The Hiller Instinct: Second Democratic Debate

For the nine Democrats on the stage, the President set the stage Sunday when he addressed the nation and announced he'll ask Congress for another $87 billion to stabilize and rebuild Iraq.

President George W. Bush
"This will take time and require sacrifice."

Too much sacrifice for the United States to make alone--the Democrats charged--ripping at Bush:

Rep. Richard Gephardt, (D) Presidential Candidate
"Incredibly, four or five months after the war is ended, he does not have the help that we need. It is an abomination."

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, (D) Presidential Candidate
"What President Bush gave the American people on Sunday night was a price tag not a plan."

Sen. Bob Graham, (D) Presidential Candidate
"That is the latest example of the blank check mentality of this president."

Sen. John Edwards, (D) Presidential Candidate
"We have to have the help of our friends and allies, the United Nations, NATO..."

Howard Dean, (D) Presidential Candidate
"I think the president's judgment was grossly called into question."

Sen. John Kerry, (D) Presidential Candidate
"And it's extraordinary. It's an act of negligence of remarkable proportions."

Just as in their first debate, Kerry never directly challenged frontrunner Dean. But Lieberman did...on support for Israel...

Howard Dean, (D) Presidential Candidate
"I'm disappointed in Joe. My position on Israel is exactly the same as Bill Clinton's..."

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, (D) Presidential Candidate
"That’s not right."

Howard Dean, (D) Presidential Candidate
"I didn't interrupt you and I'd appreciate it if you didn't interrupt me."

The debate was interrupted five times by protestors, embarrassing the sponsors, the Congressional Black Caucus.

Al Sharpton spoke for everyone:

Al Sharpton, (D) Presidential Candidate
"Will you all respect our right to be heard?"