What many of you are missing is the way Hillary and Sen Dodd explained what obama did.  It is foolish to make statements that we will go into a sovereign country.  Is Obama saying he will go in to Pakistan without congressional approval or without rock solid intell.  I like Obama but i agree with some others on here who make the clear observation that he says what everyone wants to hear.  Before this debate i had assumed that the ticket would be Clinton Obama Im not so sure now.  I did see Biden somewhat backing Clintons point of view and vice versa.  ITs very possible that the ticket could be Clinton Biden

America Won and Hillary was exposed for a sham.
1. Don't tell the people what you would do as president? But can take action?
2.Take lobbyist money? Jack Abrahmof is human too?
3. HRC is the only sure way for the Dems. to loose.

Dennis is the only one that recognizes that fast-track authority and agreements are a bad idea.  Treaties require the type of congressional oversight needed for long term success and appropriate controls and consideration.  The others just want the power, not a one ever mentions rolling back the executive power currently being abused.  Glad Chris Matthews had Pat Buchanan there to set him straight.

Obama showed substance again.  Hillary was smug as usual, lots of rising voice oration attempts, very little substance.  I guess she has asked the two bidding to be her VP if she wins, Biden and Dodd, to fight for her.  She is so thoroughly disliked by a huge portion of this country - the Democratic party has no chance if she is the nominee.  People will come out of comas to vote against her.

There have been several debates, indeed perhaps already far too many.  The basic dynamic after six months has settled and will remain.  Although Senator Obama is a charismatic man, he ultimately emerges as a brilliant student who desperately wants to go to the head of the class--before he is ready.  Against Senator Clinton, whose fifteen years in national politics has prepared her for anything and everything, the rest of the field, whatever their individual strengths, seem far out of their element.  Senator Clinton ultimately will become the Democratic nominee, and I believe the first female president of the United States.  Whether her opponent is former Mayor Giuliani, former Senator Thompson, or former Governor Romney, none will have her national gravitas when one on one with her.  Besides which, she is being coached from the sidelines by the most masterful politician of the last fifty years--her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

K-U-C-I-N-I-C-H  ???????????

Yeah, he won! Amazing...Why won't people let this guy speak

Isn't it surprising that the only way Obama can change the washington insider politics is by getting elected the president? Why can't he do the same while sitting in washington or is he an insider at present?

DENNIS !!! ... a breath of fresh air!

Obama won hands down. She praised her"work" during her HUSBANDS administration but ran away from her husbands mistake on NAFTA.

Didn't see the debate. I was babysitting my grandson and he prefers to watch lighting bugs.  I think i get the picture. ANY of these candidates would be a wonderful improvement over the past eight years! It is neccessary to hold control of Congress.

Barack was outstanding tonight and definitely won the debate! I respect and admire his stand on the issues and his sincere concern for restoring our government back to "The People" it is suppose to represent and serve! Way to go Barack! You have my vote and the vote of every member of my household.

I've never been a Kucinich fan but I'm tellig you, this guy hit one out of the park tonight.  Well, being Soldier Field, he was "Mr. Touchdown".  I'm an Independent but he is a Democrat I could definitely vote for in a heartbeat.

Like Edwards Campaign manager said. Obama and Edwards have a healthcare plan. Where is Hillary's? All this time Hillary's people attacked Obama and Edwards healthcare plans and she doesnt have one her self. She expect voters to trust her. I cant trust anyone who sees no shame in taking lobbyist money. She should ask Randy Duke Cunningham, Bob Ney, Tom Delay and Jack Abramoff if lobbyist money has no influence.

No question Hillary won the debate. hillaryclinton.com

Democrats have excellent candidates this time around. But I am sick of Obama trying to be the Messiah to the American people. He paints himself as outsider. Get real. He is arrogrant to me. They need to quit beating each other up will be used when the winner runs against a Republican in general election.

Edwards and Kucinich "knocked it out of the field". Chris Matthews is on MSNBC talking about Clinton and Obama as the only contenders. Right now, her representative is telling Chris that Hillary is poised, presidential, etc. She was the first lady in Arkansas and in DC. She should be poised by now. But poise is not presidential.  And asking us to believe that taking money from lobbyists is meaningless, pleeeeze.

Edwards and Kucinich came across as the two who care most about working folks. Edwards looked lethargic at times, but his passion shone through other times. Kucinich had his best debate ever. It's too soon for all the media's focus on the polls and the front-runners, and I fear that focus will not only diminish the degree of substance but also wreck the chances of the candidates who might make the best president.

I thought it was very telling when Sen. Clinton stated "you shouldn't always say everything you think if you're running for president." I think the American people deserve to know what our presidential candidates think about the most pressing issue of our time. I mean, this isn't Fight Club.

The Republicans won the debate tonight.

The Dems are running presently left of George McGovern catering to the left wing radical groups.

In the Presidential debates, the Dems will look way out of touch.

Dennis Kucinich won.  I also like Dodd and Biden.  They have the wisdom of all their experience.  But OH, how I wish at the end when Kucinch was listing the bills he had introduced he would have said "And I introduced HR bill such and such to impeach Dick Cheney for high crimes and misdemeanors against the people of the United States!" With that audience he would have brought down the house and the media would have HAD to mention it and discuss it!  He missed an opportunity to hit a grand slam home run. I am curious why he did not take the shot.

Kucinich won the debate ... the bigger the crowd, the more folks that learn to love him.

Positive energy may just be our only hope.

Premeditated negative actions, and knee jerk re-actions ... running ineptly from fire to fire, without workable plans in place

... only the best way to 'cut corners' and keep a healthy bottom line
... to heck with healthy humans
... whether in wars, or floods, or fires, this policy has only taken us farther down into the well
... when you find yourself in a hole ... first stop digging!!!!!

.... disaster after disaster, all accomplished, and aided and abetted by the few who will do anything to make a buck ... who would likely sell their own children ...

(and they are, if you really think of pollution/poison/food standards, climate change, crumbling infrastructure, crappy schools, and the amount of the rapidly growing national debt ... billions owed to other nations!!!  China!!!)

Anything is OK if enough profit is involved for the 'right' people ... anything to keep the weapons sales going ... like the recent big sale to the Saudi's  ... who cares about human rights?

(so we lose 190,000 guns ... we will just order some more at ten times the price ... 2O times, or more ... into perpetuity ... remember Cheney said something about a  'Never ending war' ... 'generations' ... and all those supplies ... food, clothing and drink ... medical supplies! ... 5 dollar TP, 100 dollar gauze bandages ... a 'pack' of 8! ... and 30 dollar hair brushes ... 'kool aid' or whatever ... soap, toothbrushes... on and on ... ammunition, repairs, refits ... I do know certain 'no bid' contractors are laughing all the way to some favorite 'Cayman' bank. Or are all the big banks now in Dubai? )

The idea of a real Dept. of Peace is like rare rain falling on desert seeds!  The idea of someone who really does love America, and believes in her people, with the necessary deep understanding of her past, and with a lot of faith ... faith in the ability of each individual to develop, and contribute to their family, and country, and their own cultural society, to the best of their own potential.

Kucinich was the winner! ... and is a winner!

I see a real American hero in Dennis Kucinich, with a lifetime of service in public office, who would, without doubt, include ALL Americans in his administration.  All Americans!

He believes in the Constitution ... The Bill of Rights!!! ...  the following means something ... 'all are created equal, with certain inalienable rights .... '   Rights ... as human beings.

Check the issues, and find out what Dennis thinks at:

http://youtube.com/denniskucinich

... and why I strongly feel he would make an excellent president!

Kucinich is giving voice to my feelings.  His honesty and directness is so refreshing.  We need this man as our next President!

I'd say Biden did the best, clinching it with his one word answer. He certainly can walk the walk and talk the talk.
Followed by a surprising Kuchinich.

Obama did very well. He'll make an excellent president  in 2012.

Hilary: As much as I want to see a woman as president, she's no Maggie Thatcher. She doesn't listen. A good leader listens.

Most of the candidates didn't even answer the question asked, spouting off their own speeches instead.

I missed Mr. Gravel :(
I really liked this stadium format.

(For the record, I am an independent voter)  

Thank you, Keith. He asked tough questions - the questions we all wanted asked. And he gave each candidate the opportunity to answer attacks directly. Can he moderate all the debates from now on?

I am so completely unimpressed with Barack Obama.   He is the most UNpresidential candidate in the Democratic Party (after Gravel).

Kucinich hands down won tonight, followed by Obama. Edwards was trying too hard to pander and came up short. And what is up with Biden attacking Edwards and Obama.

Very good substantive debate though.

Hillary is getting crammed down our throat.  She was booed several times and Chris Matthews and his bogus panel state she won the debate?  Hillary is the corporate shill, and with MSNBC being a corporate shill as well, it is no-wonder they spend so much wasted breath stating she won.  The post-coverage was completely ludicrous.  Keith did a good job.  The winners were Obama, Kucinich, and Edwards placed third.  Hillary did not win and hopefully lost ground.  Dodd, Biden, and Richardson should just drop out instead of embarrassing themselves consistently by kiss up to Hillary for the VP spot.

Kucinich won... im not voting democrat this time though. We need an educated leader.... im voting Ron Paul... although id love to see a Paul/Kucinich 2008

And the winners are:
1. Keith
2. Kucinich
3. Obama

(agreed)
i watched closely and with absolutly no bias.

im still voting Ron Paul...

Obama,Biden,and Kucinch did a great job tonight.I expected more from Edwards.However,Hillary Clinton was definitely "in the drivers seat" tonight.Also,I watch the Keith Olbermann Show as often as possible,but his "Barry Bonds" question to Obama was bellow-the-belt! I happen to be a huge Barry Bonds fan .At the same time, I do understand the anger over steroid use in sports today.Regardless,Keith Olbermann tells it like it is,and he is still the man!!!

Kucinich won this debate hands down. Some of the other candidates performed well but Kucinich was simply extraordinary.

Tonight, Dennis Kucinich's message rang true - as it always does. Maybe more importantly tonight, Dennis Kucinich's message is resonating throughout America. I watched the debate, I watched Chris Matthews, and I'm reading these comments. Throughout I've heard validation and confirmation that Americans want AND ARE READY FOR the solutions that Dennis has embraced and championed his entire political career.

 I'm already a supporter, a cheerleader, and I want to share some resources to embolden any reader impressed by Dennis or not to perhaps visit Dennis' sites: http://www2.kucinich.us (issues) and http://action.dennis4president.com (action center)
and take a closer look. I feel that the people are catching on - that choosing Dennis is a courageous and worthwhile choice.

But like I said, I AM a supporter. So if you're wary about my enthusiasm or motivation, just try this:
http://www.dehp.net/candidate/

So far nearly 100,000 people have input their stance on the issues to see with which candidate they best match up. So far, Dennis Kucinich has been the first choice of 51122 people (out of 90424). That wasn't the intention or expectation the programmer put up that site, but (in his words) "it is certainly interesting".

Thanks for the opportunity to share my opinion.

P.S.
Nit-picky, yet I want to mention that Keith seemed to be overly sensitive to Dennis' countdown timers (while giving others twice or thrice their given time), and while his comments toward Dennis seemed almost snarky at times (especially his final comment after Dennis final words), Dennis demonstrated from start to finish the integrity and clarity that the office of President so desperately needs.

After listening to the debate I think that if the American people want change in there individual lives
that only Obama and Dennis represent true change.
Hilliary represents Corporate America and status
quo.  She is too divisive to get anything through
Congress.  Obama and Dennis represent fresh air.
I hope that the Democrats will not be hoodwinked again.

After listening to the debate I think that if the American people want change in there individual lives
that only Obama and Dennis represent true change.
Hilliary represents Corporate America and status
quo.  She is too divisive to get anything through
Congress.  Obama and Dennis represent fresh air.
I hope that the Democrats will not be hoodwinked again.

OBAMA WON HANDS DOWN!!  Hillary is more of the same, stale thinking that got us into most of the messes we currently face.  And she will only mobilize the frustrated Republicans to get out and vote!  

Also, MSNBC completely mischaracterized Obama's speech about Pakistan (the David Shuster report)  Obama clarified what the media has been misrepresenting and took EVERYONE on the stage on and WON!  He is the true leader with the wisdom and vision that this nation desperately needs!

Obama? You should all see his speech and hear exactly what he said! He stood there and looked at everyone and LIED. He tried to clean up another foreign policy flub.  Why would he lie when there is irrefutable evidence (i.e. video tape of his speech) of his statement concerning Pakistan? People should wake up and realize that it's nice to have someone that plays to the crowd, but that doesn't make a President. Get on board the Hillary wagon and help move our country forward!

Obama has improved his debating skills and he did a formitable job.  Hillary did what she had to do by staying out of minor fights.  Dodd sounded angry, not authoritative angry, but "dang it's hot out here and I feel like shouting" angry.  Biden was forceful and looked the part of President but he just couldn't stay on point.  Richardson looked stiff and awkward again in the debates...he just doesn't seem to do well in front of large crowds.

The two big winners...Kucinich and Edwards.  Kucinich is no longer the crazy uncle that you keep locked in his room!  He was smart and sounded sophisticated.  He scored major points tonight, and he could be the proverbial "Perot" of the democrats...the guy that forces issues and makes other candidates talk about them.  

Edwards, from a substance point of view, was on point and made his points.  However, he seemed to lack style for the first round of questioning.  He sounded too angry even though he points were well made.  In the second and third rounds he really hit some home runs even though his style wasn't fully there.

Overall, I don't think this debate changes anything, the top three will remain and maybe Biden gets a little bounce and gets closer to Richardson, maybe...but really the winner has to be Edwards because he's already the candidate that is seen as the most favorable by organized labor and he did nothing to hurt himself with regards to that tonight.

If you get through all the politcal "muck", the only canidate that knows the problems and PRESENTS any soultion is Edwards imho....  All the canidates can talk until they turn blue but the question is HOW are they planning on fixing the problems they speak on????  Edwards clearly has a plan.

Hillary was great tonight!! I feel so happy for her.

HaHa! phyllis from dallas!! Chris Matthews a Hillary fan?? You obviously don't look at things objectively.  Chris Matthews bashes Hillary every chance he gets and brown-noses Obama at every turn.  It's a good thing we have objective viewers like Chuck Todd and David Schuster to bring us the facts!

Dennis Kucinich IS the worker's candidate. BAR NONE!

http://www.dennis4president.com/

Let's start filling in the hole we're in & climb to a better America for every individual sovereign citizen!

Dennis Kucinich or Ron Paul are America's best hope in 2008! Get fired up for TRUE liberty, not the corporate elitist "new freedom" we are getting now!

Dennis Kucinich IS the worker's candidate. BAR NONE!

www.dennis4president.com

Let's start filling in the hole we're in & climb to a better America for every individual sovereign citizen!

Dennis Kucinich or Ron Paul are America's best hope in 2008! Get fired up for TRUE liberty, not the corporate elitist "new freedom" we are getting now!

I agree with Paul of Woodbridge WA who posted above, "I'm trying to figure out how Biden was Clinton's surrogate, when he defended Obama's statements on Pakistan as already public U.S. policy. Chuck...?"

Biden defended Obama and said that the "truth" is that Obama's stance on Pakistan is in fact CURRENT U.S. policy and not some make-believe out-there idea that Clinton and Dodd wanted to characterize it.

But earlier posters have said the main point better than I can:  Clinton's advice to not say what you think to the American public is something she's going to regret.  Also that "I'm your girl" stuff.  She didn't bake cookies back in 1992; who on earth is going to believe she's EVER held a vacuum cleaner in 2008?

Larry Gianakos from Ohio - "fifteen years in national politics" for Hillary Clinton?  Interesting.  Assume then you are counting her time as First Lady?  Does that mean that Laura Bush will have had 8 years in politics by the time her husband is done?  Running on one's husband's record seems rather weak, doesn't it?  It would be great to elect a woman but someone who is substantive on her own.

We live in dangerous times, but anyone who voted for the Iraqi war should be disqualified.  There is a reason why not many senators ever become President, and that reason is that the longer they have been in the washington the more remove from reality and more agreeable to the status quo.  This is a moment in history that doesn't come very often to put our democracy on the right path not the same old path with different faces.

Don't be fooled by HRC, she clings so much to Bill on all his policies but is now saying Nafta is wrong.

She say's Bush/Cheny secret forgein policy plans were wrong, but the she wouldn't tell the American people what her foreign policies plans are.  She just validated that she is indeed Bush/Cheny lite.

HRC said she can unite the country but says she is ready to fight the right.  Didn't Bush say he was the compassionate conservative.  Look where his lies have taken us.

I am a woman, and would love to see a woman President, but if we nominate her she will set that cause back 200 years.

Hillary is not the right women for this period of time.

America don't fall for it,
Obama is the right man, for the right reason at the right time!

Senator Obama won the debate tonight. He clarified some of the mis-information about his speech last week on foreign policy. I agree with many of the previous comments, why is the media telling us that Hillary Clinton was the winner when we know she was NOT the winner.

Kucinich won.  Now where is the voting, NBC, so we can all see some tangible results?

I guess no one cared to point out during the debate the very insightful piece in today's Washington Post available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/06/AR2007080601161.html

Will Senators Clinton, Obama, Biden and Dodd oppose the efforts of Senator Reid and Schumer to block legislation to prevent hedge fund and private equity partners, who make multiple millions a year in income, from paying lower tax rates than AFL-CIO members? Will John Edwards tell us whether he paid a lower tax rate on the recent income he earned as an advisor at such a firm? Will they push for Congress to pass legislation to bring tax fairness this year, or are their personal political futures, which depend on campaign funds from carried interest interests, more important than fairness.
Actually, there is no good political answer to these questions for the Democratic candidates because any answer will only point out that they are either political opportuntists that don't really believe in fairness and helping the little guy or believe in economic policies that will scare the people that drive the nation's economy (i.e., the majority of voters).

BTW-Nearly every American has multiple lobbyists working for their interests in Washington. In fact, the most powerful lobbyists in Washington today work at the AFL-CIO, the Trial Lawyers' Association and the numerous so called "public interest" groups that are funded by George Soros' money.  If you really want to decrease the number and influence of lobbyists, simply decrease the size and influence of the Federal government.

Finally, someone should ask the campaign of Senator Obama how much money they have collected from the spouses of Washington lobbyists.

I agree with all of those who are supporting Barack Obama. And to all those supporting Hillary Clinton, I am utterly confused. The only reason I keep hearing is that she is tough. About what? What are her positions/plans? At least the other candidates have actually put out something. I read somewhere that college educated women are in a majority voting for Senator Obama and those w/o a college education are voting for Senator Clinton, that's worth noting if you Clinton supporters believe in the "national" polls. Is it because the more educated you are, the more likely you will be to actually read their statements/positions in full? Does it also mean that if you aren't educated, you'll simply vote for her because she's a woman and you liked Bill. If so, God help us. People, for God's sake, do you really think the Republicans aren't salivating about Hillary being the nominee. Are the Hillary supporters so awe struck at the thought of the first woman president that they'll let themselves be fooled. Do ya'll think the Republicans don't have the goods on Hillary? Why would they bring them out now? Why do you think they are going after Barack w/ all the misrepresentations of his comments. Ask yourselves...if Pakistan wasn't doing anything to nail the terrorists and there was credible evidence they were planning something.....you wouldn't go after them? That's what Sen. Obama said. Also, why is it naive and inexperienced to talk to other countries about our differences. It's crazy not to. Our current policies have worked real well doing the opposite. Which is what Hillary wants to continue. Another thing that is absolutely crazy is the complaints that Sen. Obama would take nukes off the table. Anyone who thinks we should nuke anyone is completely nuts. All the guys who had anything to do with the creation of the damn things became advocates against them. Please people do not be fooled....I am all for a woman to be President...but not Hillary. Barack will be an awesome President who will choose an excellent team to help him get this country back on track. An actual REAL CHANGE!!! I hope more people think so. This country has already given the Clintons 8 years, and that's plenty. OBAMA '08!!!!!!!!

Please read this one!!! At the debate tonight watch Sen. Clinton turn and wink with her left eye at Chris Dodd before she spoke about what Obama said last week about Pakistan .  These two are teaming up on Obama.  Sen. Clinton is letting other people speak for her so she would not have to respond.  This is crazy.  Go Obama!!!

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