2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum: on Drugs

Chris Dodd: Reduce sentencing disparity for crack cocaine retroactively

CLINTON: I believe we’ve got to decrease the disparity that exists. But I have problems with retroactivity.

DODD: I’d be inclined to say yes on the retroactivity.

EDWARDS: I’m not just inclined to say yes; the answer is yes, absolutely; it should be retroactive.

KUCINICH: Yes.

Dennis Kucinich: Reduce sentencing disparity for crack cocaine retroactively

CLINTON: I believe we’ve got to decrease the disparity that exists. But I have problems with retroactivity.

DODD: I’d be inclined to say yes on the retroactivity.

EDWARDS: I’m not just inclined to say yes; the answer is yes, absolutely; it should be retroactive.

KUCINICH: Yes.

Hillary Clinton: Reduce sentencing disparity for crack, but not retroactively

A: I believe we’ve got to decrease the disparity that exists. It is really unconscionable that someone who uses five grams of crack cocaine, compared to 500 grams of powder cocaine would face such disparate sentencing. And it’s further compounded because the possession of crack cocaine really is unique in the way that it leads directly to prison for so many people. So I am going to tackle the disparity. I think it definitely needs to be prospective on principle. I have problems with retroactivity. I think that it’s something that a lot of communities will be concerned about as well, so let’s tackle this disparity, let’s take it on. The sentencing commission hasn’t come forward yet with its specific recommendation but I’m looking forward to seeing it.

John Edwards: Reduce sentencing disparity for crack cocaine retroactively

CLINTON: I believe we’ve got to decrease the disparity that exists. But I have problems with retroactivity.

DODD: I’d be inclined to say yes on the retroactivity.

EDWARDS: I’m not just inclined to say yes; the answer is yes, absolutely; it should be retroactive.

KUCINICH: Yes.