Fiery Debate Turns Campaign Toward the Personal

Hillary clearly won this debate.
Barack was arrogant and rude to not only Hillary, but to John Edwards as well.
Hillary’s experience and ability shone through tonite!
Hillary 2008!!

The debate showed America that Obama is not so much substance, as he is a dreamer. He offered nothing specific. Hillary seemed to be the most ready to lead with thought out well planned specific solutions. Edwards seemed to be the most sincere. Edwards proved to be passionate. Hillary/Edwards 2008!

hillary won again… obama can justify anything he wants. however hillary won. and will continue to win..greg

Hillary–you rock! Hillary was the ONLY one on that stage tonight that said anything specific. The two others left us once again with their worn out, tired cliche statements that had attach nothing current, or specific, or substanative. Hillary has proven that she has the brains, brawn, and moxy to stick it to the Republicans in November, while Obama has just begun to feel the sting of having to answer to his record. Can we really afford someone like Obama to run, when he has not been tempered under the full-throttle fire of the GOP? If tonight’s performance is any indicator, he would be anilated by them. Hillary baby you ROCK!

HIllARY CLINTON is ready to lead, and this debate proves it. I admit that for the first time,.. I think John Edwards got my attention. Edwards should be vice president. You go girl !! -Tyrone, Atlanta

Hillary won again. Obama looked like a state senator while Hillary looked presidential.

Obama making fun of Hillary Clinton being on the Board of Directors at Walmart, just proves Obama will oppress women. Why should her director position at Walmart be a bad thing? She should be proud of her accomplishments and the success in her career. A note to Obama: successful women are voting for Hillary!

I’m so sick of the Obama – Hillary mudslinging feud. Thank God there’s an alternative (and very electable) candidate.
This is why I’m switching my support to John Edwards.

Hildabeast Clinton said. “It’s just very difficult to get a straight answer.” I wished she had said that to me! She trots her horn-dog husband out to fight her fights whenever the heat is on. This is the same horn-dog who said that he never inhaled and that “is” is not “is.” She’s the one who don’t want her papers released until she could possibly be in office? Difficult to get a straight answer? She and her sidekick developed a career not giving sraight answers!! I wished I were Obama to be able to reply to that one! It’s rare that you have a “debate” opponent who tries to throw a slider and ends up throwing a softball.

I am so sick of hearing Obama say duh, uh, that’s not what I meant….but let’s all unify. Unify against what? Let’s all meet on that defining day in January and in one voice yell “PRESENT.” I found it very innteresting that he not only admitted having worked for that hood in Chicago but what I was shocked was that no one mentioned he was living in a house that that same hood got him a pretty dicey deal on. All fluff and no substance. I was impressed with John Edwards tonight and truly thought he won the debate; however, I will continue to support Hillary for President.

Obama is a hood. Don’t nominate him, people!!!!!!!!!

About time. I have been so sick and tired with Obama taking the igh road in the face of all the attacks coming from the Clintons. Tonight he showd that he coud give as much back in return. Way to go.
As to who won the debate, Edwards clearly had the day. Hands down. He stayed focussed and was very successful in getting his points across. Kudos to him.

Vee–I felt the same about Obama. He wasn’t equiped to deal with the hard questions. It was clear that he was packed with pre-canned, spin info that was to be cracked open and used in any required offensive stand against Clinton, but he clumsily mis-fired and brought up Reagan without being forced to. Ooh, what a strategic blunder that was! It was clear that in the heat of the intellectual battle that he was surprisingly impotent. It was also evident that he is miserably uncomfortable when confronted with adversity of comments related directly to his voting record as well as his Rezko affiliation, which is much deeper than he would like the public to know about. He hummed and hawed and all that and never made it seem credible. He does not look presidential when he has to respond without prepping first. Edwards was sharp and has that defense lawyer persona that impresses under fire, but Hillary, is like iron. She is mesmerizing in the heat of the battle and like she told Obama and the crowd, they are “just getting started”.

Dang OBAMA! You lost my vote tonight… When you commented that Hillary was on the Board at Walmart, you stated like it was a bad thing!! No no no, this sister is voting Edwards or Hillary. There is nothing wrong with a girl having a successful career!

Obama is too green to be President. He did not vote to cap credit card interest at 30% because he was not happy with the percent. So he vote NO! and I love John Edwards answer well than you have no cap, meaning you are going to let them go higher. hello

Vote for Billary? If I don’t, is she going to cry again? She is the LAST person I would vote for. And if she is the nominee, I simply won’t vote for a president.

Obama finally fought back against a negative Clinton campaign!
He is absolutely right about questioning who he is running against, Hillary or Bill.
I am a Republican who believes that Obama can bring about real “change.”

“Vote for Ron Paul”???
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahah
Yeah just what we need…another Republican from Texas.
After LBJ and Dubya – the two worst presidents in my life time, I don’t want to see anymore texas Presidents.

Democrats need a candidate that has the ability to appeal to independents and republicans!
Otherwise it’s more of the same divisive politics and a guaranteed 50-50 election that the Republicans might win.
Only Obama has the ability to appeal to people from all parts of the political spectrum.
We’ve had a Bush or Clinton in the White House since 1980 — isn’t it time for a change?

Hill is a fraud. She will say or do anything to get elected. Sen Obama is the only one that will actually work towards true change. I voted for Hill’s hubby in 92 and 96 but now he is running again and I say to hell with him. Back Obama. I cant wait to super Tuesday when Obama seals the deal. Sign, Sealed and Delivered. If you back Hill you really back the Status Quote. period. Cry about that.

Hillary was amazing. She is one tough lady. Obama is a wimp. He can’t take any heat. Hillary can take it and dish it back with a smile. I hope the media now looks in to his relations with Rezko, since Hillary was smart to mention it. He said he just did 5hrs work for the guy. They have been friends for over 15yrs. He is not a new kind of politician. He is a dirty politician. He won’t answer the questions. He stumbles over them. Then he says, “but the important thing is that we bring people together’. I can’t believe people are falling for this empty suit.

Hillary speaks with Conviction and FACTS! B.O. stammers and gets angry like a schoolboy having to stay after school in detention. He is not Informed and panders and flip flops! Whats up with him pointing his finger when Hillary said the truth about him on issues? I was totally undecided and NOW I’m Voting For HILLARY!

I have liked Obama but felt rather sorry for him tonite. He was way out of his league, he could not in a strong and direct manner answer policy questions with specific well-thought out answers, instead being rattled with a discomposed air about him, clearly showing that he is not presidential material. It is great that he is a nice guy with a platform based on hopes and dreams but that does not make a good leader. Hillary knows how the real world works and is the one who can be an agent for the real change this country needs. This debate clearly demonstrated that reality. Go Hillary 2008!

The American People Won this debate. Obama looked like the fool he is. Hillary was arrogant and mean. Edwards was the the left out kid.

Obama is the winner. Yes! every American want a universal healthcare. but not kind of Hillary universal healthcare. Hillary’s plan is just a bail for votes from poor people who give her votes. Obama’s plan is market-oriented that make healthcare affordable for every American. It’s smart and workable.

These are America’s finest? We are in deep trouble, folks. Michael Bloomberg, please take note and RUN!

Obama won the evening!!

Obama clearly won this debate, he showed his true colors as a unifier rather than a divider like Clinton. Clinton is scraping the bottom of the barrel for swipes at Obama and perpetuating lies. It’s really sad. Obama ’08!

I was a die-hard clinton fan, but after watching tonights debate, Obama has earned my admiration. He has my vote.

I have read so many posts that say how Edwards clearly came out ahead tonight, and yet those of you who are saying that are simultaneously saying you will support another candidate—please, tell me WHY would you do that? I have been following the Edwards campaign for a long time, and I can tell you that Edwards was the first candidate to come up with comprehensive plans for a wide array of issues, and now Clinton and Obama are copying Edwards’ plans—he is a candidate of substance and integrity—and he is a gifted speaker, as he has proved time and again—WHY back the two big money candidates when there is a better choice in John Edwards?

RE: Obviously, you haven’t been paying attention.
I’ve been paying close attention, and until this debate it’s been tame in my estimation. Subtler. Not this ferocious. Not this directly confrontational. Perhaps because they were face to face it seemed more impassioned.

I honestly cant believe that people are unwilling to believe in something more than what we know now. Hill is simply a continuation of the status quote. Why would you back a candidate that is unwilling to even think beyond this current system of crap. I think it is possible to change this game that K street in DC controls. If not we are all wasting our time.
Her answers are rehearsed. She knows what to tell you and me, etc because of her experience. And its simply what you want to hear. She is a fraud Hell I want the kind of candidate that can convince me that there is more than this crap. Like FDR in the Depression and Kennedy in the middle of the Cold war. Obama is on the outside of that box. Come on and get out of the box. Use your head

That was devestating. Clinton and Edwards took Obama totally apart, he was like a little boy in the middle. That was nothing short of a campaign assassination tonight and Obama crumbled under the weight of it all. The “present” thing was a disaster for him and Hillary pointing out Rezko another disaster for him.
A total disaster, if thats how he handles an attack, god help us if he was the nominee. Hillary is one tough tough lady, she could wrestle a bear with one hand behind her back.

Democrat, if we are looking at a Clinton/Obama ticket, forgets it. Obama has been very disrespectful to the formal President and a formal First Lady. The Republican Party will never let anyone disrespect Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, or republican formal First Lady regardless if they disagree with them. I think they would handle it in a more respect manner. Obama is not being smart and people of color need to be careful in their thinking. If Clinton wins, our voices will not be heard once she gets into the White House because of our actions. We can disagree with the Clinton and support Obama while being respectful to the Bill and Hillary.
Bill Clinton should stand up for his wife regardless if he is the ex-president. I wish many of our black men should stand up for their black women….maybe we will not need welfare, food stamps, and maybe our children can go to private school for a better education. White men have always been financial good to their women and will fight before anyone attacks them. Do not seat down Bill. Give your wife and daughter whatever support you can give. I was looking for a Clinton/Obama ticket. But, I will understand if Hillary does not select Obama as VP. …maybe Clinton/Richardson or Joe Biden.

RE: Clinton and Walmart
For the record, Mrs. Clinton left the Walmart board because she failed trying to change the company’s direction. However it’s not politically expedient to mention one’s failures as it generates the appearance of weakness, something particularly thorny for a female candidate running in a patriarchal society. The point is she tried, she advocated change, and it didn’t work out. I’m sure she learned from the experience.

J. Clark says, “I’ve been paying close attention, and until this debate it’s been tame in my estimation. Subtler. Not this ferocious. Not this directly confrontational. Perhaps because they were face to face it seemed more impassioned.”
I suppose you’re right. Hillary has been using her husband as her hatchet man. He’s accused Obama of being a Reagan and GOP supporter, of flip-flopping on the war and of voter intimidation in Nevada. In what way is that tame? Well, I suppose he could have accused Obama of fathering a black baby, like what happened to McCain in 2000.

IM A REPUBLICAN AND AFTER TONIGHTS DEBATE ME AND MY HOUSEHOLD WILL BE VOTING FOR OBAMA!

I disagree. I thought Senator Obama was poised, yet dignified. He finally called the Clintons (BOTH of them) on their smear and distortion campaign and I think that resonated with Americans. People are tired of “win at all costs” and they recognize the former president Bill Clinton is selling out his presidential legacy for an intra-Dem primary and that has shocked a lot of people. A lot of Americans are tired of the divisive Bush/Clinton era and they want a candidate that will attract voters from the GOP (like Reagan did Dems in 1980 which was Obama’s point) rather than a Dem candidate who will repulse Republicand and Indipendents like another Clinton would.

Why are people supporting Clinton? Are you really comfortable with Bush – Clinton – Bush – Clinton? If we do not get new people and new ideas this country is finished. One other thing, shame on all of you who support a government mandate on health care. No government should take the power of choice from its people. Lower the cost and let people choose for themselves.

Hillary revealed how twisted and mentally unstable she is to hold the job of president. She cannot even get her facts right, let alone get out of the gutter where she and Bill have been mired for years. If anyone has been studying at the feet of GW Bush it is Hillary Clinton. She is a sinister creature that every Dem ought to know should never be inflicted on the country.

Obama did fine. Clinton on the other hand look very argumentative and on edge. Obama’s only problem is he didn’t stay on her long enough. I would have made her look like the fool that she is and made her look completely incompetent by needing her husband in her campaign. He had at least a couple of openings and didn’t take them or stay on her like I would have.
And as far as things in one’s past, Obama is crazy. Her and Bill have been swimming in scandal since his Little Rock days. Obama missed another boat!
However, I’ve come to conclude that he displayed more class tonight. Now, I don’t think he won – but I don’t she won either – I’m just saying he came out looking more favorable than he is. All Hillary proved is that she can get ghetto when needed. Surely not what one is looking for in a Commander and Chief.
So, who won the debate? No one. There was to much bickering for there to be a winner. People want substance not a street fight. When I want to see a fight I turn on WWF.

Woah, woah woah- Hillary has integrity? Did you all only watch the highlights? Please don’t tell me you missed the part where she accused Obama of failing to vote for legislation that prevented sex shops from being near children- to which he defended his record and PROVED that this woman will say anything to get elected.
::awkward silence::
Listen, I’m black & I’m a woman- and as CNN so strikingly put it today I should be conflicted- but I’m not
I’m not voting on those same old labels- I’m voting for the candidate who will not stoop to those kind of accusations, the same old politics, the same old faces- VOTE OBAMA!
OPEN YOUR MINDS AND THINK- IF HiLLARY WINS THIS NOMINATION AND GETS DESTROYED IN THE GENERAL ELECTION WHAT WIll THAT DO TO WOMENS PROGRESS?!?! I WANT A WOMAN PRESIDENT TOO BUT NOT THIS ONE!

RE: Clinton as Status Quo
I don’t buy this rhetoric. The Bush administration is status quo. And Mrs. Clinton has taken different positions than those taken by her husband in his administration. Why? Because times are different now. Also, because Hillary has learned from past mistakes. She recognizes that some things that might have worked previously do not work now. Specifically, NAFTA, Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell, and most definitely, her ambitious yet failed attempt for universal health care. The political atmosphere is quite different. The vast majority of Americans agree that the country is headed in the wrong direction. One cannot possibly believe that Mrs. Clinton would not take us in a radically different direction than the one Mr. Bush has taken us.

Yes, Hillary is taking us in a different direction: she is rushing to the bottom of a cesspool that she and Bill want every American to become stuck in.

Oh, my did Hillary gave BO a black eye! He should not have started the debate by badmouthing her husband, he deserved what he got. In addition he tried, and got away, with monopolizing the debate, why did CNN allow him so much time trying to explain the unexplainable? His foot was in his mouth from the very begining of the debate and stayed there until the end.
Edwards came out looking pretty good! Let’s have a Clinton-Edwards ticket in Nov.!

Fellow americans it is time to cut the crap and face both the truth and the facts.
First of all Obama has absolutely and positively no experience in foreign relations.
Second of all Obama doesn’t support universial health care and both Clinton and Edwards do support it.
Third of all I truly believe that the color of a persons skin has nothing to do with who they are, but what matters the most is the size of heart on the inside and the persons character as well as how they conduct their selfs around other people.
I was empressed with John Edwards in tonights debate and I will vote for him in the Alabama primary in Febuary if he is still running for president at that time.

I’ve seen some of these Hillary supporters on other blogs (like Matthew) all spouting the same “Hillary Won!” spin. They probably work for her campaign.
I thought Edwards came off the best, but Obama clearly owned Hillary in my eyes this time out. He made it clear (finally) just how much she and Bill have been distorting his comments. Plus, her “slumlord” comment was a serious mistake. She just seemed back to her shrill, angry, calculating self.

Obama was awesome focusing on clarifying the facts. Hillary just kept slinging the mud, distorting reality and spinning everything so much that she couldn’t really answer the question that was asked. Every question simply served as a launching pad for a message spin. Its no wonder people are confused. She won’t give a straight answer to a straight question. This makes her an expert polytrickster but it won’t make her a good president. Who is can to follow a person that is constantly talking in 360 degrees? That results in going nowhere.
Let’s unite around Obama who’s got a real sense of purpose and a direction that will lift this country up. He is the only one who could honestly and appropriately answer the question of what would MLK think of them.

Edwards is getting better and better. Finally Obama is being called to tast. Hillary is still the best so far. I’d go for a Hillary/Edwards ticket.
Truthfully Joe Biden would have been the best President – but, the Press killed by ignoring him completely.

Posted by: suzelee | Jan 21, 2008 11:44:29 PM,
Grow up. Do you think he would even be on a ticket with her? We wouldn’t vote for him if he did. The man is not that desperate nor are we. He is a man of principle, that is something the Clinton’s are NOT.
He has been disrespectful to her and the former president? Well, if the former president would state acting like a former president, then maybe he would get some respect! Have you ever heard of in order to get respect, you must first give it?
He doesn’t have to kiss up to either of them. Besides, he is far more nicer to her and him then any of us would ever be.
AND GUESS WHAT ELSE, WE DON’T HAVE TO HOPE FOR A TICKET WITH HILLARY, BECAUSE SHE IS GOING TO LOSE IN THE END ANYWAY. DO YOU THINK WE ARE JUST GOING TO SIT BACK AND SAY ‘OH WELL, GUESS I WILL VOTE FOR HILLARY?’ PLEASE!!! WE WILL JOIN THE REPUBS AND DEFEAT HER, MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT. SHE IS GOING DOWN.

Hillary Rocked!!! Her wave is looking like a Tsunami!
I love it!
Obama, you are vice president material right now, maybe in 8 years you may learn something from Hillary and be a good president. for now, she is by far, the better candidate.

If I rememeber correctly a few years ago didnt I hear that Wal-Mart was donating to the Republican’s Campaigns? I am glad to see Obama with the gloves off.He is having to not only take on hillary but bill as well.And on ABC News tonight it said Hillary left S.C. and left Bill to Campaign for her!

I don’t understand why folks relish in the “turn up the heat” approach in these debates. I found it refreshing that Obama went straight to clarifying the record and answering the question rather than constantly trying to weave in another half-truth about another candidate. Hillary did that way too much, and then at the same time try to call for focusing on the issues.
We should be more interested in hearing our leaders talk honestly with us and give us good info as to how they would lead this nation, not how clever they are in trying to slice and dice another person.
Vote integrity, vote OBAMA!!!

Bush – Clinton – Bush – Clinton? American political dynasties ? This is such a crazy idea I can’t believe it.

Hmm… there seems to have been an early influx from the hillary clinton site. :) … and then the obama people got the word and sent people out… and the edwards supporters are hanging around saying IT’S NOT OVER YET, as well as what my gut tells me are people “posing” to be people they’re not– which is weird and usually very obvious.
John Edwards: could afford to look amazing and above it all because nobody is really pursuing HIS record. I admire what he’s saying now but his history both as a lawyer and as a senator doesn’t back it up.
Hillary Clinton: always impressive insofar as knowledge and thinking on her feet but honestly I don’t hear her saying anything more substantial. You have to hand it to her because she’s scrappy– tough— determined. However, she’s also largely unethical and divisive… and there is the whole bit about our country needing to avoid “dynasties.”
Barack Obama: Often appears as though he’s stuttering…but once you listen I think it’s because his thoughts run faster than his words. Was in an awkward position, trying to maintain the high road but at the same time needing to avoid being “swift boated” by charges that have been proven FALSE again and again by investigative journalists.
Overall: thought Edwards looked most noble and Hillary and Obama had their moments of looking squabbly, but think Obama makes an excellent case for the general electorate, and someone people will vote FOR and not as a means of voting AGAINST the other side– and yet clearly has taken hard stances.
I do think inspiring people IS important, and doesn’t automatically equate as no substance, as has been spun by the mainstream media.

RE: suzelee
Growing young is a fine art. I am proud to be a “dreamer” that fights for basic human rights. I am proud to be young at heart. I am proud to be inspired and hopeful for better things.
If this world is as good as it gets, I am ultimately disappointed in humanity.
I cannot believe that history would come as far as it has to simply give up and settle for mediocrity. I don’t believe it and I won’t.
I don’t normally support any presidential candidates simply because they break down a person’s higher ground. I support Obama because he creates a structural support for basic human rights. I support him because he is aware of his surroundings versus how he should be acting on camera. I support Obama because there has to be a way to get this world to a better place and he is the only candidate that I have ever seen in my lifetime that just may be capable of helping us get to the promised land.

Hillary is the most qualified candidate to be the President of the United States.
Let’s vote for her
As simple as this

RE: Obama’s clarifications.
I agree that Obama did fairly well clarifying his record, but I don’t think he has any more or less integrity than Edwards or Clinton. The point is that whoever finds themselves in the lead, in the spotlight, will have their records called into question. Polls indicate Obama has double digit lead in South Carolina (although polls cannot always be trusted). That’s why Obama found himself on the defensive. He clarified his positions well for the most part, even if a little shaky in his deliverance. He is a thinker, and his oratory indeed inspiring. My state votes last of them all, so the nominee will be decided by the time I mail in my ballot. I can’t say I’d be disappointed if Mr. Obama wins the nomination…

Hillary is dirty….. No, Obama is dirty. No, Edwards is dirty! No Hillary is dirty!!!
It’s politics. It’s ALL dirty! Get to that realization and move on with your lives!

J Clark – you can easily determine Hillary’s lack of integrity by noticing how she says one thing but does another, and also contradicts herself frequently. Not only that, but there are heaps of ethical issues and scadals that come up with the Clintons.

RE: Integrity
As far as saying one thing and doing another, I’m quite familiar with this critique of Mrs. Clinton. I think the same critique applies to anyone who has ever sought political office. The process is complicated and it’s not a simple matter of saying one candidate is any more trustworthy than another. People change minds. They make mistakes. They misspeak. That being said, I don’t find a tremendous disparity between what Mrs. Clinton says and what she does. Are there instances of this? Yes. For any person, this can happen. Although words are important, actions matter more. Although I haven’t always agreed with every vote Hillary has cast, I appreciate her progressive voting record in the Senate. And I appreciate her advocacy for people of many walks of life. As far as ethical scandals, my ears tend to go deaf whenever this is brought up because of all the money spent investigating, all for naught. Democrat or Republican, the political opposition will demand oversight and launch investigations in the name of political transparency. From the most ridiculous conspiracy theories to the fairest criticisms, I believe I’ve heard it all. No one is morally beyond reproach. Every candidate has strengths and weaknesses. I still feel comfortable supporting Hillary, and I understand she is a contentious public figure and that many will never vote for her. I will.

J Clark- Re integrity…you really give Hillary the benefit of the doubt. You have a good heart. But honesty in words matter, because once a leader goes down the road of saying dishonest things on a constant basis, enough people notice and refuse to follow. That is exactly what happened to Bush.

Both Clintons disgust me with their venal and vicious personal attacks on Obama.How does Hillary expect to win in the general election if she does so by a
dirty savaging of Barack Obama?
She already has so many negatives going into this race. My gut feeling is that people will reject her campaign tactics and she will go down in defeat.
Barack Obama will be the eventual nominee for President if truth prevails
over the smear.

Uhhh, race? The only “people” that care about race is the stinking media. None of the candidates have rbought up “cuz Obama’s black” or otherwise. (It is curious, however, that Mrs. Clinton was happily playing the gender card when things got started a few months back!) I am a white female. 38 years old, two kids, life long Dem. I will vote Republican before I vote for Mrs. Clinton. She is a walking double standard (really, should she be one to complain about another’s shady legal past??). Remember, voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil.

RE: Edwards
I think Mr. Edwards had a strong debate performance too. I agree with Edwards and Clinton that health care coverage should be mandated to make it universal (with subsidies to help those who cannot afford it).
And Hillary as an evil ham sandwich? Ok, there is one I actually haven’t heard before. :) Points for creativity.

You can’t have a fair debate when somebody keep deleting your post…. I say experience and qualfication counts allot to me….Obama look the less prepared out of the 3…. JMO

Man…Hillary’s a trainwreck. Her therapist must have a marinas worth of boats on her dime. “You go girl” indeed. Go. Somewhere. Else. Please. Just Go.
You disgrace yourself and your party by tearing down its brightest star, Barack Obama.

McCain would totally eat Obama or Edwards alive! Hillary is tough, she can take anything they throw at her. Obama seemed to fumble a lot.

Obama’s fans are mad that their “hero” was all talk and no action. This is NOTHING compared to the National debates against Republicans.
To be fair, Obama was the one that opened the door for the tit-fot-tat session, which Hillary ended brilliantly. There were no boos to neither Obama or Hillary, they were “oooohs” like when you’re witnessing a tell off session.
Obama struggled like a fish out of water. He couldn’t even take command of his own responses, even misquoting HIMSELF! Gosh, Clinton and Edwards chewed him up like toast.
Recommendation to Senator Obama: Don’t have your friends do your homework. It may work in grade school, but not when you are running for president.

Charlize, well said!The Clintons will drag America into smurky waters!

It is truly as I feared…Barack’s intellect and common sense are, in fact, so foreign to us now that he actually confuses us. We still ask questions like “Where does he stand on the issues?” right after he clearly states them. Barack’s problem, I guess, is that he speaks to us as though we’re acutally intelligent.
Remember, John McCain is an absolute POWERHOUSE with independents. It’s all about the purple states come November, folks.

Hillary, once again you have proven why you are the perfect candidate to win this coming November 2008.
You are tough, smart, dedicated and gifted. You showed your expertise in domestic and foreign policy, and I love your plan for helping out people like me who need health insurance and don’t have it (John Edwards too!).
The Republicans are shaking in their knees right now, because they know there is nothing they can throw at you that they already haven’t dealt with.
Thank you for being a true Amazon – keep the fight going! To your opponents, they wish their candidates were as intelligent and dedicated as you. Stay strong & you make this Latina proud to vote for you.

Obama won’t win in November. We will get another Republican if Obama happens to win the democratic nomination. I do not want that! Obama is not the better candidate anyway. Mister shiny pants threw the first low blow tonight, and Hillary hit back. Good for her. Hey has anybody even looked at how many delegates she has?

I’ve said many times this week: Obama picked the wrong party to run under.
He should run as a Republican. They’re already used to bumbling fools make bad decisions and have no idea how to resolve them.
John Edwards and Hillary Clinton both are very skilled, gifted and knowledgable on how to fix this big old mess called the US of A. I liked their performance tonight and I’m now stuck not knowing who to vote for in the primary, they were that wonderful!

no one “won” last night… Kucinich was not there and he is the voice of the mainstream, but big media business does not want to hear or for us to hear about the topics that matter: the Iraq War, IMPEACHMENT, national health care, removing the “patriot” act, and GLOBAL WARMING,… instead, we got to hear the politics as usual bickering that got us into trouble in the first place…

Im really excited about Obama’s performance tonight. He clearly highlighted how devisive Hillary can be, and I’m just hoping the general population sees it.
I’m a Democrat at heart, but if Hillary wins the nomination, I may vote Republican. This to me just highlights the point that Hilary cannot unite, and for all her talk about experience (yet to be substantiated), she should know she needs to unite to have any change in Washington. I’m not into politics that much, but this year has changed everything. Barack is my far the best candidate (evidenced by his overwhelming popularity amoung younger, far more educated voters – refer to any poll to confirm this).
Barack represents an honest, genuine candidate at is truly refreshing. I dont work for any campaigns, I just feel really strongly about it!

The “P-u-p-p-e-t President”!!!
If any of you really believe that HRC is running for President … You prove why women have outnumbered men for thousands of years … and yet are still an “Oppressed Group”. Let’s be real … HRC I-S N-O-T running for President … Bill Clinton is!!! I guess that would make her qualifed to lead on Day-1. All she has to do … is What She Is Told!!!
35 years of Experience? Doing What? She has only been in the Senate the S-a-m-e amount of time as Obama. She had N-O real responsibility as the Governors’ Wife. N-O real responsibility as the Presidents’ Wife. I’m married to a Chef … Know What? It doesn’t make me a Chef! I can’t cook 90% of the dishes she does. Know Why? It is because being in a “Front-Row” seat … Doesn’t mean I can play the game.
There is not 1 peice of legislation Sen Clinton has introduced in her time in the Senate. Oh … She has signed on to other Senators legislation … There is NONE that is her own. Check the Record. See for yourself. They associated Obama with “fairy tales” … When all the time she’s selling the American people a dream. She has NO record aside from HER HUSBAND!
She’s so smart … She allowed her husband to have woman after woman after woman who came back to tell it in public … and stayed married to him. So she is either a “Poster-Child” for Low-Self Esteem Women or Greedy for Spot-Light. Whatever she maybe I just hope the Voters see her as she really is.
If you had/have a friend/relative/associate whose husband/companion flaunted their affairs in her face … What would you advise her to do? Would you not question her core decision making ability if she remained in the situation? Would you not question their self image? Would you not consider them a “Glutton for Punishment”? Question Why? Would you make that person … The President of the United States?
Just My Opinion …

Now you poss a very sensitive question. I would ask you why women could not become a president of US?
From the debt, you already see a strong, woman.

I could not agree with voorheis more. You can see that how much attack to Hillary, all of them are non sense. Please just like the debt, list your evidence.

Unless we were are just going for blonde or blinging Bill back to the white house. Otherwise find another women if it’s their turn but this one is just coached in everything and ofcourse Bill is the one running show. Change guys, Obama is the Man

Please you play the debt video again. You will see who first brought attack and how they are response to each other.

The fact is the debt winner is Edwards. No matter how you admit it or not. Bou from the real substance, the winner is Hillary.

Obama had been attacking Hillary for close to a year now and we the blacks; Obama’s supporters did not see anything wrong with his unending attacks and accusations. Now that the woman wants to return his fires back to him all with well documented facts, we are getting angry and attacking her. To all the facts about Obama which was uncovered today, he couldn’t deny any of them, he couldn’t provide answer to any either. Even his political love bird; John Edwards couldn’t cover him today because the facts were to obvious. I am a black but I was very ashamed the way our fellow black brothers misbehaved today during the debates; making unwarranted noise.

I believe that if black women want a person to fight for them as well as all of us. They will have to vote for Hillary. The Clintons have proven there selves to the Blacks. And all American’s that they do mean what they say,and they do what they say they are going to do. If you want someone in the White House that needs to learn as they go along,then Obama is your man. If you want to have someone in the office that can run full force then you vote for Hillary. Look it’s fine to dream no one is debating that, however it takes more than a dream to make things happen. Obama cannot bring this country together. And i donot believe Edwards can. However i do believe Hillary is our best shot to do that. It’s not about race or being a woman. It’s about who has the most experince to get the job done.Who has the most to handle the stress of the job. This is not a test, this is the real deal. And i believe that Hillary is the real deal. She’s proven herselves time in and time out.. greg…p.s. like her or not she is the one to get us where we all need to be..

If Barack Obama isn’t terribly nervous about the upcoming Rezko trial, he should be. Obama was far more involved with Rezko than he has admitted and it is all going to come out and hit Obama in the face like a bag of concrete.

Last night, after the debate, I walked outside and removed the Barack Obama sign from my front lawn and the sticker from the window of my van.
I now have no candidate to support.
Whoever wins the Dem nomination, I will vote for in the general election.
Obama is not my kind of candidate anymore, though I must say I have been holding on to hope for four months now, just waiting for him to prove me wrong. Now he has George W. Bush’s spiritual advisor joining his campaign.
No thanks Obama.

The question is not whether or not Obama is qualified. But, it is whether or not America is mature enough and ready for HIM.

Does anyone else notice that several “different” people on here keep referring to the “debt” tonight? Methinks games are being played by Hillary’s supporters and it would appear that the part about lack of education may be correct. I think people just watch the DEBATE and don’t keep up with what has been happening; I can’t think of why anyone would think Obama started the distortions–he was DEFENDING himself against the Clintons’ jabs. It has been in the news all week and Democrats have called Bill on it. For heaven’s sake, if you are that misinformed, I can see how Hillary gets by with lying so much. I also don’t understand people who say he didn’t answer questions. He DID. He doesn’t spout out a predetermined slick answer like most politicians do–he STOPS AND THINKS and answers truthfully. Obviously, we haven’t seen that enough to recognize it when it happens. Edwards looked good tonight because Hillary wasn’t attacking him because he is not a threat to her; Obama is. If you want further explanation of the “present votes,” read this. Obama Was Praised for Standing Up on Tough Issues – Because His Senate Seat Was Not Vulnerable, He Used His Position To Help More Vulnerable Senators Do The Right Thing. Zorn wrote, “Obama, however, was in a safe district and never faced a serious challenge for his legislative seat. He had no need to shy from hard-line stands on gun control and abortion rights. He actually took such stands frequently and is now highly praised by advocates for both causes. [Chicago Tribune, Zorn, 3/9/04]
Anyone Who Thinks A Present Vote Is A “Duck” Doesn’t Understand How the Process Works. “There is a presumption, if one is not familiar with the mechanics of the General Assembly, that a present vote is a “duck.” Pam Sutherland, the CEO and President of Illinois Planned Parenthood said of [this] Hull argument: “I think it’s not well-based…I think it’s somebody who doesn’t understand how the legislative process works.” [Chicago Daily Herald, 3/10/04]
Criticizing Present Votes Indicates “You Don’t Have A Great Understanding Of The Process.” “‘Criticizing Obama on the basis of ‘present’ votes indicates you don’t have a great understanding of the process,’ said Thom Mannard, director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.” [Chicago Tribune, Zorn, 3/9/04]
Voting Present in the State Legislature is Used as A Signal to the Other Party, Not As a Way to Duck the Issue. “An aspect of Obama’s State Senate voting record that is drawing attention is his “present” votes. A present vote is a third option to an up or down “yes” or “no” that is used with great frequency in the Illinois General Assembly. It has many varied and nuanced meanings that, in the context of the actual bills, border on boring. It’s most important use is as a signal – to the other party, to the governor, to the sponsor – to show a willingness to compromise on the issue if not the exact bill, to show disapproval for one aspect of the bill, to question the constitutionality of the bill, to strengthen the bill. [Chicago Daily Herald, 3/10/04]
Obama Would Vote ‘Present’ On Unconstitutional Bills, Saying He Tried To Resist Bad Votes That Make Good Politics. The AP reported, “Obama says his ‘present’ votes often come on bills that he believes are unconstitutional. ‘I have tried to not succumb to the temptation of voting on bad laws just because it makes for good politics,’ Obama said.” [AP, 9/9/04]

Someone on a board said they would not vote for Obama because he did not meet the requirement for presidentcy. But according to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’s constitution he does meet all the requirements: No person except a natural born citizen (Which he was born in Kansas to an American born mother) or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of the President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years,(which he has)and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. (which he has been)

Most of these comments are ridiculous. Cheerleaders and stupid cheerleaders at that.
1. Walmart cheats the american taxpayer by paying their employees nothing and providing no healthcare (they hire people to tell their workers how to get on medicaid). This is the problem with working as a Walmart lawyer. If any of you had ever worked as a lawyer or read the news you’d know that Walmart is probably one of the most disgusting companies to work for from an ethical standpoint.
2. At least Obama is relatively honest. “All of our hands are a little dirty.”
3. Edwards won the debate but by default. It’s easy to win a debate where the other two candidates argue like children.
I would pick Obama because I’m tired of seeing Bush, H.W. Bush, Jeb Bush, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Chelsea, James Carville, etc. I will be glad not seeing any of them on TV soon. Why not pick a ringer?

to Latisha, Obama lost your vote because he brought to light Hillary’s past affiliation to Walmart???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? That has NOTHING to do with him having issue with her success but rather her interest in corporate funding for political purpose. That is shameful!! He was backed in a corner so kuddos to him for standing his ground, an unearthing her unmentioned past. What you are failing to realize is and as John Edwards said “If you are given millions by these people they will expect something in return” by “they” he meant corporate entities/lobbyists (the rich). John won this debate and Hillary lost. Obama maintained his integrity and has my vote!

my perspective with the debates:
a) obama had no choice but go on the attack, however he should have been prepared on the counter-attack. i think he handled himself well considering that this part of the game is new to him, but some answers he should of explained better like the slum-lord counter and the present votes (which i know for a fact those are both exaggerated or fabricated accounts, hence a thourough explaination). overall, this is GOOD for obama because it is IMPOSSIBLE to run a clean campaign, and seeing whut the former president is doing, you have no choice but to attack….unfortunately, negative campaigning ALWAYS win votes..ALWAYS
b) hillary was hillary…one thing you cannot deny, whether you like her or not..she’s a cruel #####!!! which alot of her fans like, especially independent feminists…but also, people can see through her bullshit to the point that she even got BOO-ed during these debates which is not a good look…regardless, she held her ground and probably won a few fans afterwards…
c) edwards….edwards, i feel came out the loser..not because he was weak on the debate, but because he was almost invisible and he a hard time telling everybody “look at me! remember me?” he had alot of great things to point on, but it went threw hollow ears

Some of the missed votes the Obama did not vote on that are important to me:
Vote 361: H R 3222: Graham Amdt. No. 3117; To improve the security of United States borders.
Vote 388: H R 3043: Ensign Amdt. No. 3352; To prohibit the use of funds to process claims based on illegal work for purposes of receiving Social Security benefits.
Vote 377: H R 3043: Motion to Table Coburn Amdt. No.3321; To provide additional care for pregnant women, mothers, and infants by eliminating a $1,000,000 earmark for a museum dedicated to Woodstock.
Vote 376: H R 3043: Brown Amdt. No.3348; To provide funding for the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program.
Vote 366: H R 3093: Ensign Amdt. No. 3294; To increase funding for the United States Marshals Service to ensure full funding for the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and offset the increase by reducing funding for the Advanced Technology Program.
Vote 322: H R 2764: Coburn Amdt. No. 2773; To ensure that the United States contribution to the United Nations is not being lost to waste, fraud, abuse or corruption by maximizing the public transparency of all United Nations spending.
Vote 387: H R 3043: Ensign Amdt. No. 3342; To prohibit the use of funds to administer Social Security benefit payments under a totalization agreement with Mexico.
Vote 422: H R 2419: Gregg Amdt. No. 3673; To improve women’s access to heath care services in rural areas and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the delivery of obstetrical and gynecological services.

listening to all of you go on and on dribbling at the mouth like you were arguing over a comment of dissent somebody has made of you brother in the school yard with blinkered uninformed rhetoric of your preferences of which ONE person will best serve the country’s interests (of course out the kindness of their heart and desire to put your wellbeing ahead of their career, nest egg and their IOU’S to the real policy makers incognito behind the scenes) is laughable. do any of you honestly think ONE person actually influences the running of the country. (PLEASE DONT SAY YES!) The president of the US position, party politics and the concept of freedom of speech has always just been an act in a theatre of deception to feed all of you a false reality of who really owns (not just runs) the country and also give you the impression you have a voice in washington. nonsense! wake up…smell the political hollywood media hyped coffee which has been spiked to mesmerise you and keep you dumb and keep you hypnotised!! …..p.s. by the sound of it you all have been drinking far too much of this coffee…. One lump or two?

Obama would have been smart to bring up Hillary’s brother, who got in trouble for selling pardons to carnies! He could have pounded her on all the trash she let sleep at the White House, the suddenly appearing billing records. The constant talk about who helped people more was just disgusting. It was a victim contest. They both make me sick. I wouldn’t vote for any of those 3 bozos.

Hillary is the Woman !!!
Ms. President get use to it ! Hillary you Rock !!!

I think Rush was right. If you read all of these comments it looks like Democrats are taking sides in this uncivil war between the Clintons and Obama. Believe it or not this is good for politics. It gets more people involved in the process.

Do you still think Obama and Clintn will pair up once this is settled? Not a chance in HE__LL. These two despise each other deep down.

Now Hillary sit on the Board at Wal-Mart , now if my memmory serves me correctly dosnt Wal-Mat donate to the Republicans Campaign? I could swear I heard they do!

Hillary acted disgracefully in the debate last night. Her campaign is the typical spin and mistruths that turn voters off, esp. independents like myself. This has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with integrity and honesty. The base will vote dem in the general, but independents and reps will turn out to voter her down. All she seems capable of doing is attacking and then adjusting her statements to jive with the base. I have yet to hear an adequate explanation for her politically motivated votes to support the war and then later oppose funding the troops. This will dog her in the general – we’ve seen this before. Hillary supporters, do you remember the last election???? So, even if her divisive tactics work in the primary with the so-called base, she is setting herself and the democratic party up for a loss in the general election.

Hillary and her husband are two of the most polarizing figures in America today. Their presence in this race for the Democratic nomination cannot help but remind us of their history, both the good and the bad things that they did. They became experts at taking statistics and making them sound good overall; but since many people who they claim to have helped failed to actually realize that help, those people simply assume that everyone else must be the ones who the Clintons are bragging about. For instance, Hillary said during the debate that the “typical” Black family saw its income rise $7600 during her husband’s presidency. What do you think she meant by “typical”? I would suggest that she, like many people, wrongly believes that a “typical” Black family during Bill’s time in office was one that was poor and on welfare (her campaign’s stereotypical construct of Black families). Thus, Hillary claims that, by denying poor families of all races welfare and forcing them to work on poverty wage jobs, those typical families’ earnings rose $7600 (less than $650 per month). She failed to say that they were poor and struggling nonetheless. And if you doubt it, you try living on $650 per month, even with foodstamps. Unemployment went down because Bill’s Administration stopped counting those who were no longer drawing unemployment, even if they could not find another job. Like Bush does today, they averaged the income of the very rich with poor people’s incomes or lack thereof and suggested that everybody was doing well in “their” economy. When one person’s income that is a million dollars per year is averaged with 9 unemployed individuals, statistically it suggests that everybody is making $100,000 per year. But, if you were unemployed or underemployed during “their” economy, you need no one to tell you that some facts do lie, even as they reveal the truth.

I posted comments earlier in order to give background to that which I most wanted to say about last night’s debate. If you have read the various postings heretofore, you can sense the vileness and enmity that Hillary encourages in her supporters. This is the same vileness and enmity that she and Bill encourages in her Republican opponents. This was the change that Bill and Hillary brought into politics and the national discourse during the 90s. When they are involved, people lose sight of the issues and ignore the best interests of the U.S., and often of themselves and their families. They become so caught up in their desire to win some contrived fight that they are willing to do and say anything, no matter how wrong, dishonest, frivolous, disingenuous, and harmful it might be. The Clintons inspire the worst in people and make them think that it is good for them, their families, and their country. People brag about the Clinton’s opposition research and the cunning and craftiness with which they use it to distort and disparage the life, record, words, and position of their opponents. Since this is the environment and practices that they introduced into politics in the 90s and still engender in both political parties today, the Democratic Party lost its governing majority 14 years ago and still have not recovered fully from that loss. The portents of their divisive politics are that, if Hillary wins the nomination, Democrats could lose seats in the Congress and Senate instead of taking advantage of the discontent and weariness that presently exists throughout the U.S. with these outdated politics. Listen to others and to yourselves as you find and latch on to even the smallest difference as being sufficient reason to divide yourselves between “Us” and “Them,” even within your own Party. Believe me, God intentionally made us different– not for us to aspire to be separate from each other but for us to seek unity with each other. It is through unity that we share our uniqueness with others; and it is through the differences that we share with each other that we, collectively, obtain and expand our knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of the truth. You can help fix this problem. Choose a change agent that can bring America together and reject those who would keep us apart. I believe Barack Obama is best suited among the candidates to do that.

Talk about a water cooler topic!
Hillary is a no-holds barred politician and THAT’S WHAT WE NEED TO BEAT THE REPUBLICANS. They are gonna come with either McClain or Romney and trust me, that “hope” and “change” nonsense isn’t going to fly far with these guys.
This is no flimsy flip-flopper, this is the type of leadership our party needed, that tough as nails chutzpah and THAT’s the kind of leadership we need in the White House.
First Lady, my eye! HRC is worthy of my vote.

It was a matter of time before these two clash together. I think you should expect to see more of this. The only thing is that I don’t understand is, instead of som e of the useless programming you see on TV, why not replace it with the race? Politics are far more interesting today then any soap opera or reality tv show.

Anybody but Hillary in 08. The reason is simple: Political opportunism and a a lack of principles. Hillary’s vote to support the Iraq war resolution is a perfect example. She claims to have been misled but the records show she not only supported Bush’s so-called evidence to go to war but she was doing the bidding as well. In her speech to the senate, she claims: “It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed in that endeavor, he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East, which as we know all too well affects American security.
Now this much is undisputed. The open questions are: what should we do about it? How, when, and with whom? “

Walmart sells more paperback books than any other chain in America. Sam’s Club sells more hardcover. I wonder if Senator Obama, a New York Times bestselling author, is returning the checks from book sales in those outlets?

Sorry kids, but here is a hit at Obama. What was with the “Talk to the hand” stance he kept doing with Hillary? He kept putting his hand out and up where her face was in looking at him as they debated. Check it out. I hope CNN replays the Debate. Man, this is fun! I feel like all the comments are helping them in some weird way.

Is there a Hate Crime for Politics, if there isnt there should be, because thats what kind of tactics the Clintons are using agaisnt Obama!