Hello Sen Dodd

Welcome, Senator Dodd! It is truly an honor to have you here with us.

[Transcript available beginning here]

Welcome Senator Dodd, it’s a pleasure to have you here today.

Welcome, Senator.

That’s a fascinating amendment. Any cosponsors?

Welcome, Senator Dodd.

Welcome back, Senator Dodd.

We seem to be having a technical moment, they’re working on it.

Hello Senator Dodd.
Thanks for being here today.

We are excited to have you here, Senator Dodd!

Welcome Senator Dodd!
Thank you for your clear stance on the occupation of Iraq!

Bob in HI

welcome Senator Dodd … thanks for being here this afternoon.

Welcome Senator

Welcome, Sen. Dodd!

Can you provide us with some background on why the effort to include a timeline in the supplemental bill failed? Why were there not enough votes in the Senate to pass the vetoed bill again?

Welcome Senator Dodd and Thank you and FDL for hosting more access to our reps.

I am not able to connect to any sound or Senator Dodd at the U stream. Not sure what I am doing wrong.

Welcome Senator Dodd.

Can you explain what ‘redeployment of U.S. combat troops’ means in the context of your proposed amendment? Thank you.

Your amendment is just what I want to see. Over and over until it’s passed

Sound and video loud and clear!

No sound here…

Thank you Senator Dodd. You have answered my question. And I like your answer!

Welcome Senator do you have any tricks to stop the President from attacking Iran? After all the president is a “problem gambler” when losing he doubles his bet. If your bill passes that might send him over the edge with the need to regain control nomatter what the costs.

Stream is pretty kerchunky here.

Senator Dodd I think your amendment is just what we need, but my concern is that you will not be able to get the support needed in congress in order to make the amendment a reality. I agree that we cannot wait for a new president before taking action, but this administration does not see willing to make any concessions at all. How do you get around all of this and make troop withdrawal a possible?

Welcome, Senator Dodd, and thank you for fighting for what is right.

Kathleen, refresh and try again, that worked here.

Welcome Senator Dodd and thanks for being here. I can SEE!

Have you co-sponsors, sir? I will write to Senators Boxer and Feinstein today.

Thank you for coming, Senator Dodd.

Senator Dodd,
CIA Veteran Micheal Scheuer and other security specialist have said that many Muslims do not like U.S. foreign policy in the middle east. We hear this over and over again. That the issue is “what we do not who we are”

How can the present and a future administration incorporate these intelligence experts insights into our foreign policy? How can these insights be applied to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the lop-sided and “unchecked” support of Israel no matter what they do in the middle east?

Senator Dodd, I’ve been hearing about plans to “deauthorize” the war. Is that part of your plan?

Senator Dodd.
Thank you for your time and welcome back.

Do you feel that possibly your colleagues have heard the people now after the last vote on this?
Do you think you have any more chance of building support for your bill?

wow - welcome sen dodd - its an honor to have you here

Senator Dodd, is it really possible to hold Bush accountable? It seems like he has never been accountable for anything at anytime.

Senator you want to be President assuming you win you will be stuck paying for all the costs of Bush’s war. The Republicans will then attack you for raising taxes or increasing the Debt. I wonder if you can get the Republicans to pay for just half the current cost of this war during Bush’s term. It just does not seem fair that a democrat should get stuck paying for Bush’s war.

Left behind in the dust here on dial-up. Hope some kind soul can note some of the highlights of Senator Dodd’s remarks here in the comments.

i agree with you on not having permanent bases in iraq - thats what led to the anger with the usa in saudi arabia

Senator, I would like to know if these resolutions are binding, and if President Bush fails to meet them, what action will be taken?

Senator Dodd, thank you for your efforts to end the Iraq Occupation.

If pro-Occupation Senators find the votes todefeat your amendment, would you be willing to filibuster the Defense Appropriations Bill until the amendment were accepted or cloture invoked?

….and would you be willing to force a cloture vote to clearly delineate who cooperated and who obstructed your efforts to end the Iraq Occupation?

Sen. Dodd, I know that in the past you’ve put significant effort into supporting the International Criminal Court.

If elected POTUS, would you send the Rome Statute to the Senate for ratification?

Good for the Senator for clarifying that voting to defund is not voting to abandon the troops. That’s a bogus argument and I wish other 08s would clarify that.

Senator, for those of us outside of Washington, DC, who can read the polls, we can’t figure out why the Democratic Party in DC seems so far behind the voters on the Iraq occupation.

Why is there such a disconnect between the voters and the elected member of the Democratic Party in DC?

Sen. Dodd and staff — thank you so much for agreeing to do this here at FDL today. I’m fascinated by the technology, but the knowledgeable and thorough answers are very much appreciated. And I needed to say that in print.

(And, for this barely-tech-literate blogger, the technology involved in the live vlogging townhall is amazing. I am loving this!)

Senator are you willing to filibuster any further funding for this war that does not include withdrawing our troops?

(much improved background over last week, Dodd squad)

Senator Dood are you concerned that polls report that the American public has little faith in our elected Reps?

Senator Dodd, it was just reported by The Politico that you will not be attending the Fox News/Congressional Black Caucus debate in September. Can you comment on your decision not to attend?

Who is reading the questions?

Love that characterization of the Bush Administration foreign policy disdain “they treat it as though it is a gift to the enemies, and military policy as the first response.” That is so backward — good for Sen. Dodd for calling that as it is, straight out.

Sparkles the Iguana @ 46

Who is reading the questions?

Matt Browner-Hamlin, Dodd blogger

Unfortunately it appears that the Senate still has a pro-war majority, with Lieberman and several conservative Democrats outnumbering Republican dissenters like Chuck Hagel. Sen. Dodd, as an expert on Senate procedures, are there any ways that you can have an effect when you don’t have a majority?

What’s to stop the Senate from caving again this fall when George Bush starts a new game of chicken over the next round of funding?

Hello from CT, Senator Dodd.

Given how important numbers are needed in terms of votes to support any “end the war” legislation, what do you suggest that we in CT do to deal with the Joe Lieberman issue? Impeach? Recall? Clearly, he is not a democrat and does nothing except continue to hurt our party.

Thank you for taking my question.

Senator Dodd, we are two Ohio University students. We have lost faith in our elected Representatives due to the invasion of Iraq.

How would you encourage two 19 year old students to get involved with our democratic process?

From
Nina Bierlein and Morgan Gotfried

Thanks, Teddy and Matt!

Thank you so much for being here and for continuing this fight. And for participating in vlogging!!!

I am so grateful to hear that you are responding to last week’s disappointments and presenting such intelligent and rational points about this tragic war.

You are personifying leadership that we need desperately. Thank you.

September in Iraq is just another game. It will ONLY be more difficult to stop this thing in September.

Dodd Rocks!

This is marvelous, and I love it. Welcome, Senator. I was delighted to see how quickly you responded to the funding vote, and your recognition of the netroots.

Senator, in light of reports that Condoleezza Rice claimed that the president “would defy troop withdrawal legislation,” — that’s defy, not veto — what options would be left to the Congress if he were to follow through on that threat?

Senator Dodd,

Thank you so very much for speaking truth to power. The invasion of Iraq (as Al Gore and others have pointed out) was a catastrophic mistake. Yet, we are “there.” I am interested in the role that other Arab states can/could play in helping us to see that the Iraqi people have an opportunity to move forward. Specifically, how would you use diplomacy to encourage these countries (most esp. Saudi Arabia) to play a more constructive role in this effort?

Kagro X @ 56

Senator, in light of reports that Condoleezza Rice claimed that the president “would defy troop withdrawal legislation,” — that’s defy, not veto — what options would be left to the Congress if he were to follow through on that threat?

Good question.

Thank you Senator Dodd … what a wonderful way for voters to get a chance to meet you.

And Thank you for your leadership on Iraq!

Thank you for taking the first of my questions. Here’s hoping the other 3 are answered as well! ;})

Senator, what about the huge and embarrassing embassy that we see the pictures of on the net?

Getting away from Iraq for a moment.

Obama is catching some flack for not including an individual mandate in his health care proposal. Can you explain why you included such a requirement in your plan? How do you ensure that people will be forced to purchase insurance that is not worth what they are paying for?

Yes Senator Dodd, I love this amendment. Why doesn’t the congress understand that the American people are disgusted with the war and want it to end? What is the overwhelming force keeping the war going?

Kuddos to you Sen Dodd for articulating how we have lost power and influence wrt Iraq, and the reminder that the 1st job of the pres is to look out for the interests of the people who have elected him/her: the American people!!!!!!!

Kagro X at 56 — Excellent question. Given Bush’s propensity for signing statements, it isn’t exactly a surprise. But I’d love to hear Sen. Dodd’s thoughts on that one.

Senator Dodd,

What is your take on the Bush administrations aggression towards Iran and the willingness by them to use military options instead of diplomacy?

pow wow @ 34

Left behind in the dust here on dial-up. Hope some kind soul can note some of the highlights of Senator Dodd’s remarks here in the comments.

We need to stand up to this administration before we lose more lives.

I joined the Peace Corps because an American President asked me to — civil rights mvmt, VISTA, we got excited about America. Join my campaign, join somebody else’s campaign, get involved.

Senator Dodd, Rice’s threat about defying troop withdrawal legislation seems to imply signing statements. What is your position on the use of signing statements?

Christy Hardin Smith @ 41

Sen. Dodd and staff — thank you so much for agreeing to do this here at FDL today. I’m fascinated by the technology, but the knowledgeable and thorough answers are very much appreciated. And I needed to say that in print.

(And, for this barely-tech-literate blogger, the technology involved in the live vlogging townhall is amazing. I am loving this!)

Yes, this is great! Thanks so much, FDL & Jane for setting this up. This is a first for me.

Answered my question. thanks.

now that bushco is nearing the end of his term - do you think we’ll see a more diplomatic stance in trying to end the war in iraq and lessen the chance of invading iran?

Question. specifically, how would youuse diplomacy to aencourage other ME countries, esp Syria to get more involved.

A. Please to see discussions w/Iran. We need to talk to counries we don’t agree with, inquire if there isn’t common ground with Syria, find ways they can become more involved in stabilizing. Reasons they may be reliuctant b’c of our military presence. Leaves them mo place but welcoming refugees. We need to use our influeanct to open door to allow other ME countries to participate in stabilization of the regjion.

I’m a CT resident, and glad Chris Dodd is my Senator.
now if we can only recall the other one….

Senator Dodd over and over again we hear that the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the U.S.’s lopsided stance on this conflict is why so many nations are angry with the U.S.. That they are not angry about “who we are but what we do” in the middle east

Badswater askes about signing stmts.

Sen Dodd: Disturbing, bad precedent, dangerous. President should not have legislative weight or judicial weight (if appeal to SCOTUS) in interpreting law.

Senator Dodd,

Thank you very much for your time today.

The occupation in Iraq will cost upwards of $500. Regardless of who the next president is. That bill will have to be repaid. How will you address that imposing issue?

Kathleen @ 72

Senator Dodd over and over again we hear that the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the U.S.’s lopsided stance on this conflict is why so many nations are angry with the U.S.. That they are not angry about “who we are but what we do” in the middle east. Can you please address this issue.

Jane Hamsher @ 58

Kagro X @ 56

Senator, in light of reports that Condoleezza Rice claimed that the president “would defy troop withdrawal legislation,” — that’s defy, not veto — what options would be left to the Congress if he were to follow through on that threat?

Good question.

Can you ask the president if he will stand behind Condi’s words and fire her for suggesting that the President who’s job it is to enforce the constituion would IGNORE IT! Then ask the Republican presidential candidates that question. If Bush won’t answer or won’t fire her then take away the State Dept’s money nobody cares what they do so there would be no political cost and it would force Bush on the defensive.

Bravo on your answer to Katrina.

Did Senator Dodd have the opportunity to state if would filibuster?

Patient called - missed the vlog :(

Thank you Sen Dodd for taking my question.

And I think that you are right on the money–as long as we are caught up in an un-godly civil war in Iraq, we are weaker in terms of our ability to negotiate with and encourage other Arab states to help stabilize Iraq.

Great answer!!!! (I have lived and traveled widely in the Middle East, and your answer shows me that you are in touch with the reality on the ground)

“Iraq is the major issue of the day” — I could not agree more.

WoooHooo!

Thanks Senator Dodd and FDL

Thank you so much for taking my question about Katrina and New Orleans.

Thanks to Senator Dodd and the Dodd campaign (and to FDL!) for this extraordinary opportunity to access one of our candidates for President.

As I’ve said before, Dodd may not be my first choice, but I sure like his candidacy, his campaign, and the efforts he’s made to move the “frontrunners” in the right direction.

Thanks to everyone at the lake great chat!

Well that was pretty cool. Swopa, egregious, ok, badwater, trex…who else got their questions answered? Kathleen I think.

Dang - missed it by THAT much.

Matt says end of chat today. Sen Dodds thanks us for our time and comments and consideration of his amendment.

Kick ass, all the way around.

Now to feed the kids some homemade pizza.

Thank you FDL and Senator Dodd. This was very interesting. A great way to meet candidates.

Mandrake @ 80

“Iraq is the major issue of the day” — I could not agree more.

It could easily be Iran tomorrow!

Jane Hamsher @ 87

Well that was pretty cool. Swopa, egregious, ok, badwater, trex…who else got their questions answered? Kathleen I think.

ME!

this was cool, thanks, AGAIN, FDL–great job!

Thank you, Senator!

Thank you, Teddy and Matt!

That was AWESOME!

Yea FDL!

Yea Sen Dodd!

It is so refreshing to hear real questions asked by real human beings, answered by a real human being.

Thank you Sen. Dodd.

Mr Browner-Hamlin, I do hope you retain a copy of the unasked questions as I know there were a lot of issues not addressed today.

Jane Hamsher @ 87

Well that was pretty cool. Swopa, egregious, ok, badwater, trex…who else got their questions answered? Kathleen I think.

dakine01

Interesting. For future reference, traffic watching the vlog was at its highest right as they signed off at 5:37. I think it takes a while for these things to pick up steam.

Jane Hamsher @ 88

Well that was pretty cool. Swopa, egregious, ok, badwater, trex…who else got their questions answered? Kathleen I think.

Me 6!

Jane Hamsher @ 88

Well that was pretty cool. Swopa, egregious, ok, badwater, trex…who else got their questions answered? Kathleen I think.

don’t forget Sparkles!

That was grand !

Thank you Jane & Christy

Jane Hamsher @ 88

Well that was pretty cool. Swopa, egregious, ok, badwater, trex…who else got their questions answered? Kathleen I think.

Got the first one answered about Habeas restoration. But not the other three (Blackwater under UCMJ, Posse Comitatus)

Nice work, firepups! Small technical hitch on my end. I could hear Sen. Dodd fine, but the questioner’s voice was very low volume.

That was completely awesome!

I’ve become a broken record — thanks again to the FDL’ers who make lurkin’ with a Senator possible.

You are the avant-garde of blogging. Congratulations.

Unlike the Laesch video, I believe there will be a video of the session available soon in the window above.

this was excellent!! can we do this again and again?

If he can get that amendment going. Id sure be considering his run for president

Thank you Senator Dodd! Good luck in your campaign!

Thank you Senator Dodd.

Jane, thank you, that was the cat’s meow. I am really impressed with Senator Candidate Dodd, but I have to wonder, is he really a politician? He only sounded like one for the first minute or two, then OMG! Def a keeper.

It was pretty funny when Matt said from offcamera, “Sparkles the Iguana asks…” Senator Dodd took it all in stride, I thought.

Phenomenal! This *feels* revolutionary on several levels.

AND Senator Dodd makes sense! In short supply recently in D.C., huh …

dakine01 @ 102

Got the first one answered about Habeas restoration. But not the other three (Blackwater under UCMJ, Posse Comitatus)

I noticed. I was waiting to hear his reaction to the Directive.

Hello from MN and thank you.
Very impressive - plan to visit the senator’s site.

So well done! And so energizing and encouraging. Sen Dodd is a great guy–and if he doesn’t become pres., I would love to see him as Sec of State. He obviously gets it.

Wow, what a communicator. His knowledge of foreign policy is so encouraging after listening to our current pres. for years. Thank you

juslin @ 107

this was excellent!! can we do this again and again?

We’ll see who else has the gumption to face the rabid lambs of Teh Lake.

old gold @ 106

You are the avant-garde of blogging. Congratulations.

Hear! Hear!

dakine01 @ 96

Thank you Sen. Dodd.

Mr Browner-Hamlin, I do hope you retain a copy of the unasked questions as I know there were a lot of issues not addressed today.

Impeachment. Several people on the advance question page asked why it was ‘off the table.’ I would like to have seen Sen. Dodd address this. He’s going to be my Senator again (after my absence from CT for a few years), and I want to know where he stands on this!

i have used the technology tools supporting this endeavor for several years now. i am excited about the opportunity this opens up for our collective community and political discussion, re: virtual global “town” meetings.

ain’t technology grand? (-:

thanks to everyone involved in setting this up. this is my first real chance to educate myself about Senator Dodd as a potential candidate. i like what i see!

The Revolution will be VLOGGED
*g*

Thanks Jane and Christy and all.

juslin @ 107

this was excellent!! can we do this again and again?

Amen and amen!

Present at the creation of a new media paradigm, etc.

Thanks, HotFlash! [Thought I might be able to pick this livestream up the way I can C-SPAN on-line streams, but I basically get just a semi-still shot of Senator Dodd at the table, and a couple of seconds of sound that then cuts off.]

But even without being able to listen in, this does look to be a great way to have a dialogue with the American people. Hats off to the Dodd team.

jane and the lakers - YOU ROCK!!! as one who’s not sure yet of whom i’ll support - i must say i’m impressed with sen dodd’s answers today….

Wouldn’t it be great to have a grownup as president, compared with our current situation?

Thank you Senator Dodd. I think you gained a lot of support today.

TeddySanFran @ 125

Present at the creation of a new media paradigm, etc.

*feeling sparkly like an Iguana*

spurious @ 114

dakine01 @ 102

Got the first one answered about Habeas restoration. But not the other three (Blackwater under UCMJ, Posse Comitatus)

I noticed. I was waiting to hear his reaction to the Directive.

That’s why I put a comment to the questioner hoping the unanswered are retained for future reference. Ther