.
Feedback

LIVE BLOG: Presidential Debate Insider Chat

A panel of New York's political influencers chime in live on the first 2012 presidential debate in Denver.

Game on.

Voters get their first chance Wednesday night to see President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney on the same stage as the 2012 presidential debates kick off in Denver.

The six topics at the hour and a half long debate will focus on domestic policy.

Here at Patch, we have invited several New York political influencers from both sides of the aisle to take part in a live chat during the debate. The confirmed participants are:
  • Don Scott (R), Bedford GOP chair
  • Michael Fagan (D), Long Beach City councilman
  • Linda Cabral Marrero (R), Village of Ossining mayoral candidate
  • Paul Feiner (D), Greenburgh Town supervisor
  • Thomas Kehoe (R), Northport Village trustee
  • Steve Behar (D), former NYC Council candidate, Democratic consultant
  • Peter Swiderski (D), Village of Hastings-on-Hudson mayor
  • Michael Kane (D), Peekskill Democratic City Committee district leader
  • Laura Morris (D), Pelham Village trustee
The live chat above will go live at 9 p.m. and run through the end of the debate. Please follow along. The chat will be driven by the panelists, but feel free to submit comments and questions for the panelists through the blogging platform and we may use them. As always, feel free to post comments and your thoughts on the debate directly below this article.
EyesOfTheWorld October 4, 2012 at 02:21 pm
Wanna talk about lies?...
and cover ups? let's talk about the PLANNED TERRORIST ATTACKS on US embassy in Libya on the anniversary of 9-11 which killed for Americans including US Ambassador Chris Stevens There's blood on the hands of Obama and his administration. Obama's lies and cover ups will sink Obama during Foreign Policies debates... And not only that - there's an investigation going on the handling of the terrorist attacks and heads are going to roll. Both Republicans and some Democrats support this investigation , including John Kerry. This is a HUGE story, that won't go away. The American public demands the truth.
JohnM October 4, 2012 at 02:58 pm
I thought Obama was amazing for the first 20 minutes. I actually wondered to myself if he DID have a teleprompter as opposed to Bill Maher who thought Obama needed one. There was none of his normal stammering and searching for words and slow crafting of sentences. He misrepresented Romney's positions on tax reform and misstated that he (Obama) lowered middle class taxes already during his term. Obama was crafty when he chose to say income taxes vs. just taxes.
I gotta say that the Obama payroll tax cut reduced Social Security tax by 2%. That is supposed to be funding our future retirement. He effectively told every wage earner to lower their retirement contributions and live for today. Nearsighted.
Vincent October 4, 2012 at 04:06 pm
Well, so much for exit polls!! http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2012/10/04/networks-ap-cancel-exit-polls-in-19-states/
Mickey October 4, 2012 at 04:10 pm
Hi EyesOfTheWorld... great point! Time to expose the lies and hidden truths is NOW... before more than half the country get's blinded in to making the same mistake that they did 4 years ago! BO has his own hidden agenda... and he first must bring America to it's knees before he can realize his goals!! We MUST stop him from doing even more damage than his policies have already done! Most OBNOXIOUS politician I have EVER seen!! Lies so much that he cannot even keep up with himself! His whole presidency and history is a LIE!
lorraine October 4, 2012 at 06:25 pm
Been there ...done that...didn't work.
JOE October 4, 2012 at 06:48 pm
eyes of the world you need to open your eyes
The attacks in libya happened when the anti islam movie was put out. rermember OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD. Something that the republicans could not do for 8 years . The republicans STARTED 2 WARS. Look at all of those who died for us over there and the war veterans who came back missing limbs. You want to talk about who has blood on therir hands?? Republicans do . Romney wants to increase military spending so he can start another war with Iran . why?? it would be good for his business partners
Al Lofaso October 4, 2012 at 07:25 pm
Joe, Read up on your history. It was the Dem's that started Vietnam, WWll,. The real problem is, we can win a war with fewer losses if we don't stick around to rebuild a country. As Billy Joel sang, "We didn't start the fire". We just need put the fire out and live to fight another day.
Al Lofaso October 4, 2012 at 07:27 pm
Also, Joe, Your last Line in your blog, is as stupid as stupid gets.
EyesOfTheWorld October 4, 2012 at 07:37 pm
Joe, I think you need to pay attention to what's going on, because you're misinformed. It was a preplanned terrorist attack. I think every American knows that by now.
And BTW, the Republican party did not start 2 wars. No President or party - Republican or Democrat - can start a war by themselves. We live in a Democracy - if you know what that means?
Mickey October 4, 2012 at 08:19 pm
What debate were you listening to last night? Romney blew him away with the TRUTH!!! I can't wait to see him take on all of Obamas MANY MANY LIES during the Foreign Policy debate! Can we say "Benghazi attack" cover up, and the lies about why and how our ambassador Chris Stevens was murdered? Sure was not some stupid video now was it!!! And that's just the latest in his book of LIES!
Mickey October 4, 2012 at 08:23 pm
And what would YOU have done as the leader of the free world after terrorists blew up 3000 innocent Americans??? Yeah- just what I thought! Gutless NOTHING???
Savage-FCPK October 4, 2012 at 08:53 pm
Joe-bamma, first it takes an act of congress to go to war, unless your name is Obama. He chose to bomb Libya without Congress, is he now a baby killer? Romney wants to build up the military so he can go to war with Iran? REALLY? Now you sound like a national socialist or NAZI PARTY MEMBER, should the USA just let Iran get the Bomb and kill all the Jews in Israel? You sound like a typical uninformed Democrat.
Howard Blankman October 5, 2012 at 06:11 am
This question is directed only to the panelists who commented during the debate: Were all of us watching the same debate?
G October 5, 2012 at 11:39 am
So I ask, are you blaming the mediator for The Presidents ineptness? Wake up, this President is destroying the country. Wake up and drink another glass of cool aid!!!
G October 5, 2012 at 11:48 am
I guess you hate the truth?? You finally saw how knowledgable this President is. Without his teleprompter he can't describe his policies. I ask, would anyone vote for a politician with three years expirence to become a President?
G October 5, 2012 at 11:53 am
Can you tell us what lies Mr. Romney said? And which part/ parts of Mr. Romneys statements was President Obamas' platform? Please let us know. Thanks.
G October 5, 2012 at 11:59 am
Thanks for pointing out the Media (Obama) Bias, again......
G October 5, 2012 at 01:13 pm
Joe Joe Joe, What can I say? If you really think that the recent eruption of protests of the Middle East was caused by an Islamic Trailer film was the cause for that mess your wrong. The Killing of Ambassdor Stevens was a planned, well thought out Assassination of a US Diplomat and three patriotic Americans. This is another failure of the Obama Administration. How could the State Department not beef up security of out Embassies on the 9/11 anniversary? The State Dept had some "intelligence" showing that there might be some kind of trouble. Amb. Stevens even wrote in his diary that he was fearful for his life, and he was abandoned to his demise. Just another failure of the Obama Foriegn Policy.
G October 5, 2012 at 01:15 pm
Shall I say more?? well heres another MAJOR FOREIGN DECISION:
PRES OBAMA tells PM Mubarack that he must leave Egypt because he was not elected by the "People" He was a man the Kept Peace with our "ONLY TRUE" Friend in the Middle East, Israel. So after riots in Egypt for many weeks Mubarack stepped down leaving the country for Free Elections. But a little backround first. Hosi Mubarack came into power because Anwar Sadat was assassinated during a parade. Sadat hand picked Mubarack as his successor before Sadat was killed. So lets see who Assassinated Anwar Sadat, a man of Peace. Well guess who? The Moslem Brotherhood. The same Radical Group in power now, that we give $$1.5 Billion to. SO Obama gets rid of an ally of ours(Mubarack) for a Radical Moslem and Leader of the Moslem Brotherhood Morci who is inciting trouble with Israel
G October 5, 2012 at 01:17 pm
Another example... Gadaffi, although a "Bad Guy" kept the Radical Moslems in check. Persident Obama tell Gadaffi he must leave too and supports the "Rebels" with our Military Aircraft to defeat Gadaffi. Finally Gadaffi was defeated and shot in the head on TV. Again, Radical Moslems now in charge of Libya. So now we have two Radical nations bent on destroying us and the rest of the non-moslem world thanks to our President. A Total Foreign Policy Failure.
I would like to know what Pres Obama is going to give Russa when he said on an open mic "Tell Putin I can do more after Im re-elected" What is he going to do??? Pres. Obama already gave up the Missle Denfence System promised to Poland when he was first elected, and possilally giving Russa a chance to reclaim Poland again. So what is Pres Obama going to give Putin? Please tell me. Thank You
Larry Jaeger October 5, 2012 at 02:11 pm
Lorraine,
You obviously believe all the lies you have been told the last 4 years, thay you can not recognize the truth when you are faced with it. We have a disasterous economy, high unemployment with no change in sight, a slowing economy growing at 1.3% while last year it was an anemic 2.3%. Last week 367,000 filed for 1st time unemployment benefits up from the revised 362,000 the previuos week. Last month the private sector created 114,000 new jobs. Do you see adisparity in these numbers? Do you believe the excuses for obama's empty suit performance? he only arrived in Denver at 2pm and was not acclimated to the high altitude, he was not prepared for Romney's organized, factual well prepared debate? Romney was lying. You obviously believe the lying excuse. Obama can not talk without his teleprompter, his agenda is not to grow the economy, his goal is to have a socialist society with big government controlling all business and our lives. he is the worst thing that ever happened to this great country. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Larry Jaeger October 7, 2012 at 03:46 pm
Joe, I guess you did not read the facts of how Bin Laden saw tracked down. The first lead was uncovered During George Bush's administration in Quantanamo (that Obama wanted to close) and took the FBI, CIA and other inteligence organizations years to track him to his lair in Pakistan. This was a painstaking task that Obama took the credit for. He also took credit for the actual kill even though it took him months to finally give the ok for the brave NAVY SEALS to risk their lives on the mission. Let the truth be known.
Jimmy p October 7, 2012 at 03:51 pm
The president looked tired and didnt retaliate against some of the " facts" presented, as well, Romey "flip-flopped" nd changed some of his policies as well and it was obvious that he is doing anything to appeal to the masses by saying anything he can.
As far as Bin Laden, history will show he ws killed during Obama's presidency, and will also reflect that Bush could not get him the entire time he was in office when 911 happened under his watch, and it took the next president's army to track and kill him. Argue whatever little detail you would like , history goes for the simple timelines and our children and their children will only know the blanket statements. Have fun arguing the details.
G October 8, 2012 at 01:01 am
A Reply to: Jimmy P
(1. The president looked tired?? Well he should be trying to run the most powerful country in the world instead of fund raising. Beside, How many men and woman are serving "our" country than don't get any sleep, carry 70 lb. backpack, endure 110 degree temperatures so I don't feel so bad for The President. ' cont
G October 8, 2012 at 01:16 am
A reply to: Jimmy P. 2) Can you state how Mr. Romney "Flipped flopped? Please be specific and point out where he flipped flopped and what he said prior to his alleged flip flopping. Again, please be specific.
3) As you stated, President Obama made the call to have Bin laden killed. In my opionion, anybody would have done the same so no big deal. But it was President Bushs' Policy that gave the Intel Community the info to track him down. cont'
G October 8, 2012 at 01:40 am
A reply to Jimmy P: 4) Now can you tell me what President Obama meant when he said...." Will do more after I'm re-elected" with Russian President Putin.... What will he do???? 5) Do you think The Middle East is a more secure place now that President Obama told Pres. Mubarak of Egypt, An Ally of ours that Kept Peace in the Middle east for thirty years ???? Only to be replaced by Mosi, A Moslem Brotherhood leader??? Who, by the way Assinated Anwar Sadat by the same Moslem Brotherhood???..... cont'
G October 8, 2012 at 01:52 am
A reply to: Jimmy P. 5) And how about Gadaffi, of Libya?? It was President Obama who told him to leave too, as President Obama did with Mubarak, and used our Military Manpower to get him out of power. Now what do we have there??? An Asssisinated Ambassidor and three American Patriots Killed by those same Radicals Moslems. The really sad part is that the Ambassidor was requesting more security and did not recieve any. Another disaster by the Obama Administration, and an additional threat to our friend Israel, The ONLY TRUE FRIEND IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
Please comment on this Jimmy, I'd like to hear you spin on these facts. Thanks.
jimc October 9, 2012 at 08:21 pm
Let me get this straight Obama has been in office for 4 years and is still just blaming Bush for all of the bad things he has no idea how to fix, But Bush is responsible for 9/11 only 9 months into his Presidency. Bush could have easily blamed Clinton but being a man he did what he thought was right without pointing fingers unlike Obama who has just whined for the last 4 years that its not hus fault.
Mickey October 9, 2012 at 11:15 pm
jimc! Beautifully said!! Bush may not have been perfect, but he did one hell of a job!! And kept us safe from attack for 8 years. Obama should learn a thing or two from the man... rather than place blame for every one of his own shortcomings... of which there are soooo damn many!!
michelle October 15, 2012 at 01:18 pm
Because that makes sense and would give equal representation. Only if the reverse were true would it be an issue it seems. All we can do is vote.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Garden City Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Dee M Dee June 9, 2013 at 11:57 pm
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS GARDEN CITY FOR A CHANCE TO BE A PART OF OUR VIPRead More EVENT NEXT WEEK!
pat conway June 12, 2013 at 02:10 pm
just reading Jane Goodall with my son for school and came across this quote of an amazing womanRead More "every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual makes a difference." that is what makes our nation, our village so great everyone has an opinion whether we agree with it or not. It just saddens me to think some may not voice their opinion in the future because of the rather harsh comments which I'm sure were just meant to get a point across rather than be hurtful. Garden City residents are not afraid to get involved, to stand up for what they believe in and I am proud to live here.
GcSupporter#2 June 12, 2013 at 04:15 pm
"If there is no discipline, there is anarchy. Good citizenship demands attention toRead More responsibilities as well as rights." - Principal Joe Clark
pat conway June 12, 2013 at 05:00 pm
Thank you GcSupporter#2 I love quotes! tells so much about the person and their beliefs and life...IRead More had to look up Principal Joe Clark after that....definitely a man I'd like to learn more about. I always try to use quotes with my children and their school work - I think the spoken and written word of others is so important!
Carisa Giardino (Editor) June 6, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Thanks Julie for letting everyone know about this important event right here in Garden City!