Saturday, October 20, 2012
Striking Miners Claim Intimidation in South Africa
South African mine workers at the Samancor chrome mine in Rustenburg have told Al Jazeera they're being intimidated by striking colleagues. It follows weeks of protests by miners demanding higher wages. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from Rustenburg.
Cocaine the Only Choice for Some Colombia Farmers
Following peace talks in Oslo, the Colombian president has said he is optimistic that a peace deal can be achieved with FARC rebels, ending almost 50 years of conflict. However, Juan Manuel Santos said he was aware of potential threats to an agreement, which include drug and criminal gangs. In the event of a peace deal, many Colombians fear thousands of demobilized FARC rebels will find it difficult to find jobs and could turn to cocaine trafficking. But for some people in Colombia, drugs are a necessary evil, as Al Jazeera's Karl Penhaul explains in this exclusive report from Caqueta province.
Energy and Foreign Policy
Air date: October 18, 2012
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked about the role of energy in U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy. Secretary Clinton said that “energy cuts across the entirety of U.S. foreign policy and is a matter of national security and global stability.” Topics included America’s role in gathering support for sanctions on Iran’s oil industry, energy security, South China Sea territorial disputes, U.S.-Mexico oil and gas resources, natural gas, and fighting energy poverty. She responded to questions from students in the audience in Georgetown University’s Gaston Hall.
Bill Moyers Essay: When Bosses Push Their Politics
Moyers and Company
Air Date: October 19, 2012
Bill Moyers calls out corporate executives strong-arming their employees to vote as they say.
Friday, October 19, 2012
West Wing Week: 10/19/12
This week, the President reflected on the state of the auto industry, the White House opened its garden doors to the public for its annual tours, and marked Blog Action Day -- while Bill Allman spoke on the history of the Presidential Seal.
Foreign Policy and the 2012 Election
Air date: October 19, 2012
Matthew Lee and Guy Taylor talked about the presidential candidates' foreign policy positions on the Afghanistan War and trade with China. Other topics included the September 11, 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, and the State Department chain of command in security decisions.
Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner
Air date: October 18, 2012
President Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave keynote speeches at the 67th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The charity fundraiser is a traditional light-hearted joint appearance for presidential candidates where they joked about themselves, their opponents, and the 2012 campaign.
Founded in 1946 by Francis Cardinal Spellman, the Foundation honors the memory of Alfred E. Smith who died in in 1944. Al Smith was a four-time governor of the state of New York and former presidential candidate.
Today in History: October 19th
Highlights of this day in history: British surrender at Yorktown decides American Revolution; Stock market crash hits Wall Street in late 1980s; Napoleon's forces begin retreat from Moscow; Concorde makes first landing in New York.
Pakistani Girl Shot By Taliban Shows Improvements
Sources:BBCThe New York TimesCNN
The Washington PostThe Christian Science Monitor
By Nichole Cartmell
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Federal Reserve Bomb Plot Foiled, Suspect Arrested
Sources:WABCWNBCThe New York Post
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Protests as Northern Ireland's First Abortion Clinic Opens
Sources:BBCIrish ExaminerForeign Policy
By Elizabeth Hagedorn
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Al Jazeera Speaks to Experts and Eye-Witnesses on the Bombing in Beirut
Al Jazeera interviews Omar Nashabe, the head of the justice and legal affairs department of Al Akhbar newspaper, and Nadim Badran, a resident of Achrafieh.
China Conducts Naval Drills
China is conducting naval drills in the East China Sea That is likely to further strain relations between China and Japan. The two countries are involved in a bitter dispute over the islands called Diaoyu in Chinese and Senkaku in Japanese. Divya Gopalan reports.
EU Leaders Agree on Bank Supervisor
European Union leaders meeting in Brussels have reached an agreement on appointing a banking supervisor for the Eurozone. France has been pushing to get all six thousand banks in the 17 euro countries under a single body by the end of this year. Al Jazeera Nick Spicer reports from Brussels.
Intense Fighting in Mali After President Deposed
African and European nations are meeting in Mali's capital Bamako on Friday, to finalize plans for a military assault in the country's north. Northern Mali has seen intense fighting since April when army officers deposed President Amadou Toure. Al Jazeera's Mohammad Vall reports from Bamako.
Using Robots to Try and Save U.S. Jobs
Manufacturing in the US has been in decline for decades. Companies seeking cheaper labor and lower production costs have gone overseas, taking American jobs with them. But a small technology company in Boston thinks it has a way to bring some of those jobs back. And their proposal is straight out of science fiction. Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler explains.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Bill Clinton: Romney "Thinks We're Dumb"
During an Obama campaign rally in Parma, Ohio, on Thursday, former President Bill Clinton went after Mitt Romney's tax plan, alleging the GOP nominee "thinks we're dumb."
Federal Budget and the 2012 Election
Air date: October 18, 2012
Matthew Cooper talked about National Journal's latest “Congressional Connection” poll on the key issues facing Congress, specifically, options to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” the impending tax increases and budget cuts at the end of 2012 if Congress cannot reach a new budget agreement.
Moyers Moment (1999): Justices Breyer and Kennedy on Money in our Courts
Posted on the Bill Moyers website on October 17, 2012.
In this Moyers Moment from 1999, Justices Stephen Breyer and Anthony Kennedy explain the impact of judicial campaign contributions on our court system.
McDonough Meets with Iraqi and Afghan Leaders
Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor
Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough
traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan October 15-17. In meetings in Baghdad on
October 15, Mr. McDonough underscored the U.S. commitment to Iraq’s success
through the structure of the bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement. He
reviewed our cooperation on security issues, and discussed how the U.S. and
Iraq could further improve their partnership, including on
counterterrorism. In meetings with President Talabani, Prime Minister
Maliki, and with Parliament Speaker Nujayfi and others, Mr. McDonough stressed
the President’s support for Iraq’s independent democratic institutions, and
urged inclusive dialogue toward national reconciliation. Mr. McDonough
reiterated our view that that any investigation into Iraq’s Central Bank must
be transparent, in accordance with Iraqi law and free from political influence
to avoid undermining the independence of the institution or investor confidence
in Iraq. In all of his meetings with Iraq’s leaders, Mr. McDonough discussed Syria,
with a particular focus on ensuring that violence from Syria does not degrade
Iraq’s domestic security. During his visit to Baghdad, Mr. McDonough
spoke with Roman Catholic Archbishop Jean Sleiman and expressed the President’s
continuing support for the rights and security of all of Iraq’s minority
groups.
On October 16 and 17 in Afghanistan, Deputy
National Security Advisor McDonough met with U.S. civilian and military
leaders, as well as our coalition and Afghan partners, in Kabul, and in Eastern
and Southern Afghanistan. In these meetings, he discussed the current
state of transition to Afghan lead and our progress towards meeting the
objectives agreed to at the NATO Summit in Chicago earlier this year.
In Kabul, Mr. McDonough met with General Allen and other senior ISAF
officials to discuss the military campaign, the transition process, and the
status of building and strengthening the Afghan National Security Forces to
assume responsibility as U.S. and coalition forces continue to draw down. Mr. McDonough
also met with Ambassador Cunningham and Embassy staff to discuss Afghanistan’s
political transition, including reconciliation, the upcoming 2014 elections,
and implementation of our mutual commitments under the Strategic Partnership
Agreement. Mr. McDonough completed his visit by meeting with military personnel
in Regional Command-East and Regional Command-South, to hear their perspective
on the challenges they face as we move forward, including the recent troubling
trend of insider attacks and the mitigation steps being taken against them.
'What We Did Here in New York Can Only Be The Beginning'
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo on Court Ruling Regarding Defense of Marriage Act
"In June 2011, New York State inspired the rest of the nation by becoming the largest state to achieve marriage equality. Today’s ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit provides further momentum for national progress on this important civil rights issue. What we did here in New York can only be the beginning, and we must continue to work together until all Americans are free to marry whom they love and are entitled to all of the rights and benefits of marriage equally, regardless of sexual orientation."
Details on the ruling are available in this New York Times article.
Details on the ruling are available in this New York Times article.
Image courtesy of http://clipart.edigg.com.
Today in History: October 18th
Highlights of this day in history: Inventor Thomas Edison dies; Three scientists share Nobel prize for DNA work; Anthrax scare hits CBS in New York; Two U.S. athletes suspended for Mexico City Olympics protest; Rock star Chuck Berry born.
Romney Recorded: Asking Employers to Sway Votes?
Sources:MediaiteThink Progress
In These TimesThe Atlantic Wire
By Kerry Leary
Anchor: Jasmine Bailey
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Newsweek Ending Print Publication
Sources:WNBCThe Daily BeastHLN
CNNGizmodoAppleInsider
By Jasmine Bailey
Anchor: Jasmine Bailey
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
UN Somalia Chief Calls for Aid to Stave Off Food Crisis
The UN's humanitarian affairs coordinator for Somalia is calling for international donors to step up assistance. Mark Boden has recently resigned from his post. But on the eve of his departure, he told Al Jazeera's Peter Greste that international support is slipping in the middle of a food crisis.
Captured Syrian Pilot Speaks to Al Jazeera
A Syrian air force pilot captured by rebels after his plane was shot down has told Al Jazeera that he did not know he was bombing civilians. Captain Roni Ibrahim said he and his fellow pilots were isolated from the reality of the conflict. Ibrahim said he was speaking freely, though Al Jazeera was unable to verify the claim. Anita McNaught has this exclusive report from the northern town of al-Bab.
Thousands Protest in Athens Anti-Austerity Rally
Thousands of Greek protesters have responded to their leader's plans for austerity measures by gathering in Athens for an anti-austerity rally. Some of the demonstrators pelted riot police with petrol bombs, bottles and pieces of marble. The protest in the capital is part of a nation-wide strike that has shut down rail service, grounded flights and closed schools. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports from Athens.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
UN Envoy Warns of Syria Crisis Spillover
Syria's 19-month conflict can set the entire region ablaze, international peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has warned. Al Jazeera's Rula Amin reports from Beirut, where Brahimi held talks with Lebanese officials on Wednesday.
Abortion, Gay Marriage Rights Left Out on U.S. Presidential Campaign Trail
President Obama and his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, stake out opposite positions on abortion rights and gay marriage. Obama supports both while Romney is against both. But the candidates rarely mention social issues on the campaign trail because those issues have lost the power to sway voters. Cultural conservatives are already Republican while cultural liberals are already in the Democratic party. The potential of those issues as crossover issues have declined dramatically over the past 20 years.
'The President's Performance Has Made it An Easy Choice'
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo on Second Presidential Debate
"The second debate was
clearly a decisive victory for President Obama. He demonstrated he has an
effective record as commander in chief, presented a real plan for moving
America's economy forward, and provided a stark contrast to Mitt Romney's
endorsement of the same failed ideas that led us into this fiscal crisis in the
first place. New Yorkers and all Americans were given a clear choice in this
debate for our nation's future and the President's performance has made it an
easy choice."
Senator Addabbo to Host Annual Job Fair
At Senator Addabbo's 4th Job Fair held at The Shops at Atlas Park in October 2011 in Glendale, thousands of people from around the metro area attended to explore job opportunities with over 100 potential employers. During the event, the senator discussed the state of the economy with local job seekers as he handed out the list of employers/recruiters inside.(Click on photo to enlarge.)
Free Public Event Will Be Held at Resorts World NY
On October 19, from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m., New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. will host his annual job fair at Resorts
World NY (RWNY) at Aqueduct Racetrack, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park.
The event will take place
indoors and attendees are urged to dress in business attire and bring copies of
resumes. Over 150 potential employers are expected to be on hand.
The workshop schedule includes: 11
a.m. - How to Successfully Work a Job
Fair; 12 p.m. -
How to Use Social Media to Find a Job; and 1 p.m. - Preparing
for a Career Change.
Free parking will be available
and the location is wheelchair accessible.
Here are several travel routes to the
racetrack:
Take the Far Rockaway A-train to Aqueduct/No. Conduit Avenue station and
walk to track, or take the RWNY shuttle bus to casino entrance, which runs every 15
minutes.
Take the Q 11 bus on Woodhaven Boulevard to Liberty Avenue. stop, then
the Q 7 east to RWNY at Aqueduct.
Take the Q 7 bus along Sutter Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard to RWNY at Aqueduct.
Take the Q 37 from Union Turnpike via 111th Street to RWNY at Aqueduct.
Take the Q 41 from Howard Beach or Jamaica Avenue to the Centreville
& Rockaway Boulevard stop, and walk east to racetrack & casino entrance.
Check online at here for more specific
public transit directions.
For more information, driving
directions, or if you would like to attend, contact either of Senator
Addabbo’s district offices: Howard Beach at 718-738-1111 or
Middle Village at 718-497-1630.
Photo courtesy of the office of Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.
Today in History: October 17th
Highlights of this day in history: Arab oil embargo fuels energy crisis; Americans clinch revolutionary victory at Saratoga; Deadly quake hits northern California; Mobster Al Capone convicted of tax evasion; Playwright Arthur Miller born.
Maine Earthquake Felt Across New England
Sources:USGSNews 13WTICLos Angeles Times
By Shanley Reynolds
Anchor: Brice Sander
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Thousands Displaced by Floods in Nigeria
The people in this region are no strangers to rain. But this has been the heaviest rainfall in 40 years. Many blame the government for their suffering and say the authorities were not prepared to evacuate people, provide shelter and other emergency services - despite a warning that there would be major flooding this year. Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports from Rivers State, Nigeria.
Spanish Students Join Anti-Austerity Campaign
Students in Spain are voicing their anger over the cuts in the education budget, saying their future is now at stake. Since 2010, some $6.5 billion have been cut from education funding in Spain. Tens of thousands of teaching jobs have been lost, class sizes have risen, and there have been dramatic increases in tuition fees. Scholarships, subsidies for textbooks and school dinners have disappeared, and other support grants have been cancelled. Students are deeply concerned, not least by comments this week from Spain's education minister. Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan reports from Madrid.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Obama and Romney Set for Second Debate
Obama arrives in New York for town hall style debate as polls show half of US voters prefer his Republican rival.
Tucker Carlson on the Presidential Debate and 2012 Election
Tucker Carlson previewed the evening's presidential debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney, and talked about the 2012 election. He also responded to viewer telephone calls and electronic communications, and questions from Hofstra University students.
NYS Assemblyman James Conte Dies
James D. Conte
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
"It is with great sadness that we hear news of the passing of Jim
Conte, who served Long Island residents and our entire state for more than two
decades as a member of the Assembly. Throughout his career, Jim was an
outspoken advocate on important issues facing not just his constituents and
community, but all New Yorkers. He fought to increase awareness for tissue and
organ donation and boost enrollment in donor registry, so those needing vital
transplants could be given a new hope for life. The passage of 'Lauren's Law'
this year reflected Jim's dedication and commitment to this important issue. In
addition, Jim has worked for years to protect Long Island's beautiful natural
habitats to ensure the region's shores and beaches could be enjoyed by visitors
and residents for years to come. Above all else, Jim will be remembered for his
kindness and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, and with his passing,
our state has lost a true public servant and a man of integrity and character.
We will miss Jim, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my condolences to
his friends and family."
Details on Assemblyman Conte's life and death can be read in this New York Daily News article.
Details on Assemblyman Conte's life and death can be read in this New York Daily News article.
Photo courtesy of http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/James-D-Conte/bio/.
New Consumer Protections Issued to Protect Children
Manufacturers and Retailers Must Comply with New Product Safety and Recall Regulations
The New York Department of State today announced
the adoption of new consumer protections aimed at shielding children under the
age of twelve from dangerous and hazardous durable juvenile products and
children’s products manufactured, distributed and/or sold in New York State.
The new consumer protection regulations set
requirements for labeling standards, recalls notifications and removal of
recalled toys and children’s products from the marketplace.
“These new consumer protections go a long way
towards protecting New York children from unsafe toys and durable juvenile
products. Recalled items which all too often remain on store shelves continue
to pose a danger to unsuspecting users and have for too long exposed children
to needless hazards”, said New York Secretary of State Cesar Perales.
“New Yorkers can have a renewed sense of
confidence that the products they purchase for their children are safe.”
The new State consumer protections are specifically
directed at entities within the children’s and durable juvenile products
marketplace including manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
A manufacturer who introduces durable juvenile
products for sale or distribution in New York State must include a product
label in accordance with requirements as prescribed by U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission and must also include an owner product safety card for
consumers to register their purchase.
Within twenty-four hours of issuing or receiving
a product recall or warning notification from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, the manufacturer must inform all retailers where the products have
been delivered of the recall. Consumers who have turned in an owner safety card
must also be contacted by the manufacturer.
“To protect our kids, New York’s parents
and family caregivers need accurate, timely information about unsafe toys and
children’s products,” stated Chuck Bell, programs director for Consumers Union,
publisher of Consumer Reports.
“No parent or caregiver wants to have hazardous
products in the home, if the manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety
Commission has called for that product to be removed from the
marketplace. These tough new rules will help ensure that recalled products
are quickly removed from store shelves, and that consumers are promptly
notified of hazards involving children’s products. We commend the
Department of State for its leadership in working with manufacturers and
retailers to improve our New York’s safety system for children’s products.”
These new State consumer protections also
mandate that retailers of durable juvenile products do not take delivery of,
nor introduce for sale, any children’s product that does not have appropriate
labeling.
Upon knowledge of a recall regarding a
children’s product or a durable juvenile product, a retailer who has sold or is
offering such product for sale must remove the hazardous children’s product or
durable juvenile product from the store shelves; and post the recall or warning
notice conspicuously for at least 60 days at all of the retailer’s locations
where such item had been or was being sold.
The adoption of these regulations will provide
stronger consumer protection to parents by arming them with information about
the toys and children’s products they wish to purchase and timely information
regarding recalls.
The regulations will be effective in three
months after the notice of adoption. Those found to have violated the new
regulation could face the imposition of a fine of up to $5,000 per violation.
The New
York Department of State shall impose penalties of up to $50,000 upon the
occasion of a second violation or subsequent violations of these consumer
protections.
Candy Crowley: Obama, Romney Scared of Journalist?
Sources:CNNTIMEFox NewsNew York Magazine
Fox News InsiderMSNBC
By Dan Kennedy
Anchor: Neville Miller
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit Quits, Michael Corbat Takes Over
Sources:CNNCNBCLos Angeles Times
The Wall Street Journal
By George Dumontier
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
U.S. Increases Military Drills in Asia
The U.S. navy has increased its training exercises off the coast of Thailand. The new drills are part of a strategic campaign which the White House calls its "pivot to Asia", but others see the rise in military activity as a political move by the US to flex its muscles. It comes at a time of deep tension over territorial disputes surrounding the group of islands known as the Scarborough Shoal. Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett got access to one of the vessels before exercises began.
Latino Vote Key to Swing States
The growing numbers of Latino voters living in critical swing states could have a powerful impact on this year's US presidential race. The fastest growing ethnic group in the country could play crucial role in four key states: Nevada, Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina. However, as Republican anti-immigrant rhetoric continues and the Obama administration's record deportation numbers, getting Latino voters to move beyond their disillusionment will be a major challenge for both parties. Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reports from Phoenix.
Iraq Limits Number of Syrian Refugees
Thousands of Syrians are fleeing the conflict at home to take refuge in neighboring countries. Jordan has announced it will open a second camp meaning as many as 250,000 refugees could be held in the country. But Iraq, another Syrian neighbor , is now limiting the numbers coming over the border saying it lacks the security and resources to hold them. Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reports from the al-Qaim refugee camp.
Cruise Ship Captain Meets Survivors in Italy
The captain blamed for the sinking of a cruise ship in Italy has apologized to survivors during a court hearing. The Costa Concordia liner capsized in January, killing 32 people. A lawyer for the victim's families says no one should have died. Charlie Angela reports from Grosseto.
Monday, October 15, 2012
"In This Case, There's Going to Be a Tremendous Difference"
Lloyd Strayhorn Predicts a Major Victory for President Obama in the Second Debate
Fresh off his prediction that Joe Biden would defeat Paul Ryan in the vice presidential debate, which many believe was the case, world-famous astro-numerologist Lloyd Strayhorn's forecast says the stars and numbers overwhelmingly favor President Barack Obama, and that he will not pull punches during the second presidential debate on October 16. This interview segment was conceived, directed, edited and written by "The G-Man".
"The U.S. Has Not Been Proactive on Korea"
Expert on the Asian Region Says the Obama Administration Must Address the Tension Between North and South Korea, China and Japan
A FROM THE G-MAN EXCLUSIVE
On October 12, From The G-Man contacted Charles K. Armstrong, the Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies in the Social Sciences at Columbia University, in New York City, to discuss the growing tension in the Asian region and how the United States could be impacted.
Dr. Charles Armstrong
Dr. Armstrong specializes in modern Korean, East Asian and international history. He has served as a special guest commentator on the Asian region for this news and information site since 2009, and From The G-Man proudly welcomes him back for an analysis of the recent conflicts involving North and South Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan.
Image of North/South Korea map courtesy of www.cotf.edu.
Image of East Asia map courtesy of www.abts.cornerstone.edu.
Biden Versus Ryan: A TKO?
A Special Guest Commentary by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Les Payne
Biden Versus Ryan: A TKO?
In a
match between an aging contender and a young upstart, the benefits of
experience were clear
The vice-presidential
debate, which set the table for the Romney-Obama rematch at Hofstra
University on Oct. 16, resembled an old-fashioned boxing match between a cagey
veteran and a wiry upstart from a GOP Party that is 98 percent white.
Unlike
President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, who stayed in their corners during the
first of three debates, their stand-ins for high office clearly went down to
Kentucky Thursday night to rumble. Vice President Joe Biden had all the moves
of what might pass in some quarters as belonging to a black street fighter, while
small-town Paul Ryan came on as the great white hope.
The tone was
set early when a punch from the 69-year-old vice president came from nowhere
and staggered his 42-year-old opponent during the debate last night.
The vice
president landed his left hook over the matter of the $20 million that Rep.
Paul Ryan had requested from the very Department of Energy he had just
criminally accused of "crony capitalism and corporate welfare." Both
Ryan and Romney have sharply criticized the $90 billion stimulus program the
Obama administration committed to support clean energy.
"[Ryan] writes me a letter saying -- writes
the Department of Energy a letter," said Biden, "saying 'The reason
we need this stimulus, it will create growth and jobs.' His words! And now he's
sitting here looking at me" talking "about cronyism … I wish he would
be a little more candid."
The
counterpunch seemed momentarily to have put Ryan on what boxing writers call
"queer street," as his droopy eyes went blank and the smirk receded
from his razor lips. When the Boston Globe in August revealed that Ryan sent
four letters requesting funds for a conservation group, the Wisconsin
congressman told an Ohio TV
station: "I never asked for stimulus."
Last night,
moderator Martha Raddatz challenged Ryan: "You did ask for stimulus money,
correct?"
"On two
occasions," he said, struggling to get his legs back under him. "We,
we, we advocated for constituents who are applying for grants. That's what we
do … "
"I love
that," said Biden, barely able to contain himself. "I love
that."
It was one moment of the vice-presidential
debate when the two opponents personally butted heads. Most of the 90 minutes
were spent in defense -- or attacking the record -- of public statements and
even the characters of Obama and Romney.
With almost
as many years in the U.S. Senate as Ryan is old, Biden smiled condescendingly
as he worked the opening foreign-policy rounds on Libya, Iran and Afghanistan.
Repeatedly, he out-punched the less prepared Ryan, derisively dismissed as
"my friend," with shouts of: "That's a bunch of malarkey,"
"Not a single thing he said is accurate," "This is a bunch of
stuff" and "Look, here's the deal."
So tough was
Biden in such clinches that, at one point, Ryan pleaded: "Mr. Vice
President, I know you're under a lot of duress to make up for lost ground, but
I think people would be better served if we don't keep interrupting each
other."
After
stumbling on during discussions about Iran and Afghanistan, Ryan regained his
footing in the more familiar arena of domestic policy, fighting Biden to a near
standstill and leaving viewers to choose sides between the two parties' starkly
different viewpoints on taxes, job cuts and Medicare. And though each is
Catholic, their views on abortion diverged, with Ryan opposing abortion in
almost all cases and Biden supporting Roe
v. Wade.
The vice president turned and directly
challenged TV viewers to consider Supreme Court appointments when choosing
between Obama and Romney.
"The
next president will get one or two Supreme Court nominees. That's how close Roe v. Wade is. Just ask yourself, with
Robert Bork being the chief adviser on the court for -- for Mr. Romney, who do
you think he's likely to appoint? Do you think he's likely to appoint someone
like Scalia or someone else on the court far right that would outlaw
(inaudible) -- outlaw abortion?"
The
congressman drew the audience laugh of the night when defending against
gaffe-prone Biden's reminder of Romney's 47-percent remarks. "With respect
to that quote," Ryan retorted, "I think the vice president very well
knows that sometimes the words don't come out of your mouth the right
way."
In the wake
of the ensuing outburst from the Centre College crowd, Biden shot back,
"But I always say what I mean. And so does Romney." Later, he added,
"That little soliloquy on 47 percent -- [if] you think [Romney] made a
mistake ... I got a bridge to sell you."
All night,
the split-screen TV shots showed the two men seated before the moderator at a
table, oddly appearing to look off-screen. Biden gazed to the left and Ryan to
the right, as if talking to someone on opposing window ledges. In a cagey move,
Ryan turned directly to face the camera and ended the debate with a rehearsed
attack on the Obama administration.
"The
choice is clear, and [it] rests with you," he said. "Thank you."