Let the Live-blog Continue!

Without ever really meaning to, I carved a little niche into the world of live-blogging. (And yes, it's okay to think that's an incredibly geeky niche, because it really is.)

I think it started with a Stabenow v. Bouchard debate way back in the days of the '06 Election Cycle when I thought it would be fun. It was fun, but it was also physically draining. Fingers flying a million miles trying to keep up with what's being said and all the while trying to stay somewhat grammatically correct, well let's just put it this way, I was never cut out to be a court reporter.

But live-blogging is a big part of who I am as a blogger and as an activist. Live-blogging from the Capitol during the Budget Crisis was incredibly physically draining, but I was on an emotional high, even when I would have been excited to watch paint dry I was so bored. To be on the sidelines of history, to experience the action, to feel the tension, to capture the decisiveness between the players, to be part of the cognizant Stockholm Syndrome that everyone eventually gave into, the whole thing was incredibly thrilling.

So Tuesday night I'll head back to what I know and a home away from home, the State House. Under the beautifully lit dome stalwart in the crisp air, I'll be live-blogging the Governor's State of the State address. It will probably be hot, stressful, cramped, and very close quarters with the rest of the press, but it will definitely be thrilling and another experience I won't ever forget. Join me next door at MichLib or peek through the curtains of BFM because I'll finally be joined by a fellow blogger and one of my mentors from way back in the day, Christine Barry from BFM. I'm excited for the message, anticipating the atmosphere and ready for this event to signal a new year and a new time in Michigan politics.

Done In

At least while the Battle to Save Michigan rages on.

Until it ends, I'll be over at MichLib by way of the Capitol Building keeping the commentary rolling and the perspective fresh.

Speaking of perspective, I just realized that since session started at 10:30 a.m. last Friday, I've done 18 posts about it all. While I'm not complaining, that's a heck of a lot writing/posting/background gathering to do in 3 short days. I don't think I've ever done 18 posts in a week!

Needless to say, my dwelling/bed has become little more than a staging area to get rested for the next long day of session, and my social life has been nil. Ah, the life of a political blogger! :-)

Since you're on the Tubes of the Internet anyways, stop by MichLib and say hi, it'd be nice to see a few familiar faces.

Come See Sen. Levin Speak Today

Today I'll be back in my old haunts as I attend a very special event.

The Livingston Co. Democratic Party is hosting

U.S. Senator Carl Levin
12:30 p.m.
Whispering Pines Golf Course
2500 Whispering Pines Dr., Pinckney
734.878.0009
Cost: $55 each

I'm honored to have been asked by the Livingston Co. Dems to come out and attend. If the facilities permit, I'll be live-blogging from the event on MichiganLiberal.

Sen. Levin will speak on the Iraq war and the Democratic Party's successful First 100 Hours Agenda. It will be very interesting to hear what he has to say.

See you there!

Twas the Night Before the Election....

I'm tired.
Bone-tired.
My mind and my body, both, need this election to be over.
Tomorrow morning I'll wake up and head to the polls first thing to avoid the rush (or will I be walking into it?)
Because then I've got a full day afterwards, with an even fuller evening.
Tomorrow, I'll be headed down to Detroit.
I'm going to be wrapping up campaign season with one final live-blogging exclusive from Governor Granholm and Sen. Stabenow's Victory Party at the Renaissance Center. I wouldn't miss it for the world. This time, I'm bringing the camera to upload pictures as I go!

But before tomorrow, there's still tonight. I believe we could all use a good laugh. So it is in that spirit (and because I'm so tired) that I pass this along. Enjoy!

Political Science for Dummies

DEMOCRATIC	You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You feel guilty for being successful. Barbara Streisand sings for you.
REPUBLICAN	You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. So?
SOCIALIST	You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor. You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST	You have two cows. The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for hours to get it. It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE	You have two cows. You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE	You have two cows. Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION	You have two cows. You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one. You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses. Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION	You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows. You go to lunch and drink wine. Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION	You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains. Most are at the top of their class at cow school.
GERMAN CORPORATION	You have two cows. You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour. Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION	You have two cows but you don't know where they are. While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman. You break for lunch. Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION	You have two cows. You have some vodka. You count them and learn you have five cows. You have some more vodka. You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION	You have all the cows in Afghanistan , which are two. You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts. You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.
IRAQI CORPORATION	You have two cows. They go into hiding. They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION	You have two bulls. Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
BELGIAN CORPORATION	You have one cow. The cow is schizophrenic. Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish. The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow. The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk. The cow asks permission to be cut in half. The cow dies happy.
FLORIDA CORPORATION	You have a black cow and a brown cow. Everyone votes for the best looking one. Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one. Some people vote for both. Some people vote for neither. Some people can't figure out how to vote at all. Finally, a bunch of guys from out-of-state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION	You have millions of cows. They make real California cheese. Only five speak English. Most are illegals. Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.

Stabenow v. Bouchard Exclusive - Debate Transcript

(Check back soon for my famous post-debate analysis...but until then, be sure you check out the debacle that was Question #5)

Today, at the Detroit Economic Club, I was honored to see Michigan's very own Senator Debbie Stabenow sock it to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard in their 2nd debate. A lot of people, mostly Metro-Detroit's power business elite paid a pretty penny to see a prize fight, and Debbie didn't disappoint.

Today's event was held at the Detroit Mariott in the Renaissance Center right on Jefferson Avenue. The event was sold out, and the house was packed. I sat down at a table of 'friendlies' but had my BS meter quickly go off, as I discovered that no other than State Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis sitting directly behind me. If that wasn't enough, apparently Saul brought his All-Star line-up, including Attorney General Mike Cox a.k.a Mickey Wandering Eyes (and Hands). Amway Guy was noticably absent, hmm, perhaps he was off buying new glasses somewhere?

Supporting Debbie were her husband Tom, Anne - her mom, Rep. Sander Levin, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, State Sen. Dennis Olshove, and assorted others. It was a good showing by Michigan Dems.

The debate was moderated by WJR's Lloyd Jackson. Questions were taken from the crowd present there and asked by a panel of journalists.

Mikey Bouchard won the coin-toss and started his off his opening in traditional fashion, Republican gloom, doom and scare tactics...here's some the unofficial transcription from your very own roving correspondent...

Mikey – Thank you for being here – important to talk about the issues. Michigan is the only state that has lost 280,000 jobs since Debbie came into office. Schools here are on a moving van out…we need a change in leadership. Debbie votes against businesses in MI – and as a result, sends them to a different state. We have a dangerous world. People are well intentioned but don't necessairly get results. We have to change courses.

Debbie – Thank you, I'm proud to be endorsed by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. Say, aren't those Tigers are amazing? I know we agree on that. They’ll do anything to win – that’s what I'll do as a senator. Over 1 millions tons of trash I've helped stop. (audience claps) Bouchard supports things that are bad for Michigan – I support results that allow us to keep our middle class, to have a level playing field. I’m fighting for you and our Michigan way of life.

1st Question. What would you underake on the first 100 days in office to bring the Michigan economy back?

Mikey - We’re not getting a lot of results. My first bill (which I have here to day to show you) to protect the automakers from groups suing us into submission. This bill (already drafted) will protect from friviolus junk lawsuits regarding emissions, like they have in CA. Debbie has received money from those very same groups. Will she protect the automakers? ?

Debbie - I work on a daily basis with our automakers all around Michigan. I am laser-focused on having a level playing field. I authored a federal tax relief that allowed tax breaks for companies here if a job is created here. Sen. Lindsay Graham is a co-sponsor. I've also been pleased to work on the pension bill. I work with Trent Lott(R-MS) to close patent loopholes to allow generic drugs to Americans. I work with Olympia Snowe (R-ME) to bring Health information technology, saving lives and saving dollars. (audience claps)

2nd Question. I live downriver and I am appaled at trash that comes in what are you doing/what do you think should be done about it?

Debbie - It’s crazy but under NAFTA trash is considered a commodity under Free Trade. President Bush could stop it, but they refuse to stop it. We asked the EPA to stop it, and finally in the 11^th hour the House of Representatives we got a bill. I have a strategy to raise inspection fees and trash from Canada. I sat down with one of the ministers in Ontario and worked out an agreement. The first year 20% decrease in the amount of trash they can bring in, 40% the year after that, and the next year 100%. It's not a 100% of all the trash, but somewhere between 40% and 50% of all the trash. Who can be against stopping trash? (audience claps)

Mickey - Nobody can be against trash. But she’s been talking trash for over a decade (ooo's and boo's from the audience) - the minister of Ontario only called her because he knew there was a deal in the works. It's a win in Canada, so how can it be a win here? In her commercial she said Congress wouldn’t act, but she is Congress, saying one thing, doing another. She blames everyone time and time again – we need someone who is going to get results. She votes more than most people in Congress along straight party lines. She doesn’t reach across party lines. I’m gonna go there as a senator from Michigan first, who happens to be Republican – because we need results. (audience claps)

3rd Question. Do you believe there is a health care crisis, how would you insure equal access for all Americans and in the long term – would you seek to escalate coverage?

Mikey – Certainly. Most of what we get is partisanship. We need to litigate – we have defensive medicine in proatctic we have junk lawsuits. We need more different consumer based savings in the market. She’s voted against it What is your employer going to pay... We have to have more consumer participation in the practice. More government madates. We ought to streamline and have paperless systems. With her, it's rhetoric vs. results.

Debbie – Mike, its your president and your congress that won’t stop trash.(Oo's, claps, and groans from audience) Health care is something that should be a right, not a privilege so that it won’t cost more, but will cost less. If we stopped using the ER to treat the un-insured we could bring costs down for businesses. Association health plans are opposed by small business associations because they are bad for Michigan. I’m leading a bipartisan bill to provide health information technologyand covering the catastrophic costs for Michigan – something that our auto makers have been asking for. I've worked on Prescription drugs – you can bring back lower-priced drugs from Ontario – we can do better on health care.

4th Question - from the students of North Farmington High School. Brain Drain – what can you do to stop young people from leaving the state because of lack of jobs?

Debbie -I’ve stood up and said no to Bush and Congress as they cut $12Billion in student loans. Which has left it running on to the back of the middle class families. For us in Michigan – if No Child Left Behind was funded as it was originally written, there would be close to $1Billion more for us in public eduation. I want to make sure every child has an opportunity to make it. We must invest in future. To the young people – you should have every opportunity to succeed.

Mikey - I have a plan for this – we need to make a difference. I have three kids, and I want them to be able to find jobs after college. She stood by and watched while the President plucked the money away. Republicans and Democrats are wasting your money left and right. "It's an equal opportunity silly house," But she gives Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants while I have kids going to college. Where is the answer?

5th Question - It's been a bad month in Iraq – Bouchard - if you had been in Senate how would you have voted for resolution to go to war – to both of you - and is there a timeline to pull out?

Mikey – Iraq is a huge problem. I have a band (on his wrist) to think about them everyday, the men and women who are there. I was encouraged by Sec. Baker who is out there looking for solutions. We can't pull people out voluntarily. If we leave Iraq and the Middle East there will still be people who want to kill us and destroy our way of life. We need to support them. (bell chimes to signify time is up)

Journalist who asked original question - "Sheriff – can you address the question – would you have voted yes or no to go to war?" (audience claps)

Debbie- Mike, you can have 15 seconds of my time to answer that. (audience laughs and claps)

Mikey - Well, I would have liked to see the documents. Senator, did you see the intelligence documents before..

Moderator- Your time is up ---(lots of mumurs from audience and talking)

Debbie - I want my time back since he's still not answering the question. Sheriff, Yes or No? There is no 'Maybe' button in US senate – which one? (cheering, clapping from audience)Yes or no, Mike its simple...you have to know that I sat in Sec. Rumsfield's conference room going over the intelligence info – after I voted to go into Afghantistan, I could not vote in good conscious to go to Iraq and now we see publicly that the info is not here. But I did vote for every appropriations for our troops – we’re responsible for them being there. It’s only getting worse by the day, the Iraqi Ministry has to step up. Our folks on the ground deserve a strategy and not a bunch of slogans. We have to support our troops – its time to step up for the Iraqis.

6th Question. I was disappointed by the McBain bill vote by Stabenow – why did you vote for it and Bouchard- would you have voted for it?

Debbie - This is a very important issue – we passed bill to define what torture is, never before had to do that. Now we have a question of whether or not we want to try folks who are part of Al Queda. The fight on this bill was on the amendment process. I support habeus corpus – we needed 51 votes, didn't have them, we needed something on it or nothing. I believe it's better to have a process then to not have a process – it was important.

Mikey – Iraq, what I was trying to say, did she actually read the intelligence support sheets – I didn’t get to read them – but I could have. President Clinton issued an order to stop taking info from bad people. That’s how you need to base you decisions, YES – I would have voted yes, but it's hard to say without really good intelligence. This is a dangerous world. North Korea, Iraq, we need to solve a problem issue.

7th Question. On the campaign trail there has been a negative tone. What is one thing that he/she has done that is good for Michigan and please, don't attempt any cheap shots. (From another high school group)

Mikey- I absolutely believe that Debbie's has devoted her life to public service. More people should. I talk about specific issues I don’t question her integrity or motives. Too many people in DC become too extreme. We need to disagree to agree. I thank her for her service. I'm sure there will be other great things she can do next year. (ooo's and boo's and claps from audience)

Debbie - I'm looking to my 1^st day in US Senate to do great things. Mike and I both safe – sense of public service. His daughter on air did do a good job. I also know that it is important to work across the aisle. I do work across the aisle, with Trent Lott, Olympia Snowe, John McCain, there are people who we work with every day across the aisle. Specifically – I have focused on billions of dollars for Homeland security and specifically the $1.5 million for his Sheriffs department. I trusted that he needs those funds. Thank you for your thank you letter . As your U.S. Senator, I would say today, you're welcome.

8th Question. Illegal Immigrants – did you really vote to give Social Security benefits and citzenships for Illegal Immigrants?

Debbie – Social Security is not given to illegal immigrants and no one voted for that. I did vote against an immigrantion bill because it went too far. Diversity is our strength. We need a strong legal system that works for everyone. It is very important that we don’t do anything that threatens our jobs here in Michigan, which is my #1 concern. Encourage all of you to vote against Prop 2 we have such great strengths here.

Mikey - This is a critical issue – there was an amendment that would specifically prohibit Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants and she voted against it. Again, more Washington speak. I will not allow social security benefits to be give given to illegal immigrants. (applause) Everyone is worried how could we in any sane moment give them our benefits that we work hard for. We need someone who sees problem and fixes it. (applause)

Closing Statements

Debbie –Thank you again – to all my friends, I’m so proud to be your senator. There’s no maybe button in senate and he didn’t say yes or no on he would have voted on the social security bill for illegal immigrants. The bill was bad so I voted against it. I am fighting for our way in our life. The Observer and Eccentric Newspaper in Oakland County endorsed me and said that your policy stances look like they were taken right from the Republican party website they haven’t worked for us and they won't. I am fighting for our middle class. I get results and every day it is my honor to serve you. Thank you. (big applause)

Mikey – I would have opposed the immigration bill and would have opposed President Bush on that. But George Bush isn't on the ballot, I am. The Detroit Tigers were fighting to get in the World Series last year, today they are there. The difference? She’s been fighting for a decade – this about being effective – not nice. She was rated 95^th out of 99 of effective lawmakers. We can't afford to be at the bottom of the list. You can fire me if I don't go out there and get results. If I have to fight Bush, I will. I ask for your vote so we can change this. (applause and 4-5 people standing)

Another LLP Exclusive - LiveBlogging from the Stabenow/Bouchard Debate - Detroit Economic Club

Hmm, how many times can you attend the Detroit Economic Club before they give you an honorary membership? Not sure, but I'm gonna test it out. Back for my 3rd visit in less than 2 months, I'll be live-blogging for only the second time. The Detroit Economic Club is hosting their Senatorial Debate featuring Sen. Debbie Stabenow and her challenger, Mike Bouchard.

No word on the format, but if it's anything like last week with Governor Granholm and Amway Guy, each will get 15 mins to speak. Of course, things could get extra juicy and we could have a real debate on our hands.

Curious what's going to happen? Well, check out my post-debate analysis of Debbie wiping the floor with Mikey from Sunday. Not quite the knock-out punch of the gubernatorial debate, this should still be interesting. Mikey could be just like Tricky Dick, happy to be an in environment of big business and big money. On the other hand, the Hon. Senator is very well respected state-wide and that's especially true in Detroit. Needless to say, it's going to be an interesting one.

Meeting starts at 12pm sharp, so expect to see some posts from me around then, if not before. Any thoughts on what you'll be looking for??

~LL

Stabenow v. Bouchard - Who Won?

(*Mosey over to Christine Barry's play-by-play and give her some props for blogging for the traditionally conservative Detroit News)

So the Republicans are already calling a victory for Bouchard...Saul, Terry Lynn Land and Hoogendyke.

What say you?

My back and neck is killing me-- and I'm gonna make the short trip home. See you back here in a few, and thanks for stopping by.

Be sure to check out #22 of Reasons Just to Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen tomorrow! :-D

~LL

Stabenow v. Bouchard - Part Four

Q - Who's fault is it if a child doesn't get good education?

M - We need to bring community together. Math and science need to be more effective. No Child Left Behind - won't support.

D - Education policy is economic policy. We all need to be involved. Major area of difference, I oppose bush policy - he stands with him. $12B were cut from college student loans. Standing up and fighting it.

Closing Statements -


D - Thank you for being here. Born and raised here. What's happening to us is personal. Going to fight for middle class - clear difference. My effort to turn things around. I'm proud to offer tax cut for job creation. I helped bring in 61K new jobs. We need strategy that works for us. We need to say we're going to compete with other countries. Someone who stands with Bush and failed policies or someone who stands up and fights for you and your family. I'm proud to fight.

M - Thank you to Debbie for your service. Love to have more debates with you! Thanks to wife and kids, WGVU, blah blah blah. Tonight the ppl of MI have chance to compare my results vs. her rhetoric. We need to keep borders safe, homeland security. Nice person, but no results. She's only authored one bill. I created jobs, balanced budgets in state senate. Protected families. She wants to allow benefits for illegal immigrants. I will get you results. I can't do it alone - I ask for your vote.

The End

Stabenow v. Bouchard Debate - Part Three

How do we get a handle on federal defecit spending?

Mikey - She's ranked #1 biggest spending senator. It's a real problem. If a Republican's going to waste your money, I'm gonna kick it hard. We need line-item veto, her amendments and votes belie the fact that she's a big spender.

Debbie - An OK senator made that comment - quite silly. When I came in 2001, we had surplus, now we have a defecit. The reality is hundreds of billions of dollars in tax subsidies for fuel companies - Haliburton - no bid contracts - this has to stop. Outrageous

14Q - Low opinion of Congress, what has to happen to restore Am. belief in congress?

Debbie - I'm a co-sponsor of legislation to stop revolving door. Congress ppl serve corp. needs, not ppl. We need to have a change.

Mikey - I put handcuffs on ppl for 20 years. I speak up clearly when wrong happens. Foley absurd. Senator Reid makes a $20 m on land he doesn't own. She ought to call for independent investigation. We have to serve the ppl.

15Q - MI is most racially segreated state in nation - why?

Mikey - Situation of concern - we need integration, I want that in Flint where I was born. City of Detroit needs to revive, I want to help out. I wrote bill in state senate to revive urban areas. I'll call together urban leaders and get things done.

Debbie - Very important issue. No strategy under bush. We're going in the opposite direction than we need to go. Lots of cuts to educational spending. Diversity is our strength. Vote no on Prop 2. To Mikey - I wish he would return every $ to Bush and Cheney till they stop exporting our jobs.

16 Q - Do you support path to leadership for illegal immigrants.

D - I voted no, because it went to far and cost us jobs. I do think its important to have border security and legal system that is fair and effective. My focus is on our jobs that we're losing because of failed policies.

M - Another issue she doesn't get - border security is big issue for me. I'm against illegal immigrantion. 52% of I.I. caught had criminal backgrounds. She voted for and then against border fence. 70% of her money has come from other states - who is she representing?

17Q - High Gas Prices - how do we get a handle on it - should govt. take bigger interest in funding alt. energy

M- Absolutely. Everyone's affected by it. My opponent has filibustered energy package, and then voted for it. We need someone who sticks to a point and get results.

D - Alt. energy - absolutely critical. I supported energy bill that has 35% tax credit for building alt. energy plants. Exciting for me to see opportunity for MI agriculture to make alt. energy - best researchers in the world, auto industry second to none.

18Q - What's position on water quality - what should federal role be?

D - I authored 1st ban on great lakes drilling. Can't live here and not love the Great Lakes. My family loves MI. We have a serious set of issues on our hands -- we're tackling 10 yr plan to protect endangered species - hopefully Rep. will help fund us.

M - Water diversion shouldn't happen. We need to protect that. We need someone who will get results. Talk's not results. We don't need a lot of money to protect against carp - only $20M. We need someone who will actually get something done to get results.

Stabenow v. Bouchard Debate - Part Two

7Q - What values drive your public policy descions.

Mikey - my family, there are economic issues, we're the worst state in the country. Single state recession - if we continue - my daughter will leave the state along with all the other kids who've left. I'm endorsed by every major employer in the state. We need to change direction.

Debbie - More Washington speak, I'm afraid. Very active in the church - very important to me, always has been. Love my parents, wonderful family. Values of honesty, ethics, family, and to a point where we are in a fight for the way of our life. I can't believe Mikey sits on insurance board that outsources to china, india, etc. He gets paid $60K for doing so. They help others outsource as well.

8Q - Any limit on time, soliders, involvement in Iraq.

Debbie - Most challenging situation. It's our job to give them everything they need. I've been to Iraq, met with Ministers - we are not there for ever, the iraqis need to shore up so our ppl can step back. We're doing excellent training of their ppl.

Mikey - We need to do everything we can to bring more stable and safe situation there. We can't leave it in a vaccum. I can't let go of absolute untruth of company that's involved in outsourcing. She's taken contributions from them. Truth in reality has taken vacation in the Stabenow campaign. She voted against marriage defense.

9Q - Medicare Tax - 1.45 % for individuals. Would you support higher tax rate for any income above $100K?

Mikey - Is the service being provided cost effective? Are the needs being adequately met? Can we do it in a better manner? As sheriff - we have to feed inmates - we need to deliver services to inmates - saved $1.6M to taxpayers by going outside to businesses.

Debbie - No, I would not support raising tax. He didn't answer the question. He sits on board - does recieve $60K - says on their website they do help outsource. Medicare - another great Am. success story. He supports Bush Admin' views of changing - I don't. I want to see Medicare Drug Coverage ---I'm leading the effort now to pass real medicare coverage bill.

10Q - NAFTA has lost us jobs? Should trade agreements end and enter into new ones?

Debbie - Yes. I supported tax cuts for businesses here to keep jobs here. We need to create a race to the top.

mikey - Truth from vacation reality on business outsourcing. She's voted for MFN status for China - but complains about China and Bush. She's not a leader - go to congress.org - she got rated 95th out of 99. She's lacking in leadership.

11Q - Do you believe in global warming from humans and should it drive our policies?

Mikey - Yes, there's conflicting reports. We could be in a position to lead away from fossil fuels. Comprehensive energy package - she filibustered. We need someone who will lead on that - she hasn't really. Only one bill authored to rename fed. bldg. I wrote legislation to close incinerators while in state Senate.

Debbie - Global Warming is real and I'm focused on solving it. 19 provisions I authored, many bi-partisan. Global Warm. too important for partisan politics. I supported energy bill from 2 years ago - created real energy boom in MI. We have strong agriculture, and ability to tell world to buy fuel here in MI instead of Middle East.

12Q - Canadian Trash - only covers residential trash, why? What's wrong with bringing trash in?

Debbie- We don't want to be the trash dump for Canada and other states. Washington wouldn't act - the President could stop the trash, but he won't. I support acting. The reality is when I came up with strategy, we got Canadians attention - we've stopped 20% of residential trash, 40% next year, and so on. I'm very proud.

Mikey -She's been talking trash for almost a decade. When you talk trash, you distract from reality. Her deal with was with one guy in Canada. Michigan legislature signed bill to tell DC to stop it. She's the only person who hasn't gotten her job done - no results. Send me there, i'll get results.

12Q - Polls indicate universal healthcare coverage - do you support?
Debbie - needs to be a right, not a privilege. I've been laser focused on working with auto industry to more adequately and effectively to lower costs of perscription drugs. I've worked bi-partisan to allow you to bring perscription drugs back from canada legally. If we could get Bush to meet with auto industry - that's one of the big things they want to speak about.

Mikey - Bush came in and did call auto industry to talk - but that's a DC problem. She's a nice person. but its time for us to go into a new direction. I do not support universal healthcare that the govt runs. But we can and should do many things - tort reform,

Stabenow v. Bouchard Debate - Part One

1st question for Mikey -

Do you support pre-emptive war?

I believe we need to take care of any threat if we have actual intelligence, yes we need to protect the US. My opponent has failed to protect America, she voted against missile defense. We somone who will stand up to the plate. I've been in Law Enforcement in 20 years = protection most important job of govt. She's not done it.

Debbie - I supported every defense budget and everything we need to do to protect our families. My opponent didnt answer the question -- which was about Iraq. I didn't vote to go to Iraq because it was a war choice not a nessecity. I've been to Iraq - they are brave soliders who deserve more than a slogan - they need a strategy.

2nd Question - What is it going to take to get the Big 3 Automakers going again?

Debbie - We need a president who's going to sit down with the automakers. This president can't come up with 30 mins to sit down with them. We've got to get healthcare costs off the back of business. We've got to protect pensions, and race like crazy for innovention. We make and grow things in America = that's what its going to take. We've got to fight for those jobs here.

Mikey - she says one thing and does another here. She's a 18% rating from the Manufacturers Assocation, I won't vote to raise taxes, or cut jobs. I'm a small business owner. We need someone who gets it and does results.

3rd Question - What's the balance between civil rights and homeland security and how are we doing balancing?

Mikey - We need to keep our state safe. We can't give up basic rights to stay safe. I have very big differences than her. I'm a member of the joint terrorism task force with the FBI - what can I do personally to mitigate and respond to the need. There's a list of things that they need to do and fix.

Debbie - I'm a member of the Banking Commt that tracks money of terrorists - there is a critical balance between what it takes to stay and safe and keep our rights. I'm proud of having the Detroit Regional Chamber's endorsement because of protecting businesses in Michigan. I'm championing an effort with Rep. colleague to protect middle class way of life.

4 Question - Do you agree we will face another terrorist attack?
Debbie - we need to push and pass 9/11 report. I've lead the effort to fight for those things that allow our firefighters and police what they need to do their job and keep us safe. We have tripled the # of border security. I've brought in dollars for sheriffs across the state, including Mikey.

Mikey - More talk vs. reality in Washington. I sit on commt. that represents law enforcement - she's never visited. we need someone who understands security. $$ has turned into pork barrel spending. They are well intentioned, but no results. If you don't fix a problem - ppl die.

5 Q - Social Security - would you support taxing amounts above $94K to shore it up?

Mikey - She voted to give SS to illegal immigrants. we need to fix that situation. There are men and women at home who are worried about having their benefits. Committing idenity theft is fundamentally wrong. I will stop that. That's what MI needs. Less of partisan wrangling, filibusters and we need results.

Debbie - SS is NOT given to illegals, and I didn't vote for it. I believe SS is a great Amer. success story. He supports privitization of SS. I was proud to lead stop privitization. We need to put more $ into that system. I want to keep the security in SS. My opponent sent me a thank you note for $$ that he recieved as a result of my votes.

6 Q - Mudslinging - Praise one thing about your opponent.

Debbie - it's so important we focus on issues, not personalities. I believe we need to keep our middle class and our way of life. I was pleased to work with him to bring in Homeland Security$$ -- I congratulate him as a mom of his daughter for the work she did in that ad.

Mikey - Kids are most important. Thanks Debbie - that's why I ran - issues not solved and addressed. She's committed to making better state and world, but we need results. Fighting doesn't = results. Tigers were good last year, but we changed personnel and now got results. We need more.

Stabenow v. Bouchard - Debate Preview

Well, this race is definitely not getting the attention the gubernatorial race is, but nonetheless, its still very important to all of us here in Michigan. As I was referencing to on MichiganLiberal, the Senate is the real meat and potatoes of the national legislature. So many responsibilities and duties they are entrusted with. Not too mention, that Democrats have a real chance of taking over the leadership for the first time in a long time...the pressure is on!

Debbie - My biggest issue is healthcare, and I really, really like what she's done since coming into office. The Patient's Bill of Rights was a huge victory for Joe American. For frequent flyers of the healthcare system :::raises hand::: this meant we, the patients finally had some written rights about our care and had a little leverage on the bully in the schoolyard - Pharmaceuticals and corporate medical conglomerates. She's also done a heck of a lot with prescription healthcare and has really helped out veteran medical benefits.
Of course, there's much more than just that --- she's been pretty progressive on banking, authored the very first federal ban on drilling in our precious Great Lakes, and really helped churn out more job creation with her tax relief package. She'll never let us forget her signature issue - stopping Canadian trash, but I wish she wouldn't spend so much time talking about it. There's so many other things that have been great that she's done, and everyone knows -- Debbie = Stopping Canadian Trash.


Mikey - Okay - so 1) He's from Oakland County. Growing up there myself, it's an odd bird in Michigan politics. It's definitely not progressive for the most part. The wealthiest county in Michigan, Bush/Rove/Amway Guy have all spent a lot of time 'lobbying' for votes. As County Sheriff, he seems to have done a decent job, and has traditionally been a popular vote-getter.
2)His endorsements range from the Natl Right to Life to the National Rifle Association (NRA). I'm always a big fan of men who want to tell me, as a woman what I can do with my body and what I can't --hope you got the sarcasm on that one.
3)His big issue is security. Great - another page taken from the Republican playbook. Scare votes out of Americans. Yes, security is important, but there's so much more to being a public servant than ensuring our safety. His experience really lacks when it comes to healthcare, education, job development, etc. Not to harp on the guy, but when you've been in law enforcement all your life, your involvement options are kind of limited.

Predictions -
She's gonna knock him on experience, and she should.
He's gonna knock on her for her latest votes on the so-called Torture Ban. I'm hoping she can come back strong from it.
She's gonna kick butt...and he'll make a noble effort, but she's still gonna kick butt.

Sorry to disappoint, but I've been following the Gov's race a lot closer. I'm looking to be informed and educated. Hope you are too!
Look for my informal LIVE transcript here in a few!

Granholm v. Amway Guy - Detroit Economic Club - Analysis

I had the pleasure of attending the Detroit Economic Club on 10/12 to see Gov. Granholm take on Slick Dick DeVos in the most closely watched gubernatorial race from sea to shining sea. I also had the distinct pleasure and honor to do a lil live-blogging for my favorite political fix, michiganliberal.com. Got to be honest, wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into, with that being the first time I was attempting to live-blog a political speech (not sure that comments here and there during a televised debate really count). Pretty proud of the end result, and as I watched the speeches after the fact, my account wasn't too far off. After surviving an early preview of this winter's weather on my trip back to Lansing, I sat down, decompressed and put finger to keyboard. Here's the end result.

Analysis

Amway Guy -Initially I was surprised how ‘at home’ Dick was. His performance was much cleaner (except for when he attempted the impromptu jokes about the Governor’s future job interviews. Note to Truscott and Saul – your boy does a much better job with a rehearsed script and tell him to lay off the impromptu jokes – his delivery is TERRIBLE!) and he was considerably more comfortable up there. *However, let’s remember the environment. He was effectively strutting his stuff and showing off to his peers – the top 1% of Michigan in terms of money, business experience and policy attitudes. I honestly believe that the camera terrifies him, and it has definitely shown in the last two debates, but not at all at the DEC today.
For the record – I heard Saul talk to the media about his boy today afterwards. Nothing but praise, blah blah blah, how great he did, how he’s taking control, slamming it to the Gov, etc. He was awful chummy with his media boys, and was laying it on (as usual) a little to thick for my tastes. That may be what you think Saul, but Dick’s not gonna win it on corny one-liners…

The Hon. Governor – No big surprise here, she rocked out. Her delivery, impeccable, clean and precise. She knew her speech, but for her (as well with FDR) it wasn’t a speech. It was a conversation that she could have had with you on your front stoop or at your kid’s soccer game. She told it like it was, no verbal acrobatics, corny jokes, just cut and dried – Jen’s way. *I would never, ever want to face her in a courtroom, she’s lethal!*
She honestly 100% believed every word she said. She was compassionate, but not to the degree she was in the debates, but again, consider the audience. This wasn’t the crowd that wanted mothering – they wanted the facts, and I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that after the first two debates, they wanted blood. They got it. She started out with a couple zingers (see the tid-bit about the job interviews and actually having a plan) and not only did she get quite a few chuckles, but people visibly winced after she said it. The known Republicans in the room also laughed quite a bit at Dick’s expense when she dropped those. She has an incredible amount of charisma – she seemed to fill and command the entire room and all 1200 of us there. It was awe-inspiring. I don’t think it’s possible, but I respect and admire her more and more every time I hear her speak.

So Who Won?

Well, they did both get standing ovations. I truly believe she got more of a crowd than he did, but that’s just my perspective. I’m reading the media reports, and I’m wondering if I was in the same room as those guys. Did they miss the speeches I heard? How their reports can be so passive and lassiez-faire, well, that’s got me stumped.
Jen is a much better speaker than Dick, hands down. He still struggled, had a few awkward moments, gave the squinty-eyed smile and nervous laughter a few times too many, and I honestly believe that she will champion him in any speaking match, any time. On the issues, the substance? Can I ever really be objective? I’ve already said it – she didn’t gloss things over, told it like it was, and I’m a big fan of that style. His cheap one-liners with how great he is, how terrible Michigan was, the exact doom-and-gloom that the Gov referred to in her speech – not my style either. I think she rocked him out, again. She had a plan, had proof her job well-done, and he had griping.

What Was Interesting

Betsy - How they’ve kept a muzzle on her this whole time, I’ll never understand. I had the opportunity to observe her beforehand while he was working the room where the sponsors were – she stood in the corner with a handler very demure and all smiles without drawing attention to herself. A real mystery. Perhaps she’s just biding her time till *she* can get into office – that’s right, you heard what I said.

Dick and “Special Interests” - He accused the Gov of being in bed with Special Interests several times. I think I may have snorted out loud once or twice. If that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black, then I don’t know what is. I was especially burning up when he constantly made himself out to be the champion of K-12 education in Michigan. Grrrr! Is he just taking a page from her book, or what? Or maybe I just need someone to explain to me what his definition of special interests actually is.

Restrained Decorum - The general audience was really captivated by her, and almost seemed to sneer at him as a group. There were a lot of smiles when she spoke, and while no one yelled, a couple people let out muted boo’s during several points of his speech. She was poised to only succeed, and he could either continue to play the court jester or go down in flames. The audience seemed to know that, and they were waiting for a spectacle.

Editorial Note
I tried to quote both candidates exactly, but the usual caveat applies while live-blogging. My apologies for any words misspelled, left out, or abbreviated. Thank you for the encouragement and the kind words. Hope I’ve done everyone proud by shining a light on what goes on in and out of the boardrooms of Michigan’s elite. If you’re voting for the Gov, you have yet one more reason to be proud to call her your own and to know that your vote is an incredible step in the right direction. With her at our helm, I almost feel bad for the citizens of the other 49 states.
~LiberalLucy