Obama scores in Clinton exchange

Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:53 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Democratic debates

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
One of the livelier exchanges in the debate came when moderator asked, Senator Obama, you have Bill Clinton's former national security advisor, state department policy director, and navy secretary, among others, advising you. With relatively little foreign policy experience of your own, how will you rely on so many Clinton advisors and still deliver the kind of break from the past that you are promising voters?

As Clinton laughed and said, "I want to hear that" (meaning his response), Obama scored by saying: "Well, Hillary, I'm looking forward to having you as an advisor as well." He added, "I want to gather up talent from everywhere.

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Comments

that was very respectful of obama---he will need the clintons to campaign for him if he is chosen.Smart

HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:58 PM)

That was a good line. But he dodged the question.

Aidyn, NY (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:58 PM)

again, he has made her look trivial and silly.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:02 PM)

That was the best moment and Obama deliver a powerful punch that made Hillary's crackle fade away. Obama looks presidential.

Bee (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:02 PM)

Owned,

By the way how did the Clintons use their foreign policy advisers with regards to Iraq?

Ignorred them because they were afraid of what Bush, Rudy or O'Reilly might say.

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:02 PM)

just priceless

joe mass lowell (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:03 PM)

Hm. If Hillary is so God-awful, then why would he want her as an advisor?

Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:06 PM)

Well she asked to hear his response. And boy, did it sting!

Obama 08'

Charles W, Ontario (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:06 PM)

Yeah, thanks, Andrea. That was posted about an hour ago. You must be watching the delayed version on MSNBC TV.

Bill, Corpus Christi, TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:07 PM)

zzzzing!

Merri (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:08 PM)

Bravo, bravo, bravo OBAMA!! He really shone - and his comeback to Hillary's cackle was perfection! Saw a focus group on another network of undecided Democrats in Iowa and by a wide margin they thought Obama did well - they also liked Edwards. But almost everyone thought Hillary did not have a good day. And when asked if Hillary's latest campaign smear of Obama was dirty politics, every single person agreed. Obama had a great day, as did Edwards - Hillary was awful.

Karen, Great Falls, VA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:09 PM)

i wish they had show her expression when he said that

i personally was laughing my butt off.

go Obama stand up to the clinton machine and cnn

obama 08

ted orlando (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:11 PM)

It was the only part of the debate worth watching

Jesse Heath, Washington, DC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:12 PM)

Hillary Clinton just lost the Iowa caucuses, and by extension, the nomination.

Brian, Ohio (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:12 PM)

So in other words; Obama answered by saying that he doesn't represent "change" at all, and that he would rely on Mrs. Clinton to advise him with regard to foreign policy, should lightening strike and he gets himself elected.
Why not just eliminate the middle man, and put Hillary in The White House?

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT 2008! ***Experience Counts!***

J. Merle Stanley Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:13 PM)

Way to sock it to her, Barack! That annoying cackle that came out of her mouth was obnoxious...and it really made Obama look like the better of the two!

Mark Waverly, IA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:14 PM)

With the decisions H.R. Clinton has made of late, I bet she wishes she had those advisors back. One point for Judgement to B.H. Obama.

--NSMSNBC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:15 PM)

Why are many of Bill Clinton's foreign policy advisors supporting Barack Hussein Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton?

Dan, TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:16 PM)

Obama answered the question right. Voters need to know where Hillary can fit in Obama Administration, because will win the nomination. Change is happening and we all are witnessing it. Are you ready!!!!!

Claude Ilboudo, Jersey City, NJ (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:17 PM)

Obama may have got in a funny but the question was still the question. Did he answer it? How does he explain that?

Listen, Obama's talk of change is all empty talk from a slick Chicago pol. It sounds good, but he is no different the rest. Open your eyes people.

In his short Senate career he has been a run of the mill, business as usual pol. He hasn't made any calls for change.

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:17 PM)

Amazing to me that we Democrats have complained for the last 7 years, among other things, of the division created by the Bushecons. Putting the "reasons" of the divide aside, we all can agree that the divide in itself, was largely to blame for some of the issues we are facing today.
With that said, why would we as Democrats choose the most polarizing figure in our field as our Nominee? Is this going to be a "you screwed us, now we're screwing you" kind of nominee? Because thats what Hillary being our nominee would be. Another 4 years of divide.
We want to walk into office in Jan. 09 with a political divide ALREADY IN PLACE? Ask yourselves, is thats what best for AMERICA?
I believe the type of divide created by the Clinton administration was not good for AMERICA. I didnt personally care about his affair, but that divide hurt US as a country. When casting your vote, place the needs of this country first.

Micah, 1 America (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:17 PM)

One might also wonder why so many of Bill Clinton's former, excellent advisors, are supporting Barack Obama in lieu of backing Hillary ?? These are very intelligent, learned men ... a testament to the kinds of people Obama can gather around him.

Sunny, UT (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:19 PM)

Okaaaay....this is what's considered a "score"? I clicked on this story to see just what Obama knocked the legs out from under Hillary with, only to find this weak-sister tidbit? Let's hope someone else found some real scores from the debaters.

Shirley Dailey, Exeter, CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:19 PM)

ZZZZZZZZZIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

Jimmy Chicago IL (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:20 PM)

The play of the day. Smooth operator.

Mark (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:21 PM)

OBAMA FOREIGN POLICY EXPERIENCE = 0

F. Domino (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:22 PM)

This is a perfect example of exactly what is wrong with political coverage today

Focus on the REAL ISSUES

voter (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:23 PM)

I'm glad he responded. I don't think he was going to go there, but she was being so annoying, laughing so loud she came across as really snarky and rude.

D.B., Manchester, NH (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:26 PM)

HaHa. That is up there with, "You sir, are no Jack Kennedy."

BD, Park Ridge, IL (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:26 PM)

nice to see youth with the knowlage to use those who know more, and learn in the prosess, even when he is smart enough to use, all, who know, as Clinton is. Most have there ways set in stone, and fail to use those who only opposed them in the primary, but combined they all should work together, and it looks like Obama is willing to utilize everyone regardless of who.

j-kerr nm (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:29 PM)

YEAH.....
FOR 2019!

Gabriela (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:32 PM)

He will be eating those words on February 5, 2008.

Dazed and Confused in DC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:33 PM)

Who won the Des Moines Register Democratic Debate in Iowa?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1296

.

PollM, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:33 PM)

I love it! How can you not love it? I'm not a Hillary hater but I loved hearing that.

Dave M, San Diego (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:34 PM)

I thought that was the quip of the debate. He is surely ready to lead this country. He is not tarnished as a Washington insider, and he's aligning himself with the successful part of the Clinton administration. He seems to be for the people and how he can bring this country together. He's not "self serving", whereas Hillary seems to be for Hillary (being able to say "she" was the first female president of the U.S.). With the state this country and the world is in right now, we don't have time for "self-serving" politicians. Go Barack!!!!!!!!!

st (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:35 PM)

st (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:36 PM)

I believe that Iowans do not live by what the media gives them credit. They are driven by words more than actions. It is time that the election process be change and not rely on one state or one entertainer's opinion. Let us not forget that this nation was led by the media that Bush was the best candidate for president the results speak for themselves.

Arturo Universal City,Tx (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:41 PM)

What do you think? Obama has Clinton all figured out. Shall i say Clinton is toast?

Bee (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:45 PM)

ROFLMAO!!!!!

Classic! If you didn't see it...you must! Sometimes less said is best said Hillary. Great debate. All held their own. Very civil, issues oriented debate. This one faux pas will get all the attention though.

Now for all who need the substance of the answer....
He states (and I paraphrase) will gather talent, and information from ALL available sources in order to reach decisions best for the american people.

Classic (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:56 PM)

Hm. If Hillary is so God-awful, then why would he want her as an advisor?

Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:06 PM)

Carrie, do you really think this is anything other than an off the cuff remark? I think people are looking into this WAY too much.

CitizenJ (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:57 PM)

OBAMA IS THE BOMB!!!!! He is a real breath of fresh air. He has what every other candidate lacks. He's the boy next door, he's every Mother's ideal son, he's AMERICA'S SON. hE'S THE MAN FOR THE JOB!!!!!

David Nishimura, Long Beach, Calif (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:57 PM)

That was a gutsy, strong comment by Barack (not to mention witty--got the biggest laughs of the day).

It'd be near impossible for him not to have someone connected to the Clinton administration on his staff. But, that doesn't mean he doesn't bring the biggest change.

Politics is a simple game: follow the money. He hasn't accepted PAC money. Hillary has. As a result, she's beholden to the old-school style of politics that has so corrupted our nation.

Scott (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:57 PM)

It was the best one liner of the debate. I loved it.

James, Oakland CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:59 PM)

Bill Clinton and most of the other former presidents had little or no foreign policy experience when they took office. It is a wise president who is willing to rely on the advice of experienced and wise persons of any political persuasion in conducting forein policy. Quit bashing Obama for not having enough experience. What he does have, which is far more valuable, is good sense, smarts, and the humility to seek advice from others.

Floyd, Salt Lake City, UT (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:00 PM)

Also, his actual answer to the question was that there was a lot of talent in Bill Clinton's administration (true, no?), and the change would be to use that talent and (specifically) our military as PART of our foreign policy instead of it being the whole thing like it has been under the Bush administration.

CitizenJ (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:00 PM)

Wow,If I hear one more time "tax the rich". The rich pay,it's the dems giving out to every charity they can. Straight tax to all and watch the money roll in.

Teresa,NC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:01 PM)

I find it so funny that everyone is talking about Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. Does anyone remember a small state Gov. who ran for President in 92? I beleive his name was Clinton. I believe Obama has the courage and integrity to lead this nation back to a path of honor.

hb, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:03 PM)

I THINK WE JUST SAW THE NEXT US PRESIDENT THAT WILL UNITE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

Emmanuel Takusi, Owings Mills MD (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:04 PM)

Burninator!!! Obama is the choice of a new generation. Generation "Bitch" slap!

JC, South Carolina (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:04 PM)

Way to go OBAMA! Clinton just lost the race in Iowa; her cackle and taunting of OBAMA coupled with OBAMA's response is priceless! OBAMA 08

gonzalez, g (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:06 PM)

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