want to know more about socalize medicine. Is it the same as they have in England where you can wait months to get an appointment? How much would people have to pay, because, we know it is not free.

Is it both Bill and Hill that is running for office?

Judging by the present and future financial out looks, Would any of the canindates be willing to repeal the Bankrupcy Laws pass by our current president and do you think the governnment is doing enough to protect American consumers from unfair business practices from corperations in regards to restablishing credit.

Ask Barak Obama, why does a healthy, young, good looking, and accomplished person such as himself, want to put himself and his family through all of the unfair criticism, the older people's idea that America can't elect him, the Republican slime machine, and the Clintons? Is it worth it? I do not see a benefit to him. I think if given the chance, you would make a great president, but I have been in Barack's position on a lower level. It is very hard and very stressful. I moved on to a different position and my life is much happier now without trying to break down everyone's ideas of how I am "suppose" to be. I am so ashamed of Bob Johnson, but forgive him he is just a man of his era. I will be so glad when the young take over. I really believe our generation will be the greatest because we do not have the baggage of the older generation. What are your thoughts?

ITS TIME TO CONSIDER WHO CAN WORK WITH
CONGRESS I DONT THINK REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS
WILL WORK WITH CLINTON, THEY HAVE A VENDETA
WITH THE CLINTONS
WHO CAN WORK WITH BOTH PARTYS
AND GET SOMETING DONE

I live in a state bordering Mexico. I have 2 college degrees and a large student loan debt. Despite having 2 degrees, I'm not being considered for jobs because I'm over qualified and/or I don't speak spanish. The majority of these jobs are being offered to spanish speaking individuals without degrees or diplomas. Most of the individuals I've spoken to are here on work permits. There are thousands of graduates in the same position in my state. Most of us are homeless or living with our parents because we can't afford anything else. The only jobs we hold are temporary ones. What is going to be done to help this situation?

To all the Democratic candiates:

How does your campaign's staff composition, management style, overall philosophy, and responses to adversity reflect your Presidential leadership style? How would you contrast your campaign's approach to the rival campaigns?

The manner in which a candidate runs their campaign can say a lot about how they will lead the country, and we have three very different approaches among the front-runners.

What are your thoughts on Congress giving themselves a pay raise seeing how the economy is today?

Topic is Cuba

Can you and senators answer this question::::

Why are the American People threatened by the Government if they would travel to Cuba they will be punished by law, prison time, and fines. This is suppose to be a free country to travel anywhere you want but we can go anywhere but are threatened by our government if you go to Cuba....Where is the justice for the american people at the government dictates to us where, what we can do and go. So we are told what we are allowed to do and where to go not any different then Cuba, China and the other 3 world countries do to their people. Explain the justification of this to us.....thank you......

Keep it simple .

Will you pull out of Iraq now or committ to staying another 10 years.?

Will you seal the border,have no amnesty,sanction employers who knowlingly hire illegals immigrants?

How will you fix health care?

How will you guarantee that the will of the American people will prevail over the special interest groups and the military industrial complex ...?

Hi, Wolf–

Love the Situation Room! Thanks for the opportunity to suggest questions for the important debate before Super Tuesday. Here's one for your consideration:

I am uncomfortable with Mr. Obama's admitted cocaine use in his youth and Ms. Clinton's much-publicized marital problems. We cannot afford to elect anyone this time whose personal issues may distract us from the important work we need to do. How can each of you assure the American people that any embarrassing personal problems you encounter in office will not interfere with the tough job that lies ahead of you as President?

Thank you.

My question is for all the candidates who have a plan for healthcare reform. I am a chemist in the "evil Big Pharma empire" that it has become so fashionable to demonize. Contrary to popular belief, the scientists in this industry went to school, got our degrees, and entered pharma because we wanted to make a difference in people's lives. As sappy and altruistic as that sounds, it's the truth...but if some of the candidates have their way, it certainly sounds like I'll be out of a job. Does the notion of preserving pharmaceutical innovation in this country have any place at all in your plan for reforming healthcare? Or should the scientists here just give up trying to cure cancer, and move on to less costly pursuits, such as inventing the next new flavor of Froot Loops?

What will you do to stop major corporations such as United Airlines from reneging on employee pensions? What will you do to revamp or at least rename the PBGC – Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp? Receiving only 40% of a promised pension is not what I’d call a guarantee.

While most of the attention has been focused on medical coverage, as it should be, the cost of dental coverage and procedures are astronomical. What will you do to make dental coverage more affordable?

It's funny that Wolf Blitzer blogged about all the submitted questions in a blog titled "Blitzer: Stunned by readers' response". Well, I'm stunned by the responses as well. Grammatical errors, spelling mistakes ... it's rather embarrassing. About the questioners, Blitzer goes on to say "I know you are smart" and "our viewers are intelligent and that certainly came through with your comments". I'm not so convinced.

I have a question for the Democratic candidates in South Carolina. "How can citizens of a country like America, with resources and riches second to none, receive such a poor educational experience compared to citizens of other countries in the world?"

I posted a question Monday evening and was surprised to see it had disappeared from the list this morning, so I'll post it again.

To all the candidates: You've said that you will raise taxes on the rich to help the middle class. Please tell us where you draw the line between rich and middle class. Is your definition determined by income or by total worth. Thank you.

Pakistan having nuclear arsenal with political stability at stake & terrorists having a field day, what will be the strategy of the presidential hopefuls to to ensure peace in the region.

Question for Hillary.

1. Given your past relationship with the Republicans in Washington. How do you plan to make it work this time around?

2. What do you say to people who think you are a poralizing figure and especially after what has happened between you and Barack Obama?

I am still waiting for Jeffrey Toobin to correct his error in saying that only Republicans will vote in the primary on Jan 29. We Democrats ARE voting -absentee and voting early and casting votes on Jan 29. Those votes WILL have an impact on the national race, whether you want to admit it or not.

Wolf,

When it's come to US foreign policy it appears that Haiti the poorest nation of the western hemispher have been forgotten. My question is for all the candidates:

The UN has more than 8000 troops over there in which 3000 of them are from Brazil to help stablelize the security situation. What will be your plan to help with the economic situation since they have a democratically elected President?

Wolf,

This question is for Senator Clinton:

Why is your healthcare plan mandating that each adult is required to contribute and be covered by the your healthcare plan? For those of us who are currently receiving healthcare coverage (with excellent benefits) from our current employers, wouldn't your healthcare plan result in charging us having to pay into your healthcare plan that we won't use or cause our employers to terminate our current healthcare plans? I like the sound of universal healthcare for those who do not have the means or access to it, but I'm concerned about the impact of your policy. Thank you.

This question is for Senator Obama:

Given the current credit market crisis and ecomomists worries that the economy is heading in a recession, can you provide specifics about how your plan would help us avoid/dampen this crisis? Thank you.

This question is for Senator Edwards:

Like Obama, you also talk about making change in Washington. When I hear Obama speak, he doesn't just talk about implementing programs and adding more social programs, he seems to speak to a change in politics. I hear him discuss about having more transparency and less partisanship. I know one of your main points is keeping the lobbyists out of Washington, but if you become president, will you also support the type of change Senator Obama is advocating? Will all the candidates, if elected to the presidency, respect opposing party views, become the president of the whole United States (not just your party), and make a genuine effort to reunite this country and find compromises with opposing parties? Thank you

Good luck to all the candidates

I paid the price once already in the late 1970's and am just sick about what the last decade has brought to our economy. As I graduated high school in 1978, my parents had just lost their jobs. That meant no college for me, just off to find a way to survive. I have scratched and worked my way up to making a very good living; and now because of NAFTA, the facility I work at and my job will be gone as of March of 2008. No other reason than the company can save $6 milliion a year on labor. I have a 5 year old and she does not deserve to pay this price...My question is; what industries do you see taking the place of the jobs lost to NAFTA and other unfair trade pacts? Where are they right now as people are losing their jobs and homes? What exactly are you going to train us for? There doesn't appear to be jobs for even those with degrees. Why are we allowing imports to outweigh exports without penalizing the countries of origin? Why are we allowing jobs to go to foreign workers that make product for here? If we are improving their way of life, why are they not making products for themselves? Is it because they are paid so little they can't afford the products they make? If we as a nation are so concerned about pollution, why are we allowing the movement of our heavy industry to places where there are little or no regulations without taxing and penalizing the product once it is brought here? How are you going to penalize those companies that have moved their products offshore to avoid taxes and have cost Americans their jobs over the last decade? Meanwhile, jobs created here seem to be in the $35,000 range...where are the $60,000-$70,000 jobs going to come from? In summary; What are YOU going to do to make an IMMEDIATE change for those that have been affected by unfair trade?

My question would be for Obama and Clinton.

I graduated from college two years ago. Many of my friends had been freelancing for a while until they found a fulltime job, but now because of the dipping economy the entry level job market for them is drying up and they have mounting debts because of the cost of higher education. Do you have a plan to jumpstart the economy, and, if so, can you give specific points as to how you'd do it? (In the last New Hampshire debate, Mrs. Clinton, you spent so much time attacking everyone else that only Richardson was able to get mildly specific, and our debate was quite a disappointment in comparison to the Republicans!)

TOPIC IS JOB OPPORTUNITY THRU OUT THE U.S.

THERE ARE NO JOBS LEFT. THE GOVERNMENT HAS SHIPPED ALL THE GOOD JOBS THAT PEOPLE IN GENERAL CAN MAKE A LIVING TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.

FOR THE PRESIDENT AND SENATORS. WHERE ARE THE AMERICANS TO FIND A GOOD JOB TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES...OH YES PRESIDENT BUSH SAID ECONOMY IS GOOD WE WANT HIM TO SHOW US WHERE THE JOBS ARE AT....PRESIDENT BUSH TAKES AWAY FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE JUST TO SAVE A DOLLAR OR TWO BUT YET SO MUCH IS SPEND ON THE WAR IN IRAQ..SO MANY CHILDREN AND WOMEN BEING KILLED FOR WHAT PLEASE ANSWER WHY THE WAR IS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THEN PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES . PEOPLE IN GENERAL HERE JUST CANNOT MAKE IT ON MINIMUM WAGES WITH OIL, GAS PRICES GOING UP AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS TOO...WHERE IS THE JUSTIFICATION ??????? FOR ALL OUR JOBS GOING OVERSEAS....

To all Candidates:

How can pulling out of Iraq be beneficial to the U.S., when everything is resting on us succeeding?

To the folks that want to ask the presidential candidates about independants barred from voting in primaries - that's up to each state - it's not a national policy.

I agree that health care should be the issue, not health insurance.

==>> I would like to ask each some specifics on how they would promote healing of the great diviseness of our country.

Question on Iraq: Since the military leadership of our forces in Iraq have mostly been appointed by George Bush to serve his agenda, thus cannot be trusted to provide an exit strategy, what is your estimation of how long it will take to remove all our combat forces from Iraq and on what logistics ought this be based?

No taxation without representation!!! Don't you think as an immigrant who came from England to the US on visas and now green card and pay the same taxes as every other legal american, should be able to have a say as to who the next president should be?

Question for all candidates

1. What is your view on Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo)? Are you in support of it withholding "enemy combatants", or you against the "pride" of the American Image we send showing that in the United States where we claim to upstand habeas corpus, where it is in fact a myth.

2. If you were currently president as of this moment what would your message be in the overseas peace talks of Israeli and Palestinan people, and would you be in support of Bush's urge for output of oil from OPEC and his condemning of the "sponsor state of terror" as he has called Iran. I no its only my opinion but i believe like many that waging oppresive war to stop terrorism is like trying to put a fire out with gaseoline!

Thanks

Obama said he would not have voted for the Iraq war. But he was not in the senate at that time. Now, what was his vote on Iran?. Where was he?. Obama is a fraud, created by the dishonest press and the Republicans. The press is scared to call him on his shortcomings for fear of losing their jobs....Don Imus style.

I had posed a question for Hillary Clinton but I don't think it made it past the moderators. I very simply asked:

If experience and leading from day 1 is so important, what expience specifically in the past 35 years makes you uniquely qualified to be president? If your performance as a New York senator is any evidence, I don't see see where New York residents have benefited from your record. We are still suffering under high unemployment and the lack of real wage paying jobs. The cost of education and healthcare continues to rise unabated. The middleclass continues to shrink. Does this mean we can expect more of the same when you are president?

Looks like I didn't notice the opportunity to submit a question on time. Here's what mine would've been:

The principle point is not whether intelligence was misleading before the U.S. went into Iraq. Here's the principle point: Since the Constitution states that only Congress will declare or decline to declare war–and Congress did fail to make that specific decision before the Iraq War (instead putting it in one man's, Bush's, court)–why should we vote for anyone for president who allowed something so profoundly wrong/illegal, i.e. clearly unconstitutional, to happen???

ASK OBAMA WHAT HIS CHANGE THEME MEANS PLEASE HAVE HIM LAY OUT SPECIFIC CHANGES HE HAS IN HIS MIND FOR WASHINGTON AND THE COUNTRY.
SO FAR IT HAS BEEN CROWD PLEASING TALK ONLY AND NO MEAT AND SUBSTANCE.

I don't believe that asking a question of these candidates will result in anything more than empty rhetoric and more false promises (read; "lies"). I would like the candidates stand up and address America and provide their own version of their "State of the Union" speech. Obviously, their speech would need to be an abbreviated one, but I think that America can get a good sense of who they are and what they believe if they each gave us a 15 minute run-down on what they see.

1) Do you give your word that you will not grant a pardon to any member of the current administration?

3) Will you stop rewarding companies for sending US jobs off shore?

2) Will you pursue the second phase of the Iraq War intelligence failure investigation that the American people were promised, to determine what role the current administration played in the run up to the war?

3) Will you stop rewarding companies for sending US jobs off shore?

4) Will you demand a full investigation of war profiteering in both the Iraq and Afghanistan war efforts to date?

What is their opinion of No Child Left Behind? Do they consider it a success? If no, how would they address the issue? If so, please explain ... Thanks!

For Clinton,

If she were elected, does she think that historical impact of her election as the first female president is diminished by the fact that many (if not most) of her support comes from those who view her as a surrogate for her husband?

A question for all the candidates. The U.S. economy is slowing down and the middle class is in need of tax cuts. One way you may be able to return some money to the people is by limiting the number of political appointees (Schedule Cs) you place throughout your administration. Are you willing to pledge that instead of spending the tax payers' money on rewarding political operatives with well paying jobs, you would return that money to the people in the form of a tax break?

There are 43 million people in this country with out adequate health care coverage, and we have heard from all the candidates on what they are going to do to fix this problem. There are 42 million people in this country that are cost burdened when it comes to housing (meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing) and not one candidate has a plan for housing. If you were elected how would you fix this overlooked problem?

I am surprised at the messages here. I don't have an advanced degree but still can see how the candidates are being looked at from the media. It really does not take a brain surgeon to figure that out. The media has one agenda, that is to get interest in their coverage. THEY alone cause the mass fear, they alone cause the public to become outraged at the way the coverage is handled. I watch CNN HOWEVER I must say I am surprised at how leaning they are towards one person over the others. Also disappointed. I would have expected better from the "most watched cable news shows"

This question is for Obama:

When one person of the 15 million your health care plan doesn't cover gets ill, who will pay their bills? All the rest of us, like it is now. This is unacceptable. You assume that just because we make healthcare affordable people with purchase it. If this is truly what you believe then people need to reconsider your ideas of change without much experience.

Thank you Hillary and John for covering everybody and mandating it.

Question for all: The Iraq War is project to cost another trillion dollars. even if we withdraw our troops tomorrow we have to pay for the trillion dollars we have already spent to wage war over the past 5 years. How will we pay for this war and over what timeframe?

Question for Hilary,
How could you possibly take care of all the problems in the Middle East
considering their culture,religious beliefs and their blatent disrespect for
women? Do you honestly think that they will invite a woman into their political
arena, when they consider women as 2nd class citizens??(believe me, I lived
there for yrs!)

To all the candidates: A Question on experience: in 1992, Governor Bill Clinton once said in response to President Bush senior’s statement on experience "the same old experience is not relevant" Bill was making his case for Change, in 1992. Do you think that applies today as well?

Senator Clinton: did your experience help you when voting for the Iraq war? Did experience help you Senator Clinton in giving Bush authorization to exercise the option of war with Iran?

Thank You

To Senator Hillary,

With your so called 35 years of experience, tell us 5 key things you did (as in you spear-headed or took the lead in) for the benefit of the American people. Describe what it was you did and the corresponding result for America. If you've got 35 years of experience, you must some solid things to show for it, besides the last name "Clinton

Maybe one of them will answer straight on this but I doubt it.

Question: Will you now or at anytime within the next year ASAP have the locked up files gathered by the FBI on MLK (Michael King) released so the entire world can really see just what kind of person this was before we continue brainwashing our children and ignorant adults in this country and around the world?

Question for Obama.

You've been running on change as the center of your platform.I want to ask you will you change the policy of the US of policing the nation and switch to offering to be a mediator to countries such as North & South Korea to settle there differences?

I would like to Ask Senator Obama when he first ran for office in the Illinois State Legislature why he felt it was ok to go in and challenge the validity of the signatures on all his challengers petitions, including those for the longtime progressive activist and his mentor Alice Palmer, to be on the ballot leaving him as the only candidate?

Why in his campaign for the U.S. Senate he felt the need to push the Chicago Tribune to cover his Democratic opponent Mr. Hull's divorce to such an extent he dropped out of the race. Did he have a hand in the Chicago Tribune's quest to have his Republican opponent Mr Ryan's divorce records un-sealed resulting in he too dropping out of the race leaving him with no opposition until Alan Keyes ran? Was this just a coincidence?

With these two incidents how does Senator Obama justify his campaign as that of one that is not politics as usual when it appears he is no different from the poliical status quo willing to do anything to win?

Question for all the candidates:

It's a documented fact that our nation's infrastructure is in decay and needs repair. This includes not only roads and railways, but water mains and dams as well

Do you agree with the recommendations made by the Natinal Surface Transportation Policy & Revenue Study Commission on Tuesday, 1/15/08? If not how do you propose raising funds to repair our national infastructure?

For Ms. Clinton:

When it came out that the hedge fund managers were paying taxes at a lesser rate than the average person, you were at the forefront of demanding a change. Then the money started coming into the campaign chests form the same managers and you have not said a thing or offered a piece of legislation to change it. Why??

January 14, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Wolf:

I dont' care what questions you ask — my question for you is what are you going to do to ensure that John Edwards has a fair chance of representing himself in this?

The media has been biased against John Edwards since the beginning. I for one think neither Clinton nor Obama are the right person for the Democratic ticket — John Edwards is. And he deserves a lot more media coverage than he's gotten for a year

^^^^^ I would have to agree BIG TIME the more i see the 2 the less i care about the Dems.. I f Edwards isnt given face time on CNN or anyother networks im done watching, BTW i guess it shows when your want to break the stadus quo, and they now your for real, Bye bye media attention, But it not going to happen, sadly people are being brainwashed by them. I bet 5% of the people posting actually know that Edwards is in the running.

Question for all candidates:

Where do you plan on making cuts to start paying back the huge deficit our country currently owes?

That is one thing that you Mr. Blitzer are correct in, we the people are not Stupid.
But I do have one question for all the Candidates: in 2 words wath is America for you? and forgething all the Bs. Why schould it be you and not the one next to you?

This question has not bin till this date ansered, by no one

Hope the good work continues.

GVilardi

With oil, home and interests rates soaring, questions and answers regarding these topics with the democratic candidates flourish. SallieMae is the "loan shark" of our time. I experienced SallieMae's rath and fraudulent transactions with 2 parent loans. I direct my question to all Democratic candidates, when is someone going to step forward (that has not received monies from private interest groups) and investigate and sue SallieMae for it's on-going, fraudulent, unbelievable mafia tactics in dealing with schol loans, specifically SallieMae - a monopoly for sure in the industry with 43 affiliated companies under it's umbrella?

Why does CNN and the other media outlets get baited into the fabricated war of words between Hillary and Obama. From everything I've been able to gather this past week – and I've been more or less obsessed with coverage this last week – Bill and Hillary made some comments about "fair tale" and "MLK & President Johnson" respectively. I didn't see Obama say anything in response, but the media made a big deal about these comments. Then you have Bill on All Sharpton's show trying to set the record straight, and the next thing you know, it's been spun around where Obama's camp made it a race issue? Sharpton may be a supporter of Obama but I wouldn't quite call him a surrogate. Sharpton's always in the middle of controversary – by his own doing. So now you have all the media talking about race, but Obama didn't say anything

So for Obama to say "to suggest that were interjecting race as a consequence of statements they made, that we haven't commented on, is pretty hard to figure out" seems pretty much on the money.

Further, then Obama's was the first camp to call off the Tit-for-tat even though it was the media that spurred the race issue – not the Obama camp.

So my question is to CNN – based on this pattern of manipulation and baiting, why go with headlines that continue to spur the fire and go with headlines that support Clinon's camp.

It has been said that the Republican administration has intentionally run the nation into debt in order to prevent the Liberals from introducing new spending and also to make a case to modify social security and other government funded programs. I would like to know if the candidates believe this to be true?

Isn't it about time we changed our immigration laws? Why are babies born to illegal citizens considered to be legal US residents? This law must change, without the rhetoric of having no compassion for our fellow human beings, or charges of racism. We simply can't keep allowing people to drain our resources that should be given to LEGAL citizens. We don't provide properly for those that have contributed into the system, or even veterans for that matter, and this has to change.

Today's Washington Post carries an important column by Richard Cohen on "Obama's Farrakhan Test." The gist of the article is that Obama's spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, runs a publication that has named the anti-Semitic Louis Farrakkan the "man of the year." Obama has thus far declined to disassociate himself from Wright, a strident black nationalist who blames whites for the black community's ills.

The politically correct press has, heretofore, given Obama a free pass on his relationship with the very controversial Rev. Wright. I urge you to raise this issue with Obama and, inter alia, ask him–as a man who claims to be above racial politics– to repudiate Wright. Best, Mike H.

Something for each candidate to answer

Since American presidents do not have absolute power and must govern as a co-equal partner with Congress and follow the legal opinions of the Supreme Court, describe how your leadership style will be a compliment to the system of "checks and balances" set forth in our Constitution while moving the country toward the "Change" everyone is talking about.

My question is to all candidates:

Would you be in favor of a national "smoking ban" that bars smoking in all public places, including workplace, restaurants, and bars?

JOBS, ECONOMY IN MAHONING VALLEY, IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO AREA

IT IS A JOKE JOBS HERE. YOU CANNOT FIND A JOB UNLESS YOU WANT TO WORK A MCDONALD, BURGER KING, ARBYS, AND MAKE $5.75 HOUR AND FOR ONLY 25 HRS A WEEK. ALL THE STEEL MILLS, MANUFACTURERS IN THE AREA ARE CLOSED, WE ARE WAITING NOW FOR THE LORDSTOWN CAR PLANT TO BE THE NEXT SHUT DOWN. THERE ARE NO JOBS HERE. HOW COULD PRESIDEN BUSH SAY ECONOMY IS PICKING UP. HE SITS IN THE WHITE HOUSE EATS HIS STEAKS FOR DINNER, WHILE AMERICAN ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT TO BUY A MEAL FOR THE DAY.THE ONLY JOBS HERE ARE RETAIL AND THEY WORK YOU TO 60 HRS AND THEN AFTER CHRISTMAS BACK DOWN TO 23 TO 25 HRS AT $5.75 HR. BUT YET EMPLOYEES DO NOT WANT TO GIVE RAISES TO THE PEOPLE. SHAME ON OUR GOVERNMENT.NO BENEFITS AND WE WILL GO BACK TO HEALTH AND WELFARE THERE IS NO SUCH THING ANYMORE. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HERE HAVE NOT BENEFITS BUT YET AGAIN WE ARE AT WAR IN IRAQ WHY ?? BUSH NEVER SERVED IN WAR NEVER ENLISTED EITHER. GREAT PRIESIDENT HE IS. BUT AGAIN HERE WE ARE STRUGGLING TO LIVE DAY BY DAY WHILE HE SITS BACK AND EATS HIS STEAKS....AGAIN ONLY 12 MONTHS LEFT AND AWAY HE GOES. THANK GOD FOR THAT....HE HAS NEVER IN HISTORY DONE ANYTHING FOR US.....AGAIN HE IS NOT POPULAR IN THE MAHONING VALLEY... WE NEED JOBS, HEALTH AND WELFARE MORE THEN EVER BUT YET REPUBLICANS WILL NOT ALLOW US TO HAVE IT WHILE THOUSANDS ARE IN THE STREETS AND NO JOBS AND NO HEALTH BENEFITS......

Some candidates have not received enough coverage from the media. What would each of you like to say pertaining to how the media have covered each candidate good or bad.

I recently read that it costs more to administer Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts then the Canadians spend to administer their entire National Health Plan. How can we reasonably consider any attempt to mandate health insurance as a reform of our broken, uncontrolled system?

I recently read that it costs more to administer Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts then the Canadians spend on their entire National Health Plan. How can we reasonably consider any attempt to mandate health insurance as a reform of our broken, uncontrolled system?

Since Lou Dobbs is a true Independent and at this point does not want to enter the race, would you ask the candidates; If you won the delegate vote for your party, would you be willing to have Lou Dobbs as your Vice President?

To all candidates: As part of economic stability, would you be willing to stop the flow of profits from large Corporations and special interest groups to Bermuda?

To all candidates: For stability for Social Security; Would you promise to keep your hands out of the funds and repay into Social Security the monies removed to fund the war in Iraq?

To all candidates: Will you promise to build the fence on our borders and do 100% inspection of all cargo entering the US?

To all candidates: Will you put a tariff on goods imported from China as they do to us?

We need to put American farmers back to work instead of Federally Subsidizing them for "loss of crops." Would you be willing to force large Oil Corporations to initiate and promote bio-fuels? If we use bio-fuels from corn, sugar beets and certain grasses, we would put farmers back to work in the US thus ending subsidation and promote economic growth.

To all candidates: Would you put a stop to banks/credit companies from arbitrarily charging fees? If there were a cap to fees charged by them, the economy may rear out of Recession. Are you willing to do this?

To all candidates: Would you demand that all contracts for the military and the US government be negotiated and all contracts sent to you for approval?

To all candidates: Would you be willing to have the Secretary of the Department of Education end tenure of teachers? If tenure was ended, the teachers would get annual continuing education and the teachers then would get "merit" pay by evaluation by parents, students, their peers and School Board. End "No Child Left Behind" law.

To all candidates: Would you be willing to enable Schools and families to instill discipline back into the lives of young children? The Department of Human Resources should be willing to allow discipline to be part of child rearing. A disturbing percent of our youth is now out of control. Ask any teacher who currently is in the public school system. As the Bible states: "Spare the rod, spoil the child."

Thank you.

KIM IS RIGHT, GOOD QUESTION. I HAVE BEEN CHECKING OUT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY MY HUSBAND AND I MAKE AND WHAT WE WOULD NEED TO MAKE IN ANOTHER AREA, MOST EVERY STATE WOULD BE BETTER THAN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK OR FLORIDA

Question to the candidates:

Medical marijuana is finally starting to gather the attention it deserves as one of the best medicines for many people all across the country. In thirteen states, there are now laws for medicinal cannabis. My question is this: When will the American Government stop putting people who use cannabis for personal use behind bars in prisons? You know, the same places where child molesters and meth dealers and murderers all wind up? When is America going to stop telling the American people what it will let us do and start letting the people tell the government what we want. What we want is decriminilization of medical Marijuana, and we want it now.

Hello, My name is Kim. I took part in the Democratic "Youtube" debate, I am the future breast cancer survivor from Long Island. I have been carefully reading each of the Democratic health care plans.

My question is, how would you determine affordability of premiums. Each of you says if you're too poor to afford insurance, you would get it for free, and then each would pay according to what they could afford. Will that be indexed by region? After all, a family of four making $50,000 in Wyoming might live pretty well and be able to afford to pay a decent sized premium. However that same pay on Long Island means you can't afford to pay your electric bill, let along health insurance.

Thank you,
Kim

Steve, ATL, YOU WIN!!! I was wondering who would be the first IDIOT to blame Hillary for Cate Edwards crash.

Why are lawmakers, on both sides of the isle, not held accountable in these so-called debates? All of the failed policies and circumstances that we find ourselves in now are the direct result of the votes, decisions and inactions of these very candidates. And yet, we allow them to act as if they were somehow out-of-the-loop.

Since 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 came from Saudia Arabia, (through Canada) why are we in Afganistian and Irac? (Bin laden is also Saudie.)

This question goes out to all the candidates ... when does life begin? From Jackie Sipe in Ohio.

Why can't we offer Medicare to all, and base the premiums on income?

Not only would this help the uninsured, but it would make all of our businesses more competitive, and lower costs to state and local governments to insure their employees. Here in Florida, government employees health insurance benefits represent a SUBSTANTIAL part of our EXCESSIVE property taxes.

For Obama...(You can't ask this or you will be picking on a black man.) Does, in you own words, using drugs to the point of being a junkie show leadership?

Much has been made about Mitt Romney's religion, but so far Obama's religion has received a pass. His church website declares, "We are an African people, and remain "true to our native land." Does this creed as it were conflict with his commitment to America?

A simple question for the candidates:

A few days back, the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh visited China. Trade between these two countries has increased since 1998. There is convergence between these two countries on a number of issues, that will affect the United States in the long run.

If you are elected as the next US president, how will your administration respond to the economic rise of India and China?

Don't ask the Bimmer question about Bushs good works, we don't need a moment of silence.

Clinton, as she explained prior to the New Hampshire race, she said that “she is running because she wants to divert the situation happening in the country”. What is her strategy to divert the situation?

Hello Mr Blitzer;
I wish the questioners would ask how the candidates are going to fulfil their campaign promises, it seems everytime one is asked all that is given is some vague response and the host never pins them down, talk is cheap but answers come hard, I have heard so many glib tongues this year and not a one tells us how they are going to accomplish their promises or agendas.

thank you Harry B.

Good leadership is the result of the ability to surround oneself with the right people and to be able to react properly on the advice they provide. The current president is in trouble because of people like Dick Cheney and Karl Rove. Without naming specific people, what are the qualities of leadership that you would look for in the people you would ask to serve in your administration?

President Bush has taken to the habit of filing away signing statements whenver he signs off on new legislation. This effectively gives him the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office (or at least his lawyers think so). These signing statements assert that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution. These signing statements greatly upset the balance of power between the branches of govenrnment and transform George into a king. Bush believes he (not the Supreme Court) has the authority to interpret the constitution and that he is above the laws passed by the legislative branch.

I ask all of the candidates whether or not they will file signing statements when they sign off on new legislation and whether or not they agree with Bush's proclivity to do this –constitutionally or otherwise

To the Democratic candidates for President:

Will the United States have to declare bankruptcy soon? If not, what will you personally do to bring our debt to zero dollars?

Does Obama feel that the black people in America will shape up once he gives them a social message of hope by becoming President? (Will this destroy the black anti-intellectualism and criminality plaguing our ghettos, slums, and cities?)

Does Hillary Clinton support the Equal Rights Amendment or similar legislation that would permanently and unequivocally grant every citizen equal rights all the time?

Does John Edwards support the Income Tax amendment?

Which of the Democratic candidates believes that we should stop stationing large amounts of troops in non-warzones such as Germany, Japan, and Korea?

Which of the candidates will vow to uphold the mission of NASA and re-devote the federal government to properly funding its endeavors?

Do any of the candidates believe that the state and federal education system can endure another modest overhaul, or must it be scrapped and replaced with a more functional system?

Do the Senators believe that President Bush's suspension of habeas corpus rights violate Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution, the Suspension Clause, because it is reserved solely for the Congress to decide only in case of invasion or rebellion?

Do the Senators believe that Congress illegally gave President Bush the authority to indiscriminately wage wars overseas as he sees fit, by authorizing the use of force without any territorial limitations to its execution?

Which of the "founding fathers" of this country do the candidates admire the most? (Washington-Hamilton-Jefferson, etc.)

Would any of the candidates disclose confidential documents for our national mysteries, such as Area 51 and the UFO landing, the Kennedy assassination, and what role the government had in orchestrating 9/11?

Who does each candidate want to have run with them as their vice president?

Joe Biden claimed in a previous debate that he would seek the dissolution of Department of Defense programs such as the National Missile Defense and the F-22 Raptor if he would have won the presidency. I'd like to hear what the remaining candidates have to say about this notion. Is Joe right? Why or why not? If these programs do go, does the money they were allocated exit the DoD budget for something like a universal health care plan, or would the cash go to other programs (bunker busters, fourth-generation nuclear warheads, etc.)?

My question to Obama.You have been saying you are uniter,you will bring all people together,republic,democrats and independent.To me you suggest that you are willing to work with any person regardless of his affiliation party.And also you love all people.Why do you seem embarrased by story that you relate to Dick Cheney.and why do you say that what we get from Bush is Katrina,dont you see that you are unreasonable to blame president for weather and at the same time you continue to divide people since you know minority suffered most in katrina?Why dont you start to unite people now so that people can support president instead of continue to create division?

THANK YOU Marvin from Huston Tx., Joe Peplinski, Glen Shouse Jr., NewYorkLady, and many others. To Marvin; How about we put a price tag on the politicians mistakes and make them financially responsible for the clean up. You hit it on the nose Joe, nearly every major conflict is based on "Islam or else". In many of these countries you could receive the death penalty for speaking against Mohammad but it is ok for Islam to speak against and even promote hate for other religions. Glen, glad to meet you, another member of the "American" party. NewYorkLady, you get a big hug. Imagine what research and developments could be made in the areas of health and energy if we spent all those billions we have been wasting on go no where wars, on these fields.

To all the candidates, I don't want to hear all this "He said, She said" BS. I am not from Missouri but if you make a claim , make it about yourself and then SHOW ME!!!

my question to sen.Clinton.You have been telling us from number of years that Bush uses fear (terrorism) to divide Americans and winning election.Why do you use Economy (recession) to fear voters to elect you?

Question on Education: Why are American students still only going to school 185 days a year and only 8 hours a day when students in Asia and Europe go 220 to 235 days a year for several more hours than American students. And how are you going to change the attitude of students about learning the 3 R's and Science instead of music and drama being the students majors? Also why is school choice and merit pay for teachers who go above and beyond so bad?

I wonder if John Edwards message isn't getting out there because of a bias to the Clinton and Obama camps in the media. Is it me or do some democrats might have feelings of guilt if they don't vote for one of the first ever black man or woman ever to run for President. John Edwards is the only one with economic plans in writing. Plans to help the middle class, poor, and get big corporations out of politics. He is the best candidate for me.

My question is for all candidates: They lauh and make fun of Dr. RON PAUL. But please tell us what specific thing is laughable?!!
He wants to eliminate IRS, and people ask: Eliminating IRS will eliminate government income, how would we replace that income? This is a stupid question and the answer is we won't replace it, we will just eliminate government. Many studies have shown that the cost of running the IRS is eating up half of the money it brings in!!! and that only IRS...we shoudl get back to the Constitution...if individual States want to have taxes..fine they can have them. But look at the map of the US, the richest states and the states that are growing the fastest interm of economic developments and income ARE STATES THAT HAVE LESS TAXES.
SO AGAIN MY QUESTION IS: WHAT SPECIFIC THING IN DR. PAUL'S STATEMENTS ARE FUNNY??????

My question is simple: "Hillary, how do you intend to convince Americans that your campaign seeks change, when it's your husband whom you've forced into the limelight recently? Should the voters interpret this as a nostalgic attempt to relive the nineties or as a desperate campaign tactic to restore yourself to front-runner status?"

I am surprised that you guys at CNN don't talk enough about RON PAUL. He is the only candidate who raised money without lobists, without big corporations that support war like Boeing, and without any religious affiliation. RON PAUL IS A TRUELY AMERICAN CANDIDATE FOR AMERICANS BY AMERICANS.
He speaks the truth and makes sense.
Please don't make the same mistake as FOX NEWS. I personally have boycotted FOX and so have my friends and family because FOX NEWS excluded Ron Paul in New Hampshire debate. AMERICAN CONSUMERS HAVE GOOD AND LONG MEMORIES SO DON'T DO THE SAME MISTAKE AS FOX NEWS.
Thank you.

Regarding the Economy:
The Fed lends money to banks at very low rates of less than 6%. The banks in turn lend this money to consumers at astronomically high rates of up to 33%. Why is there no regulation or cap on these rates to protect the consumers from these predatory practices. It seems that our economy is being fueled by consumer spending of these borrowed funds. People can barely pay their minimum balances and are being forced into bankruptcy. What would any of the candidates bring to the table to address these issues?

Regarding the Iraq Invasion and Occupation:
Without the backing of the United Nations or a congressional declaration of war, it seems that our invasion of Iraq has been a wholly illegal endeavor. with almost 4000 dead and 30,000 wounded American military personnel, over 700 billion in mostly wasted taxpayer funds, and countless Iraq dead, wounded and devastated intrastructure in the midst of a now more unstable Mid-East region, what would any of the candidates do to mitigate the debacle of Mr. Bush's military misadventure(s)?

In follow-up, what of the foundering mission in Afganistan?

Regarding Immigration:
Illegal immigration is a serious economic (with both positive and negative aspects for america) and security issue. What would any of the candidates bring to the table to address this issue.

Regarding Health Care:
Every american deserves access to quality primary medical care. With an ever-increasing number of uninsured americans and the massive influence of the influential and profit-driven american health care industry (consisting of insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and to an extent, hospital and physician organizations), what would any of candidates do to assure the availability of quality health-care to all americans?

In follow-up, please understand that I have practiced emergency medicine for twelve years. The emergency department is not an avenue for primary health care. Access through an emergency department does not provide access to the same quality of medical care for the un- and underinsured. I daily see the catastrophic consequences that the profit-driven, private insurance dominated system has wrought. The system is broken and needs to be overhauled. Forget the double-talk and give some thoughtful ideas that work. We in the trenches have some ideas, but unfortunately don't have the milions required to get elected to congress.

Thanks for your time and we'll see you in November.

dqc
Charlie Rangal accused Barack of playing the race card today and called him dumb and stupid.
Barack Obama never commented on Clinton's remark, Rep Clyburn did. His high profile in the Dem party made his comments potent. Obama had nothing to do with that.Clyburn D-SC. interviewed with the NYT's on his on. Now i feel its his responsibilty to come out and let America know that he's not Dumb or Stupid.It's obvious that what Charlie's saying is that any one who who was offemded by her comments are dumb and stupid This was not a mistake by Hillary, these people are gutter politicians who will do just about anything to regain the power that they feel belongs to them. Please don't fall for the hype-its not the first time this tactic has been used.I feel that she's accepted a defeat in SC. So why not take Obama down on the one issue he's strongest on(swiftboat)lets make him seem divisive like us, See first they try and convince you(american people) there better for the country, but you(american people) dont fall for it, so know we'll make him look like us.DIVISIVE. We Want Fall For It Hill/Bill.

For Hillary Clinton: There have been allegations of voter suppression tactics and legal maneuverings by your campaign to disrupt the legal and legitimate GOTV efforts your opponents. Much of the media coverage of the past week has centered on negative statements from your campaign.

Will you denounce voter suppression as a tactic and pledge that your campaign will not engage in it?

I understand media trying to keep the fighting between two factions ( Hillary & Obama ) at the front page for their own good. What I'll like to know is when they will focus on John Edwards who is the only candidate with specifics on how to handle the job creation and take the economy of this great nation to the next step. Maybe job creation gimmick of John Edwards doesn't bring the ratings???

Question for ALL of the candidates; When and if elected,will you realize,and act as such,that you were elected by the American people to represent them and not corporate America? The last seven years were a national disgrace and nothing but a slap in the face to the average Americans who are now suffering for the Bush regime.

Wolf, you want a real question for the real candidate.

My question is for Mr. Obama.

He got elected to US senate 2 years ago. Half the time, he has been campaigning for the current election. He talks passionately about change and gives stump speeches. Does he understand that presidents does n't make the bills but the congress and the senate. How can a black president manouver through the congress and senate that is almost entirely white and get the work done?

To all candidates,

What will you do to lock the Social Security fund up to save it from shameless raiding to pay for everything from a bridge to nowhere to war.

To Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Edwards:

The cry for change lately has been so overwhelming that I've considered mailing both of your campaigns thesauruses. Now that I know you're all fired up for implementing change, I would like to know how you most significantly intend to alter our nation. Looking forward now, is there anything new you'd like to tell the people? I'm sure we could all use a change of pace... and remember, play nice!

To Mr. Obama:

I heard you recently paid off your college loans; congratulations on doing so. The subject of college loans brings up two subjects I would like to hear you elaborate more on. How do you plan to improve American education, such that American minds will no longer see the map of the world and see only a void? Can we, in four years' time, bring the state of American education to being #1 in the world? This question relies heavily on the quality of our education, and with it, the cost of an education. How do you plan on making the costs of education reasonable, when already families are bending over backwards across the nation, at the hands of inflation, the rise of gas prices, and the looming inevitability of the loss of jobs?

-c.m., IL

Greg Hinz at Crain's Chicago Business reported last night that Michelle Obama is not quitting work at The University of Chicago Hospitals, as reported by the Washington Post last week.

Both the hospital and her husband's campaign offered a clarification by saying, she was cutting her workload back to 20%, and that she will receive 20% of her previous compensation.

Crain's reported that "Ms. Obama was paid $273, 618 by U of C last year, according to the 2006 income return filed by her and her husband".

However a campaign spokesman said "Ms. Obama's base salary actually is $212,180, and that she now is being paid 20% of the base."

1. That's too cute by a half, the $273,618 was her total compensation, the $212,180 was her base salary. Will she be getting no retirement benefits?

Will she get no severance pay if the heat gets too much?

2. Even taking the lower figure, based on a year, she will receive $42,436 in base salary.

According to a 2006 survey by Allied Physicians, Inc., "Staff RNs working in the United States average a median base salary of $41,642."

So the wife of the man who talks about showing justice to working people, will be making more part time, than the average Staff Registered Nurse makes full time.

Don't even get me started on what orderlies and nurses aides make full time.

How will we know that she will actually earn her pay?

Well, the campaign spokesman told Greg Hinz of Crain's that, "even when on the campaign trail on behalf of her husband, Ms. Obama remains in touch with work via cell phone and BlackBerry, and occasionally works from home."

Combine this, with the Obama's arrogant defense of what her company did to low pay Hispanic workers in LaJunta, Colorado, and it's becoming pretty clear that like not-for-profit hospitals, the Obamas have put profit over mission.

What a commercial this will make at the proper time.

One last note, how ironic that last week was National Nurses Week, a week that coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Excessive executive compensation at not-for-profit hospitals has possibly opened a new chapter, (especially since this is happening in Chicago), titled, ghost pay rolling?

Michelle Obama a pay hike of almost $200,000 a year within weeks after he was sworn in , The Obama campaign sent out e-mails yesterday to supporters, touting the Senator's new health care plan.

It even provided a link to a Website that includes a video of the Senator speaking, and highlights the story of an insured couple in Iowa who are facing bankruptcy because of high health insurance premiums.

The e-mail contains the following quote from the Senator.

"We are not a country that rewards hard work and perseverance with bankruptcies and foreclosures."

Right.

In 2003, the hospital where Michelle Obama works as a highly paid vice-president spent $4,395,713 on collection agency fees.

In 2004, the hospital spent $5,098,369 on collection agency fees.

In 2005, her hospital spent $5,280,545 on collection agency fees.

What else is there to say?

Excessive increases in the total compensation of not-for-profit hospital executives, is what I am talking about.

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is a small 30 bed not-for-profit hospital located in Hamilton, Montana.

According to the American Hospital Directory, net patient revenue for 2006 came in at a little over $27 million.

John Bartos is the President and CEO of this hospital which is located in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley.

In 2005 he received $197,336 in total compensation.

In 2006, that amount jumped to $242,178.

That is excessive increases in the total compensation of a not-for-profit hospital executive.

Tyler Memorial Hospital is a small not-for-profit hospital located in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.

According to the American Hospital Directory, in 2006, this 60 bed hospital had just over $27 million in net patient revenue.

In 2005, they gave their President and CEO William M. Milligan $214,507 in total compensation.

12 months later, they increased that amount by almost $50,000, bringing his total compensation for that year to $263,418.

Why is health care costing more and more?

The answers can be found in part by looking at the increases in total compensation of not only the executives of huge not-for-profit healthcare systems, but in the increases of the executives of small town not-for-profit hospitals.

Are the republicans also being asked tough questions? I would certainly like that to happen. They all need to take responsibility to try and get this country working for U.S. citizens and their families. I will be watching closely on both sides.

Question to All Canidates:

Who among you will faithfully commit during the first one hundred days in office to restore ALL consitutional rights that have been withdrawn and/or suspended by the Bush Administration for all citizens of this once great land? Whomever it may be, that person is the canidate I pledge to fully support.

I am astounded that the race element is so strong when there are so many other problems facing the nation and the world. If Obama is half white and half black, why isn't he running as a white person? Why does the black half count for more? Because his skin is darker? If his skin happened to be white, could he still run as a black person, would the black community accept him running as a black candidate? Could he run as a white person with darker skin? For God's sake, it is insane to focus on race. Half, more than half? of the world isn't white. Many leaders aren't white. In America, it has already been shown in Iowa that race isn't the end-all and be-all, so why go on about it, create more problems . . . because it is a great divider, a way to gain more votes. So much for bringing change to Washington. It looks to me like it is going to be a more divisive place already. Is race going to be the main concern when economics are discussed in Washington? "Oh, well, you don't agree with my plan because you are racist." It could go on and on being an issue of convenience, a way to win points and favor with "others." Isn't America supposed to be a country of Americans, not this side and that? Other countries have had and have female leaders. I thought America was supposed to be a beacon of light for other countries. It seems like you are stuck in the back woods while the much of the world is farther ahead.

Even "Evan Almighty" ran a campaign "Change the World." It is easy to have slogans, but how can one implement the changes when it comes down to brass tacks, that is the thing. One has to have knowledge and experience, etc. A goody two shoes in Washington will have to wake up to reality, unless, of course, he or she is a Jesus-like figure and can work miracles. Additionally, what is the deal with the religion card.? Where is the separation between church and state? Can one be a generic spiritualist and win? A Buddhist? A Daoist? Perhaps that is more what Obama is, anyway, having seen various levels while on drugs – but he couldn't really say that and win, most likely, vying for Christians' votes as he is. So much for freedom of speech, thought, and religion in America. Mitt Romney is Mormon, though, so who knows.

What, I would like to know, makes Obama feel he can lead a country – lead the military, government, the people, and interact with other countries of the world – without actually going through more steps to get there? Is that wise thinking? Is it delusional, psychopathic on some level? Is he like the Pied Piper who feels he can, with melodious words, lead people blindly to a feel good tomorrow?

There seems to be a little of the book "The Secret" involved in this. If one believes something strongly enough, it will happen. Oprah also touted that book and backs Obama. People seem to be believing it. Ask the people of New Orleans if positive thinking is helping them overall. Education, awareness, action, interaction, all kinds of things are required to gain the enlightenment needed to deal with many situations. There are, for instance, Bikers who think they are aware, and then there are the Bikers who oversee the Bikers. One has to have a bit of Biker awareness at the highest level to be able to deal with many other countries' tactics – but perhaps there is some of that in many politicians no matter how they coat their words, otherwise they wouldn't be running – and so effectively, for instance playing the change get along card when aware that with enough power, they will have things their way, anyway, not necessarily as a result of others' teamwork, etc., at the end of the day – more a my way or the highway kind of thinking – kind of a we will get along, but this is how we will do it way.

Ref. drug use. Perhaps it gave Obama a sense of enlightenment, an awareness of various levels he feels he can apply to politics and the world. Should he win, perhaps he should immediately pardon anyone arrested for drug use, particularly under the three strikes law. If he can be President after doing a little "blow" perhaps those in jail could be anything if they were just given something, starting with a pardon.

This question is directed toward Senators Clinton and Obama.

With all the talk about race and gender, progressive ideals and lofty principles, there has been little attention paid to the meat-and-potatoes issues that affect all Americans. What are your specific proposals for dealing with what will likely be the largest federal deficit in history when you take office? Will you ask Congress to enact legislation that makes public and transparent the investment portofolios of Wall Street "hedge funds," since it is now more than evident that these hedge funds used blocks of sub-prime mortgage loans as collateral for leveraging other investments, constructing a "house of cards" in the financial sectors which now threatens the stability of the entire economy, while ordinary Americans lose their homes by the millions?

This question is for Hillary Clinton, since you (Your husband) say that you are not a racist, and I don't particularly believe you are; T=But the fact that you said that you are not a racist leads me to ask this burning question. Did you support the Civil Rights legislation that King and others forced President Johnson to sign. And if you did why were you a stanch supporter of a president that was against that legislation.

Of every candidate who has appeared in a church in connection with his or her campaign, ask: "Should any of the churches in which you've recently spoken, or appeared, be penalized by the IRS for engaging in partisan political activity? Why or why not?" Be sure to clearly say, 'partisan political activity'.

Of every candidate, ask: "Do you think that Muslims throughout the Middle East will develop a more favorable view of the West if they see their Iraqi neighbors steadily advance toward internal peace, democracy, and economic strength?"

Ask: "Do you think every government in the Middle East should publicly state that Israel has a right to exist?"

Ask: "Name three unfair features in the current tax code."

Ask: "Do you support a legal difference between killing a baby by means of a partial birth abortion the day before it would have been born, and killing it the day after? Why or why not? "

To CNN's writers: Not every issue is clear-cut, but if you truly take your role as journalists seriously, as Mr. Blitzer says he does, then ask REAL questions about each issue, not some diluted version which is only 25% on-target, allowing for a 75% blah-blah response. You want ratings? Show some courage!

Consider what Peggy Noonan wrote in her WSJ Opinion column on Nov 30, 2007:

I will never forget that breathtaking moment when, in the CNN/YouTube debate earlier this fall, the woman from Ohio held up a picture and said, "Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Obama, Mr. Edwards, this is a human fetus. Given a few more months, it will be a baby you could hold in your arms. You all say you're 'for the children'. I would ask you to look America in the eye and tell us how you can support laws to end this life. Thank you."

They were momentarily nonplussed, then awkwardly struggled to answer, to regain lost high ground. One of them, John Edwards I think, finally criticized the woman for being "manipulative," using "hot images" and indulging in "the politics of personal destruction". The woman then stood in the audience for her follow up. "I beg your pardon, but the literal politics of personal destruction–of destroying a person–is what you stand for."

Oh, I wish I weren't about to say, "Wait, that didn't happen." For of course it did not. Who of our media masters would allow a question so piercing on such a painful and politically incorrect subject?

Thank you.

To: CNN

I formally request the removal of all of my comments.

I never thought that a double standard was so alive. I know I must sound unprofessional typing in caps and sending off my feelings and concerns so unabashedly and transparently without regard for how people may take them, but that's not the point of truth.

People say comments based on their truths and facts are facts are facts. As far as I am concerned, Obama is a celebrity selling me a pack of lies in cleverly packaged speeches.

So many other things to worry about and Obama wants to pin MLK and LBJ on Clinton for a very beautiful response to how activism and legislation work together.

I used to be a word processor for law firms through college, working nights and I learned how to type, literally, over 115 wpm and so I have this skill and this ability to type what I feel and think quickly.

My message to Obama: I'm not stupid Obama. I know what you are doing.

CNN, please remove my comments.

Thank you.

One more question:

For Hillary; How much money have you received from the Insurance companies so far and is this tax free so far or do you owe it back in favors when you rewrite the insurance policies? Will you answer this question or go around it like many others when she says, "the real question that should be asked is" and forget about the question asked.

It would be interesting to see her reaction to this question.

Which candidate is in favor of making new citizens coming to America learn the American language, and get a certified new ID?

Also, lets round up the illegals, finger print them, send them back to where they came from, and if they come back we will know this by the finger printing ID we have on file. If you are caught doing this again, then you will have to serve in a military force that has to respond first to any military action over seas or anywhere needed. After you have served the years recommended and learned the American language, you can get your citizenship. This in turn will allow our military to expanded as needed with out ever bringing back the draft.

Oh yeah, Stop over spending and start working for the Americans and not against them.

HIS QUOTES GIVE HIM AWAY.

OBAMA IS NOT FINDING COMMON GROUND. HE IS THE ONE THAT IS DIVIDING AND BANKING ON CLINTON'S ALREADY DIVISIVE ELEMENT IN THE POLITICAL WORLD.

HOW SICK. HOW SICK. HOW SICK!

HE IS FAST-TRACKING HIS CAREER! THE AUDACITY FOR HIM TO SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT!

WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT HIS DRUG ABUSE BUT HE CAN LIE ABOUT CLINTON TO EVERYBODY'S FACES IN HOPES THAT PEOPLE WILL BECOME UPSET ABOUT RACE AND WHO TAKES MORE CREDIT LBJ OR MLK?

OH MY GOD...

GOD HAVE MERCY ON HIM!!!

To each of the candidates:

As you know, the Democratic Party has a proud tradition of defending the rights of the minority and the voiceless in our society. With that in mind, why is our party strongly opposed to the Pro-Life position? It seems inconsistent. Shouldn't our party be leading the fight to defend the rights of both women and the unborn?

What makes Hillary certain she can fix the health care system when she tried and failed the first time?

What would any of them do to fix the Workers Comp system which is in favor of the Insurance companies right now and hurt the injured worker in the long run(lose job, lose house, lose of income, IME doctors lies and write off workers before recovered, all mighty dollar over the care of individuals, Employers write off employees before they are recovered and able to work if possible again).

Will they stop giving companies over seas discounts?

What will they be able to do for families that are in the middle income bracket that can not afford health care, but make just enough to not qualify for health care help?

We have the technology for cars to get better than 60+ miles per gallon. Let's get the ball rolling. Instead of saying 30-35 mpg regulation, lets up the mpg on vehicles because we know we have the technology already. Who will push this through?

Ever since Bush came to office, we have seen an increase in oil companies profits, Bush kissing Saudi's you know what to keep his oil money coming in, Big businesses getting fat and the employee getting poor, the economy going to pot, Prescription companies doing what they want and screwing the public, the Medical/Insurance companies over charging people, and many, many more.

What will any of the candidates do to stop Insurance companies and medical companies from using you credit score to charge you higher rates on car insurance and house insurance as well as medical charges? How does a persons credit determine what kind of driver you are or how long your house is safe? Maybe someone just has had bad luck in life and ran into problems unlike some early in their lives. Give some people a break and stop using the credit system to over charge people struggling to survive. How does a company justify over charging someone according to their credit score if it's low. This is why they can not get a head, because we keep pounding people with lower credit scores. People can usually afford a lower interest rate, why not allow someone with a lower credit score to get a low interest rate so they can keep up on their payments? I sold cars at one time in my life and when you try to get a lady who ended up with cancer, high medical bills, bad credit due to medical bills, which in turn made her credit score low, had a hard time walking, and needs a vehicle to get back and forth to her appoints all week long for treatments, then denied credit to get a car throuh all companies. It makes you go home feeling really bad for someone like this because our system is looking out for the big guy and not the ones that need help the most.

More to come. Thank you for reading.

This question is for Obama and Clinton. If and when the Telecommunication
immunity bill comes up again will the two Senators join Dodd on the Senate
floor to filibuster? And, oh by the way, where were they during the last filibuster?

Wolfe, If Bill Clinton didnt inhale what the hell was it doing in his mouth. And if he puts in a comment then he deserves to be questioned and scutinized for it...Besides isnt he the one that doesnt know what the word "is " is. Who in the hell is running for president in that family? What place would he have in any decision making in the White House if Hilliary got in, What closet he wants to play in ? In his own words ' " GET REAL" Roy , missouri

With China, India and much of the 3rd world moving into becoming modern economies, do any of the political candidates have any realistic plans that global warming can in fact be stopped? And if so, how seriously would they take leadership on this (very important) issue?

Can America truly invent better ways to harness power and utilize energy without ruining our planetary ecosystem anymore than we may already have? (like the Ozone Layer being burned up??) Or will we be forever stuck fighting old entrenched interests who wait until it's too late before they invest the money they already have into newer cleaner energy solutions.?? (i.e Today before Tommorrow when it's too late.)

Thx Wolf!!
You still look great!!
MX

Immigration seems to be a hot topic in this presidential race. However, none of the candidates seem to acknowledge that our economy would not have grown without the work provided by these illegal immigrants. Nor do they acknowledge that we could face economic collapse, inlfation etc if they were forced to leave. Do you think it is reasonable to secure our borders and grant amnesty to those hard working individuals who are already here?

I would replay, both bill and hillary speeches just prior to the New Hampshire primary and show to the American Black voters their "true colors" when a black presidential candidate is threatening Hillary's so called coronation .

You see, for many politicians, like the Clinton, in positions of privilege, they cunningly realize that its a game without sincerity/substance and have courted black voters as their numbers can be an effective voting block. They have also quite clearly rewarded several black leaders in bill administration, who are now being called up or being put in difficult situations of speaking on their behave to do the "dirty work" in attacking Obama. It always looks nicer I guess, for the Clintons if it is black vs black.

However, the sad part of this drama, is that this further exposes the double standards and lack of substance when truly called upon, white politicians have for a black presidential candidate. The Clinton's have shown they have no limits in their attacking schemes, and Obama's race is not off limits, as the goal, and only pursuit is power.

I used to admire the Clintons but sadly these past ten days have lost a great deal of respect for their conduct and their offensive campaign tactics.

They are well calculated and power driven. As such, they are NO REAL FRIEND OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY. If they were, they wouldn't under any circumstances ridiculed or made such offensive statements at the 11th hour in New Hampshire.

American Voters will see in the next 3 weeks, that the Clinton are INDIRECTLY trying to instill in White Voters minds, that "we cannot let a black be president." This will be done in a dirty, indirect, 3rd party way, as to discredit Obama and send alarm ringing in moderate White voters minds.

It is the dirtiest trick in American Politics, that just when a good, articulate black candidate comes forward to challenge the status quo, lets now bring up race in a non overt but systemic manner.

Shame on you hillary and bill

To Obama,

Mr. Senator, I am a little confused by your foreign policy. You say you will pull out the troops asap but this means leaving Iraq tettered and torn! This will leave an irresponsible and inconsistence image on US presidency and influence throughout the world. How will this help in your aim to increase US image abroad!

To all candidates,

America is in a great ecnomic distress, which might lead to losing our competitive advantage. What are your plans and how you will solve this?

Wolfe , i would like to see a survey done that would ask your veiwers to comment on . The question: If Hilliary Clinton is the winner of the primeries how many folks would (dems and Inde) would then change their vote to the replublician candidate? Then possibly run the same survey on Barrak Obama.....I believe the survey would show that Hilliary is not the one to run against the Reps. because she is such an in-fighter and wants things her way or else! Whatya say? Roy , Missouri

Oh, and everybody at my office thinks it's a big deal. His drug abuse. I'm not alone. All the girls in the office think it's a big deal.

just a question to you..is it obama vs hillary..or is it billary vs obama ???

To: CNN

I'm hoping that you please not pick on me because I wanted to know about Obama's drug use. I don't want to be known or picked on because of this. This is a comment website. I am not defending Clinton I am simply asking to be heard. To know whether America cares where the President of the United States did drugs. I do care very much.

So, I am requesting, please, anonymity and protection. Maybe they think i work for Clinton or something like this. i don't. I will probably vote for her, but I don't work for her.

I hope you please respect my privacy. For every 10 insults I read about Clinton, I read 1 about Obama. I don't see the kind of hate speech towards the Obama people that I do towards people questioning Clinton's background. That being said, I wrote because I wanted to voice my opinion.

I'm from Miami. I know what it's like to be around people who use drugs, abuse drugs and sell drugs. I have never used cocaine and yet I think it's serious, very serious. The world is very fishy to me. I don't trust them and it scares me.

So, that's all I want to say. So, please respect my privacy. I was not behaving out of line. I WROTE IN CAPS BECAUSE I WANTED TO EXPRESS THE VISCERAL EMOTIONS AND THE EXPRESSIONS OF MY THOUGHTS AND CONCERNS AS BEING VEHEMENT AND FLABBERGASTED AT A SIDESTEPPING OF SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE!

EVEN GEORGE BUSH WAS MADE FUN OF ABOUT HIS ALCOHOLISM! AND MUCH MORE TIME HAD PASSED BETWEEN HIS ALCOHOL ABUSE AND THE AGE HE ENTERED TO BE PRESIDENT.

So, anyway... what I'm trying to say is, please DON'T PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER! I AM AFRAID OF STANDING UP FOR MY OPINION NOW.

All of the candidates have said that we need to be less dependent on foreign oil for all the obvious reasons. So please ask them,

Why are none of you proposing to reduce the very high tariff on imported ethanol from Brazil?

On a similar note, please ask them to be very specific on how they will make this country much more energy independent and when?

IMO, this is the most important issue facing the US, and we need to start making big changes now, not 5 or even 10 years later.

Hillary Clinton's comment comparing LBJ and Dr. Martin Lther King Jr. was absurd and only proves her self serving ambition. To credit Washington politicians with the signing of the Cival Right's Act only shows how in her eyes the world revolves around herself and politics. She should be ashamed to have proposed the notion that any polititcian in washington was directly resoponsible for passing this act, all they did was provide a signature because of the pressure from the people to so. Dr. King fought and died for what he belived knowing full well what the likely outcome of his actions might be. The man is a TRUE MARTYR and I do not belive that anyone in Washington today can hold candle to the sheer determination and guts that Dr. king showed thoughout his life. I say it once again this man gave his LIFE his LIFE so that millions of then present and future citizens could have basic rights and that we could even be having this discussion today. This is truely and outrage and this comment only proves how in Mrs. Clinton's world the common person is but a vote, a mere brick in the wall that she creates (People wake up and see this woman for who she really is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) It was in fact Dr. King and the American people who deserve full credit for not accepting the world as it was and politics as usual in Washington. POWER TO THE PEOPLE ! Not Mrs Clinton and her self serving agenda!

I would like to know where Clinton has gotten the idea she has 35 years of experience from. Was she in any decision making inside the White House when her husband was president , and if so , what? Does this nullify other candidates experience ? Besides doesnt the president have advisers and many other sources of information gathering at his disposal. We have heard this 35 year stuff so long that it is getting unbearable, wish we could get a straight up answer to this question ,and please , no political double talk...........Roy from Missouri

Blitzer asserts that CNN's three or four viewers are "smart" and "intelligent"? Evidence to support that allegation?

At this point in the history of american politics it hard for me to trust any of the individuals running for office in this nation. Over the past 50 years our washingtonized politicians have made promises to the american people to get themselves elected and then turned their backs on them. Special interest groups and big money run washington. That is one reason we will never see a fair tax program in this country, fair trade or better education for young americans. Good things only go to the people whom can afford to pay for them. The rest of us, who support this country, struggle to keep our heads above water. There are so many issues, its a discrace. I would like to hear each canidate explain to the amercian people why they can be trusted, what they will do put this country back in the hands of the amercian people and how they will work to resolve the many issue we face.

To Ms. Clinton:

What was your exact role in the White House as First Lady and what experience have you gained that makes you a good candidate? Please detail your 35 experience, are you counting your First Lady of Arkansas in that count?

Please explain the lawsuit that has been filled in Nevada by the teacher's union which has endorsed you, regarding the caucus location of Las Vegas workers?

To all candidates:

-What are you policy plans on fighting Aids both in minority populationin the US and in the third world?

- What is your stance on the genocide that is occurig in Darfur?

To Obama and Clinton:

- Explain the economic stimulus packages that you have just released. What is the difference between your plans and what exactly will it do?

To all candidates:

-How will you get your plans passed in Congress? In what areas are you willing to compromise to bring some of your policies into fruition?

Ask the candidates how do I explain to my 9 year-old son who think President Bush is a better president than Obama or Clinton (and he knows I am a Democrat and which candidate I support.) He has seen nothing but the very things I have been teaching him not to do, fight, bicker, lie etc...Are you going to Change the way things are now, where me and my husband struggle to break even never once asking uncle sam to share in the cost to raise 5 children, or should I be concerned for my son and his future? I am a married black woman who knows how hard it is to be just that, and know that my four sons are "facing extinction". How are you gong to make the change for the better so I can rest at night knowing raising them to be good men is not futile?(economy,healthcare)

Question! As a nation united we are not supposed to question! We are supposed to hire the person best qualified "today" , We don't want ,but need a leader who will make the changes necessary to ensure ours and our children's futures!

instead of spending millions of dollars in a few months telling us what you can and want to do, why not spend the millions on ,free child health care, or free medical for the elderly all the time?

with global warming, and the need for alternate fuels and materials to lessen our carbon footprint, are there any steps being taken, to re-introduce hemp, as not only as a source of fuel(ethynol), but as clothing, and burlap, paper(saving thousands of acres of forest) and a economic boost to many struggling small farmers?

I would like to ask the candidates why public transportation in this country is so poor and what corporate forces in Washington are aiding this neglect.

Seems that every candidates is blasting each other about issues raised by all Americans.Every candidates can promised but can they perform?What will the Elected Candidate do for an AMERICAN not illegal?I do not want to hear about war or their passed history or religions,i want to know weather we going to have products made in US or overseas?Weather jobs going to be created for Americans,or they going to be pro drugs /pharmaceutical money making company?weather Americans comes first in their agenda and not illegal immigrants?Weather the Elected president going to introduces a subsidised health care bills for all and stop paying for illegal immigrants health care bills?That billion of dollars that spent on illegal immigrants could be used to support the real American health bills.Weather Americans have to scrap every money they have to support their families and been denied help from state government over illegal immigrants?What will the Elected President do to the States that did not abide the federal laws,e.g illegal immigrants and work pass for employer/emplyee?Whats the point even if they have a border fence if any of the state supported illegal immigrants.What make a Candidate better than the other just because they promised a CHANGE!

Questions for Obama and Clinton:

What specifically will you do to restore the protection established by the Founding Fathers in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution that we the people have lost through the cleverly named Patriot Act ?

For all candidates:

Do you share the concern of many Americans that any National ID system including the REAL ID ACT, will neither be effective in increasing security or stopping illegal immigration but instead create a system that could easily be abused to control law abiding citizens ? Will you commit tonight to unequivocal opposition to a national ID system ?

Be sure about that vote you cast for Obama. This is just round one of the verbal race sparring. I already have a migrane He's not even nominated yet. If he does get elected .....will things really get done??? OR Whenever someone says something to disagree with Obama, we'll have non-stop discussions on the major networks about the latest racist or racist innuendo/comment. God help us.

I know this is a sore spot, but I really need to know more about Obama's drug use. Cocaine is not a small matter and I would like to know if he sold it.

I believe that when a person sells such a highly addictive substance as cocaine to another individual a very serious moral line has been crossed.

The President of the United States is a role model. I think the American people deserve to know more about this drug use.

Please ask this question in a manner that reflects the seriousness of this action; most children don't make it out alive and their lives are shattered.

Lastly, I would like Obama to explain to me if he justifies being poor and emotionally distraught by not having a father as an excuse for snorting cocaine and selling it and what he would tell our young people who look to President of the united States for some guidance.

To all the candidates:

More important to me than your position on any of the issues is this.

When the next huge, critical and unexpected issue comes over the horizon, how will you handle it? What early-warning system will you have in place? What solution-discovery process will you use? How will you organize a team to respond? How will you follow up to be sure the response is effective?

"This bill therefore and the former legislation provide the special benefits which are due to the members of our armed forces - for they have been compelled to make greater economic sacrifice and every other kind of sacrifice than the rest of us, and are entitled to definite action to help take care of their special problems. While further study and experience may suggest some changes and improvements, the Congress is to be congratulated on the prompt action it has taken." FDR's statement on the passing of the bills to support the troops. Can any of you canidates say that you think you can stand up today and say you have done everything possible for our current vets. Also if you could explain how every year several packages that would update the greatly outdated GI Bill of today, especially for the Guard and Reserve soldiers, always seems to get attention when created but nothing ever happens, is that truly supporting your troops?

I would like to know if the candidates believe that America's dependency on the automobile and the sidestepping of architecture and art in many of our cities affects the way the world perceives us and the cultural cohesion of our people?

As the automobile has become such a part of the American Dream and oil dependency and the environment are becoming problems for our country, how do you intend to lead us out of this quagmire and sustain our economy and social reference points intact?

From health care to economic stimulation to education to environmental protection to prison systems, Americans face the same sorts of challenges that face other industrialized nations. What lessons do you take from the successes and failures of these other nations in addressing these nearly universal concerns? Is there anything that Sweden, Germany, Japan, or Australia have done that you would like to see implemented over here?

Question for all candidates: I'm surprised that it hasn't occurred to anyone hosting previous debates.

Will you please name three Executive Orders that George W. Bush has signed, conferring extraordinary powers upon himself ,that your will RESCIND on your first working day in office as President ?

And don't let 'em weasel out of this one as the debate hosts are wont to do.

In response to Veronica. Look Veronica I have advanced degree as well. An no! CNN is not Pro Obama, to be honest they are simply stating fact. It is time for change. ENough of the Status Quo politics. You and your husband are simply banking on the fact that Bill CLinton helped the 90's. Well it was great, but this is not 1992! In fact Hillary Clinto is not Bill Clinton. And for the record, don't try to explain how Hillary is for change. Hillary is about Hillary First and everyone else second. Go back to 1991 when at every interview she would sit next to good ol' Billy trying to give her 2 cents. I like Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton was good at the time we needed him. But please! you and everyone else stuck in the 90's- Get over it! This is no longer about you or me. It is about our young generation. We had our time, now it is the younger generations turn. Give me a break!

Ask Edwards how he can justify participating in a debate that excludes Kucinich and still support fairness and democracy.

No wonder politics are so screwed-up, some of you don't even know that this is a Dem Debate.

And for those wanting to know about Clintons position on a weak military that Bill is blamed for, it was George Bush Sr. and his administration who began troop reduction and base closures. These commissions were in place by law when Bill Clinton became President.

I am a Canadian and very sympathetic to our American neighbors. As such we follow with great interest the daily political reporting on CNN. However, it is so obvious that some of your so -called reporters are heavily biased in favor of Sen. Obama. Jack Cafferty often sounds vicious when he picks on Sen Clinton. Roland Martin does not even try to sound fair in his criticisms of Sen Clinton. Some candidates are always picked on,others are treated with kid gloves and others are just ignored as being insignificant. While I am an independent viewer with no stake in your elections, I have great interest in your democratic process. However, such blatant bias in reporting does not seem democratic to me.

How will you fix the massive discrimination currently practiced by our immigration authorities, which is both destroying American tourism and losing the skills of highly educated, experienced foreign workers who want to live in America with their spouses and work in our industries?

To All:
What would you do or how would you feel if this happened to you?
Your health insurance gets terminated yet you still need your medication so you go to the pharmacy only to find out that you have to pay $600.00 for just that 1 perscription.
Then.... after doing a little research and making a few phone calls you then find out that when you had health insurance coverage your insurace company was charged only $360.00 for the same exact perscription.
Tell me how is this possible? Is this really fair? Why is it someone without health insurance pays $200+ more for the same exact perscription? I don't see how this is fair..... shouldn't it be the opposite...... someone without health insurance should get the discount price NOT the insurance company. Do any of you agree?
If so what can be done about this?
Thank You
Darcy (Massachusetts)

Our lives and politics are often a mixture of self-less acts and compromises of our values for additional personal or political gain. Where have you made decisions in your own life or politics to follow your values against adversity? What actions have you taken where values were compromised for personal gain? How do you make these decisions and what do your think your decision making process says about you as a candidate?

Romney Economy, I love it when he said JOBS JOBS JOBS

Bam Bam and Hillary here is a question for you when Lincoln freed the slaves did you feel like joining the repulican party?

I want to know why in a country where voting is a right and a privilege, we have state primaries where votes don't count and an independents' vote never counts?

We tout democracy around the world and our own voting structure is set-up to automatically reduce the value of one person-one vote. Every voter should be able to cast a vote in a primary and have it count otherwise why bother? How would you feel about one national primary day and one national Election Day?
It would cut-down on this long ridiculous “election season”.

A question for all candidates
Given that the manufactoring of almost any product can be moved to a country where workers earn 50 cents an hour, how can American workers be competitive in making anything?

To all democrats:
Which democrat is most likely to continue the Bush-Cheney White House claims and defenses of expanded secrecy?

I am curious about Senator Obama's stance on sexism, and how he views the hate speech and images all over the internet regarding Senator Clinton.

To all democrats:
which republican is most likely to claim the greatly expanded executive powers claimed by Bush-Cheney-Gonzales?

To Senator Obama:

Are you going to give AMNESTY to millions of illegal aliens and why do they deserve amnesty if they broke the law?

Also, will you pledge to SECURE THE border?

Question for all candidates, Hillary first:
Which expanded presidential power claimed by Bush-Cheney-Gonzales is unconstitutional? Which ones would you renounce?

My father has cancer and one week of chemo pills is $6000. If a person has too much income to qualify for Medicaid, is too young for Medicare and can't aford to pay over $1000 a month for a plan, they would die from their disease or be homeless and starving after paying for care. Quit telling me we need a national healthcare plan, enough generalities. How long to impliment your program, to actually have a plan in place, and how much will it cost individuals?

Hillary was headed straight for the Presidency and the Republicans knew they could not beat her. I would not be surprised to find out that Obama is backed, knowingly or unknowingly; by those same covert Republicans who manipulated the 2000 and 2004 election wins. His candidacy came out of oblivion with no experience... a golden tongue, an attractive package and the right color skin to split the Democrats. I am not a racist, but this country is not ready to elect an African-American President with only two years of political experience... and the Republicans know it. I truly admire Barack Obama, but his campaign is a gift to the Republican party.

Divide and conquer and watch McCain, a Republican most Democrats can stomach, slide into the White House. The Republicans will win only because as a National Party, the Democrats are sooooo stupid and naive.

Sure McCain seems more like a Democrat than a Republican at times, but as far as the Republican Party is concerned...a Republican with a tint of blue is better than no Republican at all. The Republican infrastructure in this Country will remain the same and there will be no real change, just a little cosmetic surgery.

Shame on the Democratic Party. If you cannot unite your Party, how can you expect to unite this Country?

My question to the candidates...what will it take to unite the Democratic Party so it will win in November?

I would like you to ask: Please name one government run program that has been succesful without being a tax burden? Then follow up with- How do we possibly see a government run health care system being the one government success?

In previous debates, candidates have begun their answers to various questions by saying, "On my first day in office, I will...."

In fact, everyone knows that what people say or do on their last day at work often says more about them.

So, here's a question for Hillary Clinton:

Assuming that you believe in the inscription carved in stone above the entrance to the supreme court, "Equal Justice under Law", and assuming that you agree that it is the responsbility of every citizen to pay his or her taxes, how do you explain that you raised no protest when your husband, on his last day of office, pardoned a notorious tax cheat, Mark Rich?

what do all of them think about BLOOMBERG ??

Why isn't anyone talking about the possibility of Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton?

I don't like seeing just 2 families controlling the white house for so long.

So, the question is this: is America a democracy or an aristocracy?

I don't believe for a second that Hillary is doing this for "us". She's out to prove something [for herself].

Obama and Edwards strike me as more truly altruistic.

To Obama:

Your church has the mission statement of a "NON-NEGOTIABLE commitment to Africa." How can I believe that you really will do what is best for American interest above all else?

My question is for ALL the candidates and only requires a YES or No answer .. the question is:

Will you pledge to the American people that you will work towards a bill that forbids borrowing from the Social Security Fund ?

(I don't need or want any discussion; just a straight yes or no. Our Social Security Fund is in the shape it is today BECAUSE of our politicians and has been borrowed against time and again. ANYONE past or present who has voted to borrow against the Social Security Fund does not deserve to serve in Congress. What they will receive as retirement benefits has been or will be paid for by those they stole from – how can they look in the mirror and think they have represented their state or this nation?)

Hillary,

How do you feel that the personal lives of the Clinton White House years will be used against your campaigne if you make it to the general election? Please remember that our Country suffered greatly during that period.

Thanks for your honesy.

Thaddeus Wong

Wolf

My question is for Senator Obama

Sen. Obama you released you plan for the economy three days after Sen. Clinton released hers. When you speak of CHANGE..Is this what you mean? To take someone else plan and CHANGE the numbers and try and pass it off as your plan.

What do you think about having The bushs for 12 years and maybe the clintons for 16 years ( if hilary wins) and then maybe Jebb Bush for another 8 years. the presidency will be shared by two families for 36 years,,,that's crazy!! it's not a USA anymore it's a kingdom!!!
i am so not voting for clinton again, i am sick and tired of these two ( Bush and clinton) , what we need is new blood , change , new people,,,, that's why i am going for OBAMA or ( Edwards) .
Please save america

Questions for all candidates:

1. What will you do during your first term to hold elected officials (past and present) accountable for white collar crimes, and to recover stolen tax payer dollars?

2. What 3 issues facing this country will receive the highest priority in the first 100 days?

3. Do you think the Bush administration stripped away any civil liberties? If so, how will you go about reinstating them?

4. How will you get corporate america to reinvest in the USA?

I would like to know from the candidates, if the U.S. had not abandoned Afghanistan after USSR was driven out by (U.S aided) Afghanistan fighters, as it appears the U.S. did, do they believe that the hate for the U.S./west would of been fueled for going on for over 20 years and the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden rose to power, by their hatred of those who abandoned Afghanistan more than those (USSR) invading them? And how would abandoning Iraq now be any different 20 years from now, as the U.S. would more than likely be blamed for the eventual failures in Iraq?

I watch CNN broadcast almost every day. I am concerned that the immigration issue is only discuessed in relation to the southern border . No one ever talks about our northen border which is as open as our southern border. If I am coraect all terroists have come in through our northern border, yet no one is concerned about it. Why isn't any one at CNN concerned about it. Why not ask the candidates what they think about it???????

Please ask Hillary how Mark Penn the CEO of a well known union-busting firm remains in her campaign's employment. How can she state to be working for the middle-class and the working class of America when her top campaign strategist leads a firm that specializes in denying the basic rights of workers? Conflict of interest, wouldn't you say???

Three questions actually.

The United States is already up to it's eyeballs in debt. How, pray tell, do the leading candidates plan on paying for all of these wonderful things they promise they will do immediately upon taking office ?

Realizing this is an election and each of the candidates wants to become president .... how are we supposed to fairly choose between any of them when basically all they do is trash talk each other. They are supposed to be demonstrating to us why they should be elected as the president and commander in chief, but they are acting like 3rd graders trying to make each other look bad (and themselves good) in the schoolyard in front of thier friends.

On the education front. We live in Arizona, 49th in the nation in per-student spending/funding (behind Utah). What are you planning on doing about that ?

Ask Obama that there is no difference in policy decisions between him and Clinton then why should he be President now. What is the fierce urgency?

I want to ask the democrats 4 questions:

1.) Now that violence in Iraq is down 70% from '06 to '07, what do we do now? Do we still cut and run, or see it through? (Question to CNN: Why do you not cover the good news from Iraq?)

2.) Give us the "meats-and-potatoes" of your healthcare plan. How do we pay for it? Who all is covered? How much would it cost? And please don't say we'll tax the rich without defining what rich is.

3.) I want to know how you would balance the budget? Would you cut out earmarks? Would you slow down and/or rebute Senator Byrd from WV, a democrate in your own party which he has personally responsible for 3 billions dollars worth of earmarks? Or would you continue with earmarks, as in the case with the woodstock museum?

4.) What would you do to fix the social security, medicare, and medicade problems. I call them a tax, since those of us that aren't close to retirement won't see it if it isn't fixed. Ignoring the problem won't fix the problem.

I know that this question will not get posted (since I am criticizing CNN), but figured that I would give it a shot. I won't hold my breathe.

Oh yeah, don't ask questions of their political bickering and pondering, but hold them to their plan. If you complain about a problem without a solution, then you are part of the problem!

Since change is the mantra this political season, I would like all debate participants to answer comprehensively their individual process for bringing about change in one of the programs they are offering as part of their campaign. I ask this question because of a conversatiion with the clerk at the drug store who expressed a great deal of cynicism about politicians promising to do things that were not in the presidents' power but in other people's power. I had to agree with him that this is frequently true. I suspect he is a student working there but I don't really know.

Could everybody please stop referring to the Iowa Caucus as a win for Obama? If there hadn't been so many people from other states posing as state residents, the out come would have been a three way tie. We were inundated with people from the surrounding states there to support Obama.

QUESTIONS FOR DEBATE:

Banks and Credit card companies now charge as much as 32% per annum interest on accounts.

Do any of the candidates favor a federal usury law under the Commerce Clause to limit the amount of interest credit card companies can charge their customers?

If not, why not?

Dear Wolf,
Please take into consideration my important question for the upcoming debates.

I would like the canidates to address the issue of gay marriage/federal legal rights for international same sex couples. The facts is that the present laws are institutionalized discrimination. I feel my family doesn't matter to American politicians.

Sincererly,
Troy Kendal

how many more votes can obama win by raising race issue .but i know u guys will ask tough questions to hillary only and cnn is siding with obama .u guys dont even post all the comments .most of the ones approved by u are anti-hillary thats the reason i listen to fox now .go hillary go fox

My Question: Our nation has been facing the energy crisis for over thirty years. In my opinion America has wasted time and energy in preparing and for this looming problem. It will cost the lower income class of Americans dearly for this lack of action. A large portion of blame must be bestowed on Congress, and our President, past and present, for failing to lead and prepare for its ramifications. I don’t want to hear what they did in your answer. That is the past; we need to look towards the future.

The predictions are for oil to go up to and beyond $100.00 per barrel, and gasoline will be $4.00 dollars a gallon by summer possibly. I’m lucky; I took to riding a motorcycle in recent years fearing this problem would financially doom my family and me. I get an average 47-mpg, and travel 12800 commuter miles a year. At $3.00 dollars a gallon that means I spend about 3 to 4% of my current income on gasoline. If gasoline goes to $4.00 per gallon that will be an additional 1% of my income towards gasoline “only” in additional commuting cost, about $271.00 dollars. Others will be reeling from increases of about $600 to $1300.00 dollars, if gasoline goes to $4.00 per gallon, depending on their vehicles mpg, a 3 to 6% increase. I have a hard time meeting my financial obligations today, but I do meet them. I’m not so sure about others in the coming days.

What is a proper course of action at this time in the interim, while our Nation prepares in other ways and implements new regulations for this problem? Tax reductions are not a solution, nor credits, the current budget and national debt is already a mill stone about our necks, and no-one can afford to buy hybrid cars at this level of income. What is your plan, both short term and long, to resolve this highly volatile issue.

ask obama ,by writing book and admitting he did drugs ,what kinda future hopes and idol he is for young kids .

My question is for all the candidates:
What can a President do, and what will you specifically do, to stop corporations from exerting undue influence on legislation, especially on bills that are for the purpose of assisting or protecting the American people?

Many of the problems in healthcare in America are due to our physician shortage which no one seems to do much talking about. When the Baby Boomer physicians retire within the next decade, the shortage will only become worse since America is unable to produce enough physicians. WIthout giving lip service to your health care plans, do you acknowledge that the physician shortage is a key factor in the healthcare crisis in America and what specifically would you do to ameliorate this issue?

ask obama ,who did he buy his house through .oh i m sorry he said he has no links with him. oh i know why he is in jail now

Will sen. Obama be willing to understand the stroggle of single mothers, who have no healthcare,no income and sometimes no moneys for school lunches like sen.clinton has been fighting for no child left behind and who understand the problemes of single family?

Big industries such as oil, pharmecutical, insurance peddle influence with law makers and the President by contributing to their campaign for legislations in their favor resulting increasing high prices consumers have to pay. The elected law makers ought serve people's interest but accepting money from big industries is direct conflict of interest between the law makers and people. These people know this and perpetuate because it's their interest not do anything about it. I think one solution to eliminate this problem is to mandate public financing. Make illegal to accept any kind money or gift.

I would ask each candidate to see if they agree with above assessment. If they do, ask them if they would solemnly swear to abolish present method of campaign financing.

Designers build with at least the basic fundamentals of following form and function. They create, shape something and empower it with purpose. Thus, giving us- The People- meaning in our lives. But great designers go beyond just the essentials, they deliver high quality and stellar service. To all the candidates, speaking only about yourself, how have/will you design a better future to engage The People?

Wolf,
Most of the african americans in the US believe that you have an allegiance to the Clinton Campaign because they gave you your big break back in the days when you covered the White House. Prove us wrong and make sure to be fair in your questioning to both Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton. You will make yourself come across much better if you are not out there trying to help Mrs. Clinton by not questioning her on inconsistencies she states and always trying to crush Mr. Obama's claims for a better tommorow.

The question I have for both candidates is as follows:
Mrs. Clinton, over the course of your campaigning, you have claimed 35 years of experience, however, you have only been elected for 7. If you are claiming the years of the Whitehouse, are you also claiming the pardons to Mark Rich and also the ethical violations that came about during the Clinton administration?

Mr. Obama, you have sat quietly while allowing the Clintons, their surrogates, and the Republicans to define you as not having experience. How can you prove to the voters of the Democratic Party that you are ready to win this election if you can allow the Clintons to define you without once taking her to task for her lack of experience?

I want to ask the democrats 2 questions:

1.) Now that violence in Iraq is down 70% from '06 to '07, what do we do know? Do we still cut and run, or see it through? (Question to CNN: Why do you not cover the good news from Iraq?)

2.) Give us the "meats-and-potatoes" of your healthcare plan. How do we pay for it? Who all is covered? And please don't say we'll tax the rich without defining what rich is.

I know that this question will not get posted (since I am criticizing CNN), but figured that I would give it a shot. I won't hold my breathe.

Oh yeah, don't ask questions of their political bickering and pondering, but hold them to their plan. If you complain about a problem without a solution, then you are part of the problem!

For Obama, Edwards, Clinton:

In November last year, Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi decided to drop the renewable energy standard out of the energy bill and drop the tax title. No tax title means no extension of the investment tax credit for solar, and no extention of the production tax credit for wind. How did you vote on the final bill, and explain why the democrats cry about oil prices, the need for renewable energy, energy independence, etc, yet they dropped the energy standard and the tax title.

Richard

Will Sen.Obama be will to udnerstand the stroggle of the single mothers, like Sen. Clinton is fighting for ?

My question is for Hillary Clinton?
Inasmuch as you have recieved literally hundreds of thousands of dollars from both the insurance and phamaceutical industries for your campaign, how can you expect us to believe that they will not expect access, influence and political accomodations in return? How does this represent change and a new paradigm for dealing with special interests?

1) Will you pledge today not to appoint anyone to federal office that donated , or helped raise more than $20,000 to your campaign. If not what donors would you appoint, and to what positions.

2) Do you believe American citizens should be able to buy into (at the same rates) the congressional health plan and receive the same level of care you receive. If not why do you believe you are entitled to better taxpayer funded care then others?

I would like to know whether the candidates think that Wolf was actually "stunned" by people's questions or that he was "not surprised," or whether they think, as Wolf seems to, that it is possible to be both stunned and not surprised, simultaneously.

Question to candidates: We've just had almost 8 years of a president who thought he knew everything and surrounded himself with people who told him what he wanted to hear. Whose judgment and opinions do you value, and which non-politicians will you look to for guidance and information? Name names.

Wolf ,
I am a bit surprised at you , my name is jason syracuse and I'm the fastest growing glass block ditributorship in our hometown area {buffalo ny & erie pa). I only mention this because we were planning an aggressive television advertising program for this year. Being from Williamsville N.Y. I figured you would know about what is like to be an underdog fighting uphill to overcome corruption.Remember where we come from , remember why you left .

I write to you directly because I know most people around here put their hearts before thier wallets.I am appauled that your employer's give Ron Paul no respect , and no air time. I have never believed in any political figure untill this year. The grace commision report by Ronald Regan 1984 clearly spelled out not only this governments wastefull spending but clearly states "that not one penny of any income tax dollar is spent here in the United States", instead it pays some of the interst of our national debt to the privately owned Federal Reserve. CNN talks as if they are looking out for the american people. Now with more people finding out the truth about our monitary policies your boycott of Ron Paul is causing a large # of people to boycott CNN. I just cant believe that CNN is now no different than fox. Ron Paul is a true patriot and has the integrity to bring to light the truth . Bottom line a dollar backed by gold solves every problem this nation faces . Most importantly it takes away the endless checkbook congress uses and hands the purse strings of the nation back to it's rightfull owners , the american people. Because of CNN's disreguard of truth and integrity I am making sure none of our advertising dollars go to CNN or any of it's affialtes. Ron Pauls following is much larger than you give him credit for and that is surprising considering how little air time he recieves . The notion that his base is unemployed and only young is totally wrong , most are self employed and ages diverse . CNN has lost alot of viewers and they will not return , we will get our news from the internet and our advertising dollars shall follow. Too bad.

Under the Bush administration and neo con rule, it is my view that our once great country is being destroyed. By appointing incompetents such as Michael Brown to FEMA, I believe they hope to destroy government agencies, privatize everything and turn the running of the country over to their corporate cronies. As a result, they expect to establish their "permanent Republican majority" as they so fondly put it. Their anti-environmental stance coupled with the many hundreds of "signing statements" designed to subvert the will of Congress plus their concept of the "unitary presidency" is leading towards a dictatorial form of government. Despite their proffered religious convictions, they engage in massive amounts of unethical behavior such as torture, spying on all of us, telling us countless lies, spending billions of our tax dollars on a war entered into using manufactured intelligence, and massively neglecting the needs of our citizens for safe food and water, healthcare, decent education and good jobs. I would very much like details as to how any or all of the candidates plan to reverse this destructive course undertaken over the past seven years. I believe in putting our people, not corporations, first and I am hoping that one or more of the Democrats has a concrete plan as to how to achieve this.

How do both Senators Hillary and Obama, feel about the irresponsability of the media? The way the Press, especially CNN and MSNBC continue to spend hours day in and day out magnifying every single piece of trivia that are peripheral to their campains? This pathetic digging that forces them both to deviate their political discourse from the issues that we all want to hear about, replacing it with this "he says she says" that leads nowhere.

The audience members were allowed to boo Obama and Edwards, Wolf was very rude towards Obama and Edwards and interupted him with calculated frequency. If i had a pick i would have had Anderson Cooper moderate the debate, but anyway, I hope this debate plays fair.

Would you be dedicated to ending the practice of selling the citizen's trees and allowing foreign countries to mine in our National Parks, the next generation's heritage?

i would like to know what is going to be done about the rapid increase of gangs in this country and the amount of crime they bring into citys and towns across this nation,this is a direct result of open door imigration, and needs to be addressed very soon, these gangs have weapons that are better than the police units that track them, would there be a special opps to disrupt and deport or imprison these local terrorist?

Will Wolfe ask Mrs. Bill Clinton if Sid Blumenthal was the drunk who wrecked into Cate Edwards?

To Senator Obama:
Why did you wait one week to condemn accusations against Hillary that her remarks (and her husband’s) were racist in nature? Moreover, upon condemning these accusations, you then proceeded to state to ABC News on January 14, 2008 that the comment was revealing about her political character. "I do think it was indicative of the perspective that she brings, which is that what happens in Washington is more important than what happens outside of Washington." He said he believes the quote betrays a belief on her part, "that the intricacies of the legislative process were somehow more significant than when ordinary people rise up and march and go to jail and fight for justice." He called that a "fundamental difference" between them (Source: ABC News Political Radar: “Obama Damps Down Racial Controversy” 01-14-08). Is there not a hypocrisy in your statement? Didn't Hillary explicitly acknowledge Dr. King's contributions in all the aspects you outlined beforehand? What is this "fundamental difference" you refer to? Please explain and justify your statements with hard evidence that clearly outlines this intention on Hillary's behalf. Hillary please respond to Senator Obama's remarks should you feel it merits clarification of the facts. Thank you.

My qestion is to Ms. Clinton first, then to the rest of the canidates.
For Ms. Clinton and former President Bill Clinton to claim they have had the Black community at heart during thier years of public service. Why didn't the Democratic president who "loved Blacks" ever select another black to Suprem Court when he had the chance. Why didn't he select a Black for Secretary of State. The Democrats continuously raise the political ceiling for White women, while ignoring Black men. Say what you will about the Republicans they got Clarence Thomas on the highest court, Mr. Powell and Ms. Rice as the first Black Secretary of State, and all the Democrats have done is set Ms. Plose as Speaker of the House and pitted Blacks against Blacks once again, With people such as Mr.
Johnson.

Democrats will you send an African American to the highest court if you are elected President, will you take the lead and set qualified African Americans in power positions in your administration. Will you work to place Blacks as Chair of Democratic party. Will you truely begin to address the every day issues of hard working Black people, and not just give us political lip service because your desire lies at 1600 pennsylvania st, and not truely with us.

Question for all candidates: what has been your foreign policy and how many leaders have you personally met? What has your contributions been to helping others?

I would like Barak Obama to stand for something – anything- that Democrats have achieved and that we need to protect, like Social Security , not just hope for something new.

For Hillary Clinton:

You recently said in an interview on Meet the Press that you wished that race and gender weren't an issue. With this in mind, your opponent Barack Obama has never mentioned anything along the lines of becoming the "first black president" unless it was addressed in a question, while you never fail to remind voters that you are running to be the "first woman president". If you wish that race and gender weren't an issue, why do you never fail to remind voters that you are in fact a woman running for president?

To Senator Hillary,

With your so called 35 years of experience, tell us 5 key things you did (as in you spear-headed or took the lead in) for the benefit of the American people. Describe what it was you did and the corresponding result for America. If you've got 35 years of experience, you must some solid things to show for it, besides the last name "Clinton"

Am i the only one thats paying attention to the "supreme court" refusing to hear the case about the peoples right to petition the government for redress? Who among you has the nerve to take a stand and uphold your oath of office and call these people out and uphold the constitution?
david

I have noticed that what Hillary was saying about having to take on 'the boys club' it appears that maybe it's true. There almost seems to be some kind of effort by some of the male candidates trying to rough up Hillary, while Barack sat back (and now can no longer), being the strong quiet type as was suggested in a Chicago newspaper. I site at least two other things here that she is being targeted for. First of all, why would Edwards take on a hot issue as the King comments made a few days ago? Why would he' feel so strongly about it and directly attack Hillary, along side Obama, who I can understand why he' would question what she meant?

Second, why would Kucinich offer to pay for a N.H. re-count, just because Hillary won that State. Why hasn't he offered to have some kind of investigation into the Iowa caucus, that Obama won by a large margin, when Hillary and Obama where neck and neck in the polls?

Is this fair and is it just a matter of voters realizing this and making their decision on who they want to vote for? Especially those who are undecided? Or is this something that can be looked at and addressed in some way? Is this sexism?

With my son being born outside of the United States while I was on military duty in Germany, he, by law, cannot become President of the United States. While thousands of children of miltary members are born overseas each year and are not eligible to become President, and while children born in the United States of "ILLEGAL ALIENS" are eligible to become President, what are you going to do to change legislation to ensure my child and those of other hornorably serving members of our military will have the LEGAL right to run for President? Many members serving accompanied tours who have had children overseas, may serve later in a combat zone and be killed. Do there children not have the right to become President of the Country that their parent died for?

Richard

Question for Obama and Clinton,

When will you guys stop behaving like small kids, grow up and start acting like a president if you really desire to be president of a great country. Your bickering at each other reminds me of spoilt brat in the downtown area. We already had a big bully for 8 years, we do not want some idiot as a president who cannot go beyond civil rights and Dr. King for votes.

Do you really have solutions to our issues or are you guys just good for blame game? After all Obama, you are a Havard gradutate for crying out loud and Ms. Clinton, you can certainly do better than wipe your tears on the screen.

Susan,

What specifics has Hillary given?

All this talk about Barack being an orator is a bunch of mumbo jumbo. He is a great speaker– but so is Hillary Rodham Clinton. I don't find him a better orator than she. But I also don't find Hillary to be saying anything specific either.

Will Wolfe ask Mrs. Bill Clinton if Sid. Blumenthal was the drunk that hit Cate Edwards?

Will Kucinich be available for Questions? If not, I would like to ask the other candidates what they think about Dennis Kucinich being excluded from the debates since the Iowa Desmoines debate. Is this right being that thousands of Americans who are working for the Kucinich campaign are doing so because they believe his message is important to the people of this country and that he would be a great president? Does his campaign make the others look bad because he voted the right way over and over and has been proven to have been the man with the better judgment than any of the other candidates? Can we really believe we are more democratic than other countries that use the media to shut down those they don't want to offer as a viable choice to the citizens of a nation? I would like to know what we can hope for in future elections and for the rest of this election. My choice is Kucinich and he will get my vote, because he voted the right way for me in the Congress, and that is something that proves just who he is and what he will do as president. Let him in the debates or stop calling America a democratic country.

Carol,

What's wrong with mimicking MLK? He is a well respected and admired leader. I'm sure there are many who mimic him in one way or another.

Wolf, ask Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama these two questions:

Why criticism has recently dominated your campaigns goals and virtually your main focus instead of focusing more on what you will be doing if elected?

Do you think voters will buy that?

Am I the only one here that heard John McCain say during one of debates, When ask if NAFTA was good for America John McCain SAID YES. Tell that to the 450,000 people in Michigan that watched there jobs go overseas. John McCain supported and sponsor a bill for illegal immagrantion that would allow over 50 million to get Amnesty, ( I'm being very generous when I say 50 million)

My Question:

To Clinton: What do you say to critics who state that you will be unable to truly bring about health care reform due to your relationship with the lobbyists?

To Obama: What is your specific plan to remove the influence that big business (aka lobbyists) has over our government?

I'm sad that CNN is hosting the debate again. They are OBVIOUSLY anti-Hillary. It's embarrassing.

Question for Clinton, Obama, and Edwards:

If it were possible to draft a bill and present it without the possibility of attaching any legislation that did not deal directly with that issue, would this not be a way for Congress to pass or reject legislation in a more timely and efficient manner? If not, why?

Richard

Dear Mr. Blitzer:
I have a question that you might consider asking the presidential candidates in the upcoming debates.
I am a local prosecutor. Many public sector attorneys, including me, have astronomical student loans. Private attorneys are paid salaries double or sometimes triple that of government or non-profit attorneys. The lure of the higher salary is often too hard to resist when an attorney is trying to buy a house, start a family of his/her own and still repay the outstanding law school debt. As a result there is often a brain drain in government agencies.
As we have seen in New Orleans, and other areas (ie. the Altanta Courthouse shooting trial), this brain drain has put the criminal justice system in a crisis. Young, usually inexperienced, attorneys are asked to handle ever-growing caseloads. And they must do so with ever decreasing resources. (The Federal Government has recently decreased funding for training at programs such as the National Advocacy Center at the University of South Carolina). Cases that should be prosecuted are dismissed, simply because the prosecutors don't have the resources to get the witnesses and evidence to court. On the flipside, indigent defendants are not getting competent counsel and people are wrongly convicted.
What if anything will the candidates do to ensure that justice really is being sought (and found) in the criminal justice system? What will they do, as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States, to address the crisis?
Thanks -

To all those who keep griping about CNN not being neutral in its coverage of the candidates. Hello!!! When has CNN been neutral in its coverage of ANY news story. Watch the CNN's coverage of an issue and then catch the BBC's coverage the same issue, and the coverage of any two or three other international newspapers and you'll realize that CNN is not exactly the arbiter of fair news. So it comes as no surprise to me that sometimes they spin in Barack's favor, and other times they spin in Hillary's favor. CNN is a little more than glorified tabloid - i mean look at all the coverage they've given to this suppsoed race and gender issue lately.

Question for Hillary Would you pledge here tonight to ask Charlie Rangel and others to not use degrading words like stupid when describing your opponant while they are espusing your virtues as the future president?

this question goes to Hillary.did you vote for the war in iraq based on your experience?

I am not american, but i am interested in this election because whatever happens in the U.S, affects all the world. What are you gonna do with the "anti american" feeling?

Sen. Obama, please be precise and elaborate, and tell America and the world why they should vote for you over Sen. Hillary Clinton. Also, if you are the nominee for the democratic party and become the president – How will you implement change in terms of solving the current economy mess, fixing ithe problems associated with innner city schools and in dealing with the issues of crime, diseases, unemployment and entitlement within the black population .

To any or all candidates:

It seems many of your proposed mandates for universal health care will guarantee universal coverage but don't dramatically improve the quality of care available in certain federally-funded programs, notably for veterans. As it is becoming increasingly unclear when the Democratic Party plans to provide for a withdrawal from Iraq, and the end of a war that is producing high numbers of wounded veterans that our health-care system seems incapable of accommodating, will the health care reforms that you plan to undertake during your presidency provide for better care for wounded veterans, subsidized by the US or state governments alongside your health-care initiative?

Ask Barack Obama this:

Why is the first advertisement in your campaign that features your mother, who is white, premiering in the state of Arizona? Why not air that same ad in South Carolina? What role did race play in this decision?

for Senator Clinton
re: No Child Left Behind

As a recently retired (31 yrs.) high school teacher, I see the NCLB program of the Bush Adm. as just a legislative demand that by hook or by crook every student be "given" a high diploma. By the year 2014, 100% of students are supposed to graduate or a school is "failing." This includes special education students, and students who work for a GED (their lack of a "regular" high school diploma counts against the school). This is a totally unrealistic goal. Some students (and their parents) would not come to the school if you promised them a diploma just for showing up on time. Teachers' classes are already so overloaded with students who don't want to be there and students whose IQ's are so low that they couldn't possibly pass the "true" curriculum, that they do not have adequate time to give to those students who want to learn and are able to learn.

If we are to improve education, we must have standards and quit pretending that students know course material that they do not know.

I would be pleased if someone could bring up the fact that what is good for America, is to vote on the candidate's past actions and their future plans if elected President, instead of what race, gender, religion or any other non-important factor. If we ever want a person to be respected for who they are and what they do or will do, then the media, including your show, has to stop addressing these biases in the voting process and get down to ISSUES. I hear Obama saying we can, but not what we can, I hear Clinton generalizing and never taking a firm stand on the military issues, and Edwards like the rest has to give substance to what he is willing to do. The Republicans are not better, with Romney giving nothing more than a suave politicians double talk, McCain's past actions relying on his "Serving" status since the Vietnam War, and Huckabee's "good ol' boy" presentation. I know that Giuliani isn't out of the race yet, but just because his actions as Mayor of New York City were laudible, there needs to be more substance in what he says. Are our ignorance and predjudices going to elect another business as usual Washingtonite, or we as a country going to start asking the hard questions and start putting the candidates feet to the fire?
Ricahrd

No fighting! Please only ask only questions about what their plans are about the issues.

Question for Hillary: Why haven't you rejected the statement by Cuomo and Bob Johnson? I find Bob Johnson's comments more disturbing...This was Black on Black crime at is worst.

This question is for Obama:

I always hear you talking about CHANGE, so my question is: In what way & how? How soon? Heard you came from KENYA. So how could you give U.S. the so called CHANGE of yours when you cannot even help to change your own hometown which in the verge of chaos right now.

In New Hampshire even though Mrs Clinton won you allowed the longest time for Mr. Obama's speech. I think you are favoring Obama's candidature. I am not a democrat but it is quite clear where are you standing. So much for journalistic neutrality.

Please ask Senator Clinton to FINALLY explain in detail her 35 years of experience.

I feel that Hillary copies everything Obama says. She has put herself on the defense. She has been very disappointing. I like Obama alot. He has been himself and he appears to be honest. Please ask him when in his life -what time period did he decide that he might consider running for president and who would he consider to be an inspiration to him. Thank you so much.

Obama: during Service in illinois on the state level, What did you accomplish that would be an example of what to expect as a presiden?

Ask Hillary: How does being First Lady equate to 35 years of experience. Will you release your records to back up this claim? I think this is relevant because there is a belief in your camp Barack Obama didn't wait his turn.

Thank You In Advance,

Tiffanie

For all candidates: If you are elected, what will you do to prevent abuse of eminent domain for the benefit of commercial enterprises?

To all the candidates: A Question on experience: in 1992, Governor Bill Clinton once said in response to President Bush senior’s statement on experience "the same old experience is not relevant" Bill was making his case for Change, in 1992. Do you think that applies today as well?

Senator Clinton: did your experience help you when voting for the Iraq war? Did experience help you Senator Clinton in giving Bush authorization to exercise the option of war with Iran?

Thank You

Shame on CNN.
The latest polls for head-to-head as spionsored by CNN only contain data on Clinton & Obama vs four repubs. Where's the Edwards data? Hey Blitzer- here's a headline news item I'm sure you won't make: "News reporter Questions own Network: Where's the Edward data?"

As a Nevada Democrat I can only wonder why CNN and the other pollsters decided Hillary and Obama are the two Dems to watch despite the November polling data that said Edwards faired better, and in fact beat, all the Repubs.
The three are in a virtual statistical tie in Nevada according to the Reno Gazette Journal's latest poll (1/12). Why have the news outlets decided not to ask about Edward's vs the Repubs, when he was clearly the winner in December polls?

Clearly the circus act is better between Hillary and Obama, but I take my politics seriously, as do many Nevadans, and expect, no, require CNN to do the same. Otherwise put on the big floppy shoes and join the circus entertainment at FOX.

I would like you to ask each candidate to answer yes or no to the top questions so the public would know where each candidate stands on the major issues. Those are economy, closing border, canceling trade agreements, ending the war now, enforcing tariffs, sending illegals back to where they come from, border fence and so on. I think you get the idea of what I think we should know. No long answers, just a yes and no without any of their" i want to explain that comment. Keep the answers short so you can ask more questions.

Lou for President

I am an African-American who used to be among the adamant Clinton supporters. However, after watching this Presidential race I will NEVER VOTE FOR A CLINTON AGAIN. If Hillary wins the nomination I will either not vote at all, or support a Republican. I don’t believe the Clinton’s are racist, but I do believe the Clintons have a history of, presenting demonstrating a willingness to, interject race into the national discussion as method of manipulating the voting process. A charge which I feel is far worse than being called an out right racist, because in doing so the Clintons not only marginalize African-American voters, they transgress the rights of every American citizen by reinvigorating rational tensions which this nation has work so earnestly to absolve. The Clintons know that they only way to beat Obama is to paint him as the “black president.” They know he will take South Carolina, so they are trying their hardest to bury him there in this race nonsense; nonsense which has no long-term benefit for the Obama campaign.

Now, I am normally a CNN viewer, lol, but I truly believe FOX is the only network that is approaching this issue objectively, and not with a dismissive attitude. Furthermore, I watched Hillary on the “Meet The Press,” where she miss quoted Dr. King saying, “justice can be legislated.” This remark was actually stated by Malcom X when he and King witness the Senate debate the Civil Rights Act. The fact that Clinton would not only reduce the legacy of Dr. King, but then confuse the rhetoric of two African-American heroes, is utterly outrageous, really speaks of her knowledge of African-American history and present issues. Furthermore, I am surprised that non of the black leaders have picked up on this.

I would like Wolf to ask the Illinois senator if he is giving any consideration to the Rev. Jesse Jackson or Oprah, who are both supporters of his, for cabinet or other positions in his administration. Thank you, B.W.H.

I suspect Wolf will be pitching mostly softballs.

I'll bet they will hit them out of the park.

None will have any substance behind them.

What will you do to rein in the banking industry's credit card rates. 30% interest is not only excessive but until recently illegal. The poor can never get out of debt. Now we have to bail the banks out of the sub-prime mess and that was also illegal. Let's put the bankers in prison ( not some club for the rich ) and make them pay for their crimes. I can give you pretty good odds that if we were to rob them the same way we'd be in prison.

Question to Clinton:

Don't you think America has had enough of a 2 family ruling. Bush, Clinton, Bush =20 years and nothing has come out of it except a well deserve tax break. Why should we continue down a dead end path?

RE: Dev

As demonstrated by the Bush-Quayle administration, you don't have to have any prior military service to command our military. Up to October of 1965, Dick Cheney had received four draft deferments based on the premise that he was married. That month, the federal government changed the laws protecting married men from the draft. They would now only allow parents to be considered exempt from the draft. Lynne Cheney was pregnant within weeks, earning Cheney his fifth draft deferment during the Vietnam War. He would go on to serve as Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush during the Persian Gulf War. So, in all, a war-time Sec. of Defesnse had five draft deferments during his draft-eligible years.

I would ask Obama why his speech was taken off from his website. The one that Bill Clinton talked about which caused some controversy.

Wolf,

Senator Clinton's message of "experience" has morphed from that to "35 years of experience" and now "35 years of change." Yet she has failed to elaborate on this in any way and has only served seven years as a publicly elected official. I would like to know specific details about this supposed multitude of changes she has enacted.

Early in Barack Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope," he describes a scene of day-to-day life on the floor of the Senate. "You may see one lone senator standing at his desk after the others have left, seeking recognition to deliver a statement on the floor. It may be an explanation of a bill he's introducing or it may be a broader commentary on some unmet national challenge. The speaker's voice may flare with passion; his arguments... may be soundly constructed. But the speaker will be addressing a near-empty chamber."

Obama brings the point home with: "In the world's greatest deliberative body, no one is listening." (pp 14-15)

Given that the Senators that we send to the Senate are there to represent us, the American people, I can't help feeling that, from time to time, it's my voice that is falling vicariously on an empty chamber.

My question is this: What procedural changes would you recommend to your Vice President in his/her role as President of the Senate to insure that the Senate remains "the world's greatest deliberative body " and to make sure that somebody "is listening?"

From what I read here, the majority of readers in this forum are narrow-minded and name-calling (i.e., the pot calling the kettle black—absolutely NO PUN intended). Could this intelligent audience take Hillary's words as they are meant: Dr. King was hugely inspiring, a great man, but notwithstanding his intentions and those of his many, many followers, it truly does take an efficient and knowledgeable executive leader to bring those ideals to fruition, and grant absolute rights to all our citizens. It is the same with the disabled—only through the passage of ADA can we begin to mandate their rights. And as far as Johnson's statement goes, it could have been put in a better way, but a discerning voter should be willing and eager to hear the message he was trying to convey: Hillary's focus during her entire adult life has been working for America's people in one way or another, with no diversions in her youth. Based on that history, there is no doubt in her supports' minds that her intentions and deeds will continue in that vein as president. Most people I know are intelligent enough to see the genuinely good characteristics in both candidates, and agree that Mr. Obama is a wonderful man, an inspiring personality, and will make a good vice president and, later, a great president!

If race persists in being front and center, the real reason for the Electoral College should be investigated. You don't need to ask the candidates anything about it. I doubt they know. Schools do a pretty good job of hiding the shameful premise of our election process. CNN could do an Investigative Report on it, if you want to keep race in the forefront.

Question for the next CNN Debate,more likely for a Republican. Since none of the major candidates will admit we can not provide all those domestic goverment programs-benefits ,and also fight the so called "World Wide War on Terrorism" without cutting programs or raising taxes. Their Budget 101 Math does not add up.Unless we think we are going to continue running up a Chinese financed deficit for years to come,whats the real and true answer? Where's the candidate with the detailed plan to reduce the deficit?.Republicans love to parrot such sound bite gems as"Reduce Waste","Reduce Entitlements",yet for 7 years they continued to spend pretend money,without tax income to back it up. The "Decider" was in charge,yes? No one will use or say the "T" word. You need more than than 60 seconds to answer the question about the problem.
And before you permit Mitt to wax about how he saved the Winter Games,look up how much money he sucked out of the tax payers to fund his cure. Ditto 911 Rudy and his New York Yarns.
Not one of them ever mentions Goverment Contractors,the "Shadow Workforce",50% or more of the so called "Wastefull Big Goverment"Dollar Outlays&Fiscal Budget they rail against.
The "Private Industry 'Solution,KBR,Citi Bank,Countryside,GM,Ford,Enron,FEMA Contractors,Defense Contractors,Medical pill pushers,and private hospitals,the Mortgage Business,etc,etc,the list of todays tax funded ,for contracts or bail -outs;"Robber Barons" is endless.
If the private sector& tax free goverment were so smart,the Chinese would not own our debt,and American Corporations would be number one in each of their world-wide economic sectors. Big Business in America is hardly the shining example of smart guys making money. So we should let them take over more "Core Functions" of public functions,"good job brownie'. The sad news is the U.S. Goverment is already run like G.M.

To all candidates:

How will you inspire the next generation?

Not fair to criticize Wolf B. for not being even handed to all candidates.

He is way better than the Tim Russert of Meet the Press, who before the NH primary, grilled Mike Huckabee and the other candidtes on the defense all the timem but on the same show put Obama at ease by having a friendly chat.

Ask Obama about his experiences in Illinois as a community organizer and civil rights attorney and what major accomplishments he gained there and how that has shaped who he is.

Ask Edwards what would happen if his wife becomes more ill if he is elected and how that woud affect his presidency.

Ask Hillary how she plans on funding her health care program and if she would re-examine the welfare reform from the 90's since the ecomony and the labor market has changed a lot since then.

It's politically ingenious as well. It shifts some of the political flak of the first months of an administration during midterm elections to both sides of the political spectrum. Historically, the incumbent party has lost seats in Congress some mid term elections, but i think that picking up a Republican running mate can make executive decisions appear to be bipartisan and bilateral, and might even create a sense of unity that this nation hasn't felt since 9/11

To: Wolf Blitzer, Though this will not likely be posted. I can tell you one good question to ask the candidates is a simple question of Whether or not they condone the ongoing discriminatory practice of preventing Hispanics in Illinois from claiming race discrimination and denying Hispanic/Latino Americans the full rights designed to protect all Americans under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

I don't seem to be able to ask any other way or be posted on your filed stories though I am only reporting the verifiable truth. Why is that? I think that it is an important subject and current event Wolf don't you?

------

Chaos45i in Illinois

Question to candidates: What would you do about the Fundamentalist Mormon communities whose lifestyle violates the principles of the U.S. Constitution? If elected would you pardon Warren Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Mormons?

My question has to do with the Lobbying system, how would you stop our goverment to pretty much be bought by the highest bidder? For instance AIPAC has enough power and money to sway what this country does diplomatically and therefore this country cannot not be an unbiased neutral party because of money. How would you stop lobbies from effecting this countries direction?

RE: Pam

I LOVE IT!!!! I've always felt that picking up a GOP candidate who has dropped out of the primary to run as a vice presidential candidate. Surrounding yourself with individuals who have different political perspectives can greatly enhance your rapport with the general public and can give you an idea of how Republicans will react to bill vetoes, foreign policy, domestic policy, etc.

My question goes to all candidates -

Without referring to the need to secure our borders first, and with the government seeeming to know that we have 12 million illegal (not undocumented) aliens, will you deport all of the illegal aliens if you know who they are and where they live? If not, could you explain how they are not impacting our overcrowded school, unemployment, economy, etc.

Richard

To all the candidates without prior military service: What qualifies you to be "Commander -in-Chief"? What experience will you personally draw upon.

Dr. Blitzer,
I'm glad to know our suggestions are being considered and that you make a special point to tell us that. Thank you.
Mrs. America

I would like to see the candidates asked: given their support for "a comprehesive immigration reform" that includes leaving millions of current illegals in the country, how would they address the issue of unemployment among African American workers, given that some of that unemployment results directly from illegal immigrants taking over job areas in which blacks once were heavily represented but now often are barely present , like construction, hotel service jobs, etc. and that black unemployment statistics are so much higher than the national average in almost all demographic groups?

To the democrat candidates.Would you admit Bushs surged worked?.Most Americans are not dumb enough to believe its because dems won congress and senate .When your leaders said war is lost and patraeus is a liar.Why should Americans trust you when you so easily give up when Al aqueda in iraq bombed hundreds of innocent iraqis every day.Do you believe that you should make policy on American security and foreign affairs acording to what the polls say at the time?.Most democrats say the world hates us.What kind of appeasement would you offer them to make them love us again..

When is CNN going to give equal air time for all the candidates ? It seem to be only the Barak & Hilary show. Barak- all positive and Hilary – all negative. And there's John Edwards – who??? I pretty much know where John and Hilary stand on many important things that concern me – BUT Barak – all he does is talk using generalizations – no specifics. Big deal he's a good orator – but what does he stand for – change – Change what – stop generalizing your "change". Give specifics like Hilary and John. If Barak can't give specifics then maybe he shouldn't be running for president. Then again he hardly voted in Washington – couldn't make a decision – a fence sitter ? Stand up and give specifics !!!!!

Senator Obama is always being made to look like a person with no experience. I happen to know he was a professor of constitutional law, served as a commuhnity organizer, has had many successes in the state senate, and has had many efforts in the US senate , the most impressive bipartisan efforts. Hillary Clinton has a failed attempt at socialized health care and several years of partisan bickering. Do you feel it is wrong for Hillary Clinton to constantly attack your experience as if you are a neophyte to the world of politics.

With all this talk about the need to unite the country, I would like to know if any of the candidates would consider asking a republican to be their running mate?

With our country going in debt more and more each year, when will the plug be pulled on all the "pork" from congress? Would any candidate support a "pork" free government?

since the EU has stricter chemical guidelines than the US, which means we get what they reject in our products, we are most at risk for cancer (1 in 5 will get cancer). What will the next president /congress do to take the power out of the hands of the big chemical/pharm companies and it's lobbiests and put the focus on the health of ALL the American people over huge profits? The EU is forcing them to revamp their formulas in cosmetics, computers, you name it .. so why haven't we???

This also applies to the pharm. companies as well. We wait until we "get sick" and want the magic pill(s)-typically 6 scipts per person (US average). Meanwhile the chemical & pharm industries are rubbing their collective hands together with a smirk on their faces. We should be looking and actively promoting preventative measures (chiro care, A.K., nutrition, exercize,stress relief).

Who has the guts to stand up to them .. so far the EU has. I'm not too confident that the US "powers that be" have the backbone. .. or could it be that that they are in their pocket?

Wolf,

Obama explains that he is the candidate for change, he go’s on to say that he is the best candidate because he hasn’t been corrupted by Washington politics, PLEASE! How long would a steak last in a lions din? Wolf, There are millions of Americans with the same qualifications as Obama, No Experience, and yet to be corrupted by Washington politics.

In as simple, congress lingo-free language as possible, can Barak Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards highlight their most important achievements in their service in the US senate. This is particularly directed at Obama, who is frequently criticized for not having had any major bills passed under his name. Thanks.

RE: Brian

See Charlie Savage's "Takeover: The Return of the Imperial Presidency and the Subversion of American Democracy." It's all about how the Bush-Cheney administration has eroded constitutional checks and balances of presidential power with the help from the Office of Legal Counsel, the president's primary source for knowledge regarding the legality of operations undertaken by the executive branch, and tried to place more sweeping executive authority into the office of the president. It compares the warrant-less NSA wiretappings with some of the black-bag jobs undertaken by the Nixon administration leading up to Watergate. It's really shocking the role vice president Dick Cheney's executive aide, David Addington, and former Deputy Attorney General John Yoo have played in creating some legal theories supporting domestic clandestine operations on individuals who have no connection or threat to national security, starting with the Unitary Executive Theory during the Reagan administration. Really great stuff.

Many candidates have spoken to raising spending or lowering spending but not how broken the budget process has become recently. Over spending, earmarks, cross allocations make our budget a mess and there is no connection with Taxing. Pay-Go is not working.

How will you change the budget process? How will you make it effective? How can we move pork to the last thing we do, and only when we have collected extra tax revenues?

New Budget Legislation? New House Rules?

This is a 2 part Question for Hillary Clinton.

First, Why do you think the american people want to relive the clinton years in office?

Second, What do you intend to do with our military, Are you going to start closing bases and making a smaller force as your husband did, or are you going to keep the military at current strength? This matters to me since I am a disabled Vet, and everyone in my family for generations has been in our nations military. I have seen the problems your husband caused to small communities by closing alot of bases and this disturbs me.

Wolf,
Ask Ron Paul what he would do to create jobs. He seems to be the only canditate that actually comes close to telling the truth....just look at his voting record.

Please ask candiates about issues instead of wasting time talking about the horserace – i.e. who's winning, losing , raising the most $ or when they will drop out. Obviously, all candidates are in this to win.

Hello Wolf!

Could you please ask candidates what remedy they would take in response to the mortgage/housing crisis precipitated by the so-called sub-prime melt-down?
It is my understanding that it was the repackaging of hi-risk mortgages into amorphous investment vehicles that allowed and precipitated this crisis. It is notable that this "criminal" behavior on the part of millionaire money managers was done to make investors rich and not to make mortgages and housing more accessible.
Why are they not being held to account in any way and why is there no collective restitution from the millions investors made?

And in conclusion, I'd like to get a general idea for how the Democratic candidates as well as registered Democratic voters feel about an atheist in the White House. Im quite sure GOP voters and evangelicals will see it as a an absurd heretical abnormality that will be met with a sufficient amount of time in purgatory beyond the grave, but I'd like to know how common logic would respond to such a phenomenon

Would those supporting "universal health care" be willing to trade their current private healthcare plans and enroll in either Medicare or Medicaid? Afterall, these are the govt run healthcare programs Congress designed and oversee.

Wolf,

I have the following quesions:

Hillary:
What does your comment no woman is illegal mean and do you believe in anmesty?

To all canidates:
If elected would you chose people to work in your administration the most qualified person or would you pick your friends with qualifications like the former Fema director and attorney general?

Why do we give so much foreign aid money to countries and relief money for disasters when we have such high foreing debt we are borrowing money and can't afford to help our seniors, and veterans? Would you continue this procedure?

I would ask them all what they think of paying Sunni Insurgents $300.00 a mon. to behave and play nice till Bush is out of office.Yes we our paying that now out of your tax dollars so as to make the surge look like it is working.FACT!

California recently reported its spending surpasses its tax collection by 6 to 8 million dollars a month, despite the wealthy people and companies in the state who pay 80% or more of the taxes for the state. California is looking at cutting education and other social programs to correct the situation. While cutting education seems to be a common ploy among politicians to gain support for increasing taxes, the situation seems, in part, a result of the continuing costs of accommodating the needs of illegal aliens. Reports show that 25% of Los Angeles County’s welfare expenditures go to illegals and that the cost of educating the children of illegal aliens in California is in the billions of dollars a year. This situation is mirrored throughout the country.

While the “Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill” proposed in the Senate would have further accommodated illegal aliens, it would not have relieved the American taxpayer of this heavy and unnecessary burden. Why should American children suffer cuts in education expenditures to accommodate the needs of illegal aliens? Why didn’t you take action to push the Bush and Clinton administrations to secure the borders and to enforce the laws on the books with regard to illegal immigration? Why have you not better funded the effort even now?

All the candidates talk a lot about the need for change, yet pick each other apart at any hint of changes in policy positions, as if any change in position evidences weaknesss. I have not yet seen a moderator or candidate address this contradiction. Please ask a question about why candidates attack change in others as such a bad thing, when in fact it is often wise to adjust or change policy to better solve problems.

I would like to ask each candidate what was the most important legislative bill that they introduced and successfully passed into law to help our country and its people.

Re: Intelligence Operations:

While understanding the need for an intelligence aspect to the government, I am concerned about secret operations that actually plan and execute operations which may or may not be known to the President or the American people. What do you plan to do about these shadow or clandestine operations, if you have any power or concern at all about affecting a change?

I have a question for John Edwards. Senator Edwards has positioned himself as the person who would, as President, fight the big, corporate interests, and defend the average, working person trying to get by. However, in 2000 and 2001, as a United States Senator, you voted for a big Bankruptcy reform bill favored by Banks and Credit Card Companies that most consumer groups and many Democratic Senators believed gave too much power to the Financial Services industry and made it more difficult for the average person to get out of debt. Senator Edwards, if you were unwilling to fight for the working person against powerful corporate interests while you were Senator, how do we know you would fight them as President?

I believe the biggest problem this country faces is that our democracy is being sold to the highest bidders. We, the private citizens, are the only ones in America today who do not have anyone lobbying for us. We supposedly have our vote, but I believe these elections are bought and sold by the corporate giants who have the most to gain or lose from the outcome. It is discusting!

I want to know how Hillary Clinton can say she wants to change Washington by reducing the special interests and corporations that have taken over Washington when she continues to take money from them to fund her campaign?

(I know that Senator Obama has refused money from these people and I applaud him for that.)

3 questions regarding Terrorism
1. if the war against terrorism is so important to the Bush administrations;-
why are not the other European allies more involved that it makes it seem that the Americans are the only ones fighting terrorism.
2. if the war against terrorism is so important to the Bush administrations- why not enact the draft as our military is so spreadout and we are using our National Guard and Reserves
3. All, All, all Democrats candidates have let the American people down – You were given a mandate to end the war and you let that zero IQ president manuever you and scare you on voting on the IRAQ funding.

Dissapointed with all Democrat Candidates-

Please ask Senator Clinton why a segregationist - Barry Goldwater (opposed Civil Rights Act of 1964) is considered her and Bill's mentor?

While all the candidates suggest changes are needed to solve the many problems this country faces, how do they propose to pay for their solutions? And saying they will use the money that is going to pay for the war in Iraq is not a good answer since that is borrowed money that is increasing our national debt.

Question: What are each of you going to do about illegal immigration? Please don't just say border security and more border agents. The American people want an answer to this question. The Republicans talk about it but the Democrates refuse to discuss it.

What should the role of the Federal Reserve be in monetary policy and practice?

What, if any, is your plan to make the Federal Reserve more accountable to the American people?

What is the best way, in your opinion, to curb the rate on inflation?

What is the role of the federal government in a free market economy?

Does it make sense to you for the Federal Reserve, a private banking corporate cartel, to provide new money and charge the taxpayers interest on something they create out of nothing, when in fact the Constitution expressly gives the US government the power to control this process directly? Please explain your response.

Ask Barack Obama if his controversial pastor, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. has had an influence in his formation spiritually, socially and politically? Also, ask Obama why he has distanced himself from Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. during his candidacy?

CNN, please be fair in this debate. The media has really given Obama a break in its questions, comments and analysis.

Ask Barack Obama if his controversial pastor, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. has had an influence in his formation spiritually, socially and politically? Also, ask Obama why he has distanced himself from Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. during hid candidacy?

CNN, please be fair in this debate. The media has really given Obama a break in its questions, comments and analysis.

Question/ For All the Canidates
What do you think of the people that you work for, in gettings just a good of health care and for the same price? If we The Tax Paying Public Just want as good of a deal as the people on the Goverment Payroll. Sound Fair to You? Are you will to push for such a FAIR PLAN so as to feel what is going on for the people you represent?

Thank You

I'd like to know how both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama feel about the growing secular sentiment in the United States due to recent books released by Christopher Hitchens ("God Is Not Great,") Philip Pullman ("The Golden Compass,") and other major works by atheist authors that have produced controversy amongst conservative christian networks. As an outspoken atheist, I'd like to be provided with some insight towards the Democratic frontrunners' opinions about the 1st amendment and the role religion and spirituality play in domestic policies and legislation, specifically embryonic stem cell research, abortion, and gay marriage.

Thanks,
Ciaran Dean-Jones
Saint Stephen's Episcopal School
Austin, Texas

South Carolina is an interesting state.
They seem to have a disproportionate number of either governmental or proprietary/corporate hospitals.

But as we continue our alphabetical tour of all 50 states to prove that by price gouging the uninsured, not-for-profit hospitals everywhere are racking up big profits without having to pay a dime in taxes.

Coming in #1 as South Carolina's most profitable not-for-profit hospital is not-for-profit McLeod Medical Center in Florence.

For year end 9/30/03 they reported a profit of $29,672,417 in profits!

What about China? On many fronts (economic, military, space program to name a few) China seems to be inching closer to a position in which they would be able to knock the U.S. from the top spot in the world. If nothing else China has something that the U.S. will never have, people. Lots and lots of people. How can the U.S. compete with a smaller population, a largely broken education system, a military thats nearing the breaking point, and a space program that nobody cares about just to name a few aspects.

I'd ask all of the candidates.

Greg Carlson retired as President and CEO of not-for-profit Owensboro Medical Health System in April of 2004.
According to that systems' 2003 fiscal year (which ended May 31, 2003) Greg received $729,253 in total compensation.

In fiscal year 2004, the year he retired, he walked out the door with $2,577,196 in total compensation.

Before I go on, I should tell you that this system is located in Owensboro, Kentucky, which according to their 990 Federal tax Form, was also the home town of Greg Carlson in each of those two years.

On the 2005 990 Federal Tax Form, on the page where they have to list "the five highest paid employees other than officers, directors, trustees" Greg's name shows up with the title "senior management".

During the 2005 fiscal year he received $1,807,424 in total compensation, almost all of which was salary ($1,764,726 to be exact).

Oh, by the way, in 2005 they show that he is now living in Blythewood, South Carolina, just 422 miles from Owensboro.

Maybe they should add the amount they paid Greg to the total they say they provide in charity care.

That would be more honest.

Mrs. Clinton, exactly what role will Bill play in your administration. The operative word here is exactly.

Americans are nuts.

Two weeks ago, this website was continually flooded with comments that CNN was biased towards Clinton.

Now people accuse CNN of being too pro-Obama.

I think the moral is supporters of any candidate can't handle it when a news source publishes a story that paints their candidate in a bad light.

The Clinton camp are the masters of dirty political tactics, so of course most of the unfavorable stories will be about Hillary. If you support someone who plays dirty, you need to be willing to take the heat when they are exposed for who they are.

Wolf, Please keep questions to the issues not questions to enhance ratings. The American people deserve real questions on policies. I sure hope the race issue is not brought up in this debat. Try economy, health care, Iraq,Iran, Pakistan questions.

As a small business owner I had a contract with the DOD- I recently lost that account to a company that outsourced it to CHINA. My question to all canidates is when are you going to stop outsourcing military contracts to China and India and keep small businesses like mine going?

What jobs are you saving for American companies? Please let me know I need to be re-trained.

During the eight years Mrs. Clintons husband was president there was a lack of respect for our men in uniform. Marines on duty at the white house were made to pass out snacks at partys. Bill Clinton, as commander and chief, never learned a proper salute. Can Mrs. Clinton salute? Will she show respect and do so? Show us your salute!

To any or all candidates;
Please explain how a for profit medical system is better than a single payer all inclusive one. It's a simple question, all the candidates feel that for profit insurers are the best way to go. Why? By the way saying it gives people choice is a ridiculus answer we have the insurance our employers offer, shopping is not an option for most people

This nations dependence on oil is underming our national security. We send over $400 billion a year to middle east countries to purchase oil. The Islamic terrroist are feeding off this income. At the same time we are send billions of dollars to fight a war to protect our oil interests.

Would any of the candidates be willing to draw a line in the sand and say, as of this date America wil reduce oil imports by 50%.

Simultaneously we should begin a campaign to create technology to lessen our dependence on oil. A capitalist society thrives on challenge. Especially when the outcome results in prosperity.

Which candidate is going to say enough with oil, and put the minds of this country to work on Technologies to end the dependency.

Wolf,

iWith all of this rhetoric flying around about how we need to get out of Iraq, I think an important issue to be pointed out is that although we need to seriously re-calibrate our military operations in Iraq, we need to stay very engaged in that country since we went in there and mucked it all up. We have a responsibility to the Iraqis, whether we like it or not. Of course this doesn't outweigh the responsibility the Iraqis have to themselves, but its a responsibility nonetheless.

So how would we at the same time pull out of Iraq militarily and still stay engaged? I'd ask the entire panel.

Please ask why Obama voted Present so many time while in Illinois ?

I have two questions:

(1) On September 11, 2001 our State (New York) should have been guarded by our militia. Our government says that our Constitutional mandated militia is our State National Guard. If so, why did, and still do our NY State air National Guard supply our scientific base in Antarctica instead of guarding our skies. So, the argument is that because our state failed to do its constitutional duty on September 11, our government took our NYS Guard oversees. So, New York was vulnerable on 911 and is now more vulnerable.

(2) We are a nation that allow our children to read Animal Farm, Brave New World, etc.. George Washington refused to be King when asked. In Iowa we learned that our votes could not be brought. Iowa wanted to coronate no King. New Hampshire said the same. New Hampshire liked Obama, but said we would not coronate Iowa’s choice. In 2000 we were asked by our ex president to elect his son (the prince) to be king and we did. Then we were surprised when the king proceeded to create his empire. Now in 2008 we are asked by the ex president Clinton to vote Senator Clinton to be King, what is the difference, why should we elect a dynasty?

I didn't see the question about public transportation. That is so important. Can you please ask it. Wolfe, I think that if you do, it will be so courageous of you.

I can see where Veronica is coming from when she raises the issue of CNN being easy on Obama and tough on Clinton. Obama is escaping scrutiny while every word Hillary or Bill says is examined under the microscope. This ia an observation from a person from the north of the border who watches US eection with significant interest but has no direct stake in the election.

Nothing could be more apparent about this perceived bias than the devastation seen on Roland's (the person who has a syndicated radio show) face after Hillary's surprise win in NH. He was all smiles on the night of Iowa caucuses though.

Are not journalists supposed to be neutral or at least give the appearnce of it?

I hope in the CNN debate Obama is asked tough questions. And please do not allow ganging up on any candidate in the debate.

Question Hillary.
A lot of people see you as a polarizing figure. This congress has not gotten any work done because nobody wants to reach across the other side of the isle. Why should we vote for you, knowing that republicans won't want to see you succed as a president, so they will not reach any meaningful agreement with you on any issue that will move the country forward. Why can't you see this through, and allow us to vote for a candidate who is not seen as polarizing, and can help bring about change in congress. Simply put, you not he kind of person republicans in congress will work with. The next congress has to get things done, but you will be seen as being in the way of that.

This is a question for Senator Clinton.

The last Clinton administration was marked by partisan squabbles and gridlock, surpassed only by the present administration. Why should voters believe that another Clinton administration won't similarly be bogged down by partisan politics?

Wolf,

First of all I am a black woman and I would like to know why throughout this whole campaign Senator Barack Obama has been given a free pass, but Senator Hillary Clinton has been given such a rough time? Is the press suppose to be imparcial? I thought when reporting news it should be given from an objective point of a view unless your opinion is asked. One more thing since Senator Barack is for change, change, change is he going to change the name of "The White House"?

Thanks!

Hillary Clinton was never the president of the USA, Governor of a state or CEO of a company. Why does she belief that she has more experience to become the president of the USA than the other candidate?

Questions for Hillary,

Please ask Hillary to clairfy what she meant by "there is no such thing as an illegal person". Does that mean everyone in the U.S. is here legally?

Also- As a Mother of a Border Patrol Agent, why is my son risking his life on the Border every night to stop people from crossing the Border, if you say they are home free once they get past him.

For Barack Obama- Do you know what it takes to get a Green Card?

Would you pardon Border Patrol Agents Compeon and Romos, and do you think the Mexican Government pressured the Justice Dept to prosecute these Agents?

Wolf this is in regards to the Obama, Clinton Camps issues. I like Bill and very thankful for having him as a President who stood for All the people and Hillary is ok with me too. However, if Senator Clinton thinks that President Kennedy or President Johnson would have passed the Civil Right Bill (any civil rights legislation) without Dr. King Sacrafices, well that is a "Fairy Tale".

The Bob Johnson comments unfortunately were no more than "The Willie Lynch Theory. If you would, the "Big House" mentality. He's already rich, so it wasn't any need for him to do the Clinton's dirty work. If the Democrats don't stop the bickering (mainly the Clinton Camp) they are going to self destruct and maybe have Democrats go over to the Republicans for Mike Huckabee.

This is my message to All Candidates running: Leave the other canidates alone and talk on your own record and what you would do as President.

Thank you,

Clarence

Please ask Ms. Clinton is she including the years as Bill's wife part of her 35 years experience? Does that also include her years as a Goldwater Girl trying to stop civil rights, when we were fighting for civil rights

Drop the CAP on Soc. Sec. When one makes several million to several billion they should pay a little more Soc. Sec. tax instead on just the first $97,000.00. That would save it and stop giving it away to those that never worked and paid into it. Ron Jennings Portland Ore.

What are going to do about the of the Afganistan drug trade?

Wow! A star with a blazing trail has hit Nevada with a bang continuing there and astounding many people with love and amazement.

I foresee it next – slamming into South Caroline with the excitement never known before. IT'S THE OBAMA STAR!!

W. Polk Wright
Grand Rapids, Michigan

I was just listening to Mitt Romney respond to a question from a CNN commentator about how Romney lowered the cost of health insurance in the state of Massachusetts when he was governor. If this is so why is it that the cost of coverage for a family doubled in 2007 for myself and all of our employees? Yes, health care is now mandatory in the state of MA but the cost is prohibitive and is extremely difficult to afford.

It''s been very difficult to watch what was going on in these campains these last few days. About race and personal attacks between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama. This behaviour lost the common interest of our nation and what was important for the country that you should be talking about such as employment, economy and national security. Will you (candidates) tonight promise infornt of the American people that you will run clean campain that is free from personal, race and gender attacks.

Thank you.

Ask each candidate what is the most important lesson they learnt from this campaign.

I may have altogether missed the bus, but I for some reason thought the economy was in the tank before the current mortgage crisis, in all its forms. All we seem to see is the cost of fuel at the pump ignoring what it has done to every other consumer product we purchase. Obviously costs have far exceed any real gains in income for a number of years.

I'd like to ask John Edwards:

1. Exactly HOW will you take on the oil industry. In California, we have something called the "Public Utilities Commission" ( http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/ ) which in theory safeguards the consumer. It seems to me that something similar at the national level (yes, more government) might be appropriate. Or would such a function more properly fall under the Department of Homeland Security?

2. HOW can his attack on big business succeed when it would seem to be an attack on the lobbiest that drive congress. If big business owns the legislature, how can the executive branch expect to win the war?

Hi, Being a retired person I would like to see just what the candates plan for shoring up Social Security. Will they drop or raise the CAP. I would guess to raise it to $250,000.00 would be a start and then it two years drop it altogether. I know people who try to live on less than $250.00 a month Soc. Sec. mostly women who were homemakers and never worked. To raise Medicade would also be tough as around $95.00 a month is hard enough. Prescription drugs are out of sight. Also Huckabee's idea of a type of sales tax is out of the question for those retired. When one lives on Soc. Sec. and they have to start paying a tax on all items they need to live would increase the homeless roles. Also this is not the time to cut back on the health of Vets. The younger voters did not have to serve their country. Huckabee's idea of a useage tax is out of the question and the need to beef up Soc. Sec. is a must. About 10 million seniors in front of the Capital might change the mind of Congress. Without the peoples vote they also will be unimployed. Have a grand day Wolf.....Ron Jennings Portland, Oregon

Ask each candidate what he or she thinks of the coverage by CNN?

One more question is important to note on this big call for universal health care.

What changes do candidates believe should be made to universal health education?

Consider that if we have universal health care, we are all fully sharing the costs with those who make the worst imagineable health choices.

An obese, chain smoking, heavily drinking person would be drawing from the same system as a healthy eating, athletic person.

Wouldn't we solve the health care crisis by preventing some of the problems through health education?

We've heard change from Obama. What is he going to change and how does he plans on doing it?

Did CNN run out of office space? Who in their right mind would send a reporter to a bowling ally to try to carry on a conversation? But worse than that they also sent another to the noisey streets of Las Vega!!!! Duh?? I never heard a word eirher one said.

I'm dumber than a box of dirt but even I would never think up something that stupid.

And by the way let that Obama/Clinton stuff go Louie. Just report the news don't try to make it something its not.

Ask each one of the candidates if they think automatic pay increases for Government employees (Congress) is a good thing for our country? If yes, why?

Hi Wolf! I never miss an installment of "The Situation Room", or "Lou Dobbs Tonight". I really appreciate CNN's interest in current events. But Wolf, I do want to offer a little bit of constructive criticism concerning questions for political candidates, particularly the Presidential candidates. Whoever writes the questions that you ask at these debates needs to understand that we (the citizens of this great Country), are sick and tired of the unresponsive drivel from the Candidates. And as such, I would ask that you and CNN develop hard hitting questions for the candidates. For example, "Do you believe the those residing illegally in the Unites States should receive Social Security benefits?", or "Do you believe that those residing illegally in the Unites States should receive Food Stamps?", or "Do you believe that those residing illegally in the Unites States should receive free medical care?", and "Do you believe that those who hire and/or abet those illegally in the United States should be fined, and if they continue to act irresponsibly, be incarcerated?" And Wolf, when one of the candidates waffles around and gives a non-responsive answer, you should say, "Senator, Governor (whatever), you did not answer my question", and repeat it again in its entirety. Finally, If you ask a question about immigration to a Republican candidate for office, then it is encumbent upon you to ask the SAME questions of Democrat candidates! As citizens, we are attempting to determine who should lead this great Nation of ours, and we want to hear the answers to your questions, but from BOTH parties. Thanks for the opportunity to express my feelings. And thanks to you and CNN for providing timely news about events that are important to all of us. Dick Uhrmacher, Mission, Texas

Dear Wolf,

If small businesses provide 80% of the jobs in the country. Why are none of the candidates talking about them in the debates? Small businesses also create a flexible economy.

I want to know, as a small business owner, "what specific action would you take to support entrepreneurs and small businesses?"

If there is a recession, I truly doubt government will be the actual solution. Small business in my estimation would provide all the jobs and all the economic activity to get us out of a recession. The large corporations lose thousands of jobs at a time and are not flexible enough to shift to new lines of business.

You could even ask, "What role do you feel that entrepreneurs and small business plays in the economy and how would you help entrepreneurs?"

Most people in the country work for small businesses. What is good for small businesses is good for America. The money that funds the government comes from small business and the taxes from the jobs provided by small business.

I will not vote for someone I am not convinced is best for small business. I believe the candidates do not talk about entrepreneurs as workers. They talk about the working class. Last I checked, I worked 82 hours this week and provided work for 1 part time employee and 5 other small business owners who I subcontract out with.

A few candidates throw the word entrepreneur around a bit. Nobody has taken this on.

Wolf – will you bring this topic to the debates?

Benjamin Feinblum
President/CEO/Magician
Mind Over Magic Entertainment
http://www.yourmagic.net

judy lawrence hit the nail on the head. The questions she posted for you to ask the candidates are what we want and need to know. Whats the use of lip flapping and empty words? No one can make a decision on the most critical of the Presidency without Knowing how they plan to lead our great country. Give us the facts- please!

Ask each candidate what do they do for their personal wellness.

Please ask the candidates what they will do to resolve the problems left behind by KATRINA. What do they understand the situation to be so long after that storm and flooding. What plans will they make to mobilize aid for areas ravaged by natural disasters in the United States. What responsibilities does the federal government have to help states prepare and recover?

Wolf, is it improper to stop a candidate from speaking as soon as they stop answering the question posed and go to their own talking points; which is usually about 1 second after the question has come out of your mouth. Asking them questions is useless unless you make them answer them. Please dock them speaking time if they continue to do this or remind them to answer the question.

What is the proper Federal Role in the Arts and American Culture, and what is your vision and plan to advance American Cultural policy in your administration.

My question is for Senator Clinton as well as Senator Obama. In the beginning of the election, change was the message that seemed to resonate with voters. Later, experience seems to have trumped change. But there are two other important qualities which so far have not been given much attention, and thoses are honesty and character. How important do you think the qualities of honesty and character are in this election, and in a president?

Ask the candidates what are the biggest mistakes he oe she has made ein life.

Are any of the candidates able to answer the question of how rich the U.S. is making the foreign countries by outsourcing all our jobs to them while bankrupting our people?

Soon those countries will be our bosses and telling us how to live. We will looking for a coutry to immigrate to or border to cross.

Veronica, Veronica, Veronica...anti-Hillary? That's the funniest thing I've heard in weeks. Well, other than Bill Clinton claiming to have been against the Iraq War. There's a reason CNN is called the Clinton News Network. Did you watch the last CNN debate when Wolf Blitzer moderated? The single worst example of poor TV work that I've seen in quite some time. There was no time limits but Wolf seemed intent on limiting everyone else BUT Hillary but interrupting after about 20 seconds. I was excited that there were no time limits because it's awfully hard to give nuanced policy discussions in 30-second sound bites. Wolf made that last debate a farce.

Ask each candidate this question:

WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS THEY ARE GOING TO CHANGE ONCE ELCTED AND HOW ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT IF THE HOUSE AND SENATE GO BACK TO THE REUBLICANS?

I would like to ask all candidates this question:

If you were sitting in the Oval Office on 9/11, what would you have done with your foreign policy? Would you have done what George Bush did – go to war with Afghanistan and Iraq – or would you have taken a different path altogether?

ww2 is not over -the fragmented pseudo countries have no internal holding together-the superpowers remain poised to battle once again
the unseen enemy gathering frenzied fire to hurl from hidden space
peace is an illusion thousands die each day of biowarfare.
how can we escape the coming ww3 chemical-biological-atomic holocaust?
no more war
freedom is the only world cause worth dying and living for.
how can we repeal the confusion of tongues that keeps us imprisoned in
a tormented nigtmare
fight for your right to be free
from fear...

Wolf:

Being a very senior citizen,it is very disturbing at the manner in which our government has lied and distorted the truth concerning the true rate of inflation. As you are well aware our monthly social security checks are predicated on the annual rate of inflation which this year is pegged at 2.1 percent. With gasoline prices 75 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, the 2.1 percent increase does'nt quite add up. Nor does the 11.4 increase in food and related grocery items, nor does the 29 percent increase for home heating fuel if you happen to live in a rural area as my wife and I do. These are only a few examples of the things I could cite that far exceed the Government's declared rate of inflation. My question to the candidates is this.

Who amoung you are willing to finally tell the truth about the real annual rate of inflation?

Thank you

From the MSNBC Cosmic Log

I wrote a question today to Wolf Blitzer of CNN for his up-coming Presidential debate about the promising IEC fusion process.

I wrote: Concerning the "Root Cause" to most of the world's problems (Addiction to fossil fuel). I hear vague promises about improved energy policy from all of the candidates left to right. But for the life of me, I do not understand why NO ONE is specifically talking about the late Dr. Bussard's Polywell WB-7 fusion reaction test's that will occur near March 08 in New Mexico (DOD Project)???

Wolf, I just do not get it. I am sitting at the edge of my seat, knowing that if they are able to replicate the results of the WB-6 reaction, unlike the Tokamok they will in affect have answered the physics questions necessary to solve the energy crises in a revolutionizing way. Cheap, Clean, Compact (non-radio active) fusion that can rapidly replace nuclear, coal, oil plants, around the world. Not to mention ship, train, rocket, tractor trailer engines, etc.

Kudos to MSNBC for taking a look at what could be the most serious event in the history of modern energy development!
Carlos Morlock, Port Saint Lucie, Florida (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 6:33 PM)

And then Mr. Horning responded:

In regards to attempting to get a question about Polywell fusion or any of these items asked in a presidential debate:

Try much harder in avoiding terms and phrasing the question that make it sound like you are a crackpot yourself. There are a whole bunch of worthy scientific investigations going on from studies of earth science, basic physics, engineering challenges for extracting energy from a huge variety of sources, or even space exploration in general that a more valid question to be raised is something more like this:

A number of major scientific investigations are now approaching costs that are reaching billions of dollars in terms of their overall funding levels. Among these include the development of the Ares/Orion rocket system, the ITER Tokamok experiment, and several others in unrelated scientific disciplines. Is it wise to continue funding of these major scientific and engineering developments at the expense of even considering other approaches that might work at a fraction of the cost to accomplish the same ultimate goals? How would you, as President, seek input from the scientific and engineering communities of our country and help fund alternative approaches to some significant research questions facing our country today? Do you believe that answers to these questions can come from only one source, or that parallel research approaches might be a waste of taxpayer money?

Now that is a solid question I would love to see a presidential candidate answer honestly.
Robert Horning, Logan, Utah (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 4:38 PM)

While My original question is Specific to Dr. Bussard's promising fusion process. I will be more then happy if you ask Mr. Horning's "Solid Question" first, then when you get the run of the mill same old same old vague type of political answer, please ask my "crackpot " specific Bussard question, because I want to know if any of the candidates know what is going on concerning IEC fusion technology and the late great Dr. Bussard. Sorta like asking, Do you think the price of bread is high? Really? How much is a loaf of bread?

I want to know if the candidates know specifics about potential solutions to big, real world problems, not just a bunch of vague, well we need to invest in more nuclear and up-coming technologies, we need to invest in our brightest minds, or we need blah, blah blah.

I want to know what specific research do you know about and support, what great minds do you support, SPECIFICLY.

Every American family, regardless of make-up, is essentially a small business. Money coming in and money going out. How does each candidate's plan actually assist our bottom line?

It appears with the Democrats, higher income families will once again "foot the bill" for the rest of the nation. Whatever happened to equality with respect to taxation? We are happy to pay our fair share, but why should success be penalized?

Question for all candidates:

There are many people that would be in favor of universal healthcare. Would the healthcare plans presented be close to other European nations? Would there be incentives for doctors like other European nation? Why would your plan benefit us the most?

Thank you

Ask Obama why is he any different from other ploticians who before him have promised change to get elected but could not or did not make much change.

To Edwards

What would be the most historical: the election of an Africam American or a woman?

Why is CNN so left wing slanted?

Ask Edwards what would be the most historical: the election of an Africam American or a woman.

Why should I keep them coming?

You did not post my last comment even though it was way more thoughtful than most of the other posts.

Could it be because I criticized CNN for focusing on pointless bickering between Hillary and OBAMA? No.....

Here are 2 of your 3 lead stories from the main page

# Clinton complains about attacks from Obama
# Readers react to Clinton-Obama tiff

You guys are truly pathetic. I will hold my breath until this gets posted. Maybe I will send in my story to the Jon Stewart show, at least there is a chance I won't be ignored there

Why is Blitzer getting to ask softball questions again to the dimwitcrats?

Don't lob stupid softball questions at them. Time to have a spine, CNN, and time to get them to answer tough questions!

I for one no longer believe any candidate that promises energy independence for this nation. We have been hearing that "campaign phrase" since the President Carter administration. The only institution that requires unlimited access to oil is the American military and our aviation industry.

Has anyone in our Congress aware that the technology to burn coal cleanly and efficiently NOW EXISTS and that solar power HAS ARRIVED. Is any member of our Congress aware that this nation's coal reserves buried under 27 of these United States dwarfs than the entire Middle East oil reserves? American geologists guarantee we have 500 billon tons readily available and estimate 4 to 5 trillion tons can be made available. TALK ABOUT JOB CREATION!

The current estimation is that 50% of this nations electricity is already produced by the clean burning of American COAL! Why not a crash program to make that 100% of our electricity from coal. We have more coal reserves then the entire Middle East combined has oil.

A recent news report out of Canada advised a Canadain Professor modified his hybrid Prius automobile with added solar panels on the auto's roof and raised his mpg rating to 100 mpg.

So which Candidate will "VOW" no unnecessary nuclear plants but the building of Clean Coal burning plants, a private sector/government project to establish a huge solar panel manufaxcturing and supply industry IN THIS NATION and the complete re-tooling of our auto industry to mass produce ELECTRIC cars? Or do you expect us to sit out here with our thermostats set at 55 degress while captive to the Oil lobby?

My Grandfather and his two brothers left Michigan and went to help build the Panama Canal. They believed Americans could build anything and they set about proving it. When they finished building the 8th wonder of the world they came to New York City and helped build the subway system. Then they helped build JFK and LaGuadia Airports in New york. So please don't stand up there on that stage tonight and tell me their Great Grandchildren can't get the job done in the next 10 years. Trust me if someone, anyone will finally provide the "LEADERSHIP" they will follow.

Ask Edwards what are the two most important traits of a sucessful President.

Wolf,

One of the issues that appears to have fallen by the wayside the past month is campaign finance. It is only now that many folks are tuning in to this campaign and yet this issue seems to have been sent to the corner with a dunce cap.

Can you please ask all 3 Senators why they chose to finance their campaigns in the ways they did and what they think will be the TANGIBLE differences in the way they would govern if they won the Presidency.

I know this seems like a set up for another "piling on" since 2 of the candidates have chosen one path and the third has chosen another. However, this issue is of such seminal importance to our country that it deserves prominence in every debate these candidates have.

I never heard a kind word ror Hillary Clinton CNN or ABC until after the New Hamphire Primarys. I said I was going to quit watching both channels. Hillary has never been predijuce, I think people are just trying to nit pick everything she says and twist it to suit their canidate.I think Hillary is the most qualified for the job. I don't care what anyone else says about Bill Clinton he was a good President. Jim

Ask Clinton to name a few things George Bush did well.

Wolf:

I dont' care what questions you ask - my question for you is what are you going to do to ensure that John Edwards has a fair chance of representing himself in this?

The media has been biased against John Edwards since the beginning. I for one think neither Clinton nor Obama are the right person for the Democratic ticket - John Edwards is. And he deserves a lot more media coverage than he's gotten for a year.

Question to all.

Why do you feel that Goverement and higher taxes fixes everything. Are we telling the lackys that it's ok, big goverement will take care of you?

Ask Obama what's he going to do prevent another attack on America.

It is astonishing to me that a real attempt at minority and working-class voter suppression by Democratic supporters would not get more CNN coverage. The Nevada State Education Association, an affiliate of a national organization that endorsed Senator Clinton, filed a lawsuit to remove caucus sites from places where members of the Culinary Workers Union work on the strip. Senator Clinton
has failed to condemn the lawsuit and ask for it to be withdrawn, leaving the impression that she approves of this 11th hour attempt to disempower minorities and working class citizens simply because their choice is not her own. One could imaging her outrage if such a tactic were used on her supporters, and the press coverage CNN would give it. I hope that you will ask about this at the debate!

Question What can be done to to protect pensions of retirees when company they have worked for many years go bankrupt, close down. Many pension
plans have been stolen .

I agree with the first posting. The primaries and caucuses are for the PARTIES to decide who they want THEIR PARTY to represent them in the presidential election. How would the candidates feel about a nationwide primary, open to only registered republicans and democrats? And if independents want to vote, then they can change their party and keep that party affiliation through the following major election season. With a nationwide primary, little states like Iowa (where I live) and NH and SC won't play such huge parts in the race.

Wolf, Replay the video of Hillary Clinton comparing Martin Luther King with Lyndon Johnson, in answer to a question on Barack Obama. Ask her why she chose to make that camparison in answer to the question on Barack Obama.

Then ask some marines in Afghanistan if they believe her explanation afterwards, and Shaheen's explanation after his disgraceful comments, and stingy Bob Johnson's explanation after his attack on Obama.

Will you do this, Wolf? I doubt you will. You lost my respect a while a go when it became clear you were on the Cinton bandwagon. I will not watch any debate you're moderating, unless Obama promisses to put you in your rightful place. Idiot!