First thoughts: Open arms

Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:24 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
LAS VEGAS -- Last night’s debate didn’t feature any fireworks, as all three candidates seemed shellshocked from the last 72 hours, and they came with -- as Journey might put it -- open arms. After the polite discussions on race and gender, there were a few light jabs (over Yucca and energy, Obama on Hillary invoking Al Qaeda, Hillary’s Iraq question to Obama), but they were just that: light jabs.Clinton dominated the Yucca and energy section of the debate; she came armed on the issue and made sure that viewers knew the positions of both Edwards and Obama. They were the type of precise strikes that makes us think we'll see these hits in paid mailers in the next, well, day -- since the Nevada caucuses are Saturday. Any thought that Clinton wasn't going to compete in Nevada was washed away with her debate performance. She’s in. The question is who is going to turn out on Saturday. We don’t think anyone knows how Nevada will play out.

*** A feelgood debate for everyone: On the perception front, Edwards might have given the best presentation. He may have been a little light on speaking time, but in this intimate forum, his skill of making every one of his answers personal to the viewers shined through very well. As for Obama, he was fine but he just wasn't as commanding as he can be when he's standing up. Perhaps the seated format took away his height advantage. Still, the civil tone of the debate ultimately was a good thing for him -- it played into his message as a unifier and, frankly, he hasn't done as well in debates when they've been contentious. All three candidates will feel good about this debate; Clinton seemed to come prepared with a “Nevada” plan; Edwards had a "I'm still relevant" plan, and Obama had a "I am presidential" plan. They may have all made progress.

*** Romney's gold medal: His back up against the wall, Romney finally won the gold in Michigan after his disappointing silvers in Iowa and New Hampshire. But more than keeping Romney’s White House hopes alive, what Michigan did last night was muddle the GOP field even more. After winning in New Hampshire last week, McCain is suddenly in trouble and needs a South Carolina win to keep money flowing into his cash-strapped campaign. If the Republican race is going to turn into a last-man-standing contest, does Mitt now hold the advantage (given the millions more of his own fortune he’s prepared to spend)? We’ll find out after South Carolina, where a win by Huckabee or even Thompson could make the GOP race even more wide open. And by the way, Rudy is still alive…

*** What next? Will Romney get a bump into South Carolina or will the campaign decide that its real goal is to win Florida? There's some evidence that while Romney will compete in the Palmetto State, he may not make the state a make-or-break contest -- instead hoping that pressure falls on McCain. Another thought: Last night was also bad for Huckabee. His lackluster third in a state that had a decent base of evangelicals, as well as an openness to a populist economic message, might make it harder for his folks to convince the GOP establishment that he can be something other than the cool evangelical candidate.

*** Heading for the exits: A look inside the numbers of the exit polls tells us why Romney won, NBC’s Adam Verdugo and Norah O’Donnell reported last night. First, Republicans turned out in big numbers: 68% of the electorate in the primary identified themselves as Republican, while only 25% identified themselves as independents and 7% as crossover Democrats. Bottom line: Democrats and independents were just not the factor they had been for John McCain in New Hamphire -- or for that matter, eight years ago in Michigan. There was also the favorite-son factor: Romney benefited from his roots in this state where he was born and where his father was governor and chairman of American Motors. Of the 41% that said that Romney's ties to Michigan were at least somewhat important in their vote, Romney won more than half -- 58% -- while McCain only received 17%. Lastly, Romney also benefited because 44% of Republicans in this primary felt the most important quality was to have a candidate who shared their values. Of those who said this, Romney received 37%, Huckabee 26%, and McCain 17%.

*** On the trail: After last night’s debate, Clinton and Edwards spend their day campaigning in Nevada; Giuliani is in Florida; Huckabee stumps in South Carolina; so does McCain, who picks up an endorsement from Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn (R), per NBC’s Bethany Thomas; Obama holds a town hall in Henderson, NV before heading to California to do an economic roundtable; and Romney and Thompson spend their days in South Carolina. Also, Ann Romney campaigns on her husband’s behalf in Las Vegas.

Countdown to Nevada and SC GOP primary: 3 days
Countdown to SC Dem primary: 10 days
Countdown to Florida: 13 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 20 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 293 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 370 days

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Comments

It is clear that Obama wanted to inject race into the campaign immediately after losing New Hampshire.

The very next day, after losing New Hampshire, his surrogate Jesse Jackson Jr., an official member of Obama's campaign does an interview with Nora O'Donnell on MSNBC and attacked Hillary Clinton.

Jesse said that Clinton cried in New Hampshire when she thought she was losing but that she never cried for people effect by Katrina.

Now talk about dog whistle politics. What to you think Jesse Jackson Jr. was trying to do, the day after losing New Hampshire, linking New Hampshire with Katrina?

Dpandrews (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:44 AM)

All the debate did last night is tell Americans that higher taxes and a full blown recession is coming; thanks to the democrats....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:49 AM)

Come join this Blog if you belive that Mitt Romney is a Flip Flopper please come on over and post your thoughts, this Blog is Only for comments on Mitt Romney being a Flip Flopper.

http://www.mittromneyflipflopper.blogspot.com/

Come Join Us! (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:55 AM)

I will not understand why a Mormon working for an obsolete Auto Company plays to this election! Will we see Javelins and Ramblers back on the streets?. Where are the minds of these people.McCain is right about never seeing the same jobs again. We won't see the same cars again! I learned in a 'great' high school in 1959, that one must learn to be flexible and fluid in this ever-going job search; to learn all aspects of the work environment, for there is always someone better, someone brighter, standing in the wings to steal your job away. Be prepared for the next job BEFORE that time comes. This is sound judgement now more so than in 1959. Don't cry over lost jobs, look forward to the next. We are making 'dumb' vehicles, always have. Face it. A Ford is not an ACURA.

David F, Pickaway, WV. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:01 AM)

Two points I want to make here...

First, Obama hit Hillary HARD with the politics of fear critique last night! That is exactly the kind of politics we need to avoid. We CANNOT and absolutely SHOULD NOT let the terrorists dictate who and why we decide on a certain person for President. Not only that, but the absolute irony: Bill Clinton was tested in 1993, and unlike the recent "British testing", the very first attack on the WTC was successful. The truck bomb exploded, killing six people and injuring thousands.

I am absolutely disgusted by attempts to use fear to elect a specific person over another. Issues, judgment, vision, these are the qualities we should be looking at. Fear of terrorists should NOT be a reason.

Second, why isn't there more coverage over the Hillary surrogates' attempts to Gerrymander the Nevada caucaus? I know that normally, all gerrymandering cries are at the mercy of how the Republicans are cheating Democrats, but this is very obviously an attempt at gerrymandering. Hillary had absolutely no problem with the caucaus sites a few months ago...

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:01 AM)

Dems and independents will vote for the winning party, that is the dems. Mr. Jerry, everyone in and out of government is talking cutting taxes because of the recession, I think your thoughts are convoluted and with out merit, oh well republicans were never ones to speak truth when a lie would do the trick, one trick ponies only know how to feed the fear. Afraid yet?

Little Benny Franklin (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:01 AM)

I would just like to add how classy our candidates were last night when it cam eto answering the race and gender questions. I was surprised that Obama's camp at a 4 page memo on how to attack Hillary on the race issue. That's not to say Hillary may have had something similar. But I did think it put to rest that Hillary was the only one talking who had a hand in the previous days ridiculous commentary. There is no need for that in this election. I really think it's time for the media to stop pushing the race thing, so we could actually get on with talking about the issues like they did in the second half of the debate.

Stopwatchingfoxnews, Rochester, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:02 AM)

If these three are shellshocked from the last 72 hours over the little issues they've had to deal with, then none of them is even remotely ready to be president. The problems they can't deal with now are nothing compared to the ones they'd see if we are so unfortunate to have one of them win this November.

Pat Harden (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:04 AM)

Democrats Debate in Las Vegas

Who Won the MSNBC Democratic Debate in Las Vegas?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1548

.

PollM, Dallas TX (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:07 AM)

er, jerry...the Republicans have been in power for the last seven years. They started a war costing us billions, dragged their feet on addressing the energy crisis, the cost of health care in this country, and the mortgage crisis and the recession is WHOSE fault?

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:07 AM)

OMG!!

Clinton's Cou de Graw.

Ouch, that's an expensive vacuum cleaner...

Hillary Clinton is back to her New Hampshire Cou de Graw trade mark, she effectively neutralized Obama's much hyped "no vote" on the Iraq War. Very clever, shrewed, and effective... And she did it on national TV, not leaving Obama much room to maneuver or play up his "state senator" no vote... Obama did "vote no" as a state senator, but the pressures of the Washington senate, seemed to make him equivocate a bit on his original vote.

Hillary's equivocation is worse still, with regard to her Iraq War votes. She voted yes for pretty much everything to do with it, but now she is saying, that even though she voted for the war and funding, she didn't really mean it. Well, hum.. I'm still trying to figger it...

still one can't deny her brilliant move making her and Obama, appear as if there is no difference in their collective thinking on the Iraq War. Her Cou de Graw, was so slick, it caught Obama completely off guard... I think he agreed yes, before he realized what she had done... very dang sneaky and clever of that girl... I think Obama is feeling like he just bought an $800.00 dollar vacuum cleaner, for a house that only has "linoleum floors."

Francis Crosby, Columbus Georgia. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:13 AM)

with the republican induced recession brought on by their 'credit card' police action in iraq, printing worthless money as fast as the presses will run, and of course making sure the wealthy don't contribute in the way of taxes, we have a mess that will be difficult to correct, mitt romney wants to pay for the republican mistakes on the backs of the working poor (the repubs refer to this group as the middle class), john edwards thinks that the wealthy should also contribute some to make the repairs needed, who are you voting for?

MK,MO (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:15 AM)

Pat Buchanan never misses an opportunity to mention Senator Obama's use of cocaine in his youth years and years ago. Never. Don't you get it Pat? Look at the newspapers. This country is in deep deep trouble. What is it with your lack of class in this regard? You are speaking on television in front of hundreds of thousands of people, not in a bar room. Politics or no politics, where is your sense of decency?

Chris Matthews saw the debate much differently than I did. Much differently. Senator Obama did a terrific job against the Clinton machine. It was crystal clear to me last night what Barack means by "change". I wish him success. He deserves it.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:15 AM)

After all of these debates, you would think the media would be used to Senator Obama's debating style. Why do I have to hear how "lack luster" he is after every debate? Contrary to popular belief, he is a smart and serious man who gives thoughtful answers. It is a Presidential Debate, what is he supposed to do, sing?

If Senator Obama gives a great speech, he is derided as "all talk". If he gives a thoughtful answer, he is "lackluster". It is the media who judges each debate on style instead of substance. America is looking for so much more.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:16 AM)

>> All the debate did last night is tell Americans
>> that higher taxes and a full blown recession is
>> coming; thanks to the democrats...

It is always a good idea to raise taxes during a recession.

Moogey Watson, Fargo ND (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:16 AM)

Has anybody tracked down what Obama's original question for another candidate was going to be, before he accidentally frittered it away on his Iraq distinction with Edwards?

Zac, Philadelphia (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:17 AM)

This is a little bit off the beaten trail, but this goes to show you how the democrats are wasting tax dollars by soaking the American taxpayer for the new menu's in the congressional dining room. Nancy Pelosi decided to green the Capitol. Way to go, Nancy! Going to take a lot of green to keep those plates full.

OLD MENU

-- Salad bars with canned and conventional vegetables, iceberg lettuce and processed ranch dressing

-- Conventional beef hamburgers with processed cheese, often served cold

-- A special fried food bar

-- Soggy vegetables drowning in butter

-- Barbecue with corn and coleslaw

-- Custards, pies and cakes with fake whipped cream toppings

-- French fries (known under Republican rule as "freedom fries")

-- Plastic and Styrofoam containers

NEW MENU

-- Composed salad tossed to order with choice of seasonal vegetables and proteins with house-made vinaigrette over a warm grilled Focaccia bread

-- Roasted chicken with fire-roasted tomatoes and goat cheese

-- Cedar-plank wild salmon with apple cilantro relish

-- Seared barramundi (fish), white beans and tomatoes with thyme

-- Smoked salmon, roasted beets and arugula

-- Steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sage roasted butternut squash, herb couscous

-- Samplings from Indian, Chinese, Greek, Moroccan and Mexican cuisines

-- Locally made Gifford's Ice Cream from a 70-year-old Washington institution

Bad enough they want to raise our taxes and hit the lower and middle class people where it hurts the most, but this kind of reminds me of the French government before the revolution took place.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:21 AM)

The only way to find out how the candidates would really perform as President is to go to their websites and read their own words about the issues. Then, go to this website: http://www3.capwiz.com/c-span/dbq/officials/ and check out their voting records, and see if they agree with the platform. You can get mired in comments by journalists and bloggers, or you can be an informed voter. My vote is for Ron Paul, but don't take my word for it--find out for yourself.

Lynn, Round Rock, TX (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:23 AM)

Las Vegas Sun calls it for Clinton.

"Clinton Clear Winner", reads the Headline. They also Obama's short comings, which were on display lasat night:

"A defining moment of the debate was when moderator Tim Russert asked Obama about a comment he’d made to the Reno Gazette-Journal. The newspaper reported that Obama acknowledged he doesn’t have the experience to run a bureaucracy, but he said voters weren’t looking for a chief operating officer."

The full article:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jan/16/clinton-clear-winner/

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:23 AM)

The Democrat party is in total disarray, no clear frontrunner, different winners in each primary. Or am i talking about the republician party. MSNBC get your self together.. your articles are misleading

truthnmedia (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:24 AM)

Anyone Repub who votes for Giuliani is a bonehead. The guy cares about NY, NJ, FL, CA. The other 46 states will be virtually ignored by his campaigning... and by his presidency.

Susan T., Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:26 AM)

I never thought I would say this, but I much rather have a Mitt Romney in there than a John McCain. I always knew I did not want Rudy either. Congratulations to Mitt Romney on getting your message across this time to the voters! Difference is....Romney brings hope, McCain brings despair, and I am sorry, McCain's time was 2000. Even most conservatives in his own party...do not like him. Just watch Sean Hannity on any given night.

Barbara C., Pompano Beach, FL (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:26 AM)

All the debate did last night is tell Americans that higher taxes and a full blown recession is coming; thanks to the democrats....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:49 AM)

------------
How is that so, since the republicans have been in control of the white house since Jan. 2001, were in control of Congress since 1994 up until last year, and all economists are sure the recession is being caused by the subprime mortgage collapse, credit crunch, and housing slump, all having nothing to do with democrats. And the higher taxes claim is a bold faced lie, since both Hillary and Obama have put together tax cut packages they are introducing in the Senate to give the economy a bit of a jump start to either thward the recession or mitigate it's effect. You are still spreading lies Jerry. Someone needs to stop you.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:30 AM)

Obama's inexperience shines through. Folks are beginning to relaize that he's too unknown. At the 2004 Dem Convention, Kerry chose an unknown Illinois State Senator to give the keynote, during which Obama said that he was "a skinny guy with a funny name". He went on to win the Illinois Senate seat against Allen Keyes, who was chosen as the GOP stand-in because the original GOP nominee dropped out. Now, that unknown Dem. State Senator at the '04 convention wants to be Pres. of the U.S.---folks are beginning to say WHOA! WAIT a MINUTE! WHO IS THIS GUY?! He give great speeches and has a gift of gab, but what has he done?!

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:32 AM)

Hillary can hit Obama all she wants on receiving money from Excelon, and Obama can just put out the quote of his response during the debate. He has always opposed Yucca. Hillary, however, supported the 2001 bankruptcy bll. In 2005 she did NOT vote on the bankruptcy bill. This is being mentioned by me because in the 2008 cycle, her top contributor has been Citigroup Incorporated which has raised $532,960 for her.

S.K.M. Mass (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:34 AM)

I’m honestly confused as to how HRC “won” this debate. Obama was the most substantive and direct participant, all HRC did was evade the questions and launch into her typical bulletpoint spiel, all Edwards talked about was mills and the middle class … I tried watching MSNBC afterwards but just about the only thing Bizarro Matthews said to justify his HRC “win” was her attack on Bush.

William, Seattle WA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:34 AM)

Ron, TX: '...Second, why isn't there more coverage over the Hillary surrogates' attempts to Gerrymander the Nevada caucaus? I know that normally, all gerrymandering cries are at the mercy of how the Republicans are cheating Democrats,...'

Ron, I was hoping that Obama would ask Hillary to stop trying to dis-enfranchise union members in Nevada. It's the Republican play book being used by Hillary

I guess we had a feel good debate.
Let's see if the Clinton attack campaign continues..
We'll see here on this blog because most of the pro-Clinton sentiments posted are from Clinton staffers.

I have not idea if the general public is aware of the Clinton attacks.....
Many of the younger African Americans I work with are aware of what's going on.

We'll have to see how this plays out
Waiting for MORE POLLS from Nevada......

Sierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:37 AM)

Jerry just how would the democrats be responsible for a recession which has already started, borne of a republican congress and a republican whitehouse? Bush's tax cuts, even if repealed, won't expire until 2010. So this is the democrats fault because.......?

Just asking (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:38 AM)

Jerry/Corpus Cristi...
What about the billions of dollars that your conservative friend Dubya is borrowing to fight his war? When one "borrows" something it is understood that it will be payed back. Billions from China, Japan, Saudi,etc. No comment about this, Jerry? I thought so.

A.Brocco, Albuquerque,NM (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:39 AM)

To Jerry in Texas. . .precisely WHY the GOP is doomed to fail in November. . the Same, tired Rhetoric of Taxes, and calling Dems names, WILL NOT WORK !!!!!
The previous 7 years, dominated by GWB and the GOP in Congress, is why the US economy is in Trouble !!!
READ A BOOK or something !!!!!!!!! GET THE FACTS.

BJ in Michigan (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:40 AM)

I love how the Clinton supportera point to the "4 page memo", but seem to conveniently forget all the things they have said to fill up the four pages! Most candidates would have probably issued the memo at 1 and 1/2 pages - how much crap does the Obama campaign have to take before they are allowed to defend themselves?

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:40 AM)

Stopwatchingfoxnews, Rochester, NY:'....There is no need for that in this election. I really think it's time for the media to stop pushing the race thing, so we could actually get on with talking about the issues like they did in the second half of the debate....'

Sorry !!
NO SALE !
The Clinton camp has been in ATTACK MODE since Iowa!
They've ATTACKED OBAMA by any means necessary...

The first viable African American candidate....
And the Clintons are SMEARING HIM !!
It's the Clinton 'Politics of Personal Destruction'
It's the Clinton's 'Blood Sport'
Bill, in large part created the environments in which he was impeached
(served him right!)

Hillary Clinton, cold, calculating, dishonest, unethical, divisive

Sierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:42 AM)

I disagree that Edwards had the best presentation last night. There were two new cases where he admitted to making the wrong vote while he was in the Senate, Yucca Mountain and the 2001 Bky bill. Add those to his already admitted 2002 wrong vote on Iraq and he starts to look like a political opportunist.

That said I thought this was one of the better debates of the season. I would have liked more detail on each of their economic plans but realize there is only so much time.

Dave, Evergreen CO (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:43 AM)

The only way the democrats will win in Nov. is if they can get crossover votes from republicans. The only candidate who can deliver those votes is John Edwards. Republicans will not cross over and vote for Clinton or Obama just like they didn't crossover and vote for John Kerry.

Wendy, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:44 AM)

Obama - A man of change NOT, just another Senator in Washington with a pack of liberals behind him; Hillary - Old news that will continue the political infighting; Edwards - Wants everyone to pay union dues NO THANKS

Face it there isn't any change here from these candidates except how much money is going to come out of your pockets when they start taxing the power plants and gas to fight the big crisis (climate change). Any how much more is it going to cost when they add 15 million more illegals to the social money wagon in exchange for votes from another minority group. Sorry but there is no change here for those who aren't willing to hear the facts. This independent is looking elsewhere for someone who isn't telling a story to children who are easily manipulated.

Looking for the Truth (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:44 AM)

Ron - agree on the politics of fear thing. On gerrymandering, that's not a correct way to characterize what's happening.

The Nevada Democratic Party made a decision, presumably responding to a request from the Culinary Workers, to create caucus sites in workplaces - primarily casinos. It is an unusual move, but then Nevada isn't your usual state. It lives on tourism at Vegas and smaller towns, and a lot of the associated union members work on Saturdays. Because it was unusual, the people pushing for this allowance a year ago began the processes they needed to get state and national party concurrence, which they did.

The issue is why a union of educators waited until two days after the union of culinary workers endorsed Obama to file a legal protest. This process was public from the start.

A spokesperson from the culinary workers union said three of the individuals filing the lawsuit blocking these additional caucus sites - all involved with Clinton's campaign, he said - were involved with the process to create the additional caucus sites. I don't know if that's true, but I haven't heard any denial of this.

Another question is whether Clinton's campaign is involved. Most people seem to assume it is, by the association of those filing the lawsuit. Additionally, Bill Clinton continued his loose cannon appearance by speaking out in favor of the lawsuit.

So not technically gerrymandering, but appears to be an attempt to lodge a late protest against a special allowance for purpose of keeping prospective Obama supporters from caucusing.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:46 AM)

They all took the high road and talked about substance instead of garbage. Hillary still knows most of the answers. She still can run circles around all the other candidates. Some people may not like her for whatever reason, but the woman would definitely make a great president. I have recently decided to vote for her. My decision came after her performance last night.

Carol, Florida native (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:47 AM)

After watching the debate last night, Senator Clinton has my vote. She's intelligent, openminded, tough and is finally showing she has compassion and a passion to lead this country.

Bradford, Forest Park, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:51 AM)

There was mention last night (on CNN or MSNBC) that the Harry Reid machine was supporting Clinton
The first open mention of this
I know Reid's son is working for Hillary

This adds further background to the Lieberman-Kyl vote scheduling

It was a 'dirty trick' by 'lick spittle' Reid

Pat, Boston, MA:'...Pat Buchanan never misses an opportunity to mention Senator Obama's use of cocaine in his youth years and years ago....'

Pat, he's no different than the Clinton surrogates
They never miss a chance, either
I don't think Buchanon has accused Obama of being a dealer, like Clinton's campiagn co-chair Bill Shaheen

The good new is that the Republicans are in a muddle
With Romney winning, there's no front runner
There was even talk of a brokered convention

If we can nominate a 'winning' candidate (Obama or Edwards) the election is ours for the taking.
We'll probably pick up Senate and House seats
We just need a winning ticket: Obama/Edwards

Sierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:54 AM)

Romney sold the voters of Michigan a bunch of snake oil: "I will bring your auto industry jobs back!" How you gonna do it, Mitt? How are you going to bring those jobs back when it's mismanagement by executives and cost-cutting that eliminated those jobs? Are you talking about demanding accountability from corporate executives -- the kind of guys that, like Angelo Mozilio of Countrywide Mortgage, get a $110 million reward for running a company into the ground? Gee, that's not very Republican, now, is it.

JJ in NJ (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:56 AM)

Looks like the "politics of fear" is only work on the media...especially the Hardball guy; what a joke!

America, Stand Up! (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:56 AM)

Thanks, MSNBC, for not singing the praises of Barack Obama. The last time you did it, he came in second in NH. I like the fact that you pointed out all the good things about Hillary Clinton & John Edwards, maybe they will get the jinx now........

modernwoman, Anytown,USA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:59 AM)

HERE IT IS
The Endorsement from the LAs Vegas Review-Journal:

'...Jan. 16, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

EDITORIAL: Obama best choice for Democrats

Or do they prefer a re-run of 'It came from Little Rock'? As state Democrats prepare to hold their Saturday caucuses, cynical Republicans might well encourage them to choose Sen. Hillary Clinton, figuring her high "negatives" -- the unusual number of Americans who tell pollsters they'd never vote for her under any circumstances -- would virtually guarantee a GOP victory in the fall.

That's why it's a good thing for Democrats that freshman Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has managed to challenge the perception of Sen. Clinton's "inevitability."

The Clinton campaign cites Sen. Clinton's "experience." In fact, she's a one-term-plus-a-year senator whose lackluster legislative record rivals Sen. Obama's. Other than that, the "experience" in question must surely refer to her presence as a witness and enabler during her husband's presidential terms.

Suffice it to say there are dozens of issues that Americans happily dismissed as "water under the bridge" as the Clinton era came to a close, but which would quickly ensnare Sen. Clinton and her party in a presidential race that would soon look like a struggle to escape the La Brea tar pits.

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LETTERS: Hey, that's not my bag, baby!

For starters, imagine Sen. Clinton and "co-president" Bill Clinton invited onto a "This is Your Life" talk show where they're joined by Juanita Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers and Monica Lewinsky.

And that's before we even get around to a HillaryCare plan that could have sent you to jail for offering to pay your doctor in cash to "get to the head of the line."

Meanwhile, John Edwards' anti-capitalist populism is not in this country's long-term best interests.

Is Barack Obama, then, the ideal Democratic candidate for president? Hardly. His policy recommendations -- when he can be convinced to get any more specific than "I represent change" -- are the opposite of "change." They're old-line, welfare-state solutions that haven't spent enough time in the microwave to appear even superficially appetizing.

Sen. Obama is a relatively young man with relatively little of the kind of real-world experience that prepares a candidate to stand firm against urgent advice to, say, bomb some remote population of defenseless civilians to "send a message," or plunge the economy into a dark night of unforeseen consequences by crippling the free market in the name of "fighting greed."

But Barack Obama is, at least, likeable. He is a good enough orator that there is no need to cringe when he dares to speak off the cuff. He is a good politician, in the non-insulting sense that he knows how to speak to individual Americans and give them the feeling he cares about their concerns.

As Nevada Democrats head to their caucuses Saturday, they might ask themselves whether they really want to spend two months later this year watching a re-run of the horror movie "It Came From Little Rock," with the sound turned up much too loud -- or if they'd rather make it a real contest this fall.

If they prefer the latter, they're better off backing Barack Obama on Saturday.....'

WORDS OF WISDOM !!
'...As state Democrats prepare to hold their Saturday caucuses, cynical Republicans might well encourage them to choose Sen. Hillary Clinton, figuring her high "negatives" -- the unusual number of Americans who tell pollsters they'd never vote for her under any circumstances -- would virtually guarantee a GOP victory in the fall....'

WORDS OF WISDOM

Sierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:01 AM)

Obama's victory in the debate last night will be significant. All three did very well, but he really hit it out of the park; who wouldn't want to nominate the most Presidential seeming caniddate with the most consistent record, let alone the most honest, intelligent, and humility-filled candidate on the stage?

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:04 AM)

To the people still posting about the race/gender debate of the last several days, you need to stop it, because your own candidates said they want their supports to stop, and it will only serve republican interests in the general election.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:06 AM)

Dickie Flatts - do you really want a president to run the bureaucracy? Do you have any idea what you're saying?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:08 AM)

Before the debate, I had been impressed with MSNBC's coverage of the elections. Unlike CNN's Wulf in their debates, who was obviously pro Clinton, giving her breaks & the staged question at the end re: "diamonds & pearls"; I thought MSCBC was objective. Not so. Last night's debates allowed Clinton to walk away without really answering the tough questions or taking responsibility for her part in the disturbing last few days. After all, it was her statement comparing Obama to Dr. King (dreams & hopes) & her to LBJ (it takes a President who can get the job done to complete the dreams of others) That upset people, & rightfully so. Then she attacks the Obama campaign as they prepared to defend themselves with a staffers notes on other statements by Clinton that were questionable re: civil rights. Does anyone remember Hillary was a campaign worker for Goldwater, a Senator who did not support the Civil Rights Act? During Bill's Presidency a law he supported has put thousands of young Black men in jail for first time drug offenses, when what they need is drug rehab. The Obama campaign was just preparing for their defense to Hillary's constant attacks. And she accepts Johnson's explanation that he was talking about Obama's community service and not his drug use as a youth? The MSNBC anchors did not allow Obama to ask his question, nor did they allow Edwards to ask his question to Hillary on lobbyist money from pharmachuetical companies. (They changed the rules right there...limited to one question instead of two) I guess Mr. Clinton got to MSNBC ...now, they too are in the Clinton camp ...let the political machinary & corporate America rule! One week ago Chris Matthews was excited about Obama & his message of a "new kind of politics". After the debate he declares Clinton the winner?! What a set up. Guess I'll watch Fox news.

Kathy Richardson (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:10 AM)

Tell me one thing Obama supporters, do you guys really support Louis Farrakhan? "OBAMA DOES" and his minister Jeremiah Wright, the pastor of his United Trinity Church of Christ honored Farrakhan just last month?

Farrakhan has repeatedly made hate-filled statements targeting Jews, whites, America, and homosexuals. He has called whites “blue-eyed devils” and the “anti-Christ.” He has described Jews as “bloodsuckers” who control the government, the media, and some black organizations.
Do you know some of these satanic Jews have taken over BET [the Black Entertainment Network]?” Farrakhan said in a speech on Nov. 11, 2007.
Just last month, Dec. 1007, after that speech, Obama’s minister and friend, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. and his Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, honored Farrakhan at a gala, bestowing on him its Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Lifetime Achievement Trumpeteer award.
This is serious business and Senator Clinton would not associate with Farrakhan or Jeremiah Wright, yet
Obama was married by him and his kids baptized by him.
How does this help divisiveness in America?
Ron Kessler from the Washington Insider wrote the article - go here to read it http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/obama_wright_farrakhan/2008/01/14/64332.html

Betty, S.C. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:11 AM)

Sen. Hillary Clinton triumphs again! Sen. Clinton is the smartest, most qualified, most experienced and politically skilled candidate in the race for President from any party. The Dems are so fortunate to have her running this year. The U.S. and the world will be so much better when she's President. Sen. Clinton will make a great President. The bonus for all of us is Bill by her side. What an incredible team.

Allison, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:11 AM)

Another memo blows up in Obama's face:

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/16/State/Obama_stirs_fight_wit.shtml

Obama isn't very smart sometimes.

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:13 AM)

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