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A Primary Conversations Calendar


After what seems like the longest primary season in recent memory, Oregonians will finally get their turn on May 20th. And while Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have grabbed many of the headlines in their race to be the Democratic presidential nominee, there of course are many more names on this year's ballot.

For some of the more prominent races, we're bringing candidates in for what we're calling "Primary Conversations," our take on debates: less formal (no buzzers or time limits), more intimate (with everyone sitting around the same table) and, we hope, more substantive.

Below you'll find a complete listing of our 2008 primary campaign coverage -- from dialogues spurred by the presidential candidates' Oregon events to the "Primary Conversations" themselves.

PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Obama and Race in Oregon, aired March 21, 2008
Do Obama's thoughts on race reflect Oregon's reality?

Clinton and the Generational Divide, aired April 4, 2008
What does the generational split in Hillary Clinton's support say about feminism today?

The Roadshow's Sideshow, aired May 9, 2008
What happens when candidates come to town?

McCain and the Veteran Vote, scheduled for May 12, 2008
How does your experience with war affect your presidential vote?

STATEWIDE RACES

Attorney General (Democratic), Aired April 23, 2008
With John Kroger and Greg Macpherson

Secretary of State (Democratic), Aired May 1, 2008
With Kate Brown, Rick Metsger, and Vicki Walker

U.S. Senate (Democratic), Aired May 7, 2008
With Jeff Merkley, Steve Novick, and Candy Neville

5th Congressional District (Republican), Aired May 13, 2008
With Kevin Mannix (Mike Erickson has declined)

5th Congressional District (Democratic), Aired May 15, 2008
With Andrew Foster, Steve Marks and Kurt Schrader

LOCAL RACES

Portland Mayor, Aired April 28, 2008
With Sam Adams and Sho Dozono

The extremely long "election season" does nothing but emphasize the power of money on the one hand, and create a huge 'news shadow' obscuring news on the other.

Also, while a congress lasts for 2 years, over half of that 'governance period' is cancelled by the posturing and fundraising required by campaigning. Thus in addition to a 'news shadow' informing the public, there is 'campaign shadow' paralyzing civil and straight communication in congress obviating chances of compromise.

Minds have been made up for months on presidential candidates. As we review what we have done to ourselves in the name of democracy I hope we can observed how we, the parties and the system that the 2 parties have created a bribe-a-thon which has all to do with money.

That the FEC is unstaffed and dysfunctional and a hostage to those same parties and the current administration. All composes a tawdry charade.

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