Obama scores in Clinton exchange

Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:53 PM by Domenico Montanaro

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

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)

They are all cut from the same cloth, you want some fresh advise all you political geniuses, Impeach Bush, conduct War Crime Tribunals and pledge never again to conduct false flag operations that lead to pre-emptive war, and cut defense spending in half. Now thats a fresh look at Foreign Policy. Free of Charge.

Dave, Philly (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:07 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

G. Gonzalez (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:07 PM)

Hillary Foreign Policy Experience = some white house junkets and what else?

She claims she has all this experience, but won't let anyone look at her records. If any working person in America told a potential employer, "i was the best employee at my last company but you can't see my resume or call references-just trust me," they'd be laughed out of the room.

S.E., California (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:10 PM)

oops, even she wanted to hear it. I'd like to hear it. I thought it was the Republicans who were the diversionary ones. For the reason of this (avoiding the question), I find him less presidential and less likely to get my vote...at the expense of making fun of someone just to avoid answering a question

Ventura, CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:11 PM)

It was a cute comeback, but essentailly meaningless, and he didn't answer the question. Hillary should have remained silent because Obama was truly stumbling around with how to answer the question. She ended up giving him an excuse to avoid it.

BTW, Karen, the undecideds at CNN thought Edwards did best in the debate, by a good margin, and placed Hillary Clinton second.

Lura, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:15 PM)

"Why not just eliminate the middle man, and put Hillary in The White House?"

J. Merle Stanley Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:13 PM): I'm not trying to pick on you personally here, but I'd like to amend you statement slightly ...

"Why not just eliminate the middle woman, amend the Constitution and put Bill back in The White House?"

--nsmSNBC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:17 PM)

Good for Obama! Does Hillary not get that she comes across like a cackling witch? Even when she cracks a smile, it appears totally forced and insincere. At least her husband was Slick. If Hillary wins the election, do you think she and Bill will return all the stuff they stole from the White House when they left?

NT, Port St Lucie, FL (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:17 PM)

What has happened to your unbiased reporting? With Chris Matthews leading the way, it is quite obvious that your reporting is favoring Sen. Obama. The knowledgeable Democrats know, he is too experienced to head our ticket. Hang tough Sen. Clinton, the fight will soon be on our turf!!!

Dave Williams Detroit, MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:19 PM)

to Bee or not to Bee but to everyone out there. When women got the right to vote the first man they voted into office was WARREN G. HARDING, who got hung up in the teapot dome fiasco. And the reason the ladies gave for voting for him was that HE LOOKED LIKE A PRESIDENT. So does Sam the ADA on Law and Order, but I doubt he could do much of a job although anyone would have been better than HARDING.

Rev. Dewey Leon Everts Jr, Santa Barbara CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:21 PM)

Not too many Americans seem to think it's a big deal that Obama chose NOT to put his hand (in patriotic love of country) over his heart and chose NOT to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at a Tom Harkin event.

I ask my fellow countrymen to consider how they would feel if he is elected president and at a school event, White House event, or any other official 'presidential' event he chooses again NOT to place his hand over his heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Would that be ok in your mind as an American for your president to purposefully make a negative statement of such magnitude about a war or anything else with that level of disdain? Does he think it made him look big and a man of astounding fortitude??? I suggest it rather made him look like an appeaser to the anti war group and to those misguided Americans who either out of ignorance or lack of moral fiber find it 'refreshing' to have someone on the national stage show that kind of disrespect to our country.

I know there is fascination of his seemingly cool demeaner and everyone loves that he gives Hilary a run for her money, but my fellow Americans, please think long and hard about your vote...there is too much at stake to risk your precious, blood bought right to vote on someone who will not even in decency show loyalty to the country in which he wants to become the leader of.

A, Florida (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:22 PM)

So...did he ever actually answer the question?

From what I have read, I gather not. If Hillary had made a snarky quip in response, those of you singing Obama's praises would be calling for her head. I've witnessed it.

Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:25 PM)

That was a Reaganesqe backhand. Very well played by Obama.

Erik (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:28 PM)

Hilary Clinton will be another sure loser like John Kerry she has a bullmark written on her back.She has tons of baggage,its time for a change.George H. Bush was saying the same thing regarding change about Bill Clinton during their campaign. What experience did President George W. Bush have but a cowboy mentality that led the U.S into a disaster internationally and on the domestic front. He spend money like a drunk sailor. How does being the ex first lady translate into experience. Just because she got a chance to meet world leader's when she traveled with Bill didn't give her the experience to be President. Its like President George W. Bush saying that he had more experience because his father was a President Hilary seems to get more deperate by the moment.She does not spell out any reason why she is not part of the politics as usual.Obama is a sharp and quick learner and represents the future of our country. Its time to bring the Bush, Clinton dynasty to an end after 20 years.If Hilary was elected President Bill would be the one in charge behind the scenes. As an African-American I resent it when Black people say that slick Bill was the first Black President. What is this based on, because he had a high sex drive?

James Davis (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:29 PM)

it was a counter punch hillary lost. there will some of this throughout. some will win and some will lose. what i don't get that no one wants to give credi where it is due. obama may not have one the debate(i thought all faired well), but hillary tried to cold cock him with a blind punch and he knocked her out. the next time it may be the other way around.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:35 PM)

Nothing like a good one liner to sway the naive people. Even better if it distracts from answering the question and exposing that he has no experience. What about a question about how many Senate votes he as been absent for so far this year?

If Obama is the nominee he will be torn apart by the Republican machine. John Kerry is a decorated vet and he was shredded to pieces and unfortunately for Barak, he is no John Kerry.

Like it or not, Hillary will prevail in the end while Obama gets to sit on Oprah's couch again and talk about how his energy is better spent on the people of Illinois.

Geoff, LA,CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:43 PM)

Who cares about one liners that avoid the question? What a complete load of crap! I suppose if you base your decision for the next leader of the most powerful conutry in the world on quips that avoid a serious question, then this will lead you to vote for Senator Obama. How silly of me to think that my fellow Democrats would be basing their votes more on substance than this BS.

Albert, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:44 PM)

You Obama supporters say he can bring the country together but you are the most hate spewing group on these blogs. He never answers a question and you guys melt because a made a quip to Hillary. The support by the media and you guys remind my of the Bush campaign when he first ran. Everyone overlooked his substance because they felt he was likeable and was going to bring the country together and bring integrety to White House. Look where this got us. If you support him fine but don't be so hateful to other candidates.

upset voter, Mesa, az (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:46 PM)

Why should Hillary bother to stoop down to advice the neophyte with almost zero foreign relations and national experience who has nothing to show but his sheer arrogance at asuming that he's fit to be president of the USA at this point in time????

Bea, Hoboken, NJ (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:46 PM)

* "As Clinton laughed and said, 'I want to hear that'"

The Clinton's are so COCKY.

It's this air of snobbery that Hillary has that is hurting her. At least Bill has an "average Joe" - "can't be part of the establishment" style.

It is just so sad to me that these two throughly decent human beings, whom i am sure came into politics to change it and make it better, can't see that they have become what they were trying to change in the 60's and 70's.

It is just them trying to hold on to power...

Grant, Durham, New Hampshire. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:46 PM)

Perfect line

He totally made her look bad, while at the same time saying that he wouldn't hold a grudge and would be inclusive to everybody (including her)

Perry, Toronto (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:48 PM)

y'all are sad. this country needs to be run by the best soundbites? get a freakin' grip. look at who wants to actually do what. (edwards will be your candidate when you do that, btw.) forget this gameshow politics that the MSM wants you to keep feeding on.

Steve Holliday, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:52 PM)

Forget it Obamites,you've handed the election to the Republican Party.Way to self-destruct.To think that Oprah can sway an election is as stupid as thinking Babs can.What were you thinking!?!?!??Hell,Karl Rove(Stalin)has more saavy than all of you together,and he is a MORON.Christ people,look at the economy,war,healthcare,etc,etc,etc.And you Blew it????Congrats Repubs,you won without the Supreme Court.

dochockey2001,tx (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:59 PM)

at first i was a Edwards supporter,here was a lost in connections to the public by his Headquarters Workers, I left, then I started to work for and supported Hillary her Headquarters was worst them Edwards check it out if you all do not beleive me, I left, and went to Barack Obama Headquarters the energy,friendship,togetherness, my company of 150 strong individuals, all of my family, neighborhoods, will caucus for Barack Obama, all have watch today Debate and decided we will caucus for Barack Obama January 3,2008. Our group consists of Farmers,Teachers,Doctors,Nurses,factories Workers,City workers,Bank Employers etc.

Tanya J. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:07 PM)

I will caucus and support Barack Onbama

Tanya J. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:10 PM)

The more telling part of that exchange was Clinton's ironic laughter when she thought that the question had Obama cornered:

I want to see how you can answer that, she gloated.

We know what happened next...

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:14 PM)

What we witnessed was the mean spirited cackle of the true Hillary Clinton. The needs a leader & NOT the politics of the past.

American Voter (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:16 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)

Yes, Bee lets raise the toast!! Feb 5th, Hillary Clinton the Democratic Nominee and next President of America!!

Toasted bees sprinkled with honey (hatred) are better:-)

Simon, IA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:25 PM)

I-O-W-A

Barack Obama all the way!

Betsy, Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:31 PM)

Hillary is the lady Ms. Pres.
Obama is not a match as far as intelligents goes matched up to Ms. Clinton.

Knoxville TN (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:32 PM)

Hillary is the lady Ms. Pres.
Obama is not a match as far as intelligents goes matched up to Ms. Clinton.

Knoxville TN (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:33 PM)

Hey. people. Have you watched the Repulican candidates last week? From the Boss Juliani to the actor Thompson short ads. They all attacked Hillary, I wonder why. They are afraid that if Hillary got the Democrat nomination, they will ahve a very tough road ahead of them. The basic form of debate is when you get caught, make a joke! that what Obama did! Wake up! Dont sell Hillary short, if you want CHANGE!

Paul, Racine, WI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:39 PM)

I watched the debate on TV and boy, at that point that question was asked, I was like wow!, Obama is going to show the world the genius he is. As anticipated, he did. Turning curses into blessings! Go OB!, Go.

Vital (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:42 PM)

I watched the debate today, if we elect another unqualified candidate, like Obama, we deserve 8 more years of someone trying to learn on the job, see where that got us!

Robert Zuckschwerdt (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:56 PM)

obama counting the chicken?america dont want black guy to be a pres, is eh kidding- hes galant ansd show off. my godness- muslim obama run this country i preapre now republcian candiate husckabee.sllanf

rea,mtn. view.ca (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:12 PM)

"BTW, Karen, the undecideds at CNN thought Edwards did best in the debate, by a good margin, and placed Hillary Clinton second." Lura

Well the Fox group (Please I know) of 30 came out with Obama at 14 Edwards 13 and Clinton 2 (forget where the last one went). Indeed, some of the people came in supporting Clinton, but left supporting either Edwards or Obama. So much for Clinton's great performance.

MK, Los Angeles, California (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:15 PM)

OBAMA WANT BILL CLITNON BRAIN AND HE WANTS HILLARY GOODA DVICER- OABMA WANT THE WHITE CLITNON KISS HIS ASS/BLACK RARE END?NO WAY JOSE-OBAMA U JUST LIKE HITLER AND SADM HUSSINE; SAME ZODIAC SIGN SAME TRAITS DIFFERENT BIRTHYEAR. SADDAM HUSSEIN BORN 1937//HILTER BORN 1889-BARACK HUSSEIN OABMA BORN 1961-OX EYAR BORN-MANIPULATOR/GALLANT AND EMAN INSIDE AND ECCENTRIC. UR PHSYCHIC LADY COMMENTS.
P.S NEXT EYAR IS A RAT EYAR; RATA ND BOAR HILLARY-ZODIAC SIGN IS VERY GOOD. RAT YEAR AND OX OABMA CONFLICK PAIR AND EDWARD JUST NUETRAL; SO ANALYZES; HILLARY IS THE WINNER; RAT EYAR- HAPPIER AND EPRFCT; OBAMA-OK BUT CONFLICT PAIR. EDWARDS JUST NUETRAL

PRISCELA,SUNNYVAKE CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:16 PM)

PRISCELA,SUNNYVALE CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:17 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)

----------------------------------------------------
This comment is a classic 'Clintonian Politics of Parsing'. Unless you cannot comprehend the situation, your beloved Hillary just had her head handed to her on a platter. No body doubts HRC's intelligence, they just doubt her fitness to be POTUS.

Real Democrat, CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:19 PM)

Lara, it looks like you were mistaken about the CNN focus group. Edwards, then Obama, and Clinton third. Here is the quote from CNN:

"In interviews conducted immediately after Thursday's Des Moines Register debate, most of the 23 undecided Democratic voters surveyed said they thought former Sen. John Edwards came out on top and said he would get their vote if the election were held today.

Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois placed second in a focus group conducted by CNN when asked who would get their vote, and Sen. Hillary Clinton was the third choice."

MK, Los Angeles, California (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:20 PM)

hitler was born 1889-ox year born
saddamm hussien was born-1937
barack obama was born 1961- three of them an ox year born similar traits; namely; manipulator/eccentric/hauvensitic/mean with money/conservative/easily angered,.watch out guy we have another hitler black muslim guy obama- hussien obama.same traits-obama sadm husseina nd hitler.
type obamas birthyear; 1961-hilter-1889-sadm hussien birtheyar; i was shock hes going to eb another hussiena dn hitler type watch.www.horoscope.com
u were shock if you type the birthyear of hitelr andsadam hussne on the left side space black;www.horscope.com website.

laura,mtn. view,ca (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:22 PM)

OBAMA, YOU AREN'T QUALIFIED TO BE DOG CATCHER AND COULD YOU BE MORE STILTED IN YOUR SPEECH AND MANNERISM'S? YOU ARE A NONTALENTED, LONG WINDED, BLOW HARD AND YOU LOST THE DEBATE AGAIN. CAN YOU ANSWER ANY DIRECT QUESTIONS AT ALL? YOU DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE ANYTHING--OBAMA IS UNELECTABLE!

MICHAEL WAGNER, SPOKANE, WASHINGTON (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:38 PM)

Hey Hillary! Having fun yet? Is this the "Fun part"?

Yolanda Richards, Richmond Tx (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:44 PM)

I guess the Clinton's former advisors are not advising Hillary. Why? Obama is clearly the best choice here.

Shelley, Monterey, CA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:52 PM)

laura from mtn view,ca; you are funny, get a grip and stop writing nonsense - cannot understand what you are saying. OBAMA 08.

VOTE FOR OBAMA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:58 PM)

Their style -- she carries a sledge hammer to these events in hopes of dominating everyone, while he seems to have found a zing-feather to neutralize her. Is it too late for her to catch on?

He's got class
while she's crass.

AY, Canton, Georgia (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:05 PM)

You guys are really really stupid. He admitted that he doesn't have the qualifications to handle the office president. He admited that Hilliary is more qualified. Yes it was a funny jab, but how does making jokes show him as a good president. He is not. Obama is all smoke and mirrors. Obama is like Cool Whip, sure it's all shinny and cool looking, but there is no substance there, all just a bunch of fluff....LOOK AT OBAMA'S RECORD AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES HE VOTED "PRESENT" ON THE TOUGH ISSUES HE CLAIMS TO STAND FOR. ALSO "PRESENT" DOESN'T MEAN YOU VOTE FOR OR AGAINST, IT JUST SHOWS YOU WERE THERE. CLINTON 2008

Micahel Smith Houston, TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:08 PM)

Better dig a little deeper there Dems for your nomination, Hillery ugh, Obama, no way, Edwards---- no one has asked him about HOW he took on the Big corporations "all his life" By class action suits, which are the lawyers favorite fraud games. Big Money made there. Find out how much a receiver of a class action win, actually gets, peanuts compared to the lawyers. I was a winner one time, I got $11.38, lawyers total bill was $5,000,000.

Marty CR Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:15 PM)

No Thank You Mama - I'm for Obama !

Go Barry !

PulSamsara (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:47 PM)

Her laughing and comment were not inappropriate and mean-spirited. If this was a calculated move on her part, she needs to fire her advisers. If this was spontaneous, it showed a side of her that we seems quite un-presidential.

Jack, Greenville, SC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 10:13 PM)

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