Live From Las Vegas, Part III: The Calm Before the Acoustic Intra-Candidate Questioning Set

WILLIAMS sez that the candidates are about to get a chance to ask each other questions.  But first, one or two more from the NBC boys, who appear to have finally  settled into more substantive lines of inquiry . . .

Q: JRE asked to follow-up on the sovereign wealth fund question.  

JRE:  Transparency is key, because of what it means to the American search for stability.  Americans are worried and insecure -- housing, jobs, etc.  The great test for America is making sure that the next generation has a better life than we had.  That's what I'll focus on.

OBAMA:  Our lack of an energy policy plays a big role in the ability of the Kuwaitis to operate as they do.  Segues to the subprime crisis, and his desire to strengthen transparecy and regulatory oversight.  (Really solid and smooth answer, imo.)

Q: To JRE -  something to do with the bankruptcy bill -- sound cut out a bit.

JRE:  It was a bad bill -- should not have voted for it.  Need to ameliorate sense of insecurity, and bankruptcy bill did opposite.  Incomes stangnat, cost of living going up.  What are we going to do about it?  Need universal health care.  Need to crack down on predatory payday loans.  Need to index minimum wage.  (Tight encapsulation of what Edwards is about.)

(Having only three candidates on stage definitely is leading to more substantive answers.  It's about time.)

Q: To HRC -- do you regret voting for bankruptcy bill?

HRC:  Sure -- but it never became law, so . . . segue to subprime, and the need to try and relieve pressure on homeowners, and the need to relieve insecurity in general.  (mcjoan points out that this, too, is a solid answer -- strengthened by HRC's clear passion.  We've got three candidates in midseason form.  They're all on.)

OBAMA continues on the subprime crisis.  Need to relieve stresses on people losing health insurance who also have mortgage problems.

Q: Internet Q to Obama -- how can you protect regular Americans when you reverse Bush tax cuts?

OBAMA:  I'll make sure I don't raise taxes on middle-class Americans.  Points out the absurdity of tax laws that punish inciome from work, and exempt income from wealth.  Proposes offsetting payroll tax, exempting SS income.  We'll pay for it by closing loopholes, rolling back Bush cuts for the wealthy.

(The intracandidate questioning still hasn't started.  Had to change the post title.)

HRC discusses the need to stimulate growth while stabilizing the financial situation of regular Americans.

(Key, if not only, theme tonight -- Democrats keenly recognize that Americans are really worried about their financial security.)

And here comes the potentially nasty part, as the intracandidate questioning starts.  mcjoan, take it away!