Democrats face unpredictable queries from YouTube

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - Given the chance to say something bad about each other, Democratic presidential candidates largely ducked the question at a CNN/YouTube debate on Monday.

All former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards could muster about New York Sen. Hillary Clinton was to take a shot at her peach-colored jacket.

"I'm not sure about that coat," Edwards said, prompting a burst of laughter from Clinton standing next to him.

Jason Koop of Colorado Springs, Colorado, prompted the exchange with a YouTube video question in which he said his intent was to "lighten up the mood a little bit" at the debate by asking each candidate to turn to his or her left and say something nice and bad about each other.

"You know let me say, I love all the candidates here," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said when it was his turn. "In fact, I think they would all do great in the White House as my vice president."

The unpredictable video questions, chosen among thousands submitted, were in stark contrast to the typically staid and often scripted nature of most presidential debates.

One man wanted to know if the candidates would support reparations for African Americans whose ancestors were slaves. (Most candidates did not support it.)

Then there was Jered Townsend, from Clio, Michigan, who asked the candidates their position on gun control.

As he held up a rifle, he said: "This is my baby, purchased under the 1994 gun ban. Please tell me your views."

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden replied to applause from the studio audience, "I'll tell you what, if that is his baby, he needs help. I think he just made an admission against self-interest. I don't know that he is mentally qualified to own that gun."

When a questioner asked Clinton whether she would define herself as "liberal," she had another, longer description.

"I consider myself a proud modern American progressive, and I think that's the kind of philosophy and practice that we need to bring back to American politics," she said.

One man strummed a guitar and sang his question, complaining about all the taxes he pays on clothes, food, his home, etc.

"Every year, y'all make me pay. I pay tax on this guitar so I can sing for you today. My taxes put some kids in college I can't afford to send myself. Now, tell me, if you were elected president, what would you do to help?"