Nov. 15 Democratic debate transcript

Blitzer: Now, here's the question.

Here's the question. Here's the question. Here's the question.

Congressman, do you feel, as you felt on other issues, that those who voted for the Patriot Act, and there are several here on this stage, bear a responsibility for the way this individual, this American citizen is being treated when he goes through an airport?

Kucinich: You're owed an apology, you really are. And every American should be able to present themselves without having to be further scrutinized based on ethnic identity.

But let's go back to the point that you made here. The time -- you know, the president of the United States is called upon to make the right decision at the right time. And you've seen here tonight people who voted for the war, voted to fund the war, now they have a different position. People voted for the Patriot Act. Now they have a different position. People voted for China trade. Now they have a different position. People who voted for Yucca Mountain. Now they had a different position.

Just imagine what it will be like to have a president of the United States who's right the first time. Just imagine.

And I don't think -- I don't think that the first questioner's question was really answered about what are you going to do about this president, and for that matter the vice president, because they're out of control, and Congress isn't doing anything.

Blitzer: Thank you. Thank you, Congressman.

Kucinich: It's called impeachment and you don't wait.

You do it now. You don't wait.

Blitzer: All right. Suzanne has another question...

Kucinich: Now. Impeach him now.

Blitzer: ... but I want -- Senator Biden, go ahead and respond, because you voted for the Patriot Act.

Biden: You know, let's -- facts are a funny thing. They get in the way.

You know what I mean? There is nothing in the Patriot Act that allows profiling. Let's get that straight. Nothing in the Patriot Act allows profiling. Number one, you're profiled illegally. I have voted against and worked with legislation with many people on this stage to stop profiling. That's number one. It did not. It's not because of the Patriot Act. It's a convenient thing to talk about, number one.

Number two, you know, when we had a chance to close down Guantanamo, I voted against funding Guantanamo. Other folks up here voted for funding it, including the two leading candidates. I voted to not build the new $36 million part. I called for closing it three years ago.

And so folks, this -- but this is not about who was right when. It's: What's your plan now? What are you going to do now?

Blitzer: Thank you. Thank you, Senator.

Go ahead, Suzanne.

Malveaux: George Ambriz, you're a graduate student here, and you're also a mentor to children. I understand that you have a concern about immigration.

George Ambriz: Yes, I do.

Buenos noches y bienvenidos.

It seems that many political commentators, such as Lou Dobbs, are guiding the debate and strongly shaping U.S. policy on immigration, by insinuating a linkage to terrorism.

As many people know, no terrorist has come from our southern border.

Do you consider fighting terrorism and slowing the flow of illegal immigration coming from our southern border as intrinsically related issues?

Malveaux: Governor Richardson, since you're the only one on this stage who does not support even building a fence, why don't you take this one?

Kucinich: That's not true.