At Dems Dinner, Clinton’s Performance is Lackluster while Obama Remains Strong

we are better to go for hillary because she want change and exp.. to she and the politic for over 30 year she know better
you want a name obama for president plus he has a big mouth and know nothing yet his and the white house for 2 year only

If you don’t like a candiate, you should come up w/ a better argument than making personal attacks. The voters took a look at Hillary in Iowa and decided they did not like her. They make come to a different conclusion in N.H. but it seems to me that people are just tired of the same old attacks and games that she plays.

Iowa voters never nomineted a candidate who can win the white house.

I agree that the Iowa caucus is more about flushing out candidates that are not viable than picking the next President of the United States. However, they have been successful in picking the eventual party nominee (John Kerry, Al Gore, Walter Mondale, Bob Dole, and Jimmy Carter) and they have been successful in picking the president in recent years (George W. Bush). So I wouldn’t take it so lightly. I think the more striking take away is not Obama winning, but Hillary finishing third. She is not a consensus builder. Republicans do not like her. She will not be able to unite the parties, which will result in another stagnant government. That’s why Obama is the Change Candidate.

The news coverage of the campaign in this country is shameful! When you have no job, no health insurance and no prospects are you really concerned with a candidate’s, PEFORMANCE? That, in itself, suggests something other than, shall we say, sincerity. Yes, Joe / Mary Blow, the candidate, must SHOW how much he cares about the plight of the middle class in this country – even though, in reality, he / she does not give a #### about the people he / she is pretending to care about! One of the these old days soon, the news media, the government, the lobbysists… are going to be in for a real surprise and THAT DAY IS COMING!

I can’t believe all the comments. I also can’t believe how nieve so many democrates are. Obama got a “free ride”. Why has no one questioned the fact that he opposed the war … yes….but was in a State senate where he represented an extremely progressive and liberal district who would totally was against the war. Nothing brave about his opposition. He critized Clinton for her vote concerning the Iranian military but he DIDN’T EVEN VOTE. What’s that about. It’s about him making vague excuses when he didn’t have the courage to cast vote. If it is so important that he has brought it up in debates over and over “why wasn’t he there to vote and let the American people know his position”? The fact is that he opposed the war when it was easy for him to do so and he was absent form voting when he could have shown the people where he stood when he actually is a U.S. Senator. But ….. he didn’t have the courage to do that. He has gotten such a free ride and there is NO DOUBT that his insurance plan DOES leave out 15 million …. as Edwards campaign only now is pointing out. To go for CHANGE instead of EXPERIENCE at this point in the history of our country is rediculous. Is that the person you’d put your money with if you were investing?????? The new broker on the block or the one who has a track record of success? It’s not necessary to get personal …. but it is necessary to look at the record and see who has been most successful in getting things done. Go ahead and look …. or are you afraid to do that?

Robert Iowa has only picked the nominee four times and never picked anyone for the Dems who went on to win the presidency. Jimmy Carter was not picked by Iowa the year he took the white house. He lost to undecided.

Clinton, in her speech immediately following her crushing defeat in Iowa, confirmed my suspicions that she’s an arrogant fool. She didn’t graciously acknowledge the winner, she just kept right on talking down to the little people, as she always does. This morning, she decided to unjustly criticize the military yet again, stating that she requested plans for a US withdrawal from generals, and did not receive much of an answer. For having been in government as long as she has, she knows full well that generals only answer to the President, their commander in chief. It’s called a chain of command, and she knew this full well. Mrs. clinton needs to stop being a deceitful liar and should retire altogether from politics. Her mileading statements about the generals today open her to lawsuit liabilities for slander, and given the clintons are already in legal hot water, this could add another round of misery. If I were one of the generals in question, I’d be sending someone to serve her right this minute.

Sorry Southeast, but no one can convince me that Hillary is a consensus builder. The Clinton’s are polarizing figures in our political landscape. Change can only happen if a consensus builder is elected. I think Obama is that guy, but the other candidates may be able to a fine job as well. All of them except one — Hillary Clinton. How anyone can think otherwise hasn’t been watching the last fifteen years (or maybe its just wishful thinking). I come from New York. Hillary has been a good senator and I believe she is more than just a cheerleader, but I would not call her a consensus builder. Maybe it has more to do with her last name, than her own character. Either way, Republicans will not get on board with her. There may be some exceptions (you will always find an exception) but the rule will result in a stalemate.

Who in their right mind wants Clinton? How can any of you Clinton supporters really thing that she is in our best interest? Think about it — Bush, then Clinton, then Bush, then Clinton. Who comes after Hillary, Jeb? Please make it stop!!! Vote for anyone else….as long as their name doesn’t end with Clinton or Bush.

Hey, I got an idea. Let’s create some change in Washington. Let’s vote for Hillary. What a fabulous idea! Let’s create change by voting for the same couple that occupied the White House in the nineties. Now that’s real change. Clinton supports have got to be nuts if they think she is the change candidate. And by the way, I wouldn’t call her to most experienced candidate either. You want experience – then Vote for McCain.

What ‘specifically’ does Obama mean by change. He’s all rhetoric, a toastmaster debater. What is he going to do-I haven’t heard much in the way of anything other than ‘we need to change’.
Independents will swing to the Republican candidate if Hillary and Obama are the best the Dems can put up.

You can’t have change without a Congress that’s willing to make the hard decisions. Bush would not have been able to do the damage he’s done without the complicity of Congress. Congress loves the attention paid on the executive branch–it let’s them off the hook in the minds of Americans. The Democratic majority in Congress is razor thin and apart from controlling the agenda, they can’t accomplish zip without the support of a majority of Republicans. Kick the bums out of Congress, then we’ll get somewhere.

american people’s interest is to win obama on the other hand the lobby’s interest is to win Ms Clinton or John Edword

Those that think of change for the sake of change will be sadly taken care of by Hillary. Be careful what you ask for in wanting the old Clinton dynasty to be reincarnated and in charge.

Jeff, I hate to burst your bubble, but a very large number of former Republicans in Iowa, registered as Democrats, just so they could vote for Obama. They were smart in knowing Hillary wasn’t the correct candidate for change and they’re very tired of the Bush regime.

yeah sure try to blame the candidate, when obama and edwards were booed at the debate, did hillary do anything to stop them?? No she didnt, when the tables turn she cries foul!! obama and edwards did not cry out, they stood and took it like men, hillary goes home crying to bill, folks we need a better person for president, she is weak and besides we have had enough of the bush-clinton-bush monarchy, this is a democracy and so far its working lets encourage the momentum and take our govt back from people like hrc who think, the presidency is her birth right!

This thread is reproachable.
In essence, we should deride all pioneers for a message of hope. Don’t worry about the issues but take stock on how supporters act. Heck, ignore the fact that we should keep our soldiers in an infinite meat grinder and only promote the working class and the poor to sacrifice their kids while investors in energy, weapons and defenses can enjoy a outstanding era of wealth.
I’m sorry but if you are undecided and your vote will only take into account how some supporters act with the current abysmal trend of our government, then please tell me how to get to this wonderland of ignorance. It certainly must be blissful!
Oh by the way, at least no other candidate was a sore loser and insulted the citizens of Iowa as did Hillary yesterday! (Sorry I meant Hillery for all you Clinton supporters that seem to not be able to spell).

Obama is just like Dubya…Lots of promises and thin air. I like to hope but hope does not feed my family. Hard work – hard facts provide us and feed us.
For Obama supporters to say Clinton years were as bad as Dubya – you all are misstating facts. We had the best economic growth at that time – I guess Obama did it from Chicago -as far as the shrill booing air heads are concerned.
I believe the Obama campaign is using it s workers to post on these boards. Just like big O coming out for him. Big O is another hack who supported the war and derided any one who questioned it in here program. I hope people catch on to Obama …I think he is a big fraud. Talk to people in his state. One over 50% does not mean (when only less than 30% percent of the voting population voting)
that Obama was believed in his state.
My feelings are he is as much a fraud as Dubya and I hate to see another 8 years of some one like Dubya (Who also preached hope for values in the WH).
People read the candiates policies – question them hard. Hope does not feed us!!!

Clinton is deja vu. Why some one tell her that.

Dems booing Hillary is like a bunch of hamsters or gerbils eating their own. Hillary was going to give them all those promises – now what?

by the way, chances are these young people aren’t even from New Hampshire, but have been brought in from elsewhere and may even be paid organizers. Disingenuous to say the least, but the booing is reprehensible and should not have been allowed.

Since when is Hillary Clinton an “agent of change”? If this were 1992, then yes — she could feasibly argue that she is the change candidate. The problem? HER HUSBAND was THE candidate in 1992, and he is too old now to be viewed as a new face. She isn’t a lot younger, and so she isn’t viable.
Barack IS an agent of change. I hate to say it, because I don’t believe that youth is always positive. There is an aspect of experience that matters, but let’s face it — after eight years of “aw, shucks” politics, I’m ready for anything OTHER than tripping over one’s own tongue every other word.
- SJ

Read Mayhill Fowler on the Huffington report how Obama and Edwards people worked together to make sure Hillary came in third.Just read it.

Have voters lost their minds? I like Obama’s passion but can that translate into a presidency where the major problems of this country get addressed? I doubt it. Some day he will be ready … but that time is not now. The last inexperienced president screwed it up badly (and we are living with him as we speak!). Hillary has the toughness and the plan to get the job done. This isn’t a popularity contest … this is about getting a president who will lead and deliver results. I laugh that we all of a sudden put any stock in a bunch of farmers in Iowa with their goofy caucus process. Smarten up America before it’s too late or we’ll get stuck with another bible thumping, clueless president!

hope is the American way and so is obama, this country is losing serious ground in the world, our dollar is going to the dumps, oil is ridiculously high, this country is not working for the people anymore, because corporate interest/greed has taken over the, American peoples interest in govt, i want the govt to work for every American and reduce the power of special interests and lobbyist groups obama is your man real agent of change and hope, the old washington way is simply not gonna cut it anymore, we need to revamp and renew our govt, with someone with little or no ties to this old corrupt govt,choose obama08!

In retrospect, the Clinton years were good. No wars. A strong economy. And America was widely respected. But the Clinton’s had their time in the White House, and unfortunately, Bill strayed. That left a bad taste in the mouths, even of people who suppport him.
Furthermore, Hillary claims that she is a known quantity. That’s not such a great thing. Known, yes, but liked, no. And she will have a near impossible time swaying any new supporters. People have made of their minds about her,
On the other hand, Obama is fresh, bright, articluate. For the first time in a long time, there is hope on the horizon.
Let’s pray he wins. And pray he delivers.

You guys simply have lost all objectivity. The article seems to have been written by an Obama staffer! The Obama bandwagon is full now because all of the press has piled on. I was an early rider on the bandwagon too, but became objective as the campaign has worn on.
I started out very fired up about Obama, his 2004 speech at the Democratic Convention still in my memory. New, fresh, unattached to washington, he could be “our Kennedy”. Gradually though, that excitement has faded. He has slowly erased his former way of speaking, easing in an affected southern accent as he tries to channel the speech giving style of Dr. Martin Luther King. The final result of this effort was unveiled thursday evening after finishing first in Iowa. It would be great if he had not trumpeted honesty and trueness as his campaign theme early on. Speech after speech, interview after interview, we are preached at by Mr Obama and his wife. I want someone who stands for something, be true to themself, and be equipped to deal with the world and its dangers and surprises. That, the crisis, whatever it is, and it will occur, cannot be dealt with by consultants and imagemakers. Who does he have around him to advise, who is tested and ready to keep a level head when the hawks push him to bomb? He already said, off the cuff, that nukes are an option for us to keep on the table in the middle east. Now he takes it for granted that we will vote for him. He groups the 90′s in with the George W. Bush years and says we should turn the page. My memory tells me, and I know many who agree, the 1990′s were very good years to live in America. Only since Bush has all fallen apart. Fuel costs alone have caused me to give up all but eating, rent, and utilities. Idealism is great, but we need someone who can, by will, grit, determination, and yes even some ego, fix things!
I have considered all, and now I am comfortable in knowing that I will vote tuesday for Hillary Clinton. For the future of our young woman, I want this most capable woman elected President, I want her elected because she has an iron will to make her agenda successful. A knock on her by Mr. Obama is that she is part of a broken system, and if she was for change, then she’d have already changed it. To get anything done, she must work within the system, the republicans buck any change attempted, so to avoid gridlock, compromise must be made. Elect her though, and watch the change happen. To meet her, or see her up close is to realize that she is ready now to lead. She is so good when questiones are put to her. She is so complete in her knowledge of issues and world affairs. Most importantly though, she will be the best at dealing with world and national crisis. Something will happen, it always does, and I am most secure with giving my vote to her so she’ll be the one to manage our response to it. If somehow Obama gets the nomination, I’d probably have to vote republican ( unless it is that Bush clone, Romney) I’ve never voted republican, but national security wins out over domestic issues, so if Hillary is not the democratic nominee next November, the vote has to go to someone like McCain. This choice would certainly bring about a horror of domestic problems. Desperate women forced to turn to coat hangers once the GOP Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Nominate Clinton though, and a choice like this does not have to be made.

I cannot wait for Debate tonight on ABC which stands for ANYONE BUT CLINTON.
GO OBAMA GO.

Hillary is the only one ready to be President we do know her we do know what she has done we do know she will work for us she always has. We don’t know Obama we don’t know what he has done we don’t know who he will be working for but himself thats who he has been working for so far. Just take the time and know who you are voting for. I am sad about the way the Obama people acted at the 100 dinner in NH. It made me sick and I will not vote for Obama.

the greatest gift we can give our children and our soldiers is a 2nd Clinton Administration

I long for the days when I looked forward to listening to our nation’s president and his advisors. During the 1960′s, the Kennedys and Martin Luther King knew what the people wanted. Their speeches were eloquent and sincere.
For the past eight years I cringed every time Bush spoke. While I wanted to support a woman president in 2008, I could not bear to listen to Hillary either. Barack Obama, on the other hand, sets a tone that speaks to truth, principle, and equality. Thank you Iowa!

I think we’re being too hard on Hillary!
She will be the “change agent” if she is elected president!
After she gets through with us all we’ll have is change in our pockets!

As a woman I would love to see a woman president but that is not enough!! Please, do the responsible thing and choose the best person for the most important job in the world. I am convinced this person is Barack Obama.
Here is someone who is not only brilliant but caring, compassionate, and with the clearest judgement for important issues in decades. Can you just imagine him addressing a meeting of world leaders with his eloquence, intelligence, and amazing charisma? Don’t miss out,elect Obama and lets start changing the world!

Obama may talk a good game, but as a father, I can’t afford to have someone learn on the job…..my children deserve better, and they deserve to have the best candidate become the next President…..Senator Hillary Clinton

Wow. Emotions sure are high here. Let’s all relax a bit, ok? This blog was obviously meant to stir the pot. Any “news” that isn’t talking about numbers or policies should NOT be enough to completely sway any of you, or you’re as fragile as Karl Rove & Dick Cheney think we all are — just sheep!!
There are very sketchy details in this story, and to assume the Obama supporters’ boos were staged is quite a leap.
Personally, a lot of you are null, anyway, when you claim Obama has no specific accomplishments. Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes to visit his web site and check that out before making yourself look foolish. Not to mention his tenure as editor of the Harvard Law Review or as a highly respected professor of constitutional law.
Anyone saying Obama is just smoke & mirrors is nothing more than a cynic, and that way of thinking is never going to bring change. So, on primary day, please stay home.
OBAMA ’08!!!!!

Obama cheered, Clinton booed at Dems dinner. But it was all done by Obama supporters. And they are for “hope and change”? Very disrepectful.

Why did Karl Rove talk up Obama? Can anyone answer why? He wants you to vote Obama. They say that he is the best political startegist. After all he pulled wool over our eyes to get GWB elected a second time.

Richardson came on right after Clinton, not Obama. And the teenybopper high-schoolers that Obama had packed the crowd with were incredibly rude to him, trying to drown him out by chanting Obama’s name. They acted like they were at a rave or a football game. People, the next president is going to have to deal with NUCLEAR WEAPONS in an unstable world, and we want nice slogans about all getting along?
The arrogance and childishness of the Obama campaign grows and grows. If people let the presidency become an American Idol contest, they deserve what they get, IMO – an empty, pretty, charming sales

“just stay home”……though I don’t reasonably believe he is the best candidate, I respect Senator Obama; thus, i will not attribute your bad form, demanding that those who do not agree with you not vote, to the influence of your candidate…..

Hillary’s healthcare plan has a huge flaw: the word mandaroty. This is possibly the most polarizing word you can bring to the table. Americans do not want and will not allow anything mandatory, ever! Obama’s plan is much more likely to pass because you can choose to keep your plan if you are happy whith it (you will then receive a 2,000 dollar a year discount), or you can have free health coverage if you can’t afford a plan. This is the most likely middle-of-the-road, non polarizing solution. Please read the details and you will agree with me.

I wish I knew what Obama means by change. Until, he fully explains what change is, I will likely vote for Hillary.

IT IS SO GOOD TO LIVE IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY. VOTE FOR WHOM YOU PLEASE AND STOP BASHING! Each candidate has something positive to offer, otherwise they would not have made it this far. How far have you come to being the next President.

There is nothing superficial about Obama. His message is clear and it is penatrating: Vote for me and do away with all the ethnic and social barriers. It’s time to revive more than equal opportunity in the U.S. It’s time to revive the equal society.
Clinton’s message is clear too: Put me in office and I will give you healthcare. Of course, we don’t know what that means. Maybe it means a deductible. Maybe it means three years of deadlock in Congress. Maybe it means better deals for Walmart employees. I’m not sure anymore.
So, I’m going to vote for the fair chance to be valued as a person over the off chance that my family may get health care when my 1 year old is 5.

Who is Obama ? Where is he coming from ?
Do you know anything about him ?
If you can not answer the questions , why you believe him ?
Clinton is not a perfect candidate but she is the best of all .
Go with her and let she do the job .

On several posting, there is this idea that true change will come by being able to reach across the aisle and to have bipartisan agreement. It is also suggested that Barack would be better suited for this exercise. This is very naive to believe that the republicans will be open to negociating on health care, the environment, energy policy and others. Nothing will happen this way. We need a president who will stand against the republicans and be forceful and decisive. This is Hillary. At this point, her skin is thicker than a rhino and that’s what we need. In addition, can anybody see Mr. nice guy not beeing eaten alive by Putin or Sarkozy…please…..

People do tend to forget the great economic growth that occurred during the “Clinton years.” Do I want change? Yes, of course. I want things changed back the way they were before “The Bush Years (pt.2)” I am all for eight more years of Clinton. Polarizing figure? So what! Overly ambitious? Big deal. Obama is a great man… no doubt… but I am with the Clinton’s philosophy that a candidate must be well tested and have strong well built policies before being elected President of the United States. The “Rock-Star” mentality of Obama supporters don’t impress me. It takes great ambition to cause “real change in America.” We need more than a changing of names (Clinton\Bush\Obama) in the White House.

After almost two years of reading intently and researching all the information I could get my hands into, I feel like I know Barack Obama. You don’t need (or have) two years but I asure you, if you give this person a chance you’ll help bring about one of the best and most prosperous eight years in the history of our country!

Your key word is “probably”, isn’t this just as much a gamble as supporting the person that will bring a breath of fresh air (not to mention rationality, clear vision, and judgement) finally to the White House? Obama 08!

wow! everyone here is quite hostel toward these canidates i believe that the iowa thing is good but cannot be taken serious if we are all going to get in an uproar about people in iowa playing “red rover red rover” send us your aunt bea we need one more person to help our canidate.. the way the caucus are done in iowa are a joke peer pessure can sway someones vote if everyone is meeting in a high school gym and then if the person they want doesnt get enough people they switch too another person is a joke …sorry iowa no disrespect but your system is kind of 8th grade! please watch the debate over the next few days and see what happens in other states before the press hypes up the wrong person to run are country….i belive we need to change and we will have a dem in the white house, so thats change,obama not enough experience,sorry (dr king)obama you need another 5 to 6 yrs 1st this is not a on the job training course with the world at stake!!!!!..hillary yes lots of experience can she be her husband…one would hope so…if so she is the best canidate …i cant believe im saying this but theres nothing wrong with getting good advice from a guy who has been there!! right? edwards seem like he would be a good v.p. thats all im sure people will respond to this negatively! just my thoughts!!

There isn’t a candidate out there who can unify the Republicans and the Democrats. Every candidate can state that they are a “Unifier not a Divider,” but the fact remains that Democrats are democrats and Republicans are Republicans. I don’t foresee a Republicrat Party in the future. Every political-minded person has their own views and that’s what drives their personal beliefs. Point being – there will always be a “red state/blue state” divide and constant political finger pointing. Obama is no political realm savior. We need someone whose had the most experience fighting against political “finger pointing,” to help guide America in the right direction – and their last name is Clinton.

So if Hillary wins we will have another 8 (?) years of Red State/Blue State and finger-pointing?
I have a very difficult time believing that parties are going to disappear, that their platforms are going to meld and become one, and that only one party will rule after the election of Senator Obama, and that there will no longer be strong beliefs about taxes, spending, abortion, the war, etc.
I am looking forward to seeing this as a one-party country, all changing our values and deep-seated beliefs just like that. Isn’t that like, a Monarchy or something? Can’t wait for Senator Obama to be elected – Hey World – the memories and divisions of all Americans are going to be erased after November 2008 if Senator Obama gets elected.
Woo Hoo!!!!!!
Obama row the boat ashore, alleluia, Obama row, the boat ashore…………….

All these comments about Obama and Clinton. If it is true that Karl Rove is helping Obama defeat Clinton, the that person would never ever have our vote. We wondered where Karl Rove was, we knew he was out doing his dirty work somewhere. Are you listening America? Obama may have the young people doing the campaigning for him but it is the older people like us who have voted and lived through all this hype, that know that’s all it is, hype…Talk doesn’t save America from being taken over by China, Mexico and the Arab nations. Talk won’t save your job when and if Obama becomes President and gives 20 million illegal aliens amnesty. Does anyone know who is bank-rolling this guy?

Before talking (or wrintig) about SOCIALISM (and “socialized medicine”), you should know what that means… I don’t think the UK is socialist, but they have the NHS, most of the EU have health care paid by the government…
And I don’t believe Bill Clinton is a socialist.
However, I wouldn’t vote for Hillary (or Hillrey) in the primaries… but anything is better than a republican.
I don’t see why all the Democrats (in this thread) are fighting each other instead of fighting the real enemy (republicans). it was these fights what costed you the White House in 2004, one would have thought you’d learned…

Come on folks…a dose of reality.
There will always be 2 parties and there will always be political bickering. We all know that.
BUT, the idea of working together and solving issues has been a rarity and political disagreements have turned personal and nasty. Years ago, parties argues just as much as they do now but at the end of the day, there were numerous friendships in the House & Senate chambers and so because of that, compromises were able to be made and important legislation passed.
This type of spirit is going extinct on Capitol Hill and those of us connected to Capitol Hill are growing increasingly concerned.
I believe Obama is the best hope to get that spirit of working together back. And we desperately need it.

OBAMA! HAS DONE NOTHING HE RAN UNOPPOSSED AND WON THE SEAT! PEOPLE HE DOESNT EVEN SERVE ON A COMMITEE! PLEASE CHECK THE FACTS 1ST ! I CAN GET ON THE STAGE AND YELL CHANGE! NO CLINTON NO REPUBLICAN! HOW EASY WOULD THAT BE …LETS CHECK THE FACTS ON THIS GUY 1ST DONT GO FOR THE MOVIE-STAR HYPE!!!
OH! MAYBE YOUR ALL VOTING FOR HIM BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF OPRAHS FAVORITE THINGS!!!!!!!

I think it is illogical to conclude that the behavior of cheering of booing supporters is a reflection of the character of the person in whom they are cheering for. Hilary lost this round and Obama supporters have something to cheer about. Also, Hilary’s jab at Obama’s message of hope is not going to help her win the nomination. She assumes that hope is: sitting back an letting things come to you. She is mistaken. Obama has hope and is taking action for what he believes is good for the country.That is Democrats and Republicans working to gether to make America better. NOT LEAVING IT THE SAME. It is time to replace all of the “status quo” politicians from office. Obamas actions and message have won him the Iowa Caucus. GO OBAMA!!!!

Steph: I am an atheist too! And so far, the candidate who has been most respectful of people of all religions and no religion is Barack. I truly believe he is the only one who would truly respect the separation of church and state!

if you believe, we can not be stopped! Gobama!

I don’t agree – I believe Clinton had very strong, if not stronger, than Obama supporters at the N. H. club party on 1/4. The only reason Obama won in Iowa was because the Republicans deliberately voted for him because they know they can take him out in the general election, but Hillary would beat them in the general election.

Many people are still confused about the massive support for O-BOMBA from the young. Hey, dude, it’s simple – we want somebody that appreciates drugs as much as we do! He is the MOST LIKELY to legalize the weed, he is the MOST LIKELY to de-emphasize prosecution of drug use, he is the MOST LIKELY to allow “medical” use of marijuana, he is the MOST LIKELY to soften sentences for coke – his favorite refreshment – and he is the MOST LIKELY to abolish the DEA. He’s our kind of toker! VOTE YES FOR DRUGS!

Hillery and Obama are both bad candidates. To their supporters, do your RESEARCH. Hate to dissappoint you, but with the exception of Kucinich, Paul and Grave, ALL the candidates take lobbyists money. Yes, Obama, Hitlery, Edwards etc. They are all lying to the american people. Have you noticed practically ALL the candidates also voted for all of these TRADE DEALS in which americans are losing their jobs. Nice huh??? Better
do your research. Most of the candidates
are SCUM. By the way, did you know that
the Clintons and Bush Crime family are
best friends??? Obama is even putting
in Clinton advisors in his cabinet. Do
you see anything wrong with this??????
My vote is for RON PAUL. He is trying to
tell the american public to wake up and
look how these candidates are SELLING OUT OUR COUNTRY!!!! This is real people.
WAKE THE HELL UP PEOPLE!!!!!!

I feel that America has completly ignored the best candidate. Richardson has the best foreign policy experience. As a governor he has taken on the tough issues of immigration and global warming. The press is only about Edwards, Clinton, and Obama. Is this because they raise the most money??? I am convinced that the media and big money pare down our choices before real Americans even get to know the other candidates. With that said, as Oregon’s primary isn’t until May I’m doubtful that I will even get to vote for my candidate. The best I can hope for is a Clinton/Richardson ticket.
I think Hillary is the second best choice. With the current economic/foreign policy mess I don’t think it is time to vote in another inexperienced president. Obama is inspiring, but I can’t bank on “change” for “change’s” sake…What does that really mean? I want an experienced, intelligent and a politically savy president. Vote for Richardson-or Clinton!!!

Hey – I live in England and am following the campaign closely as it has massive connotations around the world… Let me just tell you from my point of view – and the British in general, We want Obama.
Clinton is a non-entity who has no policies and just slings mud at others. Yes if Campaign Obama staged this move at the dinner then it was not good, but all Clinton has done is denounce Obama and contradict herself.
She is the change candidate with experience?! that’s strange as she seems to have changed nothing and stuck to the status quo.
She has also voted with Bush on key issues. Even if Illinois made it easy for him, Obama voted NO. HC had that option and she chose the opposite.
Why did she vote yes on war in iraq? Maybe because her friends and associates (possibly the people who fund her campaign – i don’t know?!?!) have interests in lining their pockets.
Clinton is just Dubya all over again – and trust me on this – 90% of the British public and certainly the consensus when i have travelled in Europe is WE HATE BUSH.
She is not going to change anything, she is only going to let the rich get richer and watch on as the poor get poorer.
Whichever muppet said Hillary was the best candidate for soldiers. Look how she voted compared to Obama? She wants to take on Iran in her quest for oil. It is not about security – Two biggest attacks on the USA in my memory – 9/11 – horrific and was a foreign attack. Oklahoma City – horrific and was planned from within the USA. It is about her and the other elites creaming it off.
Do not be fooled by this woman. America’s reputation around the world has been destroyed by Bush. She will only drag it further down. Obama can change things and is dedicated to doing so.
Concerned by his lack of experience? the last president elected after one year in the senate was a man by the name of Abraham Lincoln….

Let’s be honest here. If Bush #2 was never President, we’d be more welcoming of Hillary. There wouldn’t be all this “We need a change! We need a change of names in the White House! No Bush! No Clinton! Something new… we need something new…” We aren’t really analyzing political statistics or the ideas that will bring about change. We are simply talking about change the last name of the President. Am I right? In that case; why not vote for Bill Richardson – his last name isn’t Clinton\Bush. Why not vote for John Edwards? His last name isn’t Clinton\Bush. I have to admit I remember life during the “Clinton years,” and I’ve got to say… they were pretty good. So the biggest influence working against Clinton is her last name. That’s a shame!

Doreen:
Not true regarding the Republicans.
I have voted Republican in the Presidential Election since 1976 and I am voting for Barack Obama. I know other Republicans/Independents who lean Republican who feel the same.
This is not a conspiracy. I really & truly like and admire him and am willing to take a chance with him.
The Republican Candidates have about as much life & excitement as last year’s birds nest.

Who can do it?
Who can save this Land?
Barack Obama. . .
He’s our Man!
Go Barack!
‘Nuff Said.

by the way – i am a huge Bill Clinton fan. As i’m sure many of you are. She is NOT Bill and will try and ride his popularity. He is hugely respected around the world despite his indiscretions… Ask yourself this. If she was not married to such a great president, would you be voting for her? I don’t think so

Julie, sorry to disagree with your oppinion about Richardson. I also thought he was this awesome foreign policy person until he said that the best course of action for the US in Pakistan was to bring down Musharaff (not sure on the spelling). What have we learned from Iraq?? Look what bringing down Saddam brought us!! A bloody, expensive, impossible to win war!

Obama, huge mistake, Hillary the wise and smart choice. The White House cannot be a job where you can learn as you go. Hillary will have the right stuff the first day. You donot have to like her, however she does deserve the respect of the American people. She will be a fine Pres. Let’s give her the chance for her to prove herself once again… greg

Eddie:
I agree with you. The Republicans are really a down-trodden party with no real message and no candidate that is exciting their electorate.
But, if you want to rally them, nominate Hillary Clinton and then will energize them. That is why I don’t think they are excited about Obama winning in Iowa except in the sense that he beat Hillary Clinton and they can’t stand her.

This experience argument for Hillary and against Obama is very strange in some respects.
John Kennedy nominated the best & brightest to serve on his cabinet. When someone in his Cabinet asked him where you get experience to do these jobs, he said something to the effect of “There is no experience to prepare you for these jobs”.
Bill Clinton took over the Presidency after being Governor of Arkansas. That is hardly experience to manage a National Economy and Foreign Policy. And yet most Democrats are pleased with how he handled the job.
I think the real issue is judgment when dealing with National and International issues. We are looking for the candidate that we feel has the best judgment and will handle the Presidency accordingly.
And therein lies the debate.

Change , A better America , Taking on wall street and Corporate America ? Who was FIRST to come up with this fight for lower and middle class Americans ?
Very few words have been changed from speeches I`ve heard John Edwards make which are now being duplicated by Obama . I hope the Media will pick up on this , even Huckabee is using language that John Edwards has been using for a couple years or more now .
If these candidates cant come up with their own forum to stand on , how can they lead this Country ? Please ask Obama who came up with this Change and fighting for the middle class message first ……… John Edwards for Leadership that cannot be duplicated !
It s time for MEDIA stand up and call this as the obivious .All Americans and most importantly at this time , Americans in New Hampshire must research the issue s and look at who has had the message and will have the Heart and Guts to stand up for all America whether the Media likes it or not !

Am I the only person that questions the value of experience as first lady of the USA and Arkansas? Do doctor’s wives, lawyer’s wives, or scientist’s wives put years of experience on their resume for participating in dinner and evening discussions, or even for helping with NGOs or community or international organizations relating to their husbands professions? How much credit do we give for being married to an elected official? I grant that first-ladies have a role, but the Responsibility, Accountability, and Authority lie ONLY with the the Governor/President him/herself. Also I ask this…How much would America’s international image (and thus international relations…negotiations…business) be aided by having a President with the experience of having spent childhood abroad…someone with the true global perspective of an international citizen? Just food for thought…think critically, act locally.

Also, anyone that watched the audience’s energy at Obama’s speech Tuesday night (I believe) would recognize that any chants are not staged. Its not just a slogan…his supporters are fired up. Not everything is a ploy. I believe its sincere.

OK – calm down everyone. It doesn’t matter who is elected. They / their party really will do very little to improve America. There is just too much self serving interest in politics. So forget politics – go do something with lasting value. Spend time with your kids, help your elderly neighbor, volunteer, and the list goes on, on, on…. I’m all for change in America. And deep in our hearts, we all know this is the only way it will realistically happen.

I would just like to say I was involved in the Iowa Democratic Caucuses. Like many Democrats, I feel change is needed. In Iowa, I had a front row seat to all the candidates and see their behaviors, speeches, and campaigns. Thoughout the past year, I noticed one thing, Obama alligned his positions with that of Clinton. To my observations, Obama was the “renegade” candidate in the beginning of 2007. Thoughout the campaign, I noticed that his positions and answers were increasingly close to Clinton’s. That caused me to think that Obama may have been a little nieve about the issues and facts. Also Clinton seemed a bit arrogant. In the end, I felt Clinton was the best choice for my values and standing on the issues. I caucused for her. Now that Obama won the Iowa caucuses Obama seems very arrogant. He returned to his “dream a little dream” speech and his right wing positions. It’s really hard to say if he is electable. My feeling is Republicans want him to win the nomination and are funneling alot of money into his campaign so he can lose in November.

One more observation, everyone is looking for someone for “change” or “hope”. Why don’t you look to yourselves first for that change / hope. Go out and do something local to change the world. Be a good citizen, help others is what it’s about. Not putting all your energy into a person that you don’t know or may never meet.

OK, here’s the scoop. Obama is the right candidate to lead us into the complex world of the 21st century. Why? His lived experience as a child in Indonesia, his lived experiencegoing to school in Hawaii, his Kansas roots, his Kenyan roots. His law degree. His on-the-ground work in the neighborhoods of Chicago. His immediate and extended family, both here and abroad. He can surround himself with seasoned, capable staff and cabinet members. We need the perspective and fresh ideas of a new generation. Frankly, those of us weaned on the 60′s, Viet Nam and the Cold War have a world view too old and tired to be of much use in the 21st century. I’ve seen lots of politicos come and go. Time for a multicultural, multiracial, human-possibilities world view to take hold and help us move beyond the patronage and identity politics we are stuck with today. Obama gets this. The others don’t. They will fight to keep their hold on power, and sadly, they may prevail. But Obama is no flash in the pan. He is the real deal, and the time is right.

You gotta go with your gut feel in choosing between Hillary and Obama.

People we really need to realize that no-one is going to deliver this nation from the terrible state it is in but God. We need a national revival. We also need to return to good and decent
things this nation was once known for.
I voted for G.W. Bush twice hoping he
would do things which would make us proud. He has done some good, but his record on invasion from our southern border is terrible. We are headed for a North American Union. Things are already taking shape i.e. Texas Corridor, Strategic Prosperity Partnership. What next? The Amero-dollar when our’s collapses against foreign currency. Whoever we get, we must vote in a person who believes in our sovreignty and our constitution. If not, we will all be sorry. Democrat or Republican.

It is a shame that there is so much negativity and misinformation on this page. It is only natural that in the heat of the moment enthusiasm leads people to say relatively stupid things, boo, or cheer. We are all human.
Nonetheless, I think that it is exciting that young people are involved and impassioned by the Democratic process for the first time in my lifetime. Maybe booing and cheering is “immature”–but so are a lot of other things. And when was the last time that young people even attended political events in droves? This mobilization, in my mind, is something to be proud of.
Obama makes me cry of happiness. None of the other candidates come anywhere close.
I hope that we can all step back from the fray and calmly decide which candidate to support, without having to viciously discredit the other candidates in order to make that choice.
I wish you all the best of luck with your choice in the coming weeks. I also look forward to voting alongside you for the Democratic candidate, whoever she/he may be in November ’08!!!

The only candidate in this race who has real, relevant, serious experience and who has proven he can effectively change things is BILL RICHARDSON. He and Biden and Dodd should have been the so-called Top Tier from the beginning. Listen to him. Evaluate his amazing work history. He has intelligence and integrity qualities we have missed for 8 years.

I cannot believe Abc IS BLOWING A WHOLE SAT NIGHT ON THESE DEBATES.
It started to early and it has to far to go to be doing this

Hilary claims she has over thirty years experience. Ummmmm, at what? She’s only served in Congress a little longer than Obama. I seriously doubt she’s qualified for President just because she’s married to a former Pres. If that’s the case, we might as well draft Nancy Reagan, or Barbara Bush.
To ABC, you guys should not be in a position to decide who debates and who does not. Shame, shame on you people.

If Obama gets the nomination, he’ll lose the general election … especially if someone like McCain gets the gop nod. And the repub establishment knows it that’s why they support Obama. Don’t get me wrong, I like the man … I found his speech in Iowa to be very moving. But inspiration and capability are two very different things. We need a president who will put in policies that will fix our country. Obama has not made one significant speech on how he’d actually bring about change. It’s sad, Americans don’t do any research .. they just take things on face value. I call it the stupification of America … all americans do is watch reality televsion and read magazines. What happened to our great society? Have we all become dumb as dubbya? Wake up!

Hill must have gone mad to suggest only 2 questions for voters to ask themselves in evaluating the candidate to vote for. What was on her mind to even suggest it herself ? We are in a Democracy, perhaps she thinks we are voters in Democrazy ! It is like planting people to ask questions in an open forum or perhaps like announcing she is open to answer questions but limited only to those she wants to answer. Such condescending attitude is not what the voters want from a candidate. Voting for Hill is like voting for perpetual confrontation and dysfunctional government since the Clinton years in ’93. No more Clinton-Bush presidency, enough is enough !

Any of the three Democratic frontrunners would make a good president. It is important that Democrats nominate the person who can beat any Republican candidate. I think that Clinton would be the strongest president but not the strongest candidate. Between Obama and Edwards, I prefer Edwards, but I would vote for either in the election. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BIG PICTURE; BE SURE A DEMOCRAT WINS IN NOVEMBER!

I agree. An Obama nomination will lead to a sure GOP win in the white house. He is a poor debater and any of the leading GOP runners will fry him in the general election debates.

I agree with those that say if obama gets the nomiation he will loose as the president He is just a show boater Why is it okay for him to put down a woman by calling her gay when shes not she is very smart he is weak he admits to using drugs he has an addictive personality he could fall off the wagon at anytime If we had another 911 would he crumble to a line of coke?

barack hussein obama was the only senator in illinois to vote for the early realease of sexual predators.

I am a democrat and I will never vote for Obama. I will abstain if he is the nominee. I am insulted by his happy talk about how he will change Washington. He will accompolish nothing because he will not know how to work through the existing governmental systems.

What does Hussein Obama stand for??? All I hear is change change change. He never says anything of substance.
Bwack bwack bwack is what Hussein Obama does.

Yeah, your dear bwack bwack bwacker HUSSEIN Obama gave his YES vote in Illinois for the early release of CHILD MOLESTORS. All sexual deviants would’ve gotten an early release from jail with Hussein’s vote.
He is running a childish campaign and I believe 100% it’s full of gop’s that want NO Hillary and YES for Obama so they can take him to the cleaners in the big debates.
I will NOT be voting for that Muslim.

Obama supporter…. lot of experience you have just like the man you are supporting I hate to sound old but how many homes have you owned how many taxes have you paid? This election isnt about letting the youth run around with a bunch of dreams this is about a nation that is failing to survive what are you learniong in school whos paying for it

Wow, you give a reasoned appeal for a candidate rather than a blind “vote for Hilary or Obama08′” and all the demagogues come out to play (my spelling may be off on that one, before you start itching to chastise me).

Obama manipulated the iowa caucus scene. Typical of a big corporate lawyer, for him it is not hard work, right and wrong, guilt or innocence that is important but winning at all costs. He manipulates, fingerpoints, misdirects, and uses inuendo then cries foul at any opportunity. It shows a great lack of charactar. He bussed in chicago kids for the Jefferson Jackson dinner and orchestrated it like a pep rally. He pandered to very young voters because they do not have much life experience and do not remember the prosperity of the clinton years, only the mistakes of the current administration. He lumps clinton in with the Bush presidencies so resentmant for current administration reflects on his opponent. He states he didn’t vote for the Irac war- he was not in office to vote and was not presented with the information those in congress were presented with. It only came out later that the information had been manipulated by Cheney-Bush. Obama accuses others of taking lobbiest $, not bothering to admit he takes donations as well. He is the master at misdirection, sound bites, half truths, and manipulation of the grey areas. His plans are weak, not well thought out, and has no experience in foreign affairs, and very little in the senate. The last thing we need in the White House is an inexperienced, self-serving, corporate lawyer. That is not change, that is the republican dream
really look at Obama’s plans, record, policy, and proposal. you will find alot of fast talk, flash, but not much substance.

I’m listening to the republican candidates talking about health care in America. How can we, the riches country in the world have so many Americans without adequate healthcare. Prevention is great BUT when people get sick they should be able to get the care they need. I am saddened when people who have worked all their lives have to choose between good health care and food. Children should not have to suffer because their parents can not afford good health care. Some may call it a “hand out” but to me it makes sense to provide the kind of health care citizens of Canada, and France and other developed countries can have. I have worked for thirty five consecutive years and hold three post secondary degrees. I welcome health care for all.

wow. The majority of the these comments just portray the effects of negative campaigning – anger and paranoia. Let it go everyone.
A new era of politics is emerging – one that is reaching across party lines. I left the republican party to register as a democrat just so I could vote for Obama. In addition, it was a republican friend who sold me on Obama. If you are not familiar with his position on issues, for example, the exact details for ending the war in Iraq, please check out his website. Also, take time to read one of the books he wrote. The man is extremely intelligent, a charismatic speaker, and honest. Above all, even if you do not side with his policies, please do not give in to the politics of old. The divide and conquer strategy of the Bush Administration not only broke apart the republican party, it broke apart America. We as American’s are better than this.

People get a grip.
Only 11% of Iowans bothered to show up last Thursday. Obama got 3% of Iowans to vote for him, and Edwards and Clinton each got 2%. The number of people that did show up and vote represent only .0001% of the US population.
Everyone is falling all over themselves to say that the people voted for change, except you overlooked the 89% who also voted not to show up and hence voted for the status quo.
If you look at the entrance polls for new people that showed up for the Dems 30% showed up for Obama, 28% for Clinton, and 24% showed up for Edwards. This by the way represents the Dems as a whole for that night. When you add the 2nd choice to these numbers you arrive at the final totals of Obama 30+8=38%, Edwards 24+6=30%, and Clinton 28+1=29%. No where else can you force someone to pick another choice when the first is not high enough.
What all this means is the Dems were able to all get more people to show up but it was a pathetic 11% (7.5% for Dems/3.5% for Reps)of the population that said anything.
That is all it said.
* NO HISTORY
* NO CHANGE
* NO DECISION
We all need to wait until Feb 5th when 28 states will have had something to say, it is that simple.

Russ – You sure sound like a paid Clintonista. First it was Clinton was really not the front runner, then it was that Des Moines Register Poll had grossly overestimated new Caucus goers and now your numbers to discount a movement that is going to sweep you Clintonistas away. Please go tell your paymaster that all these years of scheming to get back into the White house is not enough because it’s OBAMA TIME BABY!
Hats off to the Clintons and their political machine for continuing to believe in their own spin despite all evidence to the contrary. Perhaps they are hoping that a meteor might strike Obama and the field will then be wide open.
For now it is Bye Bye HillBilly!

This election field manifests the failure of both parties to identify clear leadership. Americans will have to make the choice for themselves.
Hillary is confused her work in silk stocking law firms and sleeping in the Whitehouse are not governmental experience. She states she has 35 years experience; however, she has only four more years in the Senate than Obama. Does she think her governmental experience came via osmosis-being in the same dwelling as Bill?
The US made the Clintons rich (pensions & book sales), took them out of governmental housing (did they own a home prior to 2000), and gave them class. She needs to go home and rest on these laurels.
Bill may not be able to give Hillary the presidency because she lacks his people skills. She speaks as if she has an entitlement to the Office and also, fails public speaking 101. Her continual references to “I” is quite condescending; we, us, & our are the appropriate pronouns to make an audience feel sincerity from the speaker.
Obama offers the best choice. He can bring the country together. Until one holds an office, one cannot be held accountable. Presidental appointees and cabinet members are the forces that impact on the decisions of the Office of President; did Bush have foreign experience?
Obama has manifested skills in unifying groups that would never have come together. New Hampshire continue the Iowa thrust and vote for Obama.

Are you nuts, Eloise? I saw both those speeches. I thought Hillary was terrific and Obama very lackluster. Maybe you don’t recognize content when you hear it!

Hillary is the only democratic candidate that can stand against any republican candidate. Obama is all talk with no relevant experience and John lost one election before with a smooth talking Kerry.
Hillary brings hope for change, who can execute to one.
I would not vote for anyone who has little experience to run our country. The same way I would not hire a person, with 6 years experience, to run my company for me.
Talk is cheap our economy and soldiers life are not.

Obama is a con man and a fraud. He didn’t vote for or against the war in Iraq. He also oh so snakish held out and never voted on the Iran policy.
He is a snake and a liar. Do not trust a man promising change with no experience. He fails to realise a President is not the begins all ends all. Nobody in Washington will take that MLK wannabe seriously.

My mother called after the debate from Florida and when I told her what I was writing she asked me to post the following comment. Obama thinks he can go to Washington and change everything. He does not realize that nothing gets passed in D C without the right connections and experience. That is why she and my dad ( a Regan Republican) are strongly supporting Hillary.

Thank God for Hillary Clinton. She did great tonight. Just what I want in a president, strong, intelligent,cares about the average American, knows her issues back and forth, will get us out of Iraq and protect us from terrorists and have a strong idea on day one how to take back our country.

I just read about what happened at the 100 Club Dinner. I am STUNNED. I have been to two of these events in the past and DEMS do not act the way Obamas bussed in young people did. First of all, you need a ticket to get in and I read where these kids were at the door trying to get in without a ticket. The guys at the door told them they needed a ticket and from what people who were at the event said, they cursed and screamed and stormed in. A lady sitting at a center table said it was like a mob came to town. Senator Clinton was speaking and they went to the middle of the room crowding the tables and the people sitting there and starting booing her. Also, screaming Obamas name and wildly waving their Obama signs in the air. This is always a love feast for all the DEMS running. There is applause but never have I ever seen booing. Usually, there is a deep respect for everyone running for office. The Jefferson Jackson dinner is the exact same way. My husband and I went to one just a few months back with Joe Biden. Everyone was so happy for Joe. No booing or hatefulness. Those kids were plants from Obamas campaign and we do not do that to other Democrats. This is a dirty trick. I wonder what else Obama has up his sleeve? Another George Bush. Wake up America.

Actually Rupert, your saying that Hillary is a Republican, etc … has a
lot of truth to it in essence.
I’ve been saying something like what you’ve been saying since the 90′s
The reason the Republican Leadership HATES Bill Clinton is because so many of the Independents and rank and file Republicans voted for him. That scares the heck out of them. Bill was a centralist that actually represented 70-80 percent of the people in his stands. Unlike the extremists in both parties which each only represent about 15-20% of the people.
Hillary and Bill are really a moderates which scare the extremes in both parties. But they could have felt very comfortable as Republicans in the days when Goldwater Conservatives ruled the Republican party.
I know, I’m a Goldwater Conservative that feels at home in the current Democratic Party since the Reagan/GW supporters took over the GOP.

Democrats are not yet ready to win the white house. They easily given in to GOP’s strategies. The GOP’s were afraid of clinton and they mounted a very cordinated campaign against her and it seems they are succeeding by the way. The same thing they did in 2004 and democrates were deceived into choosing the weak Kerry/Edwards team and the rest was just a big funny story. This time around, it is also working for them. The candidates with the likely national security credentials are gradually made blackmailed by the GOP’s. Folks like Biden and Dodd are already out. If care is not taken, Clinton will go out leaving the dems with candidates they are very much prone to GOP’s sophisticate machine. Whether we like it or not, the 2008 general election will still boil down to Islamic terrorism because those guys aren’t gonna stop thinking of how to harm America from now till the general elections. Edwards and Obama are good guys, very very good with good policies but when it comes to tackling terrorism, I can tell you, they are zero, they can’t stand the Russia and Chinese support to Islamic terrorism. Thats a very strong weak point on their side which will be turned into added advantage by the GOPs. GOPs will still win again.