Edwards, entirely predictable answer on partial-birth abortion and “importance of women’s right to choose.” This is a very difficult issue for many people, and we need to show respect to people of different views.

Obama: Profoundly difficult issue for women and families. I trust women to make these decisions with their doctors, and their families and their clergy. I think that’s where most Americans are. Talk about what we have in common reducing teen pregnancy, etc.

Biden: Make sure my Supreme Court nominees share my values. I led fight against Bork. I led. Rare procedure should only be available when women’s life or health is at stake. Rationale of the decision was dangerous.

Kuncinich: I intend to be a healer. Need prenatal care, postnatal care, child care, health care, etc. Preserve Roe vs. Wade, but open up hearts.

Dodd voted for Roberts. Said he was disappointed with decision. Then he utters odd words:

Asked, your model Supreme Court Justice:

Richardson: Wizzer White. Williams: How about one among the living? Says Ginsberg.

Dodd: I agree, Ginsberg. Praises dissent in abortion case.

Edwards: Ginsberg or Breyer.

New question, relating to Virginia Tech:

Hillary: Talks about visiting Columbine high school. Need to limit access for people who shouldn’t have guns. Background check clearly didn’t work.

Richardson: NRA favorite. Did anything massacre make you rethink any of your position on guns?

Richardson offers condolences. Unspeakable tragedy. I’m a westerner. Second Amendment is precious in the West. Vast majority of gun owners are law abiding. Two problems. First is mental illness. Need to make sure those with mental illnesses cannot get a gun. I was for instant background checks. We need to make sure state and local background checks are properly funded. There should be mental health parity.

After a show of hands, we learn Gravel, Biden, Dodd, Richardson and Kucinich have had guns in the house during their lifetimes.

Biden says he had a shotgun, not a pistol. Close gun show loophole.

If writing and behavior suggests danger, student should be taken off of campus.

New topic, how to pay for health care: Edwards says undo Bush’s taxes for rich. My health care plan is specific.

Obama: National pool people can buy into to get health insurance. Subsidy for those who can’t afford it. Help companies and families avoid bankrupcy.

Hillary: I’m ready to try again, three things to do. Control costs for everyone, not just uninsured. We have millions who have plan they can barely afford. We can save money with existing system. (Voice is a little scratchy – fighting off a cold?)

Richardson: No new bureaucracy. Focus on prevention. Ensure the first thing we do is deal with bureaucracy and inefficiencies. Thirty percent goes to bureaucracy and inefficiencies. (Wow, his answer is kind of rambling around, repeating himself. Not his best performance.)

Local anchor asks about confederate flag and boycott .

Biden: Better to show off a great historically black college than to walk away from opportunity.

Obama: Flag belongs in a museum. Who will be best agent for change?

Gravel: I’m the elder statesman and I’m beginning to feel like a potted plant. I won’t hold their youth and inexperience against them.

Asked worst mistake.

Hillary: I beleived the president, that was a great mistake.

Obama: Professionally my worst mistake was on Terry Shiavo. Left the Senate with a bill that allowed Congress to intrude where it should have. I should have fought that.

Biden: Overestimating competence of this administration, and underestimating arrogance.

Edwards: Wrong to vote for this war.

Dodd: War on IRaq.

Richardson: I’m too impatient and aggressive.

Hillary asked about immigration, endorses comprehensive reform – border stuff, assimilation, path to legalization.

Biden asked about science brain drain. Says reduce class size, improve teachers. We need best teachers in the world.

Dodd: Should a welfare recipient be required to take a drug test to collect check? I’m uneasy about testing us all the time. Overtested in some cases as it is.