Report Cards for Top Democrats in the 2008 Race
These speeches are about 25 minutes long, and are substantive summaries of each candidates' stances, views and policy proposals. And the speeches were quite revealing of the candidates themselves...
Below are links to each of the videos, as well as my report cards on the 4 top candidates and their presentations. (Note: Turn off your pop-up blocker to watch the videos.)
What do you think? Agree or disagree? Let me know.
LINK to Bill Richardson's Speech
Richardson's Report Card
(See Bill Richardson in 2008 Info Center Hub)
Iraq War Plan - A
Universal Health Care Plan - A-
Education Plan - B+
Immigration Reform - A
Energy Plan - A
Stand on Human Rights Issues - A
Foreign Policy, National Security - A-
Presidential Aura and Bearing- B+
Charisma & Personal Connection - B+
Authenticity vs. Poll-Tested words - A
LINK to Hillary Clinton's Speech
Clinton's Report Card
(See Hillary Clinton in 2008 Info Center Hub)
Iraq War Plan - B (Getting more resolute daily.)
Universal Health Care Plan - A+
Education Plan - A
Immigration Reform - B+
Energy Plan - B
Stand on Human Rights Issues - C (Barely mentioned it.)
Foreign Policy, National Security - B
Presidential Aura and Bearing- A
Charisma & Personal Connection - B
Authenticity vs. Poll-Tested words - C
Obama's Report Card
(See Obama in 2008 Info Center Hub)
Iraq War Plan- A-
Universal Health Care Plan - B
Education Plan - B-
Immigration Reform - F (He ignored it.)
Energy Plan - B
Stand on Human Rights Issues - A
Foreign Policy, National Security - B+
Presidential Aura and Bearing- A
Charisma & Personal Connection - B+
Authenticity vs. Poll-Tested words - B
Stand on Iraq War - B (No apparent plan post-pullout)
Universal Health Care Plan - A
Education Plan - A-
Immigration Reform - A
Energy Plan - A
Stand on Human Rights Issues - A
Foreign Policy, National Security - D
Presidential Aura and Bearing- B
Charisma & Personal Connection - A+
Authenticity vs. Poll-Tested words - A
Outstanding Field of Democratic Candidates
If the primary elections were held today, I would cast my vote for Gov. Bill Richardson to be the Democratic Party's 2008 nominee because he has a clear vision and detailed plans to address America's challenges, and the deep experience to execute those plans.
What surprised me, once I thought through these report cards, is that Hillary Clinton is a stronger across-the-board Democratic candidate than I realized.
John Edwards is an exceptional candidate on domestic policies. But his lack of foreign policy or national security experience, and of concrete foreign policy ideas are of concern in today's post-9/11 world.
And hold deep respect for Barack Obama's intellect, caution and sound judgment, he needs to produce more detailed plans and policies. SOON. In comparison to the other candidates, his domestic policy proposals were the most nebulous.
Oh, and one more observation: Each of these four candidates would make an excellent President of the United States. The Democratic Party is blessed with truly outstanding progressive candidates in the 2008 race for the White House.
I can proudly vote for any of these 4 candidates when one of them earns the Democratic nomination.
Related Reading
The Republican Debate: An Unfunny Joke
Diary of a Delegate to a Democratic Convention
Comments
Another Bush Scew up
Lack of Guard equipment may hinder Kansas recovery efforts
May 7, 2007 04:58 PM EDT
Tornado damage in Greensburg, Kansas.
Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News
Greensburg, Kansas - The response to the tornado disaster in Kansas highlighted an issue that started at the beginning of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. With so many National Guard units serving overseas, what happens when there’s a major emergency here at home?
In Kansas, it’s feared the lack of Guard equipment may hinder tornado recovery efforts.
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius said in a news conference, “Not having the National Guard equipment which used to be positioned in various parts of the state to bring in immediately is really going to handicap this effort to rebuild.”
The problem exists nationwide, according to a Government Accountability Report from January. It said the “National Guard may not be prepared to respond to domestic events, particularly large-scale, multi-state events…as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
“It’s a concern, because we are the first military responders to the citizens of Indiana”, said LtCol. Thomleson.
Officials with the Guard say if, during a disaster, they didn’t have enough vehicles to get the recovery job done, they would simply call on private contractors for help. If all else fails, citizens will need to step up and help out.
“Hoosiers always help Hoosiers and Hoosiers are going to do what it takes to ensure that the citizens get the assets required to help get them through emergencies. We always have,” said Thomleson.
The Guard would not release specific numbers of vehicles left behind in war zones. While officials concede there is a shortage of equipment, there’s no lack of manpower. Right now, for instance, of the 14,000 Guardsmen, only 1,000 are currently deployed.
Meantime, more help is on the way for the people of Greensburg, Kansas from the city with the same name in Indiana.
The Greensburg Daily Newspaper is working with Fifth Third Bank on a fund to help Greensburg, Kansas. The account is called “Connect With Greensburg Kansas.” You can make donations at the bank and at the newspaper’s office.
Debbie - Love the idea of report cards for the candidates! I agree with most of what you say, but feel you were far too harsh on Edwards. He has experience serving on the Senate Intelligence Committee and would have more insights into domestic security and foreign affairs than some of the other candidates. He is also the only candidate who laid out a bold vision for international policy beyond ending the war - stopping genocide in Darfur and creating a program to help children around the world receive an education. By making America once again a force for good around the globe, we can begin eliminating the seeds of terrorism and hatred against the U.S., he believes. I found him to be inspiring, charistmatic and strongly reminiscent of JFK in his idealism and appealing to people’s better natures — something sorely needed after the Republican creed of greed!
I’ll get the Hillary comment out of the way
Considering her high ratings from the HRC, I have a hard time swallowing the C you gave her in human rights. Is that based solely on this particular speech?
Okay, that said, I haven’t yet been able to watch all these videos yet, but I’m kind of with you on Richardson. I don’t think he exudes the same unignorable Presidential quality that, say, Hillary or Obama exude, but on every other point, he’d be quite a catch for the office.
It’ll be interesting to see how this all pans out. I still haven’t seen enough from the other candidates to convince me Hillary isn’t the best choice; but I must say it’s the first time in my life since I’ve been old enough to vote (which, granted, has only been about 12 years ~ 3 presidents) where I’ve felt confident with most of the candidates’ abilities to do a great job with the presidency.
It’s nice to see a little hope in our political future. Provided that Democratic voters maintain their momentum and actually turn out to vote next year!