Obama's lack of directness

Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:35 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Maybe it's not in his personality. Maybe it's about 2012 or 2016. Maybe it's Iowa Nice. But Obama just doesn't seem like he either can or wants to be direct on Clinton instead of continuing to talk about himself.

Edwards is more sharper, clearer on these differences. It's interesting, but Edwards' campaign points out all of the things he has been first on, but others have gotten the attention for. Seems to me tonight, that Obama -- by virtue of answering the question first perhaps -- has brought something up first, but Edwards has been the one to capitalize on it.

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Comments

That is a good point.

Aidyn, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:41 PM)

I think that Joh edwards is actually making his points loud and clear and maybe actually winning the debate at this time.

Terry Ryan, Cedar Park, Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:42 PM)

How about equal time in this debate. This is another travesty inclined to present Clinton, Obama and (to a lesser extent) Edwards as the only choices.

It makes me sick.

Jim H. Bethel CT USA (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:42 PM)

more sharper? Brilliant. I'll think twice before putting any stock into what you say.

Brad. SLC, UT (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:43 PM)

she opposes the war in iraq???omg,did u all hear what she just said???oopsss,hilary!!!here we go,now ur real inside opinions are coming out!!!hilary,why didnt u say that u were having same opinions as the bush's administration?!!!!why???u sneaky foxy politician!!i am disappointed by what she said! she is pro leaving the troops in iraq,and she is going to cause a lot of trouble to the world by wanting to have a war with IRAN this time!!!

new jersey (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:43 PM)

If Obama's reluctance to take on Sen. Clinton right now is because he is looking toward 2012 or 2016 he is going to let a lot of Americans down and give himself little to no hope for the future. I do not think Hillary will win a general election and could not fathom another Republican in office at this time. We need change now!!

Jon Hemb, Sheboygan, WI (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:43 PM)

Perhaps he doesn't have to. With Edwards doing the dirty work, maybe Obama can reap the benefits without undermining his politics of hope. I think it's pretty smart, actually. Too bad the media will paint it as a weakness in their unabashed Hillary cheerleading.

Anne, Plantation, FL (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:44 PM)

I don't know what you guys want from this man but, he has been clear and strong.
He knows Hillary is waiting for him. why attack now.
Let him do his game his way.
My god, it's early in the debate and you need to let him do his thing. If he doesn't by the end of the night, fine, then complain. Leave him alone for awhile.

diane (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:44 PM)

Totally disagree. Edwards does not have the international expertise that Clinton has. Clinton just spoke of a very focused, clear strategy for pulling troops out and leaving special forces to handle Al Queda. Edwards spoke of bringing "them all home." He is not as strategic as Clinton. Clinton has these guys by a long shot! Go Hillary.

Nicia Behary, CPA, Nashville TN (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:44 PM)

What do you mean she left no room. She is totally unrealiable and a fake. She thinks leaving a force to combat al-Qaeda means that soldiers will not die.. Hillary is your Anti-Crist.

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:46 PM)

Seems like Obama is Intimidated and is avoiding opening that can of worms... He quite simply needs to man up and get his hands dirty in this debate... His answers sound more like a soft soap interview on Larry King and less like a man who's losing a battle for the White House.

Jason Bourgoin, Miami Beach, Florida (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:48 PM)

or is it that a black man cannot go after a white woman without conjuring up negative stereotypes.

J Doe, California (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:48 PM)

Obama and Edwards are taking it to clinton. It is time people wake up and realize they have a point.

Obama-Edwards 08

Michael, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:50 PM)

I DIGAGREE!!! OBAMA IS BEING VERY DIRECT!
WHAT A SLANTED STORY!

Obama is really strong in this Tuesday debate by giving specific examples on how Hilary is supporting the status quo Bush - especially with her vote opening pandoras box to let Bush take us down the sliperly slope of an Iran Invasion.

Also, Clinton keeps getting nailed on contradictions -- She was asked about her experience and refused to lift a block on her records at the National Archives. President Clinton had put a block on the National Archives records until 2012 that would illustrate her experience while in the White House - Tim Russert asked if she would request President Clinton to remove the 'lock down' on her records - she said she would leave it the usual 'processes' at the National Archives...

How can you be ANY LESS DIRECT????
I AM VOTING FOR OBAMA!

Justin, Chattanooga, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 30, 2007 10:25 PM)

yes i thack she is going to wen? but we will have hill on earth in usa ....HILL- ARY . CLINTON ...................LOOK AT HER NAME VEARY CLOSE HILL ON THE ARMY ANTI CRIST..........2009-2013

m20 west memphis ARKANSAS (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 5:46 AM)

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