by Jason George
And then there was one.
Tuesday night's debate between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was the last, scheduled Democratic candidate get together for a reason, and it's not mercy on the American public – both candidates believe victory in next week's contests in Ohio and Texas (as well as Rhode Island and Vermont) will seal the deal on a nomination.
Translation: last night mattered, a lot.
The last time the stakes approached last night's height was at a debate in Los Angeles, before Super Tuesday, when neither Clinton nor Obama chose to attack each other, preferring instead to play nice. Tonight in Cleveland – after days of comparisons to George Bush, the turban affair and figurative threats of a kitchen sink toss – be prepared for anything.
We live blogged the debate at Cleveland State University.
Comment away – you might not get another chance to do so in a Democratic debate for another four (or eight) years.
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10:39. Closing statements have Obama saying he would seek change and has a "unique bias in favor of opening up government" if elected. Clinton, in a rare statement, comments on her own gender: "Obviously I am thrilled to be running to be the first woman president, which I think would be a sea change." [applause].
So it's official: Change vs. change.
And with that, it's not clear if there were enough distinguishing differences on the issues tonight, but this was surely the most interesting debate in recent memory – at least of the last few of these 20, yes 20, Democratic debates so far.
On Tuesday, the voters of Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont will get to answer this question, but tonight we put it to you: Who proved they're ready to be commander in chief for the next four years?
Like a casino, the Swamp comment boards never close.
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10:31. Q: what vote would you take back if you could?
Clinton: 2002 vote to authorize war with Iraq
"I would not have voted that way again."
Obama: vote for Terry Schiavo Bill
"As a constitutional law professor I knew better."
++
10:27. Russert pulls a trick question out of his bag: On Sunday, March 2, Russia will have a presidential election, "What can you tell me about the man who will Putin's successor?"
Clinton answers first (again!), and while she can't pull the likely new president's name out of a hat – Medvedev – she answers authoritatively, saying he's been handpicked by Putin and he'll continue the status quo.
Russert then tells her the name, which they both botch.
"Matedvadada, whatever," Clinton chirps.
Obama concedes that Clinton's answer is pretty good, considering how out of left field the question was. He pretty much parrots her response.
Both candidates are probably praying that no one now brings up Serbia leaders and those cluster-of- consonant surnames.
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10:16. The "Chicago Tribune" gets mentioned again. The first time was in reference to the paper's editorial board endorsing Obama (despite his perceived opposition to NAFTA). The most recent reference was to a story over the weekend that had Rev. Lewis Farrakhan singing Obama's praises.
Obama, looking uncomfortable on this one, said he's repeatedly separated himself from the Nation of Islam leader.
" I've been very clear of my denunciations of him and his past statements," he said.
Obama said he couldn't however force Farrakhan to not endorse him.
"Tim, I can't say to someone, he can't say, I'm a good guy," he said.
Clinton steps in and says "there's a difference between denouncing and rejecting," hinting that Obama is not distancing himself enough.
Obama shakes his head, saying he doesn't see the difference in the words, but if it'll make Clinton happy: "I would reject and denounce."
The line got the biggest laugh of the night.
Second commercial break.
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10:07. Although more gingerly than he's been questioning Clinton, Russert turns his guns on Obama, saying that last year Obama pledged to take public financing if in a general election, but now he won't commit to that.
Obama answers: " When I'm the nominee, if I'm the nominee…then I will sit down with John McCain and make sure we have a system that is fair for both sides."
That's not the same thing, and Obama knows it, although he tries to argue that by getting small donations – averaging $109, per donation, according to Obama – he's kind of doing his own kind of public financing.
"We have built the kind of organization that is funded by the American people."
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10:00. Clinton strikes a new strong note, saying she plans to get $55 billion back from special interest groups for the American middle class.
"These have all been pushed on to these special interests not just because of what the White House did but because congress went along," she said, striking a populist call, which really hasn't been heard before in tonight's debate.
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9:48. First commercial break -- who do you, Swamp comment scribes, think is doing the best?
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9:47. Russert's focusing on hypothetical questions, but lets hope he doesn't have the other "hyp" – hypertension, as it seems he's about to explode.
What was forceful questioning earlier, is bordering on some Buffalo bullying, especially toward Clinton.
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9:41. The campaigns periodically send emails to reporters to shore up their candidates' position or attack the others' stance.
So far, Clinton's press office has taken the lead with five emails vs. two from Obama's team. For an idea what they're highlighting, here's the subject lines:
From Clinton camp:
"The health care mailer"
"Experts: Without Mandate, No Universal Health Care"
"Study"
"HRC/NAFTA"
"HRC Trade Agenda"
From Obama camp:
"Video: Clinton – NAFTA is proving its worth"
"Factcheck.org: [On NAFTA] Clinton edits 'the truth'"
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9:27. And now, NAFTA.
Clinton is struggling with reconciling her past stances with her current one, as Russert – in atypical moderator backbone – holds her feet to the fire.
Neither she nor Obama will say that they would cancel U.S. participation in NAFTA.
Over at The Huffington Post, David Sirota posted a good primer this morning on where the candidates and country stands on NAFTA. You can read it here.
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9:24. Woah!
Clinton first lashes out, not at Obama, but at…getting the first question in these debates.
Clinton hints at a vast first-question conspiracy, saying she's cool with it, but then hints that it's a tactic to go easy on Obama.
"If you saw Saturday Night Live," last Saturday, "Maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and get him another pillow."
Gloves off.
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9:19. They love healthcare.
For the first 16 minutes Obama and Clinton sparred on their healthcare plans, not allowing another question. Williams seems unable to interrupt them. Tim Russert speak up!
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9:15. To Chris, who asked where he/she can listen online, you can listen in at the Web site of "The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer"
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9:13. Brian Williams asked Clinton if she can state unequivocally that her campaign was not behind the turbaned photo found on Drudge, where Matt Drudge said Clinton staffers circulated it.
Clinton answers: "So far as I know it did not, and I certainly know nothing about."
It comes off like a waffle.
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9:08. The first question in the 90-minute debate goes to Clinton, who turns the answer to healthcare, saying it's the defining issue for her.
"That's my goal; that's what I'm fighting for," she said.
As Tribune colleague Rick Pearson laid out today – in crisp clarity found only in a former wire service reporter – their differences on healthcare all boils down to this: "Clinton’s plan would require everyone to obtain health coverage, while Obama would mandate coverage only for children. Obama contends Clinton’s plan would put an added cost burden on people but Clinton says 15 million people would be left uncovered in Obama’s plan."
Obama responds by saying Clinton "has a good healthcare plan," but "I think mine is better."
The debate here seems to be two-fold for the candidates: who has a better healthcare plan, and who's had worse mailers directed at them.
++
8:57. Tribune correspondent Jim Tankersley just reported that the pre-debate coverage on Cleveland TV is sponsored, in part, by "The Committee to Re-Elect Dennis Kucinich." Kucinich, who dropped out of the presidential race last month, is fighting for his Ohio congressional seat, but surely would've preferred to be on the stage this evening.
Comments
Live blogging is not quite as good as the real thing - but if you offer some commentary along the way you have a leg up on the television....
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/02/27/obama-clinton-ohio-debate-2-26-2008/
Posted by: Ohg Rea Tone | February 26, 2008 8:53 PM
Hillary,
How can you be an agent of change for the democratic party, offering the US Voter a stop to partisan bickering when you have been involved heavily in that for years and years?
Posted by: Lynne Crohn | February 26, 2008 8:59 PM
Who should pay for the Health Care of those who choose an unhealthy lifestyle; i.e. smokers, alcoholics, those who havemultiple sex partners, and overeaters?. Universal care would mean we would pay for them, unjustly!
Dr. R. Gene Kerr, Cambridge, Ohio
Posted by: IndependentMan | February 26, 2008 9:07 PM
How many of personalities of Hillary do you think we will see tonight? She looks like she's trying so hard not to get angry - pursing her lips.
YIKES!!!!!
She's going to blow!!!!
Posted by: Marie | February 26, 2008 9:07 PM
We're not nominating a candidate for "agent of change", it's the presidency. Generally we like the nominees to have some foreign policy and economic experience but we've forgotten that over the last few years.
Posted by: Trevor Edwardson Johnson | February 26, 2008 9:10 PM
Welsley vs Harvard. Very collegiate so far.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:10 PM
Where can I listen to the debate online?
Posted by: Chris | February 26, 2008 9:11 PM
Clinton failed miserably at healthcare reform before...she would fail again.
Give it up and go home!
Posted by: Brian | February 26, 2008 9:13 PM
I think she's so arrogant - there is nothing empathetic about her. She has to learn when to compromise - any good leader - whether a CEO of a company or the President - you have to know when to compromise and she should just shut-up and let him answer too!
Posted by: Marie | February 26, 2008 9:17 PM
I wish they would each spend more time explaining the solutions they have to the problems their healthcare plans are accused of rather than defending their plans by attacking the other's. Anyone agree?
Posted by: Fredo | February 26, 2008 9:18 PM
Chris - MSNBC's website has a link to "Watch the Debate Live"
Posted by: Fredo | February 26, 2008 9:19 PM
You can see it live here:
It buffers alot!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22886841#22886841
Posted by: Prentice | February 26, 2008 9:20 PM
You know what's funny? This quote from Hillary back in August 2007 re Katie Couric:
(2007-08-29) — Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, today said that the decision by CBS to send Evening News anchor Katie Couric to Baghdad, Iraq, was a “desperate move” that she called “too little, too late.”
“When what you’re doing isn’t working, you need to cut your losses and pull out,” said Sen. Clinton, noting that, “Almost a year into the Couric anchorage, CBS News has failed to unite any substantial group of viewers and the evening news landscape remains a hopeless quagmire of sectarian fighting.”
Posted by: Pam | February 26, 2008 9:20 PM
Thank you for the link to the live stream at the Cleveland.com. I've been trying to get on msnbc for 15 minutes -- looks like they crashed with the traffic from this debate. A testament to how important it is I guess.
Posted by: Clint | February 26, 2008 9:21 PM
What was Hillary whining about getting the first question?
Posted by: Merrick | February 26, 2008 9:22 PM
Meet the Press has commented on Hillary flipping on NAFTA.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QJ0swdRvYgw
Posted by: Chris | February 26, 2008 9:23 PM
Clinton just said she is going to call a trade "timeout" - what does she think that the world economy has a pause button - she will say anything to get some votes in Ohio which is in a hopeless state
Posted by: John | February 26, 2008 9:24 PM
Who should pay for the Health Care of those who choose an unhealthy lifestyle; i.e. smokers, alcoholics, those who havemultiple sex partners, and overeaters?. Universal care would mean we would pay for them, unjustly!
Dr. R. Gene Kerr, Cambridge, Ohio
Posted by: IndependentMan | February 26, 2008 9:07 PM
Shouldn't you be out driving your Rolls???
I guess I shouldn't ride my motorcycle either. Give it a rest Dr. With all due respect.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:24 PM
Hillary is hormonal or something this week. Very Sybilesque!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:26 PM
Someone remind the moderator that he is supposed to be neutral. I'm not for either Clinton or Obama and I'm shocked at the hits he's giving Senator Clinton.
Back off buddy!
Posted by: Kate | February 26, 2008 9:27 PM
Hillary...the queen of whinery and crockery...she changes her position more frequently than lake effect snow bands. My wallet can't hold the amount of money her health care bureaucracy will cost.
Posted by: indiana plain dealer | February 26, 2008 9:29 PM
Watch it live: http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news/breaking_news_livestream.html
Posted by: Sandy | February 26, 2008 9:29 PM
Hillary is right! She keeps getting the first question. Which allow obama to think about his answer and slao get ideas from her. We noticed that it happened in the last debate. Also, I think it is clear that they are attacking Hillary. I hate to say this, but I don't think they would be going after her like this if she was a man! Biased!!!!
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 9:30 PM
Obama is very prepared tonight. He's kicking butt!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:31 PM
It seems that so many of the criticisms being made are that candidates (usually H.Clinton) have changed their minds on key issues. Maybe I'm confused but it seems to me that when we elect Senators to Congress it is their job to put into law policies that we, their constituents, want implemented. Has that changed? If not, then they are almost obligated to change their stands on issues as the wishes of their constituents change. It also seems to me that the history of the last 8 years should have taught us the lesson that a President of our country who is unwilling to change direction or position is not a good thing. Are all of these elected officials there to do what they want or what their constituents want?
Posted by: Sunny | February 26, 2008 9:32 PM
Logic Prisoner: sexist much?
Posted by: Karyn | February 26, 2008 9:32 PM
yeah Obama, alternative fuel jobs right on. Oh Clinton, net loss of -30000 jobs.
Posted by: Carolina Sunrise | February 26, 2008 9:33 PM
Why does Hillary Clinton criticize Fidel Castro so much, and for that matter everybody to the right of her? Americans cry about their healthcare system and expect either Obama or Clinton to deliver to us what Fidel Castro already delivered to his people decades ago. The Cuban government has never tortured people, unlike ours, and is ranked among the highest countries in Latin America regarding human rights by Amnesty International. Considering our long standing relationships with China and Saudi Arabia, isn't her criticism of Fidel Castro sheer hypocrisy? The trade embargo against Cuba works against the interests of Americans, the very same Americans she claims to represent. Come to the left Hillary, it's never to late in life.
Posted by: Pancho | February 26, 2008 9:33 PM
I think we should all be scared. Neither one of these democratic candidates can do the job. Especially not McCain. We need a person to come in, that isn't part of this red-tape system, and run this country like a great corporation, that is not a part of a party and of this corrupt government that we all pay taxes to.
Posted by: Judy | February 26, 2008 9:34 PM
I love this moderator. Yea, ask the hard questions!!!
Posted by: Prentice | February 26, 2008 9:34 PM
Requireing all to buy insurance whether they want it or not is just another big tax.
Those who work to keep themselves healthy should not be required to pay for those who do not.
(Although this is allready the case in part as those who pay taxes pay for medicaid)
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2008 9:34 PM
Hillary has failed at health care before, but how does anyone get better at things? They make mistakes and then learn from them. Obama has not had the experience, therefore how can he learn from his past mistakes.
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 9:35 PM
Tim Russert is always like that Kate.
Posted by: J Hall | February 26, 2008 9:35 PM
I hate to say this, but I don't think they would be going after her like this if she was a man! Biased!!!!
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 9:30 PM
Sorry Jill but I can't buy that one. Perhaps your original point is ture. But the woman point I don't buy. Sorry.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:36 PM
Biggest Story: MSNBC drops the ball with poor online video quality!
Posted by: Sib | February 26, 2008 9:36 PM
I just hope these two candidates will not Pac-Man each other and destroy the Great chances the Democrats have with this election campaign!
I just hope both Hillary and Osama don't go after each other as opposed to define the Great difference of policy's the new approach the Democrat Party has to offer!
Posted by: Michael "Ziggy" Vetort | February 26, 2008 9:36 PM
Both candidates answer very clearly. The questions seem geared to attack the candidates, to single out what one candidate has said about another. Are they trying to create a pitched battle? Focus on differences, yes, but not on "attacks" against each other.
Posted by: Brad | February 26, 2008 9:38 PM
Clinton is struggling with reconciling her past stances with her current one, as Russert – in atypical moderator backbone
You must be kidding. She was fine on that. Russert doesn't have backbone, he's just interested in the gotchas and sound bites.
Posted by: Chris Howard | February 26, 2008 9:38 PM
The reality is this - what is her experience - when did she negotiate all the foreign policy issue she speaks of? Was it when her husband was president? Is she saying that Bill was a puppet?
I'm not clear - seriously.
Posted by: Chris | February 26, 2008 9:39 PM
Good feed here:
http://www.cleveland.com/live/video/
Posted by: J Hall | February 26, 2008 9:39 PM
I'd like to see Michael Bloomberg run!!! Now there's a person who can do the job while bypassing the politics.
Posted by: cheryl | February 26, 2008 9:40 PM
Did you see that condescending laugh that Obama just gave Clinton? If she had done that to him people would have booed
her.
Posted by: jill | February 26, 2008 9:40 PM
Hillary's make up looks nice
Posted by: Adeshewa | February 26, 2008 9:40 PM
I like Obama's strategy. He shows the negatives of Clinton's plans. Then show the positives of his plan. I like the PacMan cliche'. Never thought about that.
Posted by: Joe | February 26, 2008 9:41 PM
Logic Prisoner: sexist much?
Posted by: Karyn | February 26, 2008 9:32 PM
Me??? Well if that's what your saying, and I hope it's not then the $2000 dollars I gave her campaign last year was very misguided. Wouldn't you say??? She doesn't think I am but...maybe you know something she doesn't. I can see were the hormonal remark may have tweeked you though so my apologies. Accepted???
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:42 PM
Is Obabma really Muslim? Why does he not pledge our flag? Do we really want this for our country? I am proud to be American!!! Im voting for Hillary all the way!!!!!
Posted by: Misty Dawn Collier | February 26, 2008 9:42 PM
i loved when hillary blamed the goof of her promising jobs first on al gore not becoming president, then blaming it on the bush administration.
Posted by: Crystal | February 26, 2008 9:42 PM
I'm getting deja vu, from the last debate , I wish they would ask questions other than health care and the war.
Posted by: adeshewa | February 26, 2008 9:43 PM
I think we should all be scared. Neither one of these democratic candidates can do the job. Especially not McCain.
Posted by: Judy | February 26, 2008 9:34 PM
Huh???
Did you see that condescending laugh that Obama just gave Clinton? If she had done that to him people would have booed
her.
Posted by: jill | February 26, 2008 9:40 PM
Come on Jill. Don't you think that's a stretch???
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:45 PM
aaahh, i can't stand this woman's attitude. she says "you're making up too many hypotheticals" when asked what she would do as president
Posted by: Crystal | February 26, 2008 9:45 PM
Is Obabma really Muslim? Why does he not pledge our flag? Do we really want this for our country? I am proud to be American!!! Im voting for Hillary all the way!!!!!
Posted by: Misty Dawn Collier | February 26, 2008 9:42 PM
He is Christian. Fact.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 9:47 PM
FYI, Hillary got all the questions first in the last debate because she lost the coin toss... which was stated by the moderators prior to the beginning of the CNN debate.
Posted by: S | February 26, 2008 9:47 PM
NATO? when was the last time that was relevant, WWII? What?
Posted by: Carolina Sunrise | February 26, 2008 9:47 PM
Go back into Iraq with sizeable troops? Hillary sidestepped the question the question completely!
Posted by: Brad | February 26, 2008 9:47 PM
Neither candidate will truly commit to an answer, they both think the public is no intelligent enough to be told the truth
Posted by: fletcher | February 26, 2008 9:48 PM
Hillary's negative emotionality and whining are a quite revealing of character on this debate; her superiority, negative comments, and underhanded criticisms are indicative of her own personal self-esteem issues. Barack seems to have a true internal locus of control that is tied to a solid level of self esteem. Given negotiations with world leaders, there is now question Barack is the stronger leader here. Hillary needs to build her self esteem and learn about a poker face. Smart lady, but no poker face....
Posted by: Jules from Ohio | February 26, 2008 9:48 PM
Hillary just got to have the last comment!! LOL
Posted by: Joe | February 26, 2008 9:48 PM
As far as I know Obama was born a Muslim. He is not any longer. Or so he says...
The democratic party will be the downfall of our society. I am tired of working hard and giving away my money to the government so they can create social programs for people who don't work as hard.
Less government! More work from the citizens!
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 9:49 PM
To me obama appears to be a Wolf in sheeps clothing.Hillary rides that fence.Mccain reminds me of Bush. I think i'll vote for Ron Paul at least he stands for our Constitution what's left of it
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2008 9:49 PM
There is an amazing bias toward Obama - they both are letting him off so easy, challenging former comments only by Clinton, not Obama. And why wouldn't he address the Iraq question directly and why did the moderators allow him to speak for so long off-topic? Bias toward the frontrunner?
Posted by: Suzanne White | February 26, 2008 9:50 PM
It is said when people cannot see how inexperience Obama is....with all the countries and issues in the world, all he talk about is Iraque and Afganistan....sad very sad!!!
Posted by: Lili | February 26, 2008 9:51 PM
Logic Prisoner: the comment about her being "hormonal" and "sybilesque". But, okay, I may have reacted too quickly. It's just that I hear so much of this kind of crap, it gets tiresome, ya know? :)
"Me??? Well if that's what your saying, and I hope it's not then the $2000 dollars I gave her campaign last year was very misguided. Wouldn't you say??? She doesn't think I am but...maybe you know something she doesn't. I can see were the hormonal remark may have tweeked you though so my apologies. Accepted???"
Posted by: Karyn | February 26, 2008 9:51 PM
Why did they both miss the chance to answer that question by pointing out that however they'd use the military, it won't be to topple governments?
Posted by: Clint | February 26, 2008 9:51 PM
Logic Prisoner- Why do you think that is a stretch? Haven't you been listening to the media or the audience in the debates I think it is very true. Unfortunate, but true.
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 9:52 PM
Obama is on top
Posted by: Joe | February 26, 2008 9:52 PM
Why does Tim keep interrupting Hillary and not Barack?
I noticed this has happen on almost every question has asked.
Is this a “fair” debate?
Posted by: D | February 26, 2008 9:52 PM
Man, I liked seeing Hillary getting cut off before the commercial. She just doesn't get it, does she?
Posted by: Rob H | February 26, 2008 9:53 PM
And the next question is?
If the Independent have a debate with Ralph, which of you, Hillary or Barack will attend that debate to get real?
Posted by: Carolina Sunrise | February 26, 2008 9:53 PM
To me obama appears to be a Wolf in sheeps clothing.Hillary rides that fence.Mccain reminds me of Bush. I think i'll vote for Ron Paul at least he stands for our Constitution what's left of it
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2008 9:49 PM
AMEN! Ron Paul would be better by far. But realistically...
We certainly don't want McCain and Hillary is the only one with a chance to LOSE to McCain, so Barak is the lesser of three evils here unfortunatly.
Posted by: J Hall | February 26, 2008 9:54 PM
Tim doesn't interrupt Barack because Barack is civil enough not to continue talking when he shouldn't.
Posted by: Narf | February 26, 2008 9:55 PM
I want Obama to highlight some other accomplishment than Walter Reed veterans having to pay for meals. That is important, but I need more meat.
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 9:57 PM
How could MSNBC accidentally run the the wrong clip? And they never let Hillary finish her pre-commercial remarks
Posted by: Brad | February 26, 2008 9:57 PM
Russert is a disgrace. It's been like watching the SNL skit come to life
Posted by: Adriane | February 26, 2008 9:58 PM
Yeaa! Narf!
Good One---I said all that to say this. Why not say this in the first place
Posted by: Joe | February 26, 2008 9:58 PM
Yeah let us get that big oil and credit card, 50 billion back for what, health care?
Posted by: Carolina Sunrise | February 26, 2008 9:59 PM
I keep waiting for the Obama Girl to start singing, Russert to start dancing and Williams will yell at Hillary if she tries to cut Obama Girl off for not answering a question. What does Russert have against Hillary, anyway?
Posted by: Suzanne White | February 26, 2008 9:59 PM
Co-President? There's a name hurts more than it helps Hillary.
Posted by: Brad | February 26, 2008 10:00 PM
Misty Dawn you can't be serious. My grandson has a Vietnamese name but he is black. His mother (my daughter is black) and so his father (Trinidad-London). I totally understood what Michelle meant. Most of the time it did not matter to me who was elected because the politicians were all the same to me. Now there are two that are "different" Arnold Schwartneger in California and Obama. I am very proud that things might be different. There are people willing to participate in the process because they want something different and are willing to take a chance. We have held the line with Cuba for fifty years thru many presidents. It is time for something different. The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. Hilary is the "same thing". She is old school Washington politics.
Posted by: Shirley Pettaway | February 26, 2008 10:01 PM
Misty Dawn you can't be serious. My grandson has a Vietnamese name but he is black. His mother (my daughter is black) and so his father (Trinidad-London). I totally understood what Michelle meant. Most of the time it did not matter to me who was elected because the politicians were all the same to me. Now there are two that are "different" Arnold Schwartneger in California and Obama. I am very proud that things might be different. There are people willing to participate in the process because they want something different and are willing to take a chance. We have held the line with Cuba for fifty years thru many presidents. It is time for something different. The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. Hilary is the "same thing". She is old school Washington politics.
Posted by: Shirley Pettaway | February 26, 2008 10:01 PM
That sure wasn't much of a direct answer by Hillary about her "the heavens will open up" barb at Obama. All mouth and nothing to back it up. Man, I don't want to see here anywhere near the White House again! (I doubt the White House does either - remember when the Clintons took all that stuff from the White House that wasn't theirs and then had to return?) Dishonesty - seems to run deep in the Clinton Family, now doesn't it?
Posted by: Arby | February 26, 2008 10:01 PM
She voted for the credit card bill but hoped it wouldnt pass... "as a general rule that doesn't work." Hahahah!! Beautiful in its understatement and on target dis.
I like this guy.
Posted by: drom | February 26, 2008 10:02 PM
Any website other than MSNBC showing the debate?
Posted by: tami | February 26, 2008 10:02 PM
I truly believe Obama does not know who he is running against, Bill or Hillary. He cannot heap all of the decisions of Bill Clinton's presidency on Hillary's head. We all know that Hilliary did not agree 100% with 100% of Bill's decisions during his term or now.
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 10:02 PM
Logic Prisoner: the comment about her being "hormonal" and "sybilesque". But, okay, I may have reacted too quickly. It's just that I hear so much of this kind of crap, it gets tiresome, ya know? :)
Kool!!! :-D
Jill, I'll keep an eye on that. you may be right.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 10:03 PM
I guess she whined loud enough. Tim hasn't asked her the to respond first.
Posted by: Joe | February 26, 2008 10:03 PM
Hillary gets interrupted more because she never stops talking and gets hostile with everyone throwing out conspiracy theories and whatnot. It annoys me how often I hear the argument that Obama is not a good candidate because he is Muslim. He's Christian!!
Posted by: Mia | February 26, 2008 10:04 PM
Yeah, Brad..thats right..its a conspiracy!!!
grow up.
Posted by: drom | February 26, 2008 10:05 PM
UTT OH!!!
The Minister Louie issue. Hope he don't slip up
Posted by: Joe | February 26, 2008 10:09 PM
So much for Russert going easy on Obama, eh?
Posted by: Narf | February 26, 2008 10:10 PM
OOOHhh! Obama on the defensive. This is getting good!
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 10:10 PM
I beg to differ on the interruptions; Tim has interrupted, plus or minus 15 seconds, in to Hillary's answer. Please understand this is an observation. Just keep watching and make note of how Tim responds to Hillary.
Posted by: D | February 26, 2008 10:13 PM
Don't these two remember what happened with Vietnam??? Don't you all remember??? I most certainly do.
The North Vietnamese via Giap & Ho Chi Mien stated they watched our election closely & after Carter was elected and enacted our exit from Vietnam that they were surprised but elated, as they would have surrendered if we had stayed the course. Giap said,and quoted & documented on the Vietnam War Memorial in Hanoi, , "What we still don't understand is why you Americans stopped the bombing of Hanoi. You had us on the ropes. If you had pressed us just a little harder, just another day or two, we were ready to surrender! It was the same at the battles of TET. You defeated us! We knew it, and we thought YOU knew it. But we were elated to know your media was definitely helping us. They were causing more disruption in America than we could do in the battlefields. We were ready to surrender. You had won!"
I can't stand either one of these people, but I believe Hilary is the most reasonable & Obama, frankly, scares me. If he is elected and does what his intention is, it will mirror what was done in Vietnam, history will indeed repeat itself. Have our politicians not learned anything in the last 40 years. Haven't we??. Godspeed.
Posted by: kermit | February 26, 2008 10:14 PM
Wow, complete dodge on the tax return thing. Ouch. Obama dodged the finance thing too.
Posted by: Narf | February 26, 2008 10:14 PM
WHY DOES HILLARY get to jump in and talk when it's not her turn??? There is NOT a media bias against her.
Posted by: Cheryl in Seattle | February 26, 2008 10:14 PM
why would anyone. EVER. follow a live blog. This is the most useless avenue to pursue the debate of all time. turn on your tv or radio and get a MUCH clearer idea of what is going on rather than hitting refresh every two seconds
Posted by: C | February 26, 2008 10:14 PM
Does it matter that Obama is Christian or Muslim? If I remember correctly, this is a nation that prides itself on "freedom". So lets stop being hypocritical and vote for candidates based on their ability and let them practice their religion freely and without bias. How does Obama's religion play a relevant point? If we want to talk about religion lets look at Bush's track record in terms of faith. His 2nd term platform was based on his Christianity and look at the mess we are in. Lets keep perspective on the real issues here and vote for someone who has skill based on experience and knowledge and not on spirituality.
Posted by: talig | February 26, 2008 10:15 PM
Again, Barack Obama lets me down by waffling when it comes to keeping his word. He did it on public finance and rejecting support from "anti- ANYBODY" organizations.
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 10:15 PM
Hilary's not winning any points in this debate..so far Obama's the clear winner of this debate and I have no bias because I'm republican! I think I've just decided who I'm voting for...Go Obama!!
Posted by: Kris | February 26, 2008 10:16 PM
Denounce vs. reject. Boo-yah.
Posted by: Steve | February 26, 2008 10:17 PM
Let's see.....Hillary is taking credit for anything good for the Bill years on the White House. But what about Monica Lewinsky? As she worked under Bill, too, shouldn't she get some credit too? But noooo. Hillary won't give her any credit, will she? No cigar!
Posted by: El Robo | February 26, 2008 10:18 PM
Maybe the lesson is that next election cycle, they shouldn't check that box that says "will take public matching funds", they should just do the "no funds from registered lobbyists, corporate doners, etc." and then leave it till the last minute to decide if they want the matching funds. Obama's argument isn't persuasive when it explains but still contradicts a prior pledge.
Posted by: Clint | February 26, 2008 10:19 PM
Ironically, I think Obama actually looks stronger for refusing public financing. It shows he's not willing to commit political suicide going up against repub 527s, and is willing to change his mind when it makes sense.
Posted by: Laura | February 26, 2008 10:20 PM
Why is gas 3 bucks a gallon and rising? Why do groceries keep going up? Has anyone talked about the quality of health care in this country? Yap yap yap about stuff that they will do NOTHING about, there's your CHANGE AMERICA!!
Posted by: WhoCares2008 | February 26, 2008 10:21 PM
@kermit: Iraq isn't Vietnam. We're no longer fighting the Iraqis; they _did_ surrender already. We're fighting insurgents now.
@C: because it's fun to watch the debate on TV and read other people's reactions at the same time.
Posted by: Narf | February 26, 2008 10:21 PM
C: Call 911 about the person who's holding a gun to your head. lol.
"why would anyone. EVER. follow a live blog. This is the most useless avenue to pursue the debate of all time. turn on your tv or radio and get a MUCH clearer idea of what is going on rather than hitting refresh every two seconds"
Posted by: Karyn | February 26, 2008 10:22 PM
To be a President, you also need culture and the most important one: PATRIOTISM.
Is Obama Patriot enough to run this beautiful Country??? His costume is the least of my concerns once I never have seen him Pledging Legions to the American Flag or never wearing his American pin.
America needs to RESTORE it''s credibility around the world and I think Sen. Clinton has more to offer to this Country than Sen. Obama.
Posted by: Felix Mattos | February 26, 2008 10:22 PM
Is it just me but does Hillary just repeat everything said by Sen.Obama. No politician is perfect but some leaders are perfect for the times...Obama is that man!
Posted by: nochelady | February 26, 2008 10:22 PM
kermit..you remeber Nameh?
well...you cant tell it by THIS quoteof yours:
"The North Vietnamese via Giap & Ho Chi Mien stated they watched our election closely & after Carter was elected and enacted our exit from Vietnam.."
Because gerald Ford was President then.. Carter was elected in 1977!!!
Thanks for the history lesson.
Posted by: drom | February 26, 2008 10:22 PM
Kris- I disagree that Obama is the clear winner. I think they are both taking a lot of hits. If you are a Republican, how could you vote for a democratic?? They go against all you beliefs?
Posted by: Jill | February 26, 2008 10:23 PM
Something that's bothering me... has anybody asked in a debate if either of them will pledge to a timeline to try or relase the Gitmo detainees? How come that isn't on the radar when they are talking about Afghanistan and Iraq?
Posted by: Clint | February 26, 2008 10:24 PM
Why is gas 3 bucks a gallon and rising? Why do groceries keep going up? Has anyone talked about the quality of health care in this country? Yap yap yap about stuff that they will do NOTHING about, there's your CHANGE AMERICA!!
Posted by: WhoCares2008 | February 26, 2008 10:21 PM
If we really wanted change and someone who knew what to do about inflation we would have all voted for Ron Paul.
But, apparently, America is not ready for the real change he represents and these candidates are the choices we are left with...
Posted by: J Hall | February 26, 2008 10:26 PM
Who said you need to wear an American flag pin to be an American? What's all this about Obama not reciting the Pledge of Allegience? Do they do that at these debates? Does he know the words to the National Anthem? Does anyone?
Posted by: Eric American | February 26, 2008 10:27 PM
Thank you, Hillary! That is what I have wanted to say to Barack Obama for so long! Don't tell me about who voted for the war, listen to what Hillary is saying she will do going forward about us being in Iraq.
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 10:27 PM
Wow - Hillary has experience from "both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue." On the east end, isnt' that where Bill was rumoured to go to the topless bar? I never got a Hillary table dance, did you?
Posted by: El Robo | February 26, 2008 10:28 PM
I believe you misheard Sen. Obama's statement re: NAFTA. He said Chicago was very pro-NAFTA and that the newspaper endorsed him despite his opposition to NAFTA, not support.
Posted by: Maggie | February 26, 2008 10:28 PM
the most accurate thing I've heard regarding Clinton was that she doesn't seem to have a Plan B...the "fight" for health care and the nosedive her campaign took after SuperTuesday. Is this the person we want for President.
Posted by: nochelady | February 26, 2008 10:28 PM
That is one of my concerns with Barack, his "inaction".
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 10:29 PM
That's funny, Barack even stole Hillary's closing from the Texas debate!
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 10:30 PM
Kermit,
Check your data. US exit from Vietnam in 1975. Carter elected in 1976... so what was your point?
Posted by: Dixon | February 26, 2008 10:30 PM
Obama is copying Hillary's final statement from the last debate, almost word for word. That's hilarious!
Posted by: Karyn | February 26, 2008 10:30 PM
Voting for Ron Paul would be THROWING AWAY YOUR VOTE! That's what I was told when I voted for Harry Browne in 2000.
Posted by: WhoCares2008 | February 26, 2008 10:30 PM
Go Nader!
Posted by: KC | February 26, 2008 10:31 PM
Oh...and Kermit. That quote attributed to gen Giap is false.
Maybe you need to do some research before you post.
here...try this: http://www.snopes.com/quotes/giap.asp
Posted by: drom | February 26, 2008 10:31 PM
Barack has not answered the question, yet. I think it is disrespectful of him to jump to McCain when he is debating Hillary. Maybe I'm the only person that sees it this way, but I am offended by that.
Posted by: Tenesha Campbell | February 26, 2008 10:32 PM
Jill-your party affiliation is not a belief in fact I hate the division. It's just about that time for washington have a COMPLETE overhaul!
Posted by: Kris | February 26, 2008 10:35 PM