Obama will try to evade debates because he will be hammered on whatever issues. He is good in speeches ie. ... we are United states of America. But he can't show any legislation he has made as a senator no to mention voting "present" a hundred times. So he would rather face Hillary in Speech battles rather than debate.

Ever notice how it's the person who perceives herself/himself as losing to want more debates? And when are we going to find out the source of her $5 million that she is "loaning" her campaign?
Most people don't keep 5 big ones under the mattress. What investment is she cashing in? Or, is it coming from the Clinton Foundation? If so, it's a violation of IRS laws for tax-exempt foundations.

I'm an Obama supporter who believes he certainly shouldn't fear debates with Clinton, but he should insist on a different format from that CNN/Wolf Blitzer thing. That was a joke. Wolf might as well had said "Senator Clinton, the Obama campaign has alleged that Lite beer is less filling, but you say it tastes great." Let's get some competent journalists from NPR or something next time!

It sounds like the Clinton camp is getting desperate. Why throw a dog a bone?

If you've seen one debate you have seen them all. I would like to believe that anyone who plans on voting from here on out has seen and heard enough of the presidential candiates. We all know by now that Clinton voted for the war from the beginning and kept that support up. As Obama was just the opposite. Senator Clinton is running scared. Having to loan your own campaign money one day and paying yourself back within 48 hours is very shaddy to me. If she really wants to be the commander in chief, let her put that money up for what she actually believes in. She is just as full of more POOP as a Christmas Turkey. We need this change for Obama. This could probably never happen again

If he stupid enough to fall in this trap, it will show that is not ready to fight the republican.
That woman won't stop at nothing

As with most issues, Obama did not for or against the War 'at the beginning'. In this case, he at least as an excuse, which is that he was only in the Illinois Senate at the time, and Illinois did not go to war in Iraq.

I'm continually amazed by the ignorance of Obama supportors who continue to repeat anything and everything he says, even when it is demonstrably false.

Unlike many of the posters here...I have NO idea why more debates could possibly be a bad thing. We criticise the right for following blindly, not to mention there ARE many people out there that haven't made their minds up yet. What kind of leader would you want? One that doesn't talk to anyone? I thought the last 6 years would have taught you better.

I don't suppose that Clinton's desire for debates has anything to do with the fact that it's a good way to get airtime without having to pay a dollar? Nah .. that would just be a cynical way to view things. I'm sure her motives are pure.

Why is it that the executive branch of government gets all the credit for our problems. It would seem to me that congress along with terrorism, storms and greedy corporate executives etc. should get their fair share as well.

Why??? So she can have more time to come up with more lies? She makes me sick.

"But he can't show any legislation he has made as a senator no to mention voting "present" a hundred times. So he would rather face Hillary in Speech battles rather than debate." -- jaime

As to Obama's senate record...

This comment has been posted on other sites - am reproducing it here:

On Legislative Experience:

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law,

(20) twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress (www.thomas.loc.gov), but to save you trouble, I'll post them

here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty.

Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive.

16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.

Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first (8) eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded
**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law),
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law),
**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law),
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee), and many more.

In all since enter the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to the spin meisters and mindless twits.

Obama is incapable of intelligent policy debate because he doesn't understand. Below is a reality check on Mr. Obama.

"There is an odd, anachronistic formality to Obama's stump speech: it is always the same. It sets his audiences afire, but it does not reach very far beyond them.

It is no accident that Obama is nearly invincible in caucus states, where the ability to mobilize a hard core of activists is key — but not so strong in primaries, where more diverse masses of people are involved. He should be very worried that this nomination is likely to be decided in the big working-class primary states of Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania.

Then again, one of Obama's most effective lines is about the "craziness" of trying the same old thing in Washington "over and over and over again, and somehow expecting a different result." The first politician I ever heard use that line — weirdly attributed to everyone from Benjamin Franklin to Albert Einstein — was Bill Clinton.

In a country where freshness is fetishized — and where a staggering 70% of the public is upset with the way things are today — the "same old thing" is not the place to be. Unless, of course, the next new thing turns out to be a mirage, like Mr. Obama".

More debates? Really? How many times have these folks debated? First of all, on the issues, the two of them are nearly identical. The differences between the two of them is more semantics than anything. Secondly, if folks don't know their positions after more than a dozen debates, then more debates will do no good.
But because the Queen B is running low on money and needing folks from overseas to "loan" her money, I guess she needs the free TV exposure of "debates."

Obama should not give her any stage that she can't buy for herself. She wants a freebie to try to breathe life into a failing campaign. He should simply squeeze harder and suck the remaining lasts breaths right out of her run.

The way I see it: Hillary can not manage the finances of her own campaign without running out of money. How is she going to run the finances of this country? I feel way better about Obama.

Sounds like Hillary is having a ball!It's like she's trivalizing the seriousness of the entire process! Hillary this is a serious matter! I can't trust all the silly similing either! Hillary is not taking this serious enough! Just like Bush!

Massively interesting internal Obama memo leaked to Bloombern News projects that Obama will get finish with 1,806 delegates to Hillary's 1,789. It takes 2,025 to be nominated, and the missing 366 Michigan and Florida delegates would push Hillary over the top.

The movement for a Michigan "do-over: has already started: http://www.freepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/NEWS15/802070434

Why should the American people not continue to have a full vetting of the candidates?? This is what continues to bug me about Senator Obama in that he does want to answer any tough questions on the issues. There has not been a full vetting by the media and pundints of this guy. When is this going to happen??? If he is going to be the nominee, then why not stand up in front of those other people who Obama supporters and debate the issues and answer DETAILED questions about where he stands. What is he afraid of???? Inquiring minds want to know Mr. Obama!!!

If Mrs. Clinton can't manage her campaign finances, how can she balance the budget?

My letter to Barack:
This is a trap. Agree to only one debate. Stay on course, but do a better explanation of your health care plan and how you plan to deal with the economy Choose the venue,but also the moderator. Make sure she only gets one minute or 30 seconds to talk. This lady keeps on talking and talking.

"Plus, unanticipated bad things can happen in debates."

Does he think the presidency will be a cake walk?!!

He should debate her or bow out of the race.

What a debate? To beat foam on health care reforms? Such a reform was promissed in the 1992 campain and Billary never delivered, though they had 8 years to work on it. Billary is not a messanger of change but a persistant failure on delivery to promisses.

They have had enough debates and I'm sick of hearing Hillary's voice and her nonsense about her "experience." I've heard enough of her to last a few lifetimes.

He needs to agree to one debate--just because things can go wrong is no reason to avoid them, and as we saw in NH, assuming the frontrunner mantle of avoiding any chance for a misstep can backfire. He's perfectly correct that, going against Clinton's name brand, he benefits most from getting out on the trail. That isn't running from controversay; that's recognizing what helped him in every campaign to date.

But I agree with Yoda--let's have NPR run the debate. With time for substantive answers-- none of this "Senator, people would like more detail about your plans for withdrawing from Iraq. You have 15 seconds." Let them ask each other questions, including follow up questions.

Off the table: Likeability. Whom people are more prejudiced toward. Whether the first black or first woman is a bigger breakthrough. I don't care; no one was ever convinced to like a candidate based on how they or their opponent answered a likeability question.

Issues are on the table. Electability can be brought up, as can success at pushing through legislation and coalition building. Running of the campaign is legitimate but usually a bad idea. No more fluffy nonsense or refusal to let someone follow up a point--if that's the format, I'd happily back either one for refusing to bother.

I love watching Hillary pounce all over Hussein during the debates. When is the country going to wake up and realize there isn't any substance behind this man? I'm happy Hillary and Bill have made enough money over the years from their books and speeches to be able to afford to write a five million dollar check!

What more could they possibly have to talk about?

It's up to the voters now.

I could see one more one-on-one debate but why more than that? If you've heard their differences on the war, health, immigration, etc once, you've heard what they have to say. And if you missed it the first 15+ times, you weren't paying attention.

Clinton can't afford to advertise so she wants to do it in the form of constant debates. tough cookies for her.

The debates have lacked substance themselves and a continuation of them would just provide a nice shot of sugar in the arm to the Clinton campaign immediately preceding a primary. Since Obama has the money, I would like to see him spend it on air time where he alone can thoughfully present the policy he would offer as president without one line rejoinders from Clinton, Blitzer or FOX. She has had the upper hand until this point, and as an Obama supporter, I do not want to see him hand it back to her now.

18 debates so far and she wants to add an additional 5? That seems a bit excessive. As far as only one one-on-one debate, what a joke, all the debates so far have pretty much been a one-on-one.

Keep trying to get free media attention Hillary, hey I have an idea send crazy Bill out again that'll bring you some media coverage

"Competent journalists" and "NPR" should never go in the same sentence. It's an oxymoron.

BILLARY is desperate! She/He will start to say anything and sling mud to see what sticks. They are both so yesterday. Good ridance!!! Liars!
Obama for change and prosperity for ALL Americans.

I think we have to remember all of the issues where the Clintons have shown integrity...

sticking to the Party vowe to punish Fla and Mich...oops...they did not do that.

Refraining from outright lying about Obama's afiliation with Rezko...oops they did not do that.

Refraining from a "poor white trash" mentality of absconding white house property...oops they did not do that.

What do you think goofy-mouthed Billy will say when Obama heads into the Superdelegation with more votes?...Hilary is better and bla, because I have sex with her and a hundred others...and if Hilary enters with more?...the delegates have spoken...

For the Clintons thigns are always one sided...period...and they use spin to do damage control...these people are criminal in their intent.

Dont ya love the pic of Hil & Barak on the side bar....America needs to see this...THIS IS HILLARY...NASTY!!
Barak we know what your about, you don't have the depth that she has so debating isn't worth your time...Keep up the speeches and buy your ads...Don't allot the Clinton Machine ANY FREE PRESS.........I am a Republican, but I am inspired by you!! I won't vote for you, but I love listening....GO BARAK...

Obama reaches people in a more meaningful way when he is on the ground campaigning directly with the voters. Debates, at least those I've seen thus far, are more about sound bytes and contests for popularity. How on earth can a debate, no matter how well moderated, allow a candidate to really answer the very tough, complex questions that face our nation? I agree the CNN/Wolf Blitzer "event" was a mostly a joke. I am a supporter of Obama, I don't think he fears debates, he just knows how to spend his time resources wisely. Very presidential if you ask me ;-)

Show us where the money came from....She is as knee deep in special interest money as those the "Clintons" accuse of it...

How can you 'loan' money to your own campaign, then expect your supporters to pay YOU back? Is interest included? Maybe she'll actually make a fast buck from it. As far as the debates, gimme a break. We've had almost 20, and don't need one a week for the next two months. She just needs face time b/c she has no money, and obviously no shame in taking people's hard earned dollars and put it back in her bank account with the other $10-$50 Million Dollars. This is such a farce!

Obama does poorly in all debates, so why should he agree to this local-style debate schedule? He has nothing to lose by blowing off Hillary's entreaties.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

"whenever voters are exposed to her encyclopedic knowledge and smooth, commanding delivery".

Are you refering to what Obama said was her 100% name recognition, Frank? Is that an "encyclopedic knowledge"?

Funny, I have not seen that. I have heard her name drop a lot. But that doesn't mean to me that she will be able to extract us from this mess she and her husband helped us into.

But I agree with you, Frank. Her campaign is showing defenite signs of weakness.

GO OBAMA IN 08!!!!!!!!

As Obama points out, we have already had far more debates than during previous elections. Why would we need more at this point?

There is only microscopic difference in their positions so it's not information she want to clarify or impart.

Nope, she wants to save money and keep him tied up with debates and reduce his town meeting time on the campaign trail

If he does ONE that's fine but NOT on Fox . ..... the channel all candidates in this party turned down early on. Has she forgotten that position or it is just more "Slick Hillary"

Jaime, are you just an uninformed voter, or simply a HRC campaign poser willing to distort the facts? I will assume the former and give you the benefit of the doubt, but please read the following information gathered from the Library of Congress. Feel free to check these records for yourself; better still, read a little more, and try and stay current before posting assinine comments:

Clinton v. Obama on Legislative Experience:

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law, (20) twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress (www.thomas.loc.gov), but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you:

1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive. 16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.

Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first (8) eight months of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded
**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law),
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law),
**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law),
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee), and many more.

In all since he entered the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no legislative record. . . .

My last point: Obama needs name recognition, he needs to be among the people, so people feel like they have access to him. HRC's debate challenge is more about the fact that her campaign is running low on money and she gets free air-time without spending anything. Would you give up the chance to see 20,000 voters up close and personal to be on a televised debate? No way! Obama, stick to your guns. Debate on your terms, not Hillary's!

Go Obama 2008!

"We need this change for Obama."

What change?

There should be more debates. For those who think Senator Clinton won, the past debate, where have you been? If there is going to be change in this nation then we do not need another Clinton in office. I like her and Bill. However, who will be the president if she should gat a ticket to the White House?

Boy these two democrats have shown us what it takes to get nominated and tovie for the white house in perfect style! I guess a couple more debates wont do much harm either. Obama is still my man though!

A few more debates may be ok, but jeez, hasn't everyone had enough of them for awhile? The fact that the Billarys are calling for them suggests they are in trouble.
I am also tired of the moderators attempts to rile the participants with nuanced questions. Blitzer/Cooper are the worst...two mental midgets who are way out of their league.
The world is a fluid place. Give it some time to develop up new issues. If we don't know the differences between the two candidates by now, shame on us!!

To be fair to the electorate there should be more debates. Since Obama has voted "present" 130 times as Senator from Illinois. How would anyone know where he stands on any given issue?

Hillary is a closet Republican and war mongerer. A vote for Clinton is a vote for war. Why don't we just let the Bush and Clinton families "designate" the next President and end the charade.

I would like to see Hillary and Barack debate more. That is what real politics in These United States is all about. I think they both have great minds and both would do well. I am having trouble deciding which to support because I find them both very qualified, much more so than what the Republicans have to offer. I would also like to remind the readers of these postings not to believe all the negative attacks on Hillary or Barack. They are being written by bitter Republicans trying to stir up the mix because they have nobody to vote for.

Yeah, that's what I need: more cutesy "Why don't people like you Hillary?" noise in this election.

Tip was right: You want my vote? Get out in the field and tell me why you deserve it!

Skip the debating each other @ this point, start focusing on the OTHER party ...

War Monger - Clinton?

What do you say about Obama wanting to invade Pakistan to hunt out the terrorists with or without Pakistan's permission and critisizing Bush for not doing it?

If you take Obama's 2002 Anti War speech at face value, why do you guys ignore the one about Pakistan. Don't you guys know entering a country with an army without permission is a declaration of war?

I think you guys should just stop listening and start reading about his votes in the Senate.

To all of you here that are "clamouring" for more debates-

Do you really feel that 5 more debates are necessary?

Is it wrong for Obama to prefer to spend his time out campaigning (which helps him) instead of spending time debating?

Paul Jaeger obviously hasn't read much. The "present" votes were 130 out of well over 4,000 votes in the Illinois Senate. In some cases he was asked to do so to help some other vulnerable state Senators, basically to provide cover for them, even though he wanted to vote "no". Others were to protest poorly written legislation or add-ons he thought were wrong, but agreed with the original substance of the legislation.

This has all been documented. It's even been in the New York Times. Stop parroting Clinton's mischaracterizations and obfuscations. Obama's positions are abundantly clear.

Oh of Course she wants more debates! She's run out of cash and wants the FREE AIR TIME!! Wake UP PEOPLE...

You guys are right. Why bother with talking and thinking...lets just get big sticks and bash the living %$&^ out each other.

Obama does nto want to deabte for 1 reason only, because he knows he has no ideas. He simply sells hope and change but really has never actually shown a penchant for doing either at any level of his life. He knows that if he debates one on one with Hillary that people will see that he really is an empty suit. I dont think we need one a week but it would be nice to have some more one on one debates. They have only had 1 one on one debate. I think the voters deserve to see them debate only each other a few more times. Obviuosly Obama is scared. Debates are for the voters to help them decide. They give an idea to where the candidate is going to take them once elected. I would like to see the media call out Obama on this.

"But he can't show any legislation he has made as a senator no to mention voting "present" a hundred times. So he would rather face Hillary in Speech battles rather than debate." -- jaime

As to Obama's senate record...

This comment has been posted on other sites - am reproducing it here:

On Legislative Experience:

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term (6yrs.), and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law,

(20) twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress (www.thomas.loc.gov), but to save you trouble, I'll post them

here for you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty.

Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive.

16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.

Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first (8) eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These inculded
**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law),
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, (became law),
**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, (became law),
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, (In committee), and many more.

In all since enter the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to the spin meisters and mindless twits.

DR you are so right on. Tell me what else besides "change". What are you changing? Frankly, I think the republicans in Congress will chew him up and spit him out for breakfast.

I am so furious at that woman. I know she is riding on the 'Clinton' name. As Black and female,If I did not have another choice, I would not vote for that woman. She is as opportunistic as every average politician. I am a Katrina survivor, homeless to some degree, and I remember "Whitewater". This country needs real change, and I don't think she is real change. So, Mrs. Clinton, calling for more debate only serves you, not the public.

NO OBAMA:

Don't do it. She has a trap set for you.

Please, don't let your ego get in the way and lose this!

Just don't do it. She wants to brag on her 35 years and CRY CROCADILE TEARS . . .

This is a doulbe edged sword. If he doesn't debate she will make it the focus of her speechs if he does debate she gets the free air time that is truly her goal. The two are nearly identical on issues...One debate after next week is enough. Stop trying to tear the Dem party apart Mrs. Clinton, your husband already has alienated some African Americans which is a Dem base.

Apparently a lack of funds is not slowing down the Clintons completely...

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/youve_got_mailers_1.html

A direct-mail piece sent to voters by the Clinton campaign twists Obama’s words and gives a false picture of his proposals:

* It says he "wants to raise Social Security taxes by a trillion dollars," a big distortion. Obama has said a “good option” would be to apply Social Security payroll taxes to incomes over $97,500 a year, but that would only affect taxes paid by 6.5 percent of individuals and couples. And he hasn’t formally proposed such a move anyway.

* The Clinton mailer says Obama has "no plan" for a moratorium on foreclosures such as the one Clinton has proposed. That’s true, but Obama has his own plan for homeowner relief. The mailer leaves the impression that Obama has "no plan" at all, which is false.

* It says Obama "voted for Dick Cheney's energy bill that gives huge tax breaks to oil companies," another distortion. By the time Congress passed the 2005 energy bill, it raised taxes on the oil industry more than it decreased them and also contained billions for alternative fuels research and subsidies for energy-efficient buildings and vehicles.

"To be fair to the electorate there should be more debates. Since Obama has voted "present" 130 times as Senator from Illinois. How would anyone know where he stands on any given issue?" -- Paul Jaeger

I believe you mean as a STATE senator IN Illinois, not as a senator from Illinois.

You can get a good analysis of Obama's state voting here. (From the NY Times which endorses Clinton.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20obama.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

You guys are right. Why bother with talking and thinking...lets just get big sticks and bash the living %$&^ out each other.

Been there, done that - any more debate would be an exercise in futility, at this point.

As any analyst worth his or her salt will tell you, strategically the Clinton's campaign's push for debate has nothing to do with "discussing the issues." Not, at this point. It's not like Hillary Clinton has something else to say. Or anything new.

The Clinton's campaign is hoping to drown Obama's novelty and vigor into the lack of variety of a routine of wearisome monotonous debates.

It's not about winning a debate on the issues (I don't think a debate on the issues is winnable by any candidate anymore.) The thing here is that Hillary Clinton doesn't need to win a debate, a series of debates "going nowhere" is all she needs. In terms of perception, strange as it may be, psychologically because of name recognition and the eminence of Bill Clinton in the Democratic party, Hillary Clinton is still the "incumbent," and despite his phenomenal success, Barack Obama is still the "challenger." In a situation like that, if you have a series of debates "going nowhere," it ends-up playing into the hands of the perceived "incumbent," and erodes at the freshness of the "challenger."

If the last debate is any indication, a series of debates "going nowhere" is what we would be heading towards, here. On a one on one debate, the first candidates perceived as going "negative," looses. Hillary Clinton knows it, and she is counting on it. Clinton's campaign has Barack Obama pretty much declawed in term of how free he would be in confronting Hillary Clinton, face to face, on her record (which is his perceived role as a "challenger") without him risking being villainized as a result (this is the trap set for him): The minute he appears "critical," she'll be the "victim," he'll be a "cad." And her campaign will play it up, using the gender card too, if they can manage it.

So this is a kind of a catch 22. If Barack Obama challenges Hillary Clinton, he'll be a cad. If he doesn't, he'll just look weak.

So Clinton would have us believe she will fix our 14 trillion dollar economy when she cant even keep her own coffers filled. All the backroom unfair advantages she has and still she looks pathetic.
What a joke.

No more Wolf Blitzer debates.
Blitzers a perv... pssst
really he is - i know.

Clinton machine always manipulates–now wanting to control Obama’s schedule. I am tired of her fake smile and hypo laughing on TV. In one debate, she touted Oakland Mayor’s achievements–green jobs. It made my heart sick. I live in SF Bay Area. Everyday our local news broadcasts homecides, murders, shootings on Oakland streets. This Oakland Mayor, instead of tending to his city’s crisis, follows Hillary everywhere on her campaign trail. It is totally disgusting. That is what you will hear from Hillary at the debate--spinning the Major's inability to stop murders and shootings on Oakland streets into his achievements of green jobs. This is what Hillary presidency does to America as it is doing to Oakland right now.

ABSOLUTELY NOT, should Senator Obama agree to have more debates with Clinton because she is asking for them. There is a motive behind it for Clinton. She wants free advertising at the expense of Obama, because she knows too that media and pundits will say afterwards, "Oh Hillary won that debate" even though she would've lost, like all the others. She knows that these always gear in her favor and that's why she wants to lure him into these. Isn't Obama too busy to fall for her okey dokes? He has to meet the people, they already know her, now he must get them to know him and there isn't any time for him to do this. Why take time debating the same stuff over and over, hearing Hillary shrill and pound over and over the same talking points. No way Obama, thank you but no thank you, Hillary -- much too much too busy.

As an Obama supporter I would tend to agree that weekly debates would mainly be free advertising for Clinton.

I do think Obama should agree to a debate or two, but I would like to see these be very structured debates on fixed topics.

Perhaps a healthcare debate and an economy debate.

Both candidates would get to present their plans and respond to questions from the moderators, but no back and forth sniping. Also no drifting off the issues and protracted non-answers.

If we have any more debates let's make sure they are useful ones.

As an Obama supporter I would tend to agree that weekly debates would mainly be free advertising for Clinton.

I do think Obama should agree to a debate or two, but I would like to see these be very structured debates on fixed topics.

Perhaps a healthcare debate and an economy debate.

Both candidates would get to present their plans and respond to questions from the moderators, but no back and forth sniping. Also no drifting off the issues and protracted non-answers.

If we have any more debates let's make sure they are useful ones.

If Sen. Obama chooses to debate the wife of the disbarred ex-president he should counter her "you know..." with a firm response stating no we don't!
The she-weasel has yet to offer a concrete stance on any issue.
Her whiny plea for additional debates is typical of a mediocre politican begging for any free publicity.
With Rommney out it is more important than ever to stand behind a Uniter not behind the Clinton Duoacracy!

So how did Hillary come u[ with $5M to "loan" her campaign? SHe's only had 7 years of a paid job as NY senator. I don't think 1st lady to a president and governor is a paid position. She must have some really good investments? Someone needs to ask her to account for the $5M!

Most people don't keep 5 big ones under the mattress. What investment is she cashing in? Or, is it coming from the Clinton Foundation? If so, it's a violation of IRS laws for tax-exempt foundations.

Posted by: Graydon | February 7, 2008 10:07 AM

For your information, she got 8 million dollars for her autobiography "Living History." So keep your suspicions for those in the current administration who really ripped off the American people with a 3 trillion dollar deficit to line their pockets with a bogus War on Terror which became the Iraq War,the invasion of a country that HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH 9/11! and the murder of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis and 4000 of our best young men and women so that Cheney and Halliburton could line their pockets with blood money. Let the IRS investigate that!

Jon's post on 2/7 is definitely proliferating on the net, and needs to be responded to. here goes…

As you can tell, the originator of this post is an Obama supporter and the list is naturally slanted towards Obama's record. Please note the bias of listing "more substantive" bills at the bottom of the list.

Obama has NOT authored 890 bills since entering the US Senate (maybe including his Illinois State Senate office). I thought that numbered seemed inflated:

110th Congress sponsored 113; co-sponserd 375
109th Congress sponsored 152; co-sponserd 427

Although the post says, "to save you the time," I was curious, so I decided to go to the trouble of looking up bills sponsored/co-sponsored by Senator Clinton on the Thomas site.

Here's the search tool - you can do the math yourselves:
http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d108query.html

107th Congress 2001-2002
sponsored 161 bills co-sponsored 495
108th Congress 2003-2004
sponsored 138 bills co-sponsored 688
109th Congress 2005-2006
sponsored 177 bills co-sponsored 720
110th Congress 2007 -
sponsored 150 bills co-sponsored 477

A few of the bills passed into law
S.1422 : A bill to provide for the expedited payment of certain benefits for a public safety officer who was killed or suffered a catastrophic injury as a direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty in connection with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Note: For further action, see H.R. 2882, which became Public Law 107-37 on 9/18/2001.

S.1622 : A bill to extend the period of availability of unemployment assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act in the case of victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Note: For further action, see H.R. 3986, which became Public Law 107-154 on 3/25/2002.

S.2496 : A bill to provide for the establishment of investigative teams to assess building performance and emergency response and evacuation procedures in the wake of any building failure that has resulted in substantial loss of life or that posed significant potential of substantial loss of life, and for other purposes.
Note: For further action, see H.R. 4687, which became Public Law 107-231 on 10/1/2002.

S.1425 : A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize the New York City Watershed Protection Program.
Note: For further action, see H.R.2771, which became Public Law 108-328 on 10/16/2004.

S.272 : A bill to designate certain National Forest System land in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Note: For further action, see H.R.539, which became Public Law 109-118 on 12/1/2005.

S.1283 : A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care, and for other purposes.
Note: For further action, see H.R.3248, which became Public Law 109-442 on 12/21/2006.

Rather than trivializing her record by clumping resolutions honoring deceased Americans into the same category as bills passed into "law" maybe we should add some of the amendments she sponsored that were agreed to by the Senate, for example:

S.AMDT.2066 to H.R.3061 To provide funding for services for children relating to crises.

S.AMDT.2082 to H.R.3061 To make funding available under title V of the Public Health Service Act for mental health providers serving public safety workers affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

S.AMDT.155 to S.CON.RES.18 To establish a deficit neutral reserve fund for influenza vaccine shortage prevention.

S.AMDT.3147 to S.CON.RES.83 To restore funding for the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Contact Center

S.AMDT.4361 to S.2766 To require that Congress be apprised periodically on the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement.

S.AMDT.4868 to H.R.5631 To make available from Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, certain funds may be used for community-based programs that provide mental health and readjustment assistance to members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families on their return from deployment.

S.AMDT.1106 to H.R.2360 To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress regarding the vulnerability of certain facilities and measures to provide greater security, and for other purposes.

S.AMDT.328 to H.CON.RES.83 To strengthen our national food safety infrastructure by increasing the number of inspectors within the Food and Drug Administration to enable the Food and Drug Administration to inspect high-risk sites at least annually, supporting research that enables us to meet emerging threats, improving surveillance to identify and trace the sources and incidence of food-borne illness, and otherwise maintaining at least current funding levels for food safety initiatives at the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture.

S.AMDT.516 to S.1 To provide for the conduct of a study concerning the health and learning impacts of sick and dilapidated public school buildings on children and to establish the Healthy and High Performance Schools Program.