Iowa nice

Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:41 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Democratic debates

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
When Clinton was asked about NAFTA, she said, “It should be changed.” She said she's for "smart, pro-American trade."

The moderator gave Obama an opening to go after Clinton by asking him what he thought of that. He could have invoked the 1990s and that Bill Clinton pushed for NAFTA following her statement. But he demurred.

Obama: "There’s no doubt that NAFTA needs to be amended." He then pivoted to problems with how Republicans are handling trade.

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Comments

At this point in time, it does Obama no good to attack Hillary. After recent weeks, Clinton's negativity ratings are through the roof, while Obama and Edwards are seeing the opposite trend.

Jesse, Burnsville, MN (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:45 PM)

NAFTA needs to be changed: That is a pretty vague statement, what could Clinton (or Obama) mean by that? Leaving an opening for a future change of position? Sen. Clinton will certainly, in the end, support her husband's policy.

--nsmsnbc (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:48 PM)

Obama doesn't need to go after Clinton... I like the way he is staying positive. I am tired of the media...

Bee (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:49 PM)

it is good that he let her be negative. this forum wasn't about that and he knows just like edwards iowans weren't at this debate for such negative parlay. the rest of iowa will probaly feel the same when they view it later tonight.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:00 PM)

Bill pushed for NAFTA. OK. We get it. He wasn't the only one who thougth it was a good idea at the time. It didn't work. Hence the whole idea of change. I find it funny how comments are made regarding HRC's 'swipes' at the other candidates deficiencies, and yet the yet to be elected OBAMA is portrayed as the "better man" for not pointing out weaknesses and points of attack in HRC's comments. If you don't want the mud slinging, why are you pointing out everywhere you wanted to see it slung?

amy, louisville, ky (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:21 PM)

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