By Ed O'Keefe

Mar 13, 2008 5:40pm

Obama vs. Clinton: They Meet Again

ABC News’ Ed O’Keefe Reports: The dueling Democrats contending for the party’s crown will debate again.

Taking the stage for the 21st and possibly 22nd time, Sens. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., could debate at least twice more before the critical Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday, April 22.

Both candidates have accepted an ABC News debate in Philadelphia and Obama has accepted a similar invitation from CBS News to debate at a location to be determined in North Carolina.

The CBS News debate would be their first debate of the 2008 campaign season.

ABC News hosted two debates in January — only two days after the Iowa caucuses and three days before the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary.

In partnership with Facebook and New Hampshire affiliate WMUR, ABC News anchor Charlie Gibson moderated back-to-back Republican and Democratic debates, at that time featuring six GOP contenders and four Dems including Obama, Clinton, former senator John Edwards, D-N.C., and Governor Bill Richardson, D-N.M.

For a full transcript, video clips, and blogs about January’s Democratic debate click here, and for a transcript, video or blogs about the Republican debate click here.

User Comments

WOOT! This is great news. I am so tired of having to sift through media rhetoric to find out what the candidates really say. Bring on the debates!

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm

What have we not heard or seen in the last 20 debates, the is just going to be more material for SNL.

Posted by: Kardasia_Prime | March 13, 2008, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm

I think there are many issues that have not been debated.

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 5:52 pm 5:52 pm

DCVoter, I have to agree with you. I don’t think OBAMA has any real financial management understanding, nor a grasp of our economy whatsoever. I suspect this guy has been on an easy ticket for awhile, because of his polished voice, and we need to get HILLARY to expose this weakness. I’m absolutely certain there is no depth there, and if he’s asked to throw numbers around he will crumble. HILLARY will shine in this arena, she’s very comfortable with understanding economic issues.

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | March 13, 2008, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm

These debates should be very good.

Posted by: Maritza | March 13, 2008, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

It will be a good opportunity for PA (and all the remaining primary states) to see and hear from the candidates without the media translating what they really said. Let’s hope they are on their best behavior and stick to the issues.

Posted by: Mary | March 13, 2008, 6:02 pm 6:02 pm

Yes, and Clinton management skills have been proven through her campaign???
Using supporters money to stay in 4- seasons hotels and buying donuts for her staff.

Posted by: Obama4US | March 13, 2008, 6:05 pm 6:05 pm

Obama actually has a good understanding of financial management. In fact, Michael Bloomberg stated in an article a few weeks ago that the Obama economic plan was the only plan that actually had a chance of fixing some of the country’s problems. Also, Obama has certainly managed his campaign finances better than Clinton. And he even released his income taxes. I don’t think Obama is the one who is weak on financial management.

Posted by: Mike M. | March 13, 2008, 6:07 pm 6:07 pm

Obama has been getting better in the debates. He definitely has definitely shown a great ability to run a very successful campaign against all odds.

Posted by: Homeforthoughts | March 13, 2008, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm

Great, maybe this time the press will ask Sen. Clinton about her purported foreign policy experience that is the basis of the contention that she has passed the so-called “Commander-in-Chief” threshold…

Posted by: H. Aslan Aslani-Far | March 13, 2008, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm

For the first time in a long time i actually welcome the debates. I’m tired of the negative campaign coverage on both sides. The whining and crying and moaning makes me SICK. ON BOTH SIDES. Lets get back to the freaking issues. Ferraro & Obama’s Pastor will not put freakign food on my table.

Posted by: Kevin | March 13, 2008, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm

Todd -I don’t think West Coast or DCvoter have said anything unreasonable in their responses to this article. Just because someone feels one candidate is stronger than another is no reason to attack them personally while trying to make it look like it’s for the good of all.

Posted by: mhhunt | March 13, 2008, 6:28 pm 6:28 pm

“WestCoastMessenger | Mar 13, 2008 5:59:37 PM
DCVoter, I have to agree with you. I don’t think OBAMA has any real financial management understanding, nor a grasp of our economy whatsoever”
Isn’t it amazing when people critique others who are 100 times more intelligent, more educated and more accomplished? lol
WHO RUNS THE MORE EFFICIENT & EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN WITH THE RECORD BREAKING FINANCES?
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA!
Hilary Clinton runs a campaign like Bush runs the nation’s economy!
A GOOD LEADER (as Barack Obama is) does not have to know every detail about everything.
Good leaders don’t micro manage; they select good subordinates and DELEGATE details, while they take care of the BIG PICTURE!
Based on their campaign alone, EVERY SENSIBLE AMERICAN WOULD RATHER TRUST THEIR FINANCES TO BARACK OBAMA!
A fool and his monies are soon parted; so we know in which campaign West Coast would waste his money! lol
Barack has an air of simplicity to him; but he’s a Harvard Lawyer and a Constitution Law professor.
Running America is a piece of cake for anyone so well endowed. Again, see the magnificent camapaign Senator Obama has put together!

Posted by: New Yorker | March 13, 2008, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm

Bring it on! Hopefully they’ll talk about some new unheard issues that may spark a little much needed, healthy debate. I dont know about you all, but Im sick and tired of hearing about health care. WE GET IT ALREADY!!

Posted by: Ashley B. | March 13, 2008, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm

NBC nightly news just picked up the Sinbad-Crow-Clinton “diplomatic” mission to Bosnia story.

Posted by: The Commander Guy | March 13, 2008, 6:54 pm 6:54 pm

Well Barack wants it, so I think it will benefit him to go after her.

Posted by: James. | March 13, 2008, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm

Clinton is an empty shell. Her financial skills are confined to reciting spoonfed figures that no one verifies. She’s been death to New York.

Posted by: SunnyLady | March 13, 2008, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

These are not really debates, they only answer question presented to them. I would hope that since there are only two of them, that they would both answer the same question, so we can truly get a feel of their policies and solutions.

Posted by: Ralph Woolbright | March 13, 2008, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm

Not another hour of Clinton claiming to be President.
Hillary mismanaged her compaign so bad she could not manage a hotdog stand.
Speaking of hotdogs – Bill Clinton pilot to Africa two months ago is a convicted Fellon. Bill has great friends.

Posted by: BILL5321 | March 13, 2008, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm

What good does it do.
Clinton doesn’t know how to tell the truth. If anyone belives anything she
says is living in La La land.
She will say anything or do anything to win.

Posted by: Javatime | March 13, 2008, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm

These alleged debates are just infomercials. HRC needs them more than Obama does and if I were him, I wouldn’t take the bait. He has little to gain and a misstep is what his opposition is praying for. No way HRC can take the delegate count outright. She’s running out of time and contests. And as a political independent with no axe to grind, I am left to conclude that the Clinton/Nixon playbook still lives: “If you can’t beat ‘em, cheat ‘em.” If simplistic and unsophisticated voters are actually that gullible as to fall for this crap, they deserve what they get. I don’t know who I’ll vote for in the general election just yet, but I’d rather write-in a candidate I can trust than allow myself to be manipulated by the likes of the Clintonistas. Look alive America–it’s coming your way and blind sheep cannot be led, only herded, if that’s what you want, so be it. But forgive me for wearing shock-proof shorts so as to resist the political cattle prodding. Whatever you do, please think for yourself and do not let others manipulate you. America needs independent thinkers more than ever. Enjoy your freedom of thought and expression while you still have it. We still live in a great republic, if we can keep it.

Posted by: da prof | March 13, 2008, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm

Wow, this is great. Let me predict the process. 1. The host will ask Obama softball questions and Hillary harder questions, 2. Hillary will whine, waffle and say bad things about Bush, 3. Obama will say “hope” numerous times but will not say anything to give a hint of his real positions on issues, 4. the MSM will declare Obama the winner and 5. more dummys will vote for Obama because the MSN says they should. I don’t think I will tune in.

Posted by: nolie | March 13, 2008, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm

More material for Saturday Night Live, Hillary’s primary consultants.

Posted by: debbie | March 13, 2008, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm

Let’s see the ltest survey shows most people dont read the blogs and the ones that do are a very low percentage. Gee Todd you give us so much credit and power. LOL
I have never made any personal attacks on any of the candidates. Posting facts and drawing contrasts are not attacks. If you care to debate the issues based on facts with supporting evidence I am happy to indulge. As far as dividing the dem party, I was one of the first posters to advocate a joint ticket for that very reason if Obama vets ok which I am still not convinced of. I have also stated clearly that without a unity ticket of some sort and some common ground for the voters to unite on, that McCain will win in Nov. Interesting item today was the polls showing Clinton still has the majority of voter confidence on the issues while perception is on Obama’s side but he is fast losing ground. The race is tighter than ever as it should be. Voters deserve to see the contrasts between the candidates in an unbiased forum. The debates are the closest we can get to that even though the moderators are sometimes biased in how they conduct the debates. I personally would prefer a debate where all candidates answer all the same questions in a specified time limit without campaigning in their answers. This will give voters the best information on which to base their decisions.

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm

The more we see of these two the less excited we are about either. Bring them on!

Posted by: K Roberts | March 13, 2008, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm

Todd, sorry but could you clarify your post. You said that some democrats will sit out the vote, am I understanding you correctly? Thanks

Posted by: MFM | March 13, 2008, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm

I agree. . . the debates are the only helpful thing that cuts through all the spin. As widely as they’ve been watched, they should do one a week and then the media takes a vow of silence so we don’t have to listen to all the talking points the Clintons try and throw out to distract potential voters.
Better yet, why don’t the superdelegates who are supposed to exercise judgment step in and put Hillary out of the race? She’s destroying the party and resorting to the lowest common denominator.
All it would take is John Edwards or Al Gore or Nancy Pelosi or Bill Richardson or one of them to say “enough is enough. . . I’m going with Obama. Hillary has absolutely no chance of winning the pledged delegates, so lets unite the party now instead of waiting until she’s bludgeoned him to death with her nasty and divisive campaign staff/surrogates.”

Posted by: JW | March 13, 2008, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm

Oh, I got it: Hilary’s gonna keep after Obama until she drive him absolutely nuts.

Posted by: Big Elk | March 13, 2008, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm

By the way, the other thing that a good debate will provide is they’ll actually get to ask her point blank on all of the crap her campaign is throwing out and she’ll have to give an answer. Like how Obama isn’t ready to be Commander in Chief, but could be her VP nominee.
If they keep up the negative campaigning at this rate there’s a whole lot she’s going to have to give account for.

Posted by: JW | March 13, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm

Todd, I find that hard to believe. Why do you say that?

Posted by: MFM | March 13, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm

JW it seems rather unAmerican to want to disenfranchise the voters who have not yet had a chance to participate. The DNC designed this mess so let the voters have their say and stop trying to fix the election. LOL

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm

If we were in the Caribbean, Hillary who has so poorly managed her campaign and cannot make public her tax information will not have the confidence to run a Rhumshop in Castries, St Lucia.

Posted by: BKMC | March 13, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm

Oh God! No!!!! I am a political junkie and I am SICK of these two. Please wake me up on June 7th when Hillary is done.

Posted by: Billy Smith | March 13, 2008, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm

What Debate? Who wants to listen to two people discuss health care for 17mins. It’s more or less like listening to Bush’s speech, all talk, no substance and a lot of cheers from supporters.

Posted by: Chan | March 13, 2008, 7:39 pm 7:39 pm

The last real debate I saw was a college debate that followed the rules. But at least the debates reduce the media’s spin and that is why I like to watch debates. I hate to see any candidate campaign while debating and I admit Clinton has done some but Obama does it with every answer just about from what I see. Remember, I read the closed captions and the transcripts and look at body language. This is why I see so much more substance in Clinton’s answers. She doesnt need to rely on charisma and catch phrases to get my attention… her command of the issues and track record is much more substantial in debate performance IMHO.

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 7:39 pm 7:39 pm

I hope the NEW debate will focus on issues that hit home. Please no more controversial topic. No more “Reject and denounce” stuff. No more about the dream ticket…been there, done that. There are some IMPORTANT issues to cover.

Posted by: Chantal From Hampton | March 13, 2008, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm

For those who dont like debates… you dont have to tune in LOL. But I encourage all voters to do so because we want to be informed voters as a country and not just press the button for a candidate based on looks or charisma. When you are hiring someone for the highest office in the land, the most qualified candidate should be selected… not the one who is the smoothest talker or that you want to dance with.

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm

If we are really talking Obama versus Clinton, let’s employ honesty to put that skewed sideshow in perspective.
Obama’s supposed lead in convention delegates and polular vote is nothing more than the smoke and mirrors created by the failure of caucuses to represent the will of a majority of Democratic voters who will be part of the Presidential selection process in November.
A huge majority of Obama’s support comes from electorally small, traditionally Republican(or red), states that have not historically supported Democrats in past electoral college results. No factual information exists to suggest that history will do anything less than repeat itself regarding this behavior.
Senator Clinton’s support comes primarily from primaries (that’s right, primaries!) held in traditionally Democratic states that will provide electoral support in November. As basic knowledge of political history confirms, electoral votes put Presidents in the White House. Popular vote and caucus delegates do not. Since World War II, Republicans have capitalized on the proper use of that knowledge. Democrats have not.
So, if Democrats want to lose in November, they will, once again, nominate a left-wing, liberal candidate who could not win the electoral college vote if his life depended on it.
How ‘Bout Them Democrats!

Posted by: Change | March 13, 2008, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm

Due respect to Senator Obama – he’s a first rate candidate.
However, he does not do well in debates against Senator Clinton. She is very impressive in these formats.
Democrats are lucky – we have two superstars, I happen to prefer Hillay.

Posted by: csh | March 13, 2008, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm

Sure, I never get tired of it. Hope it doesn’t run on too late. I know that McCain would like to join in but probably won’t be able too if its past his bedtime.
I know, he’s only as old as the women he feels!

Posted by: Bill | March 13, 2008, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm

C’mon Obama…deliver us from evil.

Posted by: stexan | March 13, 2008, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm

Oh another debate!! Goodie, gumdrops. Maybe Jack Kevorkian will host it -then he can put us all out of our misery.
They get asked questions like “What do you think of the last SNL show?” when what I really want to know is…”Which one of you are going to start protecting U.S. consumers and stand up to the corporate take over of our food supply? Food that is killing us slowly and destroying the eco-system?”
And we can’t let corporations patent our food!

Posted by: webjunkyy | March 13, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm

Good for TV and their advertisers, torture for us who will take time to view, it will be much of the same .can we just get the voting on and NO MORE DEBATES.

Posted by: sickTired | March 13, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm

Now is the time to ask the Sen. Clinton what her 35 yrs of experience really is. Now is the time to ask questions about what the American public need to know and are going to ask very soon. If we don’t ask these questions, the republican’s will. Every American knows all of the stuff that’s part of Clinton’s experience like: Whitewater, Travel gate, Monica Lewinsky and impeachment, renting out the Lincoln bedroom, the loss of the Rose Law Firm billing records for nearly 2 years until they were miraculously found in the White House living quarters, removing files from Vince Foster’s office following his suicide and before investigators could get there. Has anyone asked why she hasn’t released her library records or tax returns? What if she’s hiding something negative that might cost our party the White House? Most people believe she is hiding something terrible. While you guys are deciding the republicans will consolidate and take the white house again.
Here are some Real Tough Questions you should get ready for Senator Clinton
• What type of Foreign Policy Experience has Senator Clinton had
• While President Clinton was in the White House was Hillary Clinton giving security clearance to read any national intelligent information in case a crisis came up
• What Foreign Leaders has she met with and what were the bases of the meetings.
• Why didn’t Senator Clinton read NIE Report before she voted to go to war?
• Do you think if Chelsea were in the military, she would have exercised more precaution before agreeing with President Bush War Strategy
• Why did it take Senator Clinton until now to regret her vote?
• What makes her a more qualified woman to be President over someone like Barbara Boxer who actually had the courage to vote against the War
• Why is your campaign taking money from a Firm being accused of Serial Sexual Harassment?
• Has one of Senator Clintons campaign chairman also taken money from Tony Rezko and if so
• Has Senator Clintons campaign chairman given the money back or donated to charity
• Don’t you think Courage is more important than being Politically Safe?

Posted by: Oretega M | March 13, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm

We have two great candidates in this primary. It is obvious from these posts that both sides have very passionate supporters. I really hope that in the next debate, the candidates can focus on the issues and continue to pitch their case to the remaining Americans who have yet to cast their vote. I suspect though that the moderators are going to be the ones at fault for the continuation of all of the snarky stuff going on between both campaigns.
They did it in the last debate and I have no doubt they will do it again. The candidates have repeatedly asked to talk about the ISSUES (okay, maybe we can be spared the 17 minute diatribe about how their plans differ by about 5%), but does anyone disagree that the moderators will drag out the same old song and dance about he said/she said, etc.?

Posted by: LOM | March 13, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm

As DCVoter says: “For those who dont like debates… you dont have to tune in LOL.” I think you miss the point entirely. If the debates were REAL debates, similar to Lincoln/Douglas or any reasonable facsimile, rather than media-managed and handled affairs, they would be more meaningful and revealing. Or how about a debate with actual rules? And when one candidate tries to hijack the agenda or go off point or resort to the rehearsed, index-card stuff, let the moderator be strong enough to stop them cold. How many times have we seen a question asked and then one candidate, usually HRC, revert to the last question by saying “this is too important”, or something similar, just to get a few more licks in and bypass the moderator’s question. Chan is right–15 minutes or more to bore us all to death about health care? A debate should be just that, a give and take. Most of the dem. debates HAVE been infomercials. That’s not to suggest that people shouldn’t watch them. We should simply watch them more critically and not judge them as if they were make or break events. It’s only TV…Chantal and others have it right. Image or posturing for self-gain should be less important than frank discussion of the actual issues that affect us all.

Posted by: da prof | March 13, 2008, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm

“Media-managed” is a good descriptor. How do you throw out a gotcha question to both candidates and not have a follow-up for the other candidate who didn’t answer the first one? Debates should not only follow rules but also be balanced to showcase the attributes of both candidates.

Posted by: LOM | March 13, 2008, 8:17 pm 8:17 pm

The “critical” Pennsylvania primary?
Gosh, hmm — who fed you THAT line? No, don’t tell me — let me guess! Umm…the Clinton campaign?
Please, please, please — Don’t feed the animals.

Posted by: horizonr | March 13, 2008, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm

LOM hit it on the nose. Well said!

Posted by: da prof | March 13, 2008, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm

party, party, party. What happened to “for the good of the country?” Why is direct, open, challenging debate including supposed negatives considered bad by both sides here. Tell us why Rezko’s relative buying the garden spot behind the house is good; tell us why not releasing your tax returns makes sense. Let’s hear about the economy from both of them; let’s hear both of them answer the same questions for a change.

Posted by: puzzled | March 13, 2008, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm

we’ve had 20 democratic love ins why do we need 2 more foney sessions.

Posted by: bobo | March 13, 2008, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm

No more ridiculous debate posturing! These debates accomplish nothing and allow for bottom-feeding media to sensationalize proceedings. Entertainment fluff for the lazy who refuse to read the candidates detailed positions and policies. Soundbite TV for the typical uninformed American voter. More like “The Dating Game” than debate.

Posted by: Daveed | March 13, 2008, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm

Another debate will be very useful for the undecided. Obama’s hesitation to Farrakhan. I would like to see his face when ask about his mentor, uncle and pastor for 20 year. So much incoherence in this guy. When are people going to start abandonning him?

Posted by: Alcyone | March 13, 2008, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm

Just what we need another debate. With
twiddle de and twiddle dum who promises
the whole world to naive voters.
They promise everything knowing full well they can’t keep or afford them. But what the heck the gullible will buy it. As an Independent i’m seeing the Democrats destroying themselves,who would believe they would start calling each other racists. It worked on the Rep. and now it’s starting to come home to roost.
Who will the black voters go to now after this feeding frenzy is over?
And they want to run this Country when they can’t even run a primary. Good Grief!!!

Posted by: Javatime | March 13, 2008, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm

OK… another debate, good! BUT Please, no more healthcare questions! Here are some suggested questions:
1. What is your foreign policy (not just Iraq, but the whole picture?)?
2. Are we in a recession and what do plan to do to address it, if anything?
3. Domestic spending: What taxation plan do you envision to replace the Bush Tax cut and what would you do with the increased revenue?
4. There has been a lot of talk of identity politics. How do you see the Presidency and the government in addressing social disparities? And for that matter how do you see your campaigns in this historic election in light of the race gender/debate?
5. You both have earned for your states millions of earmarks, but have recently joined with McCain in putting a halt, at least temporarily to earmarks. What is your philosophy towards earmarks and what, if anything, would you do about it in the future?
6. Your campaigns have pressed the ideas of experience vs. judgment as it relates to Iraq question. Can you use those same arguments to address your preparedness to lead the Nation in terms of the economy and other issues?
7. The Olympics will be held in China soon… given the record of Human Rights violations there, should we attend? Would you attend as President of the US? Why or why not?
8. Immigration is on the minds of many voters. What kind of comprehensive solution do you propose and what specifically would you do with our border with Mexico?
9. If elected as president, you may have the opportunity of appointing another Supreme Court Justice. What qualifications do you see as necessary in being a nominee and what are the experiences you would favor… academic experience, appeals court, etc.?
10. Are you comfortable, Sen Obama?
Just some thoughts…

Posted by: smartprimate | March 13, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm

Change? Obama and Clinton voted against extending the Bush Tax Cuts. The only difference between these two is the the flavor…
Disappointed with Obama in NC!

Posted by: Krankcase | March 13, 2008, 8:32 pm 8:32 pm

I feel highly offended by Barack Obama’s campaign against sex.
I would like that to be the first question in the next debate to this “pre-destined Male Chauvinist.
Stop the recorder about a black man, that does’t work, only in his own backyard.
Poor Michele, but obviously it seems that she deserves him. America does’nt !

Posted by: Mary Ann | March 13, 2008, 8:41 pm 8:41 pm

do you really think obama would agree to not one but two more debates, if he didn’t have something up his sleeve? they will continue the clinton smackdown, and expose her for what she truly is, a narcissus, who cares about one thing HERSELF. bring it hillary, we’re ready.

Posted by: johnnygoodwud | March 13, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm

I wish they would play the National Anthem, I for one want to see Obama put his hand on his heart for it.
So would 5000 Guys and Gals on the USS Harry Truman.
Talks cheap, Do it please!

Posted by: seah | March 13, 2008, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm

The sooner Senator Obama goes away, the better. He is the ONLY Democrat who cannot win the White House in 2008. Clinton and McCainn are both winners. Let’s pick one of them and take back this country!
Any Democrat but Obama. Enough already!

Posted by: Michael Peterson | March 13, 2008, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm

Hillary, show us your taxes!

Posted by: cgchap | March 13, 2008, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm

50 Cent and Timberland endorsed Hillary Clinton now who has the black vote. Take that Obama…back to you…

Posted by: Laura | March 13, 2008, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm

There is no way Clinton can win because she will lose the Independents, some African Americans, young voters, and most of the Obama supporting Democrats. Obama only loses the Clinton supporting Democrats.

Posted by: Mike M. | March 13, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm

Am debate sick now I can do without them for awhile they never amount to anything anyway

Posted by: SJ | March 13, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm

Laura,
Like listeners of 50 cent and Timberland are going to vote. Dream on that those endorsements will have ANY impact…

Posted by: cgchap | March 13, 2008, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm

Every day, I am reminded that Hillary is making history, shaking things up, changing politics forever and I am a black woman.
Make no mistake, her way was paved by women who went before her – previous presidential candidates like Victoria Woodhull, Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Patricia Schroeder, and Carol Moseley Braun.
And now Hillary is paving the way for countless more women to run.
Hillary Clinton’s historic race is setting an example not just for girls and women who dream of making it to the White House, but for any woman who aspires to thrive in a field or industry where men still dominate.
It takes a brave woman to challenge the status quo, and Hillary is showing girls and young women everywhere that it’s okay to be brave and smart and strong and accomplished and, yes, even ambitious. How much more can you ask for America?

Posted by: Margaret Schneider | March 13, 2008, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm

Hey “Todd”,
It sounds like you are squeamish to hear some real conversation about the capability of the candidates. You consider that divisive? This is a national conversation friend, and it will be had whether you or I like it. Please do sit out the election if you are so shortsighted to think this is about you and me. It’s a NATIONAL CONVERSATION — wake up!! You would make this a personal attack against other bloggers? By the way, I noticed the only people you attacked are HILLARY CLINTON supporters. This is typical of the sly divisiveness I’ve seen in this campaign coming exclusively from the OBAMA camp.

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | March 13, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm

How could Obama stay in a church for 20 years take his kids there, donate over 22,000 dollars to that church and listen to these kind of racist anti-american sermons over and over.
Who exactly is Obama trying to kid, if he did not agree with what was being said he would of left that church long ago but he did not, all he is doing now is trying to fool people because he is being called to question about this.
Sermons of that nature planted in the mind of people does only one thing breed hate and dislike,most of all taking your kids to hear that? Come on people you really have to have more sense than that something is not right with this no matter what cover up is taking place now.

Posted by: SJ | March 13, 2008, 9:17 pm 9:17 pm

“Debate will be good for undecideds”!!
If you are undecided by now, where have you been?

Posted by: MFM | March 13, 2008, 9:19 pm 9:19 pm

Todd; what are you talking about? You are the one who has said tacky hateful things. I have never read any posts from DCVoter or West Coast Messenger that is not simply stated facts as well as their opinions. It’s you and all the Obama supporters who try to pin Clinton supporters with the title you and the likes of you have completely earned and own, low, tacky, bullyish and filled with lies to support Obama.

Posted by: Irma | March 13, 2008, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm

Dogsoldier, excuse me??? Did you see O’Reilly tonight and his replay of some of Jeremiah Wright’s sermons??!!! Obama has NO love for this country!

Posted by: MFM | March 13, 2008, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm

Obama is hoping like heck that the Rev. Wright story is just going to go away.
And if it does, just wait until the General Election, it will be non-stop video clips of Obama’s pastor spewing hate and negativity.
He’s not just the crazy uncle that Obama characterized him as. He is part of the Religious Leadership Committee associated with Obama’s campaign.
This is another advisor who needs to go if Obama is to retain any sort of credibility.
For me, the bubble has burst. Back to reality.

Posted by: OhioNative | March 13, 2008, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm

I know DCVoter and West Coast Messenger sound like the most informed and fact filled posts. Todd and Jenn are pointing fingers trying to make accusations when it is they who submit tacky, personal insulting posts against anyone who is a Clinton supporter and have been doing it a while. Read the Chicago Tribune story on Obama’s Chicago Politics, it explains why this behavior of bullying tactics is rampant in BO’s campaign.

Posted by: Irma | March 13, 2008, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm

Why have them debate – I’d rather see a debate between Geraldine and Obama’s pastor!! Or how about a debate between the two campaign spin-meisters? How how about a debate between Bill & Michelle? Now, I’d pay to see that one. These “debates” are only really an opportunity for each of them to repeat ad nauseum their boring talking points and lies about what they will do – both would sell this country down a creek to get what they want. The only place I would like to see these two together is “up a creek without a paddle”.

Posted by: Dennis in Ohio | March 13, 2008, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm

So Dennis, you’re for McCain?

Posted by: Irma | March 13, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm

Why have them debate – I’d rather see a debate between Geraldine Ferraro and Rev. Wright!! Or how about a debate between the two campaign manager spin-meisters? How how about a debate between Bill & Michelle? Now, I’d pay to see that one. These “debates” are only really an opportunity for each of them to repeat ad nauseum their boring talking points and lies about what they will do – both would sell this country to the highest bidder to get the power they crave. The only place I would like to see these two together is “up a creek without a paddle”.

Posted by: Dennis in Ohio | March 13, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm

Dennis in Ohio, good one! Jerimiah vs Geraldine, what a sellout

Posted by: MFM | March 13, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm

NBC is again quoting Hillary’s work as “silly” when David Hume, another Noble Peace Prize winner backed Hillary’s statements that she helped in Ireland’s peace talks.

Posted by: Irma | March 13, 2008, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm

what i want hillary to ask him is why if he actually disagrees with reverand wright does he still attend and contribute to his church.i for one if i heard anything as disgusting as what has come from rev wrights mouth would have gotten up and walked out never to have returned.by obama still being a member of this hate church he gives taict approval to what rev. wright says.the most agreegous thing i heard come out of his mouth was to say that our actions to end the war in the pacific was terrorism,i guess he would have rather had 1 million american dead and at least 10 times that many japanese.what utter nonsense it also really explains micheles comments about this being the first time she has been proud of this country.for those of you that have any doubts go to brian ross article on abc.com and watch the reverand for yourself.oh and by the way if you substituded jewish people for white people the statements could have come from hitler or gobbels.

Posted by: don tufts | March 13, 2008, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm

Obama cannot win any election against McCain now not after what this pastor has said, that is really like the gift that keeps giving to the Republicans.

Posted by: SJ | March 13, 2008, 10:00 pm 10:00 pm

Poor DCVoter, don’t you see, as a local organizer, Obama has decided to round up several dozen or more bloggers for him who are paid to do nothing but hang out on the news blogs all day, irrationally expounding how a man who has invented every stich of his past from fantasy, is hugely qualified to run the nation when he has never run a thing in his life. He has been the representative of his country – NEVER. He hasn’t even travelled to Europe for Christ’s Sake! He is going to deal with Nations who have been our allies for a century and he hasn’t even stepped foot on them, not even for pleasure? This coming from a man who was a lecturer on leave, NOT a professor of law and NEVER a constitutional lawyer. He is such a liar it confounds the brains how so many college students, who know more than Obama on most subjects, think he is brilliant and well versed. He can’t even get magazine articles and dates right – just ask Ebony and Life for those articles he says changed his life. They don’t exist. Like most of his history.
He is James Frey all over again – A Million Tiny Lies.

Posted by: 2009 | March 13, 2008, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm

Whoopi recently said “I dont care about gender, race, middle name, or last name. I want to hear their stands on the issues. I know Hillary Clinton’s positions. I still dont know what Obama’s positions are. What does he plan to do about … ”
For those who do not know, she was an Obama supporter who changed her vote after she found out he parroted Senator Clinton’s promise to remove tax breaks from companies who take jobs overseas.
Whoopi recently stated she still cannot warm up to him because she hasnt heard him say anything from him but talk about the election and hope.
Smart woman!

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm

To the person who is hopeful that Hillary will expose Obama’s inexperience….Hillary has had 22 debates with Obama and has not been able to “bring home the bacon” so to say so I would just imagine this one won’t be much different in that respect. The facts speak for theirself and she does not want to get into that one on national television LOL but it does give everyone a chance to hear what they each have to say.

Posted by: Brian | March 13, 2008, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm

2009 – LOL dont worry about me… I work for a living so I am not always posting on news blogs. I am happy to debate issues with anyone who can debate properly and provide supporting evidence of their views without resorting to personal attacks. I ignore all those who resort to lies and name calling. I have seen my share of Republican supporters rave about McCain and company and then come to threads relating to the dem race and stir things up also. As you may have noticed there are a lot of posts I ignore.
Back to the topic: As I stated before, I have not seen a real debate (with rules, issues, rebuttals, and time limits) in politics ever. Last real one I saw was in college. The media conducting debates is just ridiculous but they have the money to televise based on ad sales etc. so we take the good with the bad. Debates are still a better forum than media spin articles in terms of informing the voters.

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 10:12 pm 10:12 pm

Dogsolider then that is very sad for America they will not know what hit them this time.

Posted by: SJ | March 13, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm

Dogsoldier, I agree with SJ on the pastor issue. His statements will be heavily used by McCain if Obama is the nominee. MSNBC and CNN have stayed clear (big surprise) but FOX news is on top of it same as ABC news. It is very damaging politically.

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm

Then perhaps you can explain Hillary’s failed health care plan? Her remarks about Obama’s not being a muslim “as far as she knew”? Her stating she helped bring peace to Ireland when the facts showed she did nothing? The list goes on but hey it’s amusing to see her followers scramble! and let’s don’t even get into the enabling by staying with someone who went out on her with over 20 women…oh yeah lots more to tap a vein on if anyone really wanted to go after her.

Posted by: Brian | March 13, 2008, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm

Nice posts Margaret and Irma.
Whoever mentioned the non-existent articles, I thought I would also mention the speech in Selma. The details have even been checked by Snopes and fact check. Saying JFK the bridge walks inspired and enabled his parents to get married… LOL his parents were married and he was born 4 years before the bridge walks ever happened!

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm

Ah good Matt – but it mustve been later in the evening since FOX and ABC have been on top of it since early morning. All the news stations eventually cover everything with their own spin because they dont want to be upstaged by the competition. At least that helps more viewers see the details so thats a good thing!

Posted by: DCVoter | March 13, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm

More of each candidate complimenting the other rather than having to address tough questions (that stopped after Clinton was asked to comment on issuing driver licenses to illegals in NY), both are very similar so pick one(whatever problem you have the Democrats will “promise” to fix it and they will if you fall into one of their category groups such as women on welfare) and let’s see if McCain can show the public he has the “experience” needed for the next attack.

Posted by: Jon | March 13, 2008, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm

FIRST QUESTION FOR SENATOR CLINTON:
Senator Clinton, it has been common practice, especially for Democratic candidates, to release their tax returns. Why have you not released your 2006 tax returns?
Why has the complete donor list to the clinton library not been released? Voters want to make sure that you do not “owe” huge corporate interests should you become president.
After all, we do know that the royal family of Saudi Arabia donated $10M to the Clinton library. What else should we know??

Posted by: Mary Duffy | March 13, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

Florida and Michigan? What about 2012?
What happens to State elections in the future? Does every state try to move their elections dates up to get some of the millions spent? Will they all want second votes if the results don’t suit one or more of candidates? Will future elections loose their purpose altogether? All parties agreed to the no contest due to these states moving up their primaries. All parties agreed and all parties including the states need to stick with that agreement. You can’t change the rules of any game half way through.

Posted by: spoon2456 | March 13, 2008, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm

One begins to wonder how much Obama has been influenced by his close mentor and spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeremiah Wight! But, you cannot ask Obama to explain anything because he is exempt from all questions, explanations, background, experience, relationships, real estate, religious beliefs, religious relationships, his current/past religion. The lord Obama has risen, please go prone. Let the world stop for a minute’s silence. Praise be Obama!

Posted by: Pete | March 13, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm

Not a single day goes by that we do not hear some unethical, immoral or illegal activity by Barack Hussein Obama. These activities include Obama’s repeated drug use even in his thirties to his connection to shady characters like Tony Rezko who has been criminally charged – and now to allegations of gross misconduct. Clearly, he is character in a class by himself who has managed to dupe many Americans into believing his rhetoric for change. The mere truth is that when his staunch supporters are asked about Obama’s accomplishments, they become speechless!

Posted by: Cindy_MI | March 13, 2008, 10:58 pm 10:58 pm

I’m sooo tired of these debates. We should already know the answers to most of these already. Here’s how I think it will go down.
OK… another debate, good! BUT Please, no more healthcare questions! Here are some suggested questions:
1. What is your foreign policy (not just Iraq, but the whole picture?)?
Minus Iraq, Hillary takes a stance that is simiar to Bush’s current policy. Obama will be more similar to Reagan. (As charged as this statement I make is, doing the research, It actually is true.)
2. Are we in a recession and what do we plan to do to address it, if anything?
They will both want to drive Economy as a strength for themselves. Talking about creating jobs, green jobs, rolling back tax cuts for wealthy.
3. Domestic spending: What taxation plan do you envision to replace the Bush Tax cut and what would you do with the increased revenue?
Increased taxes all around for Hillary, Higher tax rate of the wealthy for Obama
4. There has been a lot of talk of identity politics. How do you see the Presidency and the government in addressing social disparities? And for that matter how do you see your campaigns in this historic election in light of the race gender/debate?
mumbo-jumbo political answers from both of them. A time for claps, happy happy, joy joy.
5. You both have earned for your states millions of earmarks, but have recently joined with McCain in putting a halt, at least temporarily to earmarks. What is your philosophy towards earmarks and what, if anything, would you do about it in the future?
Obama will mention Hillary has way more earmarks then him, Hillary will mention rezco, they will go off-mark on this one.
6. Your campaigns have pressed the ideas of experience vs. judgment as it relates to Iraq question. Can you use those same arguments to address your preparedness to lead the Nation in terms of the economy and other issues?
Mumbo-Jumbo answer from both of them. Hillary will try to play nostalgia-card.
Obama will not really answer the question. They will bicker on this one.
7. The Olympics will be held in China soon… given the record of Human Rights violations there, should we attend? Would you attend as President of the US? Why or why not?
I would love to hear the answer to this. They would need to answer at the same time however.
8. Immigration is on the minds of many voters. What kind of comprehensive solution do you propose and what specifically would you do with our border with Mexico?
buzzwords will be mentioned…comprehensive immigation reform. Hillary will push path to freedom in terms of having illegals pay fines. Obama will focus on border control. Both of them will bs on this one. The reality is, they will have to sit on their hands until congress gets on-the-ball.
9. If elected as president, you may have the opportunity of appointing another Supreme Court Justice. What qualifications do you see as necessary in being a nominee and what are the experiences you would favor… academic experience, appeals court, etc.?
Interested in hearing the BS on this one. Hillary will pull a political favor on this one. I have no clue what Obama will do on this one.
10. Are you comfortable, Sen Obama?
You forgot, Are you going to be level-headed, Sen Clinton?
Just some thoughts…

Posted by: Will | March 13, 2008, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm

“Florida and Michigan? What about 2012?
What happens to State elections in the future? Does every state try to move their elections dates up to get some of the millions spent? Will they all want second votes if the results don’t suit one or more of candidates? Will future elections loose their purpose altogether? All parties agreed to the no contest due to these states moving up their primaries. All parties agreed and all parties including the states need to stick with that agreement. You can’t change the rules of any game half way through.”
Republicans now have a great tool to divide the Democratic Party. In any state where the repubs are in the majority…All they have to do is move the election up against Dem party rules. The people, being as stupid as they are, will blame their party as well as one of the candidates. The candidate that would otherwise win the state would then be able to play the sympathy-card to further mobilize people behind them.
I may have to vote repub from now on, Dems are too damn cowardly.

Posted by: Will | March 13, 2008, 11:50 pm 11:50 pm

Obama has done well in both debates, Hillary can only attack and hope that the brain dead among us would vote for her. Here’s a thought. I’ll debate you any time any place, but first release your tax records, and the notes about all your phony trumped up experience.
No release, no debate. It’s a sad state of affairs when either one of these people would be potential candidates. Obama is riding the charisma wave, and Hillary is a Marxist in Sheeps clothing. Democrats will never understand that we can’t tax our way into prosperity. You get the government you deserve!

Posted by: jim | March 13, 2008, 11:50 pm 11:50 pm

I hope it will be hosted by a cool headed person like Charlie Gibson rather than the immature Clinton sympathizer Stephanopolous. This is serious business.

Posted by: meg | March 13, 2008, 11:52 pm 11:52 pm

Honestly, I see DCVoter and West Coast Messenger as folks who want to engage in a conversation about this election with folks who are willing to do the same in a civil manner. I actually have yet to see them personally attack anyone on these posts. I for one would not engage with them if they took that approach.
There is a difference in drawing contrasts between the two candidates and I truly believe that there are supporters on both sides who immediately construe it as negativity, decisiveness and mean. This simply is not the case for some folks here.
If you are going to make a statement, be prepared to be challenged. Not because anyone hates you, but so that your point can be understand. If you stand your ground and make compelling arguments, you never know, you might sway some votes your way. So folks, quit your whining and be productive here.

Posted by: LOM | March 14, 2008, 12:01 am 12:01 am

will thank you ,he does need seasoning and a much closer look over a longer period of time.also he must if he wants to one day lead ALL americans disasociate himself and his family from that church.now some of you will say his pastors views dont matter but they do, i have changed congrations several times when for some reason a new priest has come in that trys to tell me what to think and how to vote,period.i can assure you from someone who has visited dauchau that if i ever heard that kind ofspeech coming from apulpit in my parrish i would be raising cain with my bishop and to anyone else that mattered.

Posted by: don tufts | March 14, 2008, 1:04 am 1:04 am

to dog soldier and matt ,just caught roland martin and anderson cooper trying to spin this compareing this with crazy hagee in texas who endorsed mcain.i hate to wake them up this is not about endorsements this about weekly attendance and contributions to a church that spews hate and separation.we have to somehow bring pressure on thease talking heads to look at this as we are.i know im dreaming but i for one have to try,so off to anderson cooprs blog email i go.

Posted by: don tufts | March 14, 2008, 1:15 am 1:15 am

WestCoastMessenger, if Hillary has such a good command of economics and numbers then have her tell me what her 2007 Form 1040 numbersd were.

Posted by: Duane | March 14, 2008, 1:24 am 1:24 am

I think Senator Obama needs to go further than just saying that on some things he simply disagrees with Rev. Wright. I think it is reasonable, if not required, of a Presidential candidate to reject and denounce a person who openly endorses and praises someone like Farrakhan.
Admittedly, I am a little worried about this close association between Rev. Wright and Senator Obama. Senator Obama needs to assess this as a political liability to his campaign and failure to distance himself may pose some serious repercussions.
As a part of the Jewish community, I absolutely deplore many of the comments that Rev. Wright has made and without a question Farrakhan’s hatred is the stuff nightmares are made of. Any good that man may preach is always going to be overshadowed by his controversial speeches.
I wonder if we’ll see another $20K donation to the church on Senator Obama’s 2007 tax returns?

Posted by: LOM | March 14, 2008, 1:28 am 1:28 am

Duane,
2007 tax statements are not due until April 15th. Even later if you file for an extension. Does Hillary have to follow different rules than you?
Or were you inquiring about her 2006 taxes?

Posted by: LOM | March 14, 2008, 1:31 am 1:31 am

ABC was the least biased major media outlet I could find that was most bearable. On democratic issues, I find it disconcerting that I have to go to FOX to get balanced news. How scary is that?
I don’t normally watch MSNBC (although, Dan Abrams is kind of growing on me, at least for the entertainment value), but I did catch Olbermann’s meltdown last night. What was that?! I was waiting for the “Shame on you, Hillary” line and was shocked that it didn’t come.

Posted by: LOM | March 14, 2008, 1:37 am 1:37 am

I hope at the debates, someone will ask Clinton about her secretiveness regarding her tax returns (joint ones from 2000-present), the Clinton donor list and presidential papers and any other secrets, scandals and lies that she and Bill are hiding.

Posted by: Sarah | March 14, 2008, 1:37 am 1:37 am

“Jeremiah Wright makes Geraldine Ferrara look like a nun.”
No. A racist is a racist is a racist.
In a workplace, her speech would be labeled as harassment/discrimination. I dare any of you to go to your workplace, maybe you have a minority working there, and tell them the only reason why they are there is because they are black or a woman, whatever. The reason why you don’t think it wasnt racist is because you arent aware that this is the type of talk racists use. You are telling me you would be surprised if a racist said, the only reason why he is where he is is because he is black.
I don’t like the idea of defending this idiot Wright, but I’m sorry to all the people here..I can give a rats ass about Obama’s or any of their church affiliations. There is a separation of church and state in this country. And it should stay that way. The problem for Obama, people find varying reasons why they vote for one candidate or another, and I do think this one is charged enough to make him lose the election. I think Obama is a big boy and can separate himself from between the rantings of this old man. I do refuse to believe everybody else is clean in terms of who they have supporting them or are associating with.

Posted by: Will | March 14, 2008, 1:41 am 1:41 am

Will: It just isn’t by association, his book’s title “Audacity of HOpe” is an inspiration from Mr. wright.’
Again, he has been a member of this church for 20 years.
Sitting in one of those pews with his family and listening to all this hatred.
What is it that you do not find wrong with this picture?

Posted by: mary | March 14, 2008, 1:45 am 1:45 am

A more appropriate name for his book, since it was an inspiration from his pastor, should of been titled “Audacity Of Hate”!!!!

Posted by: mary | March 14, 2008, 1:49 am 1:49 am

These debates will be crucial for the Pennsylvania primary.

Posted by: Jason L. | March 14, 2008, 1:53 am 1:53 am

I say bring the debates on! I suspect Hillary will put on another public disaster. I would love PA to see and hear her dishonesty upclose. Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted. Does she even know the first thing about dignity and honesty. As far as her knowledge of the economy… what a joke. She calls for rates on troubled mortgages to be frozen for 5 years… everyone knows this would not be possible. She is a train wreck from the past! Tell Hillary to stop stalling on the tax returns too!

Posted by: PADEM | March 14, 2008, 1:54 am 1:54 am

@PADEM | Mar 14, 2008 1:54:10 AM:
What specific parts of Senator Obama’s economic blueprint will be the most impactful in stimulating our economy?

Posted by: LOM | March 14, 2008, 2:03 am 2:03 am

oh good… maybe we’ll hear from them how they *really* feel about each other.

Posted by: common_sense | March 14, 2008, 3:06 am 3:06 am

Bill Clinton is an average person who usually like to help himself first, then he thinka about helping others. Yes, he did help some people, but most of all, he helped himself first. He helped the black, but he needed the black to support him. When they are not getting the black’s vote, they play the race card.

Posted by: ha | March 14, 2008, 3:09 am 3:09 am

ONE THING I CANNOT UNDERSTAND-
FOR HILLARY CLINTON, WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT ? PARTY OR HER WIN ??
***
WITH DUE RESPECT, I SUGGEST ALL AMERICANS TO DEEPLY THINK ABOUT IT !!!!

Posted by: Politra | March 14, 2008, 5:03 am 5:03 am

This is only the 4th debate between Hillary and Obama where all of the attention is centered on them, NOT the 20th as some like to say. In the first 17 debates Obama was given cover by the others that were participating. Now both candidates will have to answer every question. Not to mention 7.8 million people tuned in to the last debate and no telling how many watched or even re-watched the debate when it was reaired many times. There is voter interest in seeing just the two of them debate, contrary to what Obama would have had people believe and the numbers proved it.

Posted by: tiredofit | March 14, 2008, 6:53 am 6:53 am

you evidently have not seen all of Obama’s photo ops walking out of Dunkin Donuts. Seems as if he buys a lot of donuts as well.

Posted by: tiredofit | March 14, 2008, 6:56 am 6:56 am

A GOOD LEADER (as Barack Obama is) does not have to know every detail about everything.
Good leaders don’t micro manage; they select good subordinates and DELEGATE details, while they take care of the BIG PICTURE!
*************************************
One only need look at the subordinates Bush selected to know that a good leader DOES need to know as many details as possible (without knowing the details, how would a leader determine who is the best qualified to handle the task assigned to him/her?). A good leader does need to have a grasp of the total picture so that when listening to all the information she/he can reach a conclusion that is good for our country (not just one that “sounds” good). Delegating work is only good when the leader has the basic foundation to be able to determine what can be handled properly by another source.

Posted by: tiredofit | March 14, 2008, 7:05 am 7:05 am

Maybe they can debate the hate for whites and America Husseins preacher spreads in his church.
Oh, I forgot. It’s ok for a black man to spread hate.
The sprit of the creature has been lifting Obama for 20 years to establish his kingdom on earth. Join in Americas desruction and vote democract. Maybe, Rev. Al and Rev. Jesse can have a revival. All liberals welcome.

Posted by: MacMan | March 14, 2008, 7:50 am 7:50 am

Those 2 are going to make the battle fields of PA look like paper, rock, scissor when they get done there!

Posted by: John | March 14, 2008, 7:54 am 7:54 am

Obama’s Link to the HATE Pastor Wright just doomed him with White America. Saying he disagrees with SOME of his statements and calling him a crazy Uncle won’t do it. BIG MISTAKE. He now loses every Primary to Clinton mark my words.

Posted by: SEAN O | March 14, 2008, 8:05 am 8:05 am

Whoopty friggin’ doo! It’s 3 a.m. and FOXNEWS calls…which one will have the guts to answer? How can either one of these two lay claim to having the guts to stand up to terrorists while running scared from Brit Hume and Chris Wallace?

Posted by: JD | March 14, 2008, 8:22 am 8:22 am

QUOTE “3. Domestic spending: What taxation plan do you envision to replace the Bush Tax cut and what would you do with the increased revenue?”
The only problem with this question is, tax cuts INCREASE tax revenue.
Simple ecomonics 101. Yes, it goes against conventional thinking, but its true. Obama and Clinton are lying to voters if they state otherwise. Bush 1 didn’t even understand it and, hence, the whole “voodoo economics” things came about.

Posted by: Laffer Curve | March 14, 2008, 8:24 am 8:24 am

I am tired of having Iowa and New Hampshire pick our presidents every four years.

Posted by: EdWonk | March 14, 2008, 8:28 am 8:28 am

I have always voted Democrat but I’m starting to believe that we are handing the presidency to John McCain. This is going to get a lot worse before it gets better and I expect them to rip each other apart. In my opinion, Obama has tried to stay above it but Clinton has seen that getting nasty moves her up in the polls. I can’t really blame her for continuing to do it though I don’t agree. And then America says they want to know that Obama will fight back and it’s just a downward spiral. If all goes according to plan as seen in the past, Clinton will play nice through the debates and then slam Obama for something or other during the weekend before PA votes.

Posted by: TSnow27604 | March 14, 2008, 9:01 am 9:01 am

There are many issues that have not been debated. And they never will because no one wants to talk tough issues. They could debate 122 times and they still won’t touch tough issues.

Posted by: bubba | March 14, 2008, 10:04 am 10:04 am

The repubicans have screwed up things so bad…All 70% pluse know that. How could they pull it off in November?
Not many ways but clearly a brokered democrat convention would be in their favor. Even though I feel O’Bama could make amends and still win over, given the time to do so. Who put a wrinkle into Floridas primary….To start with Governor Charlie Christ, who at least on the golf couse might be a V.P. candidate. From those who were there playing with him..
Maybe the democrats are playing right into the republicans hands…basically already surrendering 10% of the total November electorial vote to what could be a McCain-Christ ticket. Even if it’s another republican candidate. I don’t trust the state of Florida or it’s politics. It dosen’t seem they even want to vote over again.

Posted by: john | March 14, 2008, 10:15 am 10:15 am

Will says: “I don’t like the idea of defending this idiot Wright, but I’m sorry to all the people here..I can give a rats ass about Obama’s or any of their church affiliations. There is a separation of church and state in this country. And it should stay that way.”
The problem with this is that he is a product of these sermons. His book is as well. He let his daughters sit in and listen to this hate-filled spew. His wife is finally proud of America and he might consider putting his hand over his heart. See how this separation doesn’t matter because it doesn’t seem to exist for Obama?

Posted by: Diogenes | March 14, 2008, 10:26 am 10:26 am

‘Homeforthoughts’ – I completely agree with you – press Hillary on her so called “foreign policy experience” which has been debunked by many a blogger, including factcheck.org

Posted by: Angela | March 14, 2008, 10:51 am 10:51 am

It’s a waste of good time – they never get asked the important questions. If they did they would not debate.

Posted by: Jane | March 14, 2008, 11:55 am 11:55 am

There are plenty of false charges that have been brought against Obama by Clinton that she should have to answer for, and he should have the opportunity to debunk once and for all.
And where Obama’s church’s pastor is concerned, he’s his own man, and doesn’t speak for Obama. I judge Obama and all other candidates based on their own statements and actions, not the statements and actions of another individual.

Posted by: Sean | March 14, 2008, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm

Hillary will say “that’s a good question, talk forever and never answer the question. She will say she has 35 yrs. experience, but will not say as a CHEATED ON WIFE.

Posted by: flander annapollis | March 14, 2008, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm

IF you dont know the positions after what seems like 456 debates–you will never understand. Why?

Posted by: ajh | March 14, 2008, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm

WestCoastMessenger:
“I don’t think OBAMA has any real financial management understanding, nor a grasp of our economy whatsoever.”
You’re joking right? Riddle me this Mr. Messenger: why is it that Hillary had to loan her campaign more than 5MM if she knows how to manage money so well?
As far as the debates go, if you dont know where the candidates stand by now, then you havent been paying attention.
Nothing new will be said, and they will be on their best behavior so as to unify the party for the general election.

Posted by: Matt W - NYC | March 14, 2008, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm

I live in Philadelphia, how can I get tickets to attend the debate on april 16th?

Posted by: alicia | March 14, 2008, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm

Dcvoter that’s fine that you do those things but do you check the validity of the facts? I have had enough of these debates where hillary continues to lie; she knows that Obama won’t push the issue because he is not interested in promoting negative politics so she lies again and again and the sad thing is that are people who believe everything she says without checking one iota for truth…Amazing

Posted by: rle | March 14, 2008, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm

krankkase that’s because the richest of America are also benefitting from that tax cut so to extend will continue to fatten their pockets

Posted by: rle | March 14, 2008, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm

Please, I beg of you, no more questions about health care!!! I can recite all of their positions backwards by now and we never hear anything past that because it takes so long–16 minutes in the last debate!!!!!

Posted by: Mary | March 14, 2008, 4:57 pm 4:57 pm

Are there any animals left in the zoo who don’t know the issues by now? Or, are they hoping for more dirt?

Posted by: surelock Homes | March 14, 2008, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm

what is so FUN about all of this is there is no way HC will have enough pledged delagates to get this nomination. When all is said and done Obama will still have a 125-150 lead. That and the fact that at the local level most want obama to be the candidate sews it up.
They know that having HC as candidate takes the war issue of the table..why? SHE VOTED FOR IT! It is that simple. FL MI and PA be dammed- it simply will not matter. HC simply rather have McCain win than she lose… It all about Hillary folks….
She is the worse Candidate to Run —–do you really want Bill and Hill for 4 more years?….

Posted by: ajh | March 14, 2008, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm

I have come on these lists now for a couple of months and I support Obama and have fought against Hillary Clinton but the reality is that if she wound up with the nominee I would support her because I do not think she is tryly a bad person. I do feel that Obama is a better choice but that is politics. I think where I get so angry is that I want it to be fair. I want the winner to be the winner and regardless of who that is, I don’t want to feel like the process didn’t work. Does that make sense??? I think that is where my anger stems from. If Hillary wants to run and try to win then I say go for it. If Obama wants to run and try to win I say go for it. I just don’t want to see someone win and then a handful of people turn around the will of the people. I don’t think what we are seeing are problems of race and gender. I think it is a problem with feeling like our vote did not count.

Posted by: Brian | March 14, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm

The debates should not go on. The democratics party could be divided. Everyone has seen the Jeremiah Wright videos this week and are outraged by the Anti-American videos.
Just let the campaigns go on without any more debates until after the june primaries. we can’t take a chance on dividing the democratic party.
Please no more debates!

Posted by: becky | March 14, 2008, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm

Oh.. Let’s not have anymore debates so nobody sees what kind of unelectable freakshow Obama is.
Good argument. It should play well in the fall.

Posted by: Bill Chicago | March 14, 2008, 11:34 pm 11:34 pm

you people are delusional, Obama is gonna have serious problems now, not because of hillary or McCain, but because of a lack of judgement… 20 years, and I wonder which church Mr Ayers goes to? Also if you look for info online (statistics not opinion) there are some startling FACTS about what you call “tax cuts for the rich”. If you really want to help your country do some research, learn some economic theory (and history) before you jump in the party line kool aid pool

Posted by: once a dem | March 15, 2008, 1:08 am 1:08 am

Debates? No need now. Tonight, I’ve watched a gifted, talented, and inspirational young man–Obama–lose the nomination because of some jackass “preacher” and the morons caught on video behind him high-fiveing each other with every progressive outrageous statement. Obama’s surrogates are also talking about “the African-American experience” and how I can’t “get it” because I’m white.
I liked Obama; I thought we could maybe get beyond this black/white nonsense with him. But “Reverend” Wright sounds–and acts–exactly like Farrakhan to me and I can’t get behind that kind of garbage. And Obama’s explanation(s) don’t ring true. I guess I now vote Clinton (not) or McCain (probably not)
Ugh!

Posted by: Tommycanyouhearme? | March 15, 2008, 1:11 am 1:11 am

It doesnt matter what BO says in the debate – I am a smart man and I see what is REALLY behind his aspirations and why Michelle Obama FINALLY loves the US.
I will not support this man any longer. It is Hillary Clinton all the way for me. I am even going to contribute to her campaign TODAY. I ask all of you to join me. We can not let this guy get in and no debate is going to change my mind – I am too smart for that.

Posted by: Lee | March 15, 2008, 8:00 am 8:00 am

That horrible junior senator from New York has more bad stuff up her sleeve. She will pull ANYTHING TO GET THE NOMINATION. Obama is tons more trustworthy than her. She is amoral and WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET THE NOMINATION. BARACKHAD BETTER WATCH HIS BACK EVEN AT THESE DEBATES…

Posted by: Skylark | March 15, 2008, 8:30 am 8:30 am

So Hillary is responsible for the fact that Obama has belonged to this racist, Anti-American church for the last 20 years? How many of these same sermons has Obama sat through, nodding his head and saying amen to? Rev. Wright’s hate mongering is no secret in this town.The national media has just ignored it until it gets thrown in their face.

Posted by: Bill Chicago | March 15, 2008, 9:52 am 9:52 am

Bill and Hillary need to get out of our lives. We’ve had enough of them. She calls her health care UNIVERSAL. A lot of folks thinks her health care is FREE HEALTH CARE. Wrong! She will garnish your check if you don’t sign up and pay. She is so deceitful. Never answers or gets asked the tough questions, except by Tim Russert. Bill got asked some tough questions (finally) by Chris Wallace and Bill went ballistic. The majority of the press/media are afraid of them.

Posted by: Janet | March 15, 2008, 10:35 am 10:35 am

I live in michigan and all i want is my economy back.At this point i could care less what lies,cheating,or what ever bull she and her husband have pulled, facts are simple, jobs in america,money in the bank,this is a no brainer people

Posted by: ralph | March 15, 2008, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm

CONGRATULATIONS to Senator Obama. He has received support from more delegates in Ohio. — This is real.
Hillary’s stating that she won Florida is just wishful thinking on her part and as usual a DISTORTION and misinterpretation of the facts!

Posted by: gw | March 15, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

Does anyone know when Barrack changed his name from Barry; according to his highschool companions in Hawaii he was Barry Socol in highschool. His preacher said he knew what it was like to be raised black by a single mother, but he was raised by white upper class grandparents when his mother was off with her second husband. When was it he was into drugs? Has anyone read his book that he said named by that preacher?

Posted by: Florida voter | March 16, 2008, 4:48 am 4:48 am

It seem that some of the leaders of the democratic part would rather lose the general election to senator McCaine than have senator Clinton as democratic nominee

Posted by: H. Karbasi | March 16, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm

No, I think you have that backwards. Hillary Clinton and her supporters would rather see McCain as President than to see Obama as the democratic nominee. Face it, if you have to cheat to get nominated, what did you win? If Hillary steals the nomination, she won’t win in November.

Posted by: sandra | March 16, 2008, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm

I would like someone to ask the candidates if they will request security clearances for their spouses.

Posted by: mark | March 23, 2008, 11:51 am 11:51 am

I hope they ask Barack about that Woods Foundation Board that he sat on along with terrorist William Ayers and why they donated money to Arab terrorist organizations. They should also ask if Barack approves of William Ayers bombing the Pentagon. Ayers says he is not sorry about it and should have done more. Interesting friends Barack has. Any pattern of anti-americanism here?

Posted by: Bobbie | April 9, 2008, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm

Why in the world do the questioners think we care at all about Reverend Wright? We spent twenty precious minutes of debate time on that!!! Why do we care about Hillary’s subjective feelings about a plane ried? Talk about pitching in the dirt. How about some real issue questions . . . Please?

Posted by: Tony McCauley | April 16, 2008, 8:35 pm 8:35 pm

I could not agree more with Mr. McCauley. Who in the world do Gibson and Stephanopolis think they are???
They should be ashamed . When they cut to commercial, the announcer calls this CLinton Vs Obama “One on one” this debate is nothing of the sort. Judging By what George and Charlie are asking , this is yet another example of how the media focuses only on the shallow stuff. Perish the thought that they would actually encourage a detailed discussion on health care or Iraq or the national security implications of our failure to develop domestic sources of energy!!! I am more than offended, I am alarmed.

Posted by: Nick | April 16, 2008, 8:52 pm 8:52 pm

This is shameful. I am sitting here with a party full of graduate students–clinton dupporters, obama supporters, even a few republicans– and none of us can believe how biased this debate is in favor of Clinton. The first 45 minutes have been almost solely centered on negative issues attacking Obama. He has the class not to reverse each of these attacks with issues that would strike to the core of the Clinton history (Balkans, Lewinsky, ETC). Balance this debate, ask questions that actually get at the issues, not the drama. Shame on ABC.

Posted by: Emily | April 16, 2008, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm

Emily – I will reserve analysis of the debate until I have the transcript because I missed some parts. However, I did see some parts where Obama attacked Clinton about past issues, ie. he referenced her husband’s pardons, he referenced her statement out of context from years ago when she was being attacked by the RNC and replied “They wouldnt be going after me if I had stayed home and baked cookies”. These were direct attempts to try to get women who dont work angry at her. There were some others as well but this is to be expected in debates. Both want to win. To imply Obama took the high road is ludicrous. Analysts on several networks have already stated Clinton won the debate and did not consider it biased (this even from opposing networks). I am going to watch it again and read the transcript before commenting further. As for now, of the parts I did see, (I forced myself to not mute the TV when either of them spoke), neither of them were particulary divisive or offensive.

Posted by: DCVoter | April 17, 2008, 2:10 am 2:10 am

This was the worst debate I have ever seen. Why is a clinton for advisor participating in this debate and why did they spend a whole 45 minute on nonsense that does not solve the nations problems. This might as well have been a fox news debate….

Posted by: errol | April 17, 2008, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm

Leave a Reply

Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.