I actually feel sorry for the Sunday morning candidates–including Edwards–because the hall isn’t nearly as full.  I mean, seriously–if you’re from some place like Sacramento, wouldn’t you want to take the opportunity to have a beautiful sunday afternoon in San Diego?

So would I.  And that’s exactly what I intend to do.  But only after the speeches, and after I vote.

Notes below.

Richardson started by giving his credentials on Iraq based on his experience at the UN.

His energy independence section just got an ovation.  You can read a lot of what he’s saying in the speech in the blogger meeting I transcribed below–it appears we bloggers just got a good speech preview.

I would announce a plan to revitalize American education.  It’s all crime, Iraq, energy, but education is the key to economic development.

I will have a minimum wage of $40,000 for all our teachers.  I did this in New Mexico.  We used to be 48th in teacher pay, now we’re 29th. (author note: and how has that improved education? I would have liked some statistics on that…)

We would emphasize languages and the arts, but science and math are the key to our future.

We can get rid of the statistic that one out of every two Hispanic and black children do not graduate.

And with No Child Left Behind, it’s just just the unfunded mandates–we need to spend more on teacher training at schools that do not perform well.  testing and accountability need to be part of the system, but the system is not working.  I believe that education is the centerpiece of America’s progress.  The fourth day, I would take off, because I’ve done too much.  But seriously.  On the fourth day, I would have a plan for Universal Health Care for every American.  that is a right.  But I would have that plan first deal with the existing problem: the massive bureaucracy and administrative costs.  We have to find solutions that pay for a healthcare plan.  but I would focus on other creative ways.

As governor, I have to deal with this issue every day.  My plan includes the option for every American to have the same plan was the Senators and Congresmen you’ve heard speak.

We need to get junk food out of schools, like I did in New Mexico. We need to invest in cancer research, autism, stem cell research.  We need to be the party of Research and Development.  We need to find ways to make America healthier

My secretary of labor would be a member of an American union.  I would push prevailing wage, fairer health care, but also, I would say to America’s working men and women: we will find ways to bring collective bargaining to everywhere in America.  Then, the next day, I would reinforce America’s commitment to civil rights.  I would start with the issue very dear to me as the governor of a border state: immigration.

I would tear down the weall between Mexico and the United States.  I would find a path to an earned legalization program that stresses family reunification.  I would say to Mexico: ayudenos.  Stop giving maps to the most porous areas in our borders.

(I missed what he said about choice.)

I would be a president that says that discrimination is unacceptable to all people.  On issues relating to discrimination based on sexual orientation, I would put domestic partnerships, civil unions, and hate crime laws like I have in New Mexico–the most progressive state on all these issues.

I love you all.  You’ve given me a huge welcome.  But you’re thinking–this Richardson guy.  Well-qualified.  Pretty good-looking too.  But can he win?  And all I’m saying is we’re going to outwork everyone.

(missed the rest).

As expected, he is mostly playing up his diplomatic experience. He’s also laying out his priorities of what he’ll do as president. 1st day in office: out of Iraq, no residual troops. 2nd day in office: announce an Apollo energy program. 3rd day in office: plan to revitalize education. Minimum wage for teachers: $40,000/year. 4th day in office: universal healthcare. 5th day: jobs program.

More over the fold and in the comments…

“I would tear down that wall between America and Mexico!” He’s good on immigration. He’s calling for earned citizenship and compassion.

He just spoke out against the Supreme Court ruling and declared his support for a woman’s right to choose.

“I will be a president who promotes civil unions and domestic partnerships.”

“I love you all, not just because you’re important and you moved up your primary. I ask you California, vote on the basis of who has the most experience, not on who’s the biggest rock star or who has the most money. Vote on who can change America”

He’s making his case:

“I have experience. We tried someone who didn’t have experience…”

“I’m a governor. We elect governors in this country.”

Literally ran from our Richardson event to the Edwards press conference, and Brian, Juls, Dante (Hekebolos) and I set up shop in the front row (other bloggers throughout the room).  While waiting for Edwards, we got still more pictures of this curious “blogger” creature from traditional media.

The tone was completely different that the Clinton press conference yesterday.  Edwards had huge banner signs flanking the podium, and he entered without Hillary’s phalanx of state legislators.  Came in alone, went straight to the podium, and asked simply: “Questions?”

Questions lead off with tax policy, particularly windfall taxes.  Edwards says and later confirms that such taxes are not off the table and worthy of consideration.

Moves onto Iraq, discusses that he would immediately draw down to 50,000 troops and then redeploy over the ensuing 9-12 months.  Said in regards to Iraq funding that it is “really important for Congress to stand its ground” and that “it’s the job of Congress to do the will of the American people.”

Same question from the Hillary press conference on whether he’s changed on the issues now that California moved its primary off.  Not surprisingly, of course not.  He continues to go on and on like everyone else about how great California’s leadership has been on environmental issues, minimum wage, universal healthcare, but like everyone else has no answer to how California would benefit from his presidency.

Quick hit items as well- spoke briefly of earned citizenship for illegal immigrants with a fine and english language requirement.  Pointed out that the national gun registry doesn’t work and that the assault weapons ban should be reauthorized.

Overall, he was much more natural.  Not bending over backwards to seem inevitable and presidential like Hillary.  He was actually funny, not “i guess i’m supposed to laugh now” funny.  And from what I’m hearing, he’s got converts on the floor today.

We just had a group interview with Bill Richardson.  Below is a transcript of sorts.  Not included in the transcript is his response to my question on the US Attorney Scandal, where he said basically that Gonzales should resign and he would make sure that his AG would be a servant of the people, not a political flak.

Full text below.

Bob: As the only Western candidate, what are opportunities for Democrats in the West?

Richardson: The West is veering Democratic.  Four years ago, the governors from Canada to Mexico were all Republican.  Now 5 out of 7 were Democrats.  What has helped make that trend permanent is the rise of environmentalism and renewable energy.  Non-traditional supporters, sportsmen and recreationists turned off by Bush’s energy policy.  Clean air and roadless areas.  Second is a strong Hispanic migration.  Even smaller-scale, like Utah.  But Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, that has been an important issue.  Third, I’m the only Presidential candidate with a transportation and smart-growth policy.  A lot of folks are moving to escape the traffic and the northeast and Midwest are doing the same.  And that’s causing a new set of voters to be there that think quality of life is important.  And that’s causing Westerners to assess-in Las Vegas the biggest issue is traffic, and a lot of Western governors are looking at light rail and energy efficient mass transit.  Every year the president gets billions to build new highways.  We need smart growth and strong land use policies.  In terms of other issues-individualism-the West is very independent, and there’s very strong anti-government initiatives that do well.  The West is pro-choice, and pro-second amendment.  I can’t underemphasize the energy side.  The most progressive policies in renewable energy-New Mexico is 20% renewable by 2020-California with climate change-we have the strongest targets, a 75% in greenhouse emissions reduction by 2030 in New Mexico-we’re the only state that abides by the Kyoto treaty.  And we have progressive governors.  I believe in growth, and I believe in cutting taxes.  You give a company a tax cut if they pay over a prevailing wage.  We should be the party of science, R&D, high tech.  In New Mexico, if you’re a technology startup, we don’t tax you for three years.  We’ve been stuck in the politics of redistribution instead of economic growth.  My point is as a presidential candidate, I can bring several Western states do the Democratic column.  We build our coalition around 20 states.

DDay: taxes.  We had a PPIC poll in California that said that at least 65% said they would pay higher taxes if it meant they could get healthcare.  I want to know how you respond to liberal Democrats who think that the rhetoric about taxation needs to change, about how America is worth paying for and taxes are the price you pay for a free society, instead of the rhetoric about taxes that the Republicans have been successful with.

Richardson: I think that kind of thinking has gotten us in trouble.  I would replace the Bush tax cuts with cuts for the middle class and companies that create more jobs.  I believe in tax cuts for the country to become green, and I’m for an Apollo program to reduce our dependence on foreign oils  There’s a huge job market for America in this.  And I would ask Americans to sacrifice.  I have a fuel-efficient vehicle.  I’d double fuel efficiency in ten years.  I’ve got the strongest policy on climate change.  There needs to be aggressive mandates.  I’d have a cap-and-trade system.  On health care I believe you can have a universal plan and I think it can be financed through the existing inefficiencies in the system.  34% goes into bureaucracy and no electronic records.  Then I’d do existing reforms, like allow every American to purchase a Congressional healthcare plan.  Second, the war in Iraq.  I’d shift lots of that to healthcare.  I’d also have what Massachussetts and Cali are starting to do-everyone pays their fair share on healthcare, and those that can’t, you give them a little subsidy and incentive.  Not a tax cut, just hold down insurance costs.  More personal responsibility.  Taxing the rich to pay for everything won’t help.

DDay: would you repeal the AMT?

Richardson: yes, I would fix that

Juls: 49% of Californians feel they’re falling behind.  How would you address that feeling?

Richardson: I believe we have to have policies-I was on an airplane, and by the way, we need a passenger’s bill of rights.  But I’m sitting with this woman, and she said that she was in the middle class and felt like she was paying for both the poor and the rich.  What I’d do is use the tax code to reward companies that create jobs.  I’d raise the minimum wage.  I’d focus on California’s strengths.  But we’re taking a lot of your people because your state income tax and business taxes aren’t competitive.  A national healthcare plan.  The key to everything is education.  Community college and vocational training.  And you pay for it with a constitutional amendment to balance the budget.  This has been proposed before, and I have to do it as a governor.  I’ve run a bureaucracy of 110,000.  I would eliminate earmarks, which wouldn’t be popular in Congress.  Eliminate tzaax breaks for companies that take jobs overseas.  I would restructure the Bush tax cuts to focus those that produce jobs.  My priorities are human needs.  But my solution isn’t to tax the rich.  It’s to build coalitions like I’ve done in New Mexico.  Education is huge for me  I’d extend the school day and hear, pay our teachers better with accountability.  I’d have a goal-in 15 years, move from 28th to number 1.  We have a crash program.

On Iraq: construct legislation to de-authorize the war.  Challenge it on the war powers act.  I want no residual troops.  I would redeploy those forces.  All contractors out too.

John Edwards has just been introduced. As you might expect for a Sunday at 10am timeslot, the crowds and energy that accompanied Obama to the stage are not present for Edwards, but it also allows him to work the delegate crowd as Barack was not able to. He just took the stage and he’s being greeted by a standing ovation. This place loves this guy.

The place is now chanting “Edwards! Edwards!”

More over the flip…

UPDATE: Edwards called for a US-led global campaign to provide free primary education for every child…in the world.

And he said:

“When I am president of the United States, on the first day I’m in office, you have my word that Guantanamo will be closed!”

UPDATE2: You should see how quickly the press is running to the press conference. There’s the feeling that something important just happened here. Still have chills. Going to the press conference. And by the way, he left the stage to “There goes My Hero” by Foo Fighters. Indeed.

He is recognizing the loss of Rep. Millender-Macdonald.

Personal thank you from Elizabeth: “thank you for your support.”

What’s at stake in this election. “I have such a strong belief in what the Dem party is suppossed to represent. It is time for us to lead again…bravely, boldly to take AMerica where it needs to go.”

He referred to Iraq as a “bleeding sore” again. He just apologized for his vote. “I am speaking out with every fiber of my being to get out of Iraq.”

“WE OUGHT TO START PULLING OUT TODAY, NOT TWO MONTHS FROM NOW.”

Ahh, he used Barbara Boxer’s line: “And by the way, elections have consequences, don’t they?”

“If the president vetoes that bill, it’s George Bush not supporting the troops, not Congress. We need the Congress to stand strong and firm. If he vetoes that they should send the bill bakc to him again!”

“We have to show strength and courage, this is about life and death, this is about war and WE HAVE TO BE STRONG!”

He’s talking about restoring America’s moral standing in the world.

“The president needs to travel the world…he needs to say America is not just a place, it’s an idea.”

“The world needs to see our commitment to humanity.”

He says we need to address the Darfur genocide. “The world sees that the most powerful country in the world has declared that genocide is occuring and stepped aside and did nothing.”

“WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS BETTER THAN THIS.”

“I have no idea how popular this is politically but I stand for this…we need to launch a campaign to provide primary education to every child in the world!”

“When I am president of the United States, on the first day I’m in office, you have my word that Guantanamo will be closed!”

“We need the US to build fuel efficient cars with union workers.”

“We need the president of the United States to call on Americans to be patriotic about something other than war!”

“People say ‘Why do you keep talking about 37 million people in poverty? No one else is talking about it.’ I’ll tell you why:

“BECAUSE IT’S WRONG!”

“If my party can’t be the party of the poor, the elderly, the disenfranchised, why else do we exist?”

His repeated refrain: “WE’RE BETTER THAN THIS.”

He just called for a living wage in America.

“You want to know what movement built the American middle class: THE LABOR MOVEMENT.”

“I’m proud to have walked picket lines, I’m proud to help workers organize.”

“If you can join the Republican Party by putting your name on a card, you should be able to join a union by doing the same thing.”

“We ought to ban the hiring of permanent replacements for strikers and make that the law of the land.”

“We ought to make it easier for kids to go to college.”

College for everyone: kids get through high school, eligible for college, commit to working 10 hours a week while there and college is free.

Now he’s on Healthcare:

“It’s not enough to say you’re for universal healthcare without laying out how you’re going to do it.”

He’s talking about his plan and says “it may end up with single payer if that’s what the country wants.”

The whole place is chanting “EDWARDS!”.

“We know what needs to be done. Getting out of Iraq, universal healthcare, lifting millions of famililes out of poverty…WE JUST NEED TO DO IT!”

“The one thing we need to face up to is that race plays an enormous role in the growing economic inequality.”

“Those pictures coming out of the ninth ward in New Orleans…that is not OK.”

“All these things that we want to do will not happen unless and until we have a Democrat in the White House in 2008.”

The place is chanting his name again. The energy is growing.

“All my brothers and sisters here in California who can campaign and compete hard in CA and NY, but also New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, Georgia…all over the country.”

“All the good we want to do requires that Nancy Pelosi remains Speaker of the House.”

He’s talking about the importance of winning even more congressional and senate seats. He’s  essentially endorsing the 50-state strategy. Challenging EVERYWHERE.

“What are YOU willing to do? The great movements in our history didn’t start in Washington DC, they started right here. We need you again, we need you to speak out and change this country.”

Have you ever seen a politician come back to the stage for an encore? Well, Maxine Waters did. During a passionate and poetic speech, Waters announced repeatedly:

I am the chair of the Out Of Iraq Caucus and I am committed to ending this war!

But what brought the house down was this refrain:

Not another nickel
Not another dime
Not another soldier
Not this time

After she left the stage the crowd chanted “Maxine! Maxine! Maxine!”

And she literally came back out for an encore to thunderous aplause and repeated the chant. Amazing.

A proposal to increase funding for community colleges has qualified for the February ballot. Here is the title and summary:

  Establishes in state constitution a system of independent public community college districts and Board of Governors. Generally, requires minimum levels of state funding for school districts and community college districts to be calculated separately, using different criteria and separately appropriated. Allocates 10.46 percent of current Proposition 98 school funding maintenance factor to community colleges. Sets community college fees at $15/unit per semester; limits future fee increases. Provides formula for allocation by Legislature to community college districts that would not otherwise receive general fund revenues through community college apportionment. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Potential increases in state spending on K-14 education of about $135 million in 2007-08, $275 million in 2008-09, and $470 million in 2009-2010, with unknown impact annually thereafter. Annual loss of fee revenues to community colleges of about $71 million in 2007-08, with unknown impacts annually thereafter. (06-0030.)

I’m not sure where I stand on this. I have a big objection to ballot-box budgeting. It is that which has straitjacketed the legislature to the point where little of the budget is discretionary.

This further straitjackets and makes a smaller % of the budget discretionary.

At the same time, due to a decrease in K-12 school enrollment combined with Prop 98, community college funding will automatically take a dive. Community college funding should be based on community college enrollment, not K-12 enrollment. Plus, increasing community college funding would not automatically decrease K-12 funding anymore. I support pay as you go, but the legislature shouldn’t be told where to subsidize an increase in funding. So in a way, it increases straitjacketing but also decreases it

So this one is tough. What do you think?