In campaign news, the eight Democratic presidential candidates took part in a debate last night at the Citadel Military Academy in South Carolina. Candidates responded to questions posted by voters on the video sharing website YouTube. Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich criticized his opponents for refusing to call for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich: “I introduced a plan four years ago, Anderson, that was a full plan to remove our troops. I’m the only one on this stage — excuse me — who not only voted against this war, but voted against funding the war. It is not credible to say you oppose the war from the start when you voted to fund it 100 percent of the time, 70 percent, 5 percent of the time. Let’s get real about this war. Let’s get those troops home, and let’s take a stand and do it now. Send a message to Congress now. We cannot wait until the next president takes office.”

Former U.S. Senator Mike Gravel was asked if he would retract his statement that U.S. soldiers in Vietnam died in vain.

Mike Gravel: “It’s a set-up question. Our soldiers died in Vietnam in vain. You can now, John, go to Hanoi and get a Baskin-Robbins ice cream cone. That’s what you can do. And now we have most favored nation trade. What did all these people die for? What are they dying for right now in Iraq every single day? Let me tell you: There’s only one thing worse than a soldier dying in vain; it’s more soldiers dying in vain.”