Nov. 15 Democratic debate transcript

Blitzer: All right. Hold on one second.

I want Senator Dodd to weigh in.

Senator Dodd, because you said -- made a statement earlier in the week, and I'm quoting you now: you're, "surprised at just how angry Senator Edwards has become," and you suggested, "He's not the same person I once knew."

Go ahead and elaborate. Tell us what you mean.

Chris Dodd: Well, let me, I mean, pick up on this point here.

I think, first of all, we Democrats have a job to do, and that is to unite this party, attract independents, Republicans who are seeking change, to join us 12 months from now and elect a Democrat to the White House and to hold on to the House and Senate. That's number one.

And it's going to take more than just getting people in our own party to support us. We're going to have to reach out.

There's a shrillness to the debate. The American people want results, they want the job done, exactly what Joe Biden talked about here. But people get up in the morning and go to work, they sit around and they worry about their jobs, their retirement, their health care, this kids' education, and they wonder if anybody in Washington is paying any attention to them and whether or not the job is being done on their behalf.

And, frankly, when a campaign is about turning up the heat or who's angrier or who's yelling louder, the American people turn off, in terms of listening.

They want us to come together. They want a president that can lead the country.

We want a Democratic candidate who can unite our party. And I think if we waste time on the shrillness of this debate, then we lose the American people.

Blitzer: All right.

Dodd: So it's important to focus on those.

Blitzer: Governor Richardson, go ahead.

Bill Richardson: Well, by the way, I'm Bill Richardson. I'm Governor of New Mexico.

And nice to meet you all.

I -- you know, it seems -- you know, it seems that John wants to start a class war. It seems that Barack wants to start a generational war. It seems that Senator Clinton, with all due respect on her plan on Iraq, doesn't end the war.

All I want to do is give peace a chance.

And I say that because these are the fundamental issues. Do our plans end the war? Do our plans make America energy-independent?

Do our plans -- do our plans give health care to every American? Are we creating jobs and economic growth? Are we resolving the real problems affecting this country?

You know, let's stop this mud-slinging. let's stop this going after each other on character on trust. Let us debate the issues that affect the American people, and let us be positive. Let's be positive.

Blitzer: I just want to go down the line and ask everyone, and then we're going to move on to the next question.

Just to be precise, because there was a little confusion thanks to Senator Edwards earlier in the week -- I just want to make sure I fully understand all of you Democrats.

Are you ready to commit, absolutely, positively that you will support the Democratic nominee, no matter who that nominee is? No ifs, ands or buts.

Senator Edwards?

Edwards: Is that a planted question?

Blitzer: Yes, I planted it.

Edwards: Yes, I absolutely will support the Democratic nominee for president.

Dodd: Absolutely.

Clinton: Absolutely, yes.

Kucinich: Only if they oppose war as an instrument of policy.

Richardson: Yes, I will support the nominee.

Biden: Hell, no, I wouldn't support any of these guys.

No, I'm joking. Of course, I'm for them all.

Blitzer: Campbell, go ahead.