"Unlike the other candidates, for a quarter of a century I've brought people together to got things done," Senator Chris Dodd tells Sarwar Kashmeri

"I'm the only person in the history of this state to be elected
five times to the United States Senate. I'm known by both Republicans
and Democrats as one of a handful in the Senate that's able to bridge
parties and partisan lines to enact meaningful landmark legislation and it's
what I've done ..." Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT)

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Democratic & Republican Student Leaders at Dartmouth College speak out on politics and the next presidential elections

Greg Boguslavsky, President-Dartmouth College Republicans,

and Chairman, New Hampshire College Republicans

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Andy Reynolds, President-Dartmouth College Democrats

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Anyone who says todays college students are not involved in politics, and don't have opinions on domestic and global issues have not met Greg and Andy. I had the pleasure of sitting down with them for conversations the day before the September 26, 2007, Democratic Presidential Primary debate at Dartmouth College. Most impressive to me was how much each of them thought of the other, there is a lesson here for Congress!

They do Dartmouth and the country proud.

New Hampshire is going to have an even greater role in choosing the presidential nominee this year----Andrew Smith tells Sarwar Kashmeri

With changes in the dates of presidential primaries by many larger states, is the importance of the New Hampshire Presidential Primary a thing of the past? What should New Hampshire voters be doing to keep their state's primary as effective as it has always been? Is the front-loading of large state primaries a rear-guard action by the two political parties? Listen to the conversation between our host, Sarwar Kashmeri and Andrew Smith, Director of the University of New Hampshire's Survey Center--the nationally famous opinion polling organization.

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I think we need to talk to our enemies, it is called diplomacy--Gov. Richardson tells Sarwar Kashmeri

In his first appearance on the Eagle Times' NH-2008, Governor Bill Richardson (D) of New Mexico compares Real-ID legislation to the "failed, No Child Left Behind" law and explains his support for Federal legislation to help rural states get Broadband. Listen to the Governor and Sarwar Kashmeri, host of NH-2008 discuss nuclear proliferation, the demise of friendly and productive bi-partisan law-making in Washington and why it is important to meet the leaders of countries that may not be friendly to the United States.

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Governor Richardson meets Shirley's Restaurant

The breakfast crowd at Shirley's Restaurant on Pleasant Street, Claremont, N.H. certainly took notice when the large and impressive man in a dashing Navy blue blazer strode into the small country restaurant at 10 AM this last Saturday in July morning. Dan, the owner, introduced Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, a Democrat, to the 40 or so locals and a smattering of press and aides.

I was there to record Richards for the Eagle Times' N.H.-2008 podcast series I host for the Twin State Valley Media Network that publishes the Eagle Times and three other newspapers in New Hampshire. Because this was my first live recording in this series of conversations (usually done over the telephone because of the difficulties of scheduling in a fast moving campaign) with Presidential hopefuls for the 2008 election, I thought I'd pass on some of my impressions.

The Governor is an imposing personality, he filled the small restaurant. But he is very approachable and exudes a "come up and touch me, I am for real" feeling. He speaks in small sentances and has an introductory speech that is short and bulleted--so one gets the idea that he has thought out what he wants to do, and gives it to you in small enough pieces to make it easy to absorb and formulate questions.

His experience (Congressman, Energy Secretary, U.N. Ambassador, Diplomat & negotiator, and of course--Governor) gives his agenda depth and substance. I particularly liked his rock- hard stance against Al-Qaida and the equally hard stance about the importance of re-building ties with the world's Muslims.

Richardson spoke for about 15 minutes and then answered questions for about 20. He could have gone on for much longer. There was clapping (two issues that got a lot of applause were his pledge to "follow the Constitution" and to make his Vice-President "part of the Executive Branch") and laughter at his applause lines. EG: "I am pleased to report my performance-ratings in New Mexico are going up, I asked my wife why that is so, and she explained it was because I am out of the State!"

I am not surprised the Governor's N.H. poll numbers are looking up--he is closing on John Edwards who is currently #3 in the Democratic line-up. You'll enjoy my conversation with Governor Richardson, it should be posted next week. Appreciate your comments.

Withdrawing from Iraq would be a mistake: Senator John McCain tells Sarwar Kashmeri

Listen to Republican Senator John McCain’s “straight-talk” on why the Real-ID Act is necessary in New Hampshire, and the need for Federal assistance to connect rural America to the world via Broadband. The senior Senator from Arizona who is also the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services speaks to the Eagle Times about health-care, re-organizing his campaign, the real lessons from Iraq, and the need to bring civility back to the national dialogue on Iraq. A new episode of NH-2008 with host, Sarwar Kashmeri.

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There are several problems with the Real-ID Act: Gov. Huckabee tells Sarwar Kashmeri

Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, Republican, Mike Huckabee is not certain the Real-ID legislation that mandates Federal standards for driving licenses is in the best interest of New Hampshire or the country. The Eagle Times' Sarwar Kashmeri caught up him during a campaign swing through Newport, NH. Listen to Huckabee discuss why Evangalical Christians in Iowa have begun favoring him instead of the media anointed leaders in the Republican field; the lessons for American foreign policy from the Iraq war; and the qualities needed for a twenty-first century President of the United States.

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We will also need a wall between Canada and the United States: Congressman Tancredo in conversation with Sarwar Kashmeri

Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) explains why Coloradans elected him five times and what message that sends to NH voters. Listen to his forthright discussion of protecting America's borders, North and South; his opinion on whether "Scooter" Libby ought to be pardoned and the lack of interest that young Americans display during the televised debates.

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In conversation with: N.H. State Senator Peter Burling (D-Cornish)

N.H. State Senator Peter Burling (D-NH) puts the NH-2008 series into perspective. He explains why the NH primary is still uniquely important and produces an 80% turnout while continuing to be a place where the candidates and voters can personally interact. What are the voters in NH looking for in 2008 and the Senator’s advice to the candidates as well as to the media that is covering the Primary.

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In conversation with: N.H. State Senator Bob Odell (R-Lempster)

The NH Primary is still the essential building block for launching a successful Presidential campaign according to N.H. Senator Bob Odell (R-Lempster). Candidates with scarce funding resources can still make a difference in NH with their message, strategy, and tactics because, Odell believes, the NH voter is a better informed voter and is more likely to come out and vote than the country at large. Listen to his advice for the candidates and media.

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**** STARTS ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007 ****

Listen to New Hampshire State Senators Bob Odell (R) and Peter Burling (D) put the N.H. Primary into perspective and offer their opinions on this unique milestone in the American Presidential cycle.

Then, the candidates take center stage beginning with Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) on Sunday, July 15, 2007 and former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AK) on Wednesday, July 18, 2007.

Introduction

The 2008 New Hampshire Presidential Primary has already drawn a large number gifted American politicians. Some of them are widely known ; the others are equally accomplished but don’t have the name recognition. The national media, early on, anointed what it considers to be the “leaders” and is focusing its media resources on them, to the detriment of the others—coverage that does a disservice to both the NH Primary and the State’s voters who take a very personal interest in this, the nation’s first contest in the race for President of the United States and the candidates.

This series of conversations is the Twin State Valley Media Network’s attempt to level the playing field for all the candidates by giving each of them equal time and the freedom to explain their positions and unique qualifications in 10 minute interviews with Internet journalist, author, and strategic communications advisor, Sarwar Kashmeri. The candidates will be repeatedly interviewed, at approximately four week intervals, until the NH Primary winner is declared at the end of January 2008.

You may discuss the series and candidates, and/or comment on each podcast.