Initial post-debate take...

Posted: Monday, January 21, 2008 10:06 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
This was easily the most heated debate to date. The candidates, particularly Obama and Clinton were, well, angry and it got personal. Obama, in particular, seemed to have a lot he wanted to get off his chest.

Obama spent the early part of the night on the defensive, which I'm guessing, wasn't the game plan. Of course, when you're the candidate under fire, it usually means you're the candidate ahead. And in South Carolina, he's probably ahead. Still, Obama was constantly under attack by both Clinton and, to a degree, Edwards.

Also, Obama consistently got caught in a debate trap by responding to every charge with an explanation. It's a standup thing to do on one hand, but it ends up putting Obama off message; and it allows for the attack to get more air time rather than the original point or message Obama meant to be heard. Clinton, in contrast, rarely answers a charge directly and instead deflects by counter-punching, which shows her discipline.

Obama seemed to get that he got a bit too hot because in the second part of the debate, he refused a new chance to go after Bill Clinton a second time. But the campaign probably believes they showed that he's tough enough and they did want to continue to push the idea that the Clintons will say and do anything to win. BTW, Obama was particularly strong in the second part of the debate. His answers on religion and his national security rebuttal to Clinton were very good. The strong second half performance will blunt any potential negative backlash he received in the first part.

Clinton never looks good on the attack; and she didn't tonight but because she was getting in the mud with Obama, the two neutralized each other at best. Of course, her goal tonight was probably simply avoiding a major gaffe as she's headed out of the state and is somewhat downplaying her chances by staying out of South Carolina for three days.

Edwards had the easiest job tonight; he got to look like the above-it-all guy; but that's better than being the third wheel which to some he may ALSO have looked. When you aren't as competitive as your two opponents, it's easy to play the mediator and he did it well. He did no damage to his favorable rating (which is generally high) but did he do enough to start climbing back above that 15% threshold he needs to keep getting delegates? On points, Edwards can call himself the winner since he got to make the easy "can't we all just get along" points. But the center of attention for this debate was Obama and ultimately, that's probably a good thing for the South Carolina frontrunner.

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Comments

Is it really mud, when the points brought forth by Clinton are infact things that the American population should know and understand.

Greg (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:48 AM)

I have been undecided for so long, but after watching all the debates, this one tonight has sealed the deal for me, and I will be voting for the candidate who is dignified, honest, authentic and most importantly electiable in 2008. and my vote goes to John Edwards.

Brian King, Sacramento CA. (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:49 AM)

WOW!! This was the best debate!! Obama won this hands down. Hill and Bill had it coming to them...it was long overdue. Obama had me very nervous in the beginning because he is usually almost too nice in debates, but he showed that he can be tough, confront and put "the establishment" (Hill and Bill) in their place. Obama then balanced it all out in the second half by showing his humor, comfort and ease in answering the questions.
Great job President Obama...oops...not yet.

OBAMA For REAL Change!!!

Addendum: Please notice Obama's transparency, unlike Clinton. Don't be blinded by the "Clinton" name.

Alice Giraud, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:51 AM)

I echo the sentiments that commented on Obama's strength yet class in the face of the Clinton juggernaut. He has my vote. If HRC is going to trot Bill out to be her attack dog and if Bill is going to continue to act ungentlemanly and unpresidential to get his wife elected, they both need to realize the rest of his baggage (good and bad) is fair game so quit whining about the references to Lewinsky. I voted for him twice, but I am now quite ashamed of how he is behaving. Good for Obama for standing up for himself with dignity and grace.

JMR, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:52 AM)

This is the second democratic debate I watched after the very first one before Iowa. It's shocking to see what a bitter attack machine that Hillary has become since then! She is using Karl Rove's tactics of going after Obama's strongest point - consistent opposition to Iraq war. John Kerry was swiftboated by the Republicans. Now, Obama is being swiftboated by his own party colleague - Hillary. Very sad. Hillary lost my respect. Go Obama 08.

John, Providence, RI (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:53 AM)

If Obama can't take the heat now in his own party debates what will happen when the Republicans get him in their sights. He better be much cooler and quicker to pick up the defense than he has been with the Clintons. Maybe Hillary is just giving him a taste of what would happen if he were the Democratic candidate for presidency. He would be cross cut and filleted with the kind of answers he has been giving. How would he stand up to the Repub machine? If he lets his anger and outrage over a few minor distortions fluster his ego what will he do when it's a head on fight Don't you think for a moment that Barack Obama is not the Republican choice for a Democratic candidate.

Nancy, Portland, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:54 AM)

Anybody who thinks that Hillary or Obama won this debate has on blinders. I have watched 6 debates overall now, and I FIRMLY believe that Edwards has won 4 of them, with Biden winning the other 2. For me it really blows my mind how people are voting on "charecter and ablility to speak" Im guessing that 60% of voters really have NO CLUE to any of these candidates policies, because if they did, then every democrat would be voting for John Edwards.
John Edwards 08'!!!!!!!!!!

Seth S Boise, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:55 AM)

Something Dems need to think about--I've spoken to many people who want to vote for Obama but, if McCain and Hillary are the candidates, they will vote for McCain instead. That doesn't seem to make much sense, but I understand that point of view because there is a Clinton fatigue out there and every time she shows a mean side like tonight, and every time Bill Clinton acts as "bad cop," it shows a "politics as usual" that people are tired of. My 90s Clinton nostalgia is fading day by day. Go Obama!

Steven Hall, Arlington, VA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:56 AM)

As someone who worked for 3 of the past 4 years for the Arizona Democratic Party, engaged 100% in partisan battles, I am so happy we have a potential nominee who can take us all past the partisanship - above it. Someone who can bring many more people into our Democratic tent, who can attract millions of Independents and hundreds of thousands of thoughtful Republicans... And who can win the White House with an overwhelming mandate for change.

I am 100% SICK OF the hyper-partisanship of politics today, and I'm not the only Democrat who feels this way. The answer is not 8 more years of "fighting the Republican machine." The answer is dismantling the machine through bi-partisan support of meaningful legislation. Obama can get it done.

That's why I'm voting for Obama on Feb 5th.

David Higuera (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:58 AM)

I was originally for Hilary until she proved that she cannot run a campaign, let alone a country without good, ole Bill. I'm tired of Bush, Clinton, Bush Clinton. Hilary, should have run in the last election. Now it's time for change, real change. I will vote for a republican before I vote for the same-o, same-o. Go Obama!

teannah, st. louis, mo (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:59 AM)

Obama looked really a fake to me. He tried to claim the cleanest record but he is not clean. He tried to take too much credit from to little record. I think he is a risk to the Democrats if he wins the nomination, and a risk to America if he wins the presidency.

Ron, Valencia, California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:03 AM)

I'll have to vote "Present" on who won that debate. It was good to see them arguing. Edwards was hopelessly frustrated being sidelined throughout the debate. May the best "Minority" win!

RAL, San Francisco (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:03 AM)

People complain about the Clinton Era,they don't want it again why not? Because she is a woman? If my memory serves me right,the working people of this country had it pretty good under the Clinton Era.

Ted Cortese (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:04 AM)

Can we all just pause a minute and appreciate the irony of a Clinton challenging anyone on their ethics! How did Obama not laugh at her? It is high time that someone called her a liar to her face! The only sad note is that the two Arkansas grifters have dragged this decent man down into the muck with them.

Carol S., Danbury Ct. (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:05 AM)

I definitely think that John Edwards' problem is the media. For the first part of the debate, CNN didn't even have him completely in the picture. You only saw half of his podium when they showed a "full" shot of the stage. There were also many times where they only showed Obama and Clinton on the screen. Hard to believe that was accidental. Edwards definitely looked the best overall, though all three made a lot of great points. I think the US will be lucky if any of them win. They have to stop the stupid fighting though. That REALLY looked bad and people of their caliber should be above that. That was school yard crap.

Dave Z. Youngstown, OH (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:05 AM)

Obama has taken off the gloves, and he'll soon wish he hadn't. Clinton or Edwards both can out debate him with one hand tied behind their back. His inexperience really came to the forefront. His positions change with the wind, and he uses a different excuse every time sombody questions him about his voting record (or lack there of). He comes across like a crybaby when he complains about what Bill is saying, and he comes across like somebody that thinks he knows a lot more than he actually does. This is presidential polotics! Everybody spins what is said to fit what they want it to say. If he can't take it, he better get out now, because he ain't seen nothing yet! The GOP is chomping at the bit to unleash their attack machine, and if he can't take it now, he'll be in real trouble later. America won the debate tonight! Edwards came in second, Clinton third, and Obama lost big time. Welcome to the big league Obama!

John Vidalia, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:06 AM)

Hillary Clinton demonstrated her brilliance and answered all questions asked. She showed passion. Obama did not answer questions, he started and then shined over the issues with his usual BS. It was so clear that the audience no matter what Obama said they were on his side. Some were with Hillary. I found that no matter who is more qualified in SC the most of the black vote will go to Obama. It was clear that his experience is limited. Hillary and Edwards really stuck him to the floor about his no votes and again shined the vote with 10 words and did not answer the question. Someone that can not commit can not be our next president just like Edwards implied. After the debate I watched the larry King and he had a black lovely lady that I do not recall her name, however it was very interesting what she said. She was clearly on Obama's side but thatt is OK it is her choice. What caught my attention was what she said about the black women would be thinking after the debate in South Carolina,that the women in SC will not be saying they would be voting for Hillry because of her issues & not because she is a woman, but they would be voting for Obama becasue they were going to be thinking"This woman has disrespected my man" I can not believe this came out of her mouth! This was a debate, not a social event! and I really don't think the black women in this day and age would think something like this and she only insulted her people.
Hillary knew the issues, she answered all the tough questions, she defended herself and demonstrated passion and conviction. I can truly see that SC will probably be Obama. My opinion is tht Illinois demonstrate we are beyond race, howeverr I don't think SC is at thatlevel at this point. I truly wish I am totally wrong. My vote is now for Hillary Clinton, she demonstrated her experience and made her issues very clear. obama was a great ducker of the issues. Obama Said three words on the issues and then proceeded to change the subject with his usual we united and all that bs, that is not bs if it was followed with his real plans and tackle the real issues. Again He is a Jr. Senator and does not yet have the experience for us to put the future of our country who faces a recession in his hands. After all people its our Country, our livelyhoods, our homes and the future of our Nation~

VoteResponsibly08 (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:07 AM)

Give me a break Obama fans. The truth? Obama is just as full of it in his attacks as every other politician. It was a lie when he said Bill Clinton was making it a habit to distort his record. Check the facts folks...on all but one of his complaints against that sooo mean Bill there was no factual distortion at all. There's usually a heck of a lot more than that in a campaign (and the Clinton's have certainly had many more of their ideas, comments and questions on records distorted). It was an out and out lie to say that they were regularly distorting your record, Mr. Obama and it was a political lie to discredit anything else he may say against you and your record (miniscule as it is). O'bama has definitely fallen off the pedistal in my view. You sound nice, sir, but you don't practice what you preach. and "proved he could handle anything the GOP might throw at him?" Give me a break! He's been whining all day about so little...certainly nothing like what the GOP will throw at him...and he was stuttering and fumbling way too many responses. What will he do then? I really don't want to find out.

MN mom (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:08 AM)

Blame it all on you folks in the media....ask questions in ways that create arguments and to hell with substance that john Q. public so desperately desires. For cnn, and msnbc, you folks need to understand that politics is not the guiding light, one life to live, or any other soap opera although that is exactly how you present your stupid debates. I dont know if the media or the candidates are more childish.

Ronald Allen, Fenton Mo. (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:09 AM)

In reading the comments, three things come to mind:

- People already inclined to support Obama ended up supporting Obama in their comments.
- People already inclined to support Clinton ended up supporting Clinton in their comments.
- The press and the public continue to marginalize Edwards.

In the end, I don't know who I will vote for. However, after hearing suggested by pundits for two weeks that I'm a racist if I don't support Obama, I know who is not getting my vote. Sorry, Barack, but your proxies out there are just as nasty in their rhetoric as are Hillary's.

Don S,, Lake Stevens, WA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:09 AM)

For those of you who enjoyed the debate, all I can say it was obvious who the strongest, most experienced and who addressed the issues. Hillary Clinton. However it was obvious the people in SC are not beyond the race card as the peoplel in IOWA.
Lets move on to the other states and may the most experienced person win, For times are hard and will get harder if we do not have a real leader in office.
I agree Obama in 8 years or maybe a vp

Jim4prosperity (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:11 AM)

Hillary showed tonight that her position on everything is to resort to machine political ploys of discussing voting records on bills that include hundreds of measures unmentioned at the time. Yet, what goes unmentioned is Hillary could not get health care done when Bill was President and had a Democratic house. Yet, she wants to talk about every one else's voting record...How can anyone see her getting things done among the partisan bickering going on in Washington now? She will force it to unprecedented levels. She is the candidate of the Democratic machine and she is not what we need, now or ever, as a President. She most likely will not win a national election. She is too polarizing and will have uneducated voters and naysayers coming out in droves to deny her office.

As far as the mudslinging goes, the Clinton campaign started it when Obama won Iowa and it has gotten grown from there. Obama handled himself well tonight and it was a great chance for him to address much of the falsehoods stated against him with truthful answers.

Obama can win the national election. So can John Edwards. Think about it and vote accordingly!

Don Whipple, Wenatchee, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:12 AM)

The press and the dem party are missing what is happen. I am white male dem who will vote republican if hillary is on the dem ticket. Msnbc should do a poll of obama supports and find out the truth of the damage the bill and hillary have done to the dem party. Obama or republican Howard dean can you hear me know

wIll King, Jackson Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:13 AM)

Please, no more dynasties or royal families. As a working (single) woman I resent Hilary counting as her "experience" the years she spent as First Lady, earned solely by her ability to stomach public humiliation--out of amibiliton. Not a good qualification for high office.

JR, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:14 AM)

Barack Obama won hands down. He is the clear winer as he had to engage because he was under attack unlike Edwards but he stil was straightforward and focused on the policy isues. Edwards was a formidable, but distant second. Hilary came of as an atack dog in the way her husband has been portraying the part for her up until this point. It just goes to show you that America is so over the 90s and read to move into a new generation with Barack Obama as President. I think she is a wonderful person and I would love to se a woman in the White House, but this is not the type of politics we need now- more of the same. I could se her as Barack's runing mate potentialy so as to unite the party. What we need is a revolution that speaks to the American people and wil bring about real change.

Kevin O'Brien (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:17 AM)

Let's be clear! Hillary and Bill Clinton are ready to lead the country again with dishonesty, sidestepping answers and excuses. They both are pros at twisting truth , manipulating facts until they satisfy their agenda. Honest, truthful people don't embrace liars. Hillary is willing to accept a dishonest man because it's something they have in common. To believe she is any different is naive. A fact and evidence of this was shown tonight when Sen. Edwards asked her if she would employ people from Special Interest Groups (drug and insurance lobbies) to which she didn't give a straight answer. So you can count on Health Care and Insurance companies to continue as usual with her as President. At least with Sen. Obama we'll get a fair and honest answer. I say NOT AGAIN to 4 more years of Clintons, because remember "birds of a feather fly together."

Ralph, S Carolina (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:17 AM)

What came out of this debate for me is ; Hillary Clinton thinks exactly like George Bush.She is a very dishonest person that will say or do anything to get elected. It's not about the American people with her , it all has to do with personal gain at all cost.

Obama really exposed Clinton a couple of times , and the Walmart line pretty much sums up her clain to 35 years experience. It was the best line of the night.

Edwards did better tonight then he has been doing , but i think the best he can hope for is a VP slot.

Basically if you like the way things are right now , vote for Clinton , because she is like a Bush clone.

If your sick of the way this Country is , vote for Obama , because he is the only one out of the three that can pull this country together and actually get something done.

Obama won the debate.

Jim , Eugene , Oregon (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:17 AM)

I am a lifelong Democrat. But I will not cast a vote for H Clinton. If she wins, I will vote independent or not at all for prez. She is a "pure" politician. The worst kind. And watching her husband flail in the press to help her beat down a candidate by twisting his words has turned me away from him too. PLEASE DON'T VOTE FOR HER. It will likely lead to a republican win for president. Too many democrats passionately dislike her.

Russ D (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:18 AM)

I am so ticked off at Clinton's comments about the union in Las Vegas. The same union they will be asking for support from if she win's the nomination. I am in PA and if he's still there for our primary will vote Obama.

Phil Glover, Johnstown, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:18 AM)

It is so disappointing that the media does not focus on Edwards at all! He is a class act and his heart is genuine! I think he works twice as hard as the other candidates and is in this because he cares beyond himself and not just about himself. He is a breath of fresh air and never gets the attention that he deservesl

jennifer, austin, texas (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:18 AM)

Edwards stood out tonight. I loved how he asked Clinton about taking money from lobbyists and when he did not get a strait answer he said "was that a yes or a no?"
Edwards sticks to the issues and dose not play the name calling game.And yes, he clearly is the best way to take the south from the GOP. I can see him and Obama as great running mates.

Define This, Chicago Illinois (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:18 AM)

Not to erate Hillary, but it would have been better if we had a different woman, because this is not about gender but a polarized Democratc Party. There are very creative and intelligent women out there who probably would beat both Obama and Edwards, period.
Hillary might teach the country that women in politics are lik what she is, which definitely isn't the case. The time for a woman president is NOW, but Hillary would make a horrible presidential role modelfor many aspiring women politicians who are more itnerested in serving the nation, NOT desperately seeking power.

Jerry S. Oakland, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:18 AM)

Define This, Chicago Illinois (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:19 AM)

If President Clintons "PAST" can count against Hillary, and it was BILL' past not hers, then in all fairness Obama's drug use should be a factor as well. Be honest, if Hillary had used cocaine, it would be a huge smear..after all, look how they chastized Bill for smoking pot.

Margaret (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:19 AM)

Phil Glover, Johnstown, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:19 AM)

So what would be so wrong if there was another "Clinton" era? The economy was terrific, it was the longest peacetime in decades. I was much better off then than I am now. I think it will be great having another Clinton in the White House. It's about time. HILLARY WILL WIN IT ALL BIG TIME!!!

Eric Riggs, Los Angeles CA (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:22 AM)

God Bless Obama.

rash, ny, ny (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:22 AM)

People, you are naive to think that the former first lady's experience is something this country needs. If experience is what you're looking for, then I'm sure Cheney or Rumsfeld would also exicte you. Obama is a man of principle, sound judgement and reason. Ms. Clinton is a democrat scorned, who would only keep this country in political regression. 35 years of experience; is she taking credit for high school class president? It is hard to imagine that people can't see just who picked a fight tonight. I'm proud of Barack for standing up to typical Clinton mud-slinging. It is the sign of a desperate woman running a desperate campaign. Obama is for America. Hillary is for herself.

Rumps, Denver CO (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:22 AM)

My GOD you people. CLEARLY, if you actually listened to the debate, you would see that Hillary won on every single issue. I was an undecited voter going into "Super Tuesday", but now - it is crytal clear that she has the experience and knowledge to rescue us all from the disastrous Bush years. GO HILLARY!!!!

Keith, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:24 AM)

I vote Republican on a regular basis... I will definitely vote for the Democrats this time around, anything to keep Hilary out!!! I am a white woman and there is no, none, zilch, Girl Power attitude with me... she's nasty!

CC, Chicago,IL (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:24 AM)

Obama definitely gets helped most by the debate, so he's the winner. For the first time we saw a strong, aggressive Obama that wasn't afraid to throw a punch. He looked presidential. It also didn't hurt that he was in the middle and got to show off his height advantage. It was a commanding performance by Obama. He also highlighted some differences I hadn't heard him speak to before. For instance, what will be the penalty under Mrs. Clinton's health care proposal if one doesn't buy health insurance? She never says.

Erik, Bowie MD (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:24 AM)

I for one am thrilled that Obama started counter punching some of the Clinton-Clinton tag team attacks. A few weeks ago Bill Clinton claimed that he was against going to war in Iraq from the start, which was clearly a lie ... then he has the audacity to try and paint Obama as a flip-flopper.

This country does not need a Restoration of the Clinton Dynasty. Everyone should recall that Bill won 43% of the vote in '92 and 49% of the vote in '96. Those kinds of numbers are hardly the makings of a mandate.

Hillary seems to require an enemy to get her motivation up. Her campaign comes back time and time again to the theme of fighting Republicans. Guess what, many Republicans are also looking for real solutions to our problems and are looking for an intelligent leader to help us get to those solutions. The rhetoric of war does nothing to move our country in a new direction TOGETHER.

If Hillary is the nominee we may well end up with another narrowly decided election in November while with Barack we have a real chance at seeing an entirely new electoral map of the United States.

John, Morgan Hill, California (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:24 AM)

Whoa! The Obamans came out in full force to bandy that he won SCarolina's debate. NOT! He may be a good orator, but a debater he's not. Clinton and Edwards showed mastery of the issues while Obama seemed lost at times. Nice try!

San Diego Man (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:28 AM)

Those who have decided aganist Hillary probably know the least about her. She understands politics and can work with those across the aisle.

The military respects her now after getting to know her from her work on the foreign relations committee, and her support of veterans benefits.

It's sad that so many people think she's only been a First Lady. She has been an excellent senator. Just ask all those Republicans in red counties in New York who voted for her resulting in a landslide re-election. She's been good to them.

Jee Wilson (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:29 AM)

I have to say that Edwards won the debate tonight. Of course it is much easier to stay above the fray when the other candidates know that you aren't really in the race. I am sick to death of Hillary and Bill lying about Obama's record and I was glad to see Obama call them on it. It would be nice if the press would do their job and point out the lies so that Barack wouldn't have to crawl in the gutter with them.

pam, austin, texas (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:29 AM)

I think Obama wether you like or not is the winner. He is more relaxed, focused, articuled, united....frankly more presidential. On the other hand HRC seems triangulated,old fashioned politics,too divisive(polarizing) ....frankly senatorial. I always vote Clinton, but not this time if she is the nominee because she can't win GE.
Good luck Obama!

sam, Silver Spring, MD (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:30 AM)

Hillary and President Clinton are typically trying to run this kid out of the race. However, like most Americans we know that the Clintons have a weakness with truthfullness.......I admire Obama for his comment on Reagan, it shows how broad minded and inclusive across the divide he will be able to mold the best policies for our Great nation. Go Obama !!keep your head up because its only going to get tougher. I was an indepedent before tonight , looks like it wont be for long. You got my VOTE - Obama 08.

Kevin Ratt (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:30 AM)

Obama won this debate. Finally. His best performance to date.

Sharp, quick on his feet. He counterpunched her very effectively. And he was able to press home the theme of his campaign which is that he is far more of a transformative change agent, and change comes from bottom up.

She is the 3rd most divisive figure in American politics, after W and Cheney, hence his comments on Reagan and "coalitions", and he blunted one of her themes, which is "experience" - a curious argument since she for eg. has no foreign policy experience (certainly not much more than he does) she didn't even have security clearance as First Lady.

And of course there's her Iraq vote which was merely a politically convenient exercise to cover her considerably sized behind, which other Dems also had to do, considering how disastrously wrong they were with their votes on Gulf War One.

Edwards was good on debate point, but let's face it he's not a viable candidate, and the results in his home state will prove the point.

I just wish the country had seen this Obama in the New Hampshire debate.

Bogey, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:30 AM)

I love how when Obama can't answer a question with any substantial information, he then starts talking about unity, hope or some other "high-minded" idea to deflect the fact he doesn't know what he's talking about. I also love the fact that Hillary brought up Obama's scandalous connection to Tony Rezko. Everyone needs to read the in-depth investigation that the Chicago Sun-Times has done about Obama's seedy connection with the "slum lord." Obama helped Rezko to get millions of dollars worth of property as an Ilinois State Senator, which eventually became slums. Rezko in turn has donated over $100,000 to Obama's campaign. He even helped Obama buy a mansion (which Obama couldn't originally afford) by helping to get it at $300,000 less than the asking price. Looks like a political favor to me. Rezko will go to trial on Feb. 25th. Finally, Obama's shady dealings are coming to the surface.

Joe, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:31 AM)

I thought there was a truce between Obama and Hillary,but the press did it again, instigating the racial issue, On the issues Hillary like always, came
as the candidate that we despertedly need in these
trouble times. Go Hillary Madam President 2008. Dear
press corps all included, no more gladiator scenes,
for the love of this country STOP!! That is if you love this country.

Amparo (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:34 AM)

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