No, I would never dream of running for office without a degree in law, or at least an extended and in-depth study of American history and politics (though I have a very good working knowledge of both…neither were my focused course of study). I take these offices very seriously, and take great offense at those who don’t…AND those without qualifications who have such an inflated ego that they disregard these basic points of reference needed for effective leadership. I was fortunate enough to interview one of our country’s most esteemed news anchors last year for a doc film, and we got on the subject of education in this country…he pointed to the lack of pay and lack of regard for America’s teachers…and that we therefore often loose our best teachers when they are offered higher paying jobs in the private sector. This lack of respect for what should be one of the most honored professions is fostering a public who are willing “sheep” and aren’t educated enough to make intelligent choices at the polls in electing our country’s leaders. It really all goes back to America’s continuing disregard for intelligence.

OMG, as a former pageant girl (I only did it to earn college money), she is TOTALLY doing “interview” section. I sat next to an 83 yr old man in Central Park today who said he hoped Biden would “go for the jugular.”

Okay - alternating now.

So will Gwen start with Biden on each question? I thought they’d alternate.

Yes, well I’ll just say that tonight I was at the fabulous Jazz at Lincoln Center to see the wonderful saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and the place was PACKED! You see, we in the jazz world feel that our $4.82 we each have in the bank is probably okay, and if needed, we’ll pull that out and stuff it in our pockets if we have to. So this total scare tactic isn’t working with everyone. Jazz musicians survived the 1st Depression — and we just keep plowing through…putting our kids through college, owning our homes — and all without the stock market and often without huge loans. I will say it’s a great relief to do something that you can go anywhere in the world and do. We are total Democrats, but we are opposed to this bailout — the money will most definitely be misappropriated…the most clear fact that has come out of all of this mess for me is that there are some very corrupt “powers that be” in our country…both in government and on Wall Street.

When I turned 40 last year, I realized that if I didn’t lose each pound as it crept up, I was a goner. I was a theatre dancer for years, and now that I don’t dance on as regular a basis anymore it is a lot harder to keep weight off. However, I found a FABULOUS book called “French Women Don’t Get Fat.” It goes very deep into the psyche of WHY we gain weight in America from a very kind French woman (fmr. ceo of Veuve Clicquot, Mireille Giuliano) who writes with love and humor of her experience in coming to America as a young exchange student from France, and gaining 30 lbs. from adopting our ways of eating. What I learned from this book - and I’ve re-read it often - is a healthier and more well-rounded way of eating. I haven’t had to watch my weight since…but check back with me in 20 yrs!

Thanks to Lesley Stahl for being here - I hope you’ll have the time to do this for the Biden/Palin debate — that should be a circus! It should definitely be more exciting than this one!

I, unfortunately, agree with Lesley…and I’m really shocked. After the past couple of weeks, I was pretty sure that McCain was ready for the looney bin — but he appeared completely in control…I agree with Obama, but McCain was more authoritative and in control.

Sorry, I must’ve written with the wrap up request at the same time Lesley submitted..

Lesley, Please give a wrap up!!! I would love to hear your final thoughts on this. Thanks!

I HOPE that Obama’s continuing to mention that Bin Laden is STILL at large will have some impact on people….McCain and the Republicans seem to do everything possible to NEVER mention Bin Laden’s name.

And I add…I DO read the major papers and watch the truer newscasts…so I’m in Obama’s camp — but I know that many Americans don’t want to be bothered with the facts. Oh ….another “Sen. Obama doesn’t understand” from McCain. Surely people aren’t gullible enough to buy that. However, I never overestimate the intelligence of the American people.

I think that McCain is dead wrong on the 9/11 issue — I think we are much more unsafe. However, I think that he is going to go over very well in this debate among the Republican and Undecideds…it pains me to say that, but unless you read the major papers and watch the truer newscasts, which most people do NOT do, McCain is going to look very authoritative among many Americans. Again, it pains me to admit.

Re: Lesley’s question on the “naive” tactic… I can’t even imagine that people would go for that…especially since McCain has used that word SO often in this debate…I hope that the intense repetition will give people a “he who doth protest too much” feeling…but my husband says that people are sheep — and I have a sinking feeling that he is right.

Condy Rice must be so happy…she’s been waiting to find a reason to attack the Russians for years…