When we tune in Wednesday for the latest in the series of GOP presidential debates–this time in St. Petersburg, FL–yet another presidential candidate might be participating. Well, sort of.

Democratic Presidential contender Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), has submitted a YouTube video question asking the Republican contenders whether they agree with what he calls the Bush administration’s “false choice” between giving up rights in order to attain increased security. “If you believe we aught not to give up our rights, what would you do in order to protect our Constitution?” he asks.

Colleen Flanagan, a Dodd spokesperson said the long-time Connecticut Senator has been “very vocal and outspoken on civil liberties,” having supported bills that he feels restore rights taken away during the Bush administration. (More here)

“He simply wants to know where the Republicans stand on the issue of civil liberties,” Flanagan said, adding that the campaign has yet to hear whether his question will be used during the debate.

Transcript after jump

(more…)

But hey…look at Bill Richardson!

The Dodd campaign always come in clutch for their Talk Clock…..

Maybe not, if that nominee is Hillary Clinton. The New York Times reports Edwards declined to answer whether he’d back Hillary if she wins the nomination, saying “I’m not willing to talk about that at his point.”

The news prompted a quick response from Chris Dodd. In a statement, the Connecticut Senator said, “I am surprised at just how angry John has become. This is not the same John Edwards I once knew. Of course, we should all come together to support the nominee.” Dodd added, “I wonder which of the Republicans John prefers to Hillary?”

Clinton spokesman Isaac Baker wouldn’t comment directly on Edwards’ remarks, but said, “Hillary Clinton has spent her entire adult life supporting Democrats running for office and isn’t about to change that now. We fully expect that Hillary will be the nominee, but if she isn’t, of course she will support the Democratic nominee.”

UPDATE:

Producer Serafin Gomez, traveling with Edwards in Lebanon, NH, reports the former NC Sen told reporters,”I fully expect to support the Democratic nominee, and I fully expect to be the Democratic nominee.” So what if it’s Hillary instead? “I stand by what I said,” said Edwards.

–per Aaron Bruns–

Not so much for the moderators as for the viewers:

1) will Obama’s attacks land? He’s talked about throwing punches at previous debates and has failed to hit Hillary much, if at all. Will accusing her of deflecting questions on Social Security really hurt her with Democratic primary voters, or can Obama come up with something fresh?

2) How will Hillary respond? It’s been mostly with laughter lately. The front runner usually doesn’t have to dignify attacks with a response  — it has a way of dignifying opponents she’s trying to say are beneath her. But if she finally decides to engage on the substance of the attacks (not just saying “what happened to the politics of hope?”) it means she’s concerned that her opponents’ attacks might start to gain traction and define her in the eyes of the voters.

3) What is Edwards’ strategy? He’ll go after Hillary, ‘natch, but he’s been doing it for months and it’s getting him nowhere. With all the media eyes watching for Obama vs Hillary, how does he make headlines? Does he go after Obama to inject himself in the post-debate stories?

4) Can the also-rans make inroads? Chris Dodd will be harsh on FISA and Mukasey, issues on which he led the field in his opposition to the administration. Biden will push his soft partition plan and probably rap the others on experience and how achievable their plans really are; and Richardson will hit the others for keeping troops in Iraq too long. But they’ve been hitting those talking points for awhile now and it hasn’t gotten them out of tier 2. Can anyone make the leap? My money’s on Dodd. He’s moved harder to the left than anyone so far, and has a shot at taking the netroots vote with a strong performance tonight.

The FOX News Politics Unit is going to try something different tonight. Our producers embedded with Democratic and Republican presidential candidates alike, as well as our top editorial minds back in the bureau, will be weighing in on the big moments in tonight’s Philadelphia debate as they happen.

With fireworks expected from the opening question, this one promises to have lots of developments worth talking about. We’ll give you our take, and hopefully you’ll give us yours. Please post your comments, let us know what you’re thinking. We’ll see you here at 9pm.