And Now, A Question From Chris Dodd In Iowa

3507761The only presidential hopefuls on stage during Wednesday's YouTube debate will be the eight Republicans in the race. But if Democrat Chris Dodd has his way, he'll make an appearance, too – as one of the questioners.

As noted on the liberal blog Daily Kos, Dodd is taking advantage of CNN and YouTube's invitation to let anyone submit a question for the candidates by posting his own video in which he modestly introduces himself as a resident of East Haddam, Conn., and mentions that he and his family "are spending a little time in Iowa these days" – Dodd literally moved his family to Iowa in advance of the state's Jan. 3 caucuses. The only indication of Dodd being a candidate is a campaign sign in the window behind him.

He then asks the GOP candidates about the balance between safety and civil liberties. "Many Americans are concerned that the administration seems to be making a false choice, that is, to be safer we have to give up rights," Dodd says. "I don't believe that, I wonder if you do. And if you believe that we ought not give up our rights, then what would you do in order to protect our Constitution?"

Don't expect Dodd's question to make the cut for Wednesday's debate – the other Democrats in the race would protest not getting air time – but perhaps he should get credit for trying to crash the party in a creative way.