HRC: Please debate me

Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:29 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Hillary Clinton is up with a new TV ad in Wisconsin -- this one questioning why Obama has not agreed to debate her in Wisconsin.

"Maybe he'd prefer to give speeches than have to answer questions," an announcer says in the ad. "Like why Hillary Clinton has the only health care plan that covers every American, and the only economic plan that freezes foreclosures."

Somewhere, John Spencer -- Clinton's 2006 Senate opponent -- is still asking for more debates.

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Comments

Let's hope Wisconsin people are smart enough to see through this desperate plea. What a joke. He's debating her in 2 weeks and again a week after that. He doesn't want to give you any more free air time. Why doesn't Hillary sell us on her vision of a better America? She seems incapable of doing anything other than attack, attack, attack. No to the Professor. Yes to a President.

Scott (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:36 PM)

There are 2 debates in the next 3 weeks. Why does she want more than that? Just because she can't get TV time doesn't mean Obama has to bend over backwards for her so that she can get her face on the air. Maybe, she should spend that time campaigning in Wisconsin rather than ignore it completely and campaign in the big states.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:36 PM)

Is this really how she plans to get back in the race? If so, it's over!

chuck, richmond (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:36 PM)

I can answer the healthcare question, and maybe Hillary should too. Her plan covers everyone b/c she is making it a requirement and will even garnish wages to over the healthcare.
Affordable healthcare should be available, not forced!!!

L. Jackson Topeka, KS (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:37 PM)

Oooooo . . . sinister . . . lol!

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:37 PM)

The reason Hillary Clinton is the only person who has a plan that covers every American is because everyone else knows it's a bad idea! She's getting closer and closer to losing this race and she knows it.

John (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:40 PM)

Hillary, don't worry, you SHALL WIN this nomination. You have waited in line for your turn to the presidency. Bill owes it to you. Democrats owe Bill, so it is your turn to rule.

I agree, Obama inspires but it is Hillary's turn to rule, after George and Bill.

Melanie, K - NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:40 PM)

maybe he doesnt want to, knowing you you will try anything...I think hes doing well the way hes going and as far as some of the debates they over all su? I think meeting the voters is more important, than what i have seen in the debates...So Obama do what you do best meet the people and listen........

Russ Wells, Maine (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:41 PM)

It is easier to give speeches to your supporters than to address the real problems that face Wisconsin and the counrty.

I hope they have a Wisconsin debate.

Badger Bill (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:41 PM)

Why doesn't Obama want to debate Hillary? Her voice gives him a headache.

Hans Orling (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:42 PM)

Grasping for straws.

I find it funny that Clinton keeps saying how Obama won't stand up to the Republican attack machine... yet the mighty Clinton Attack Machine has yet to find anything of real substance against Obama and is quickly falling apart. All they can do is toss around weak spin and lies.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:42 PM)

This is nonsense. Hillary is getting desperate..it's rather pathetic.

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:42 PM)

Should be titled: "Please berate me."

Bye bye Hill, we won't miss you....

Or your social medicine to cover the lazy bums of this country.

Or your freeze the mortgage BS to cover the greedy stupid people that signed up for a contract they could not cover.

Stupid greedy politicians covering @ss for the greedy stupid people of the world.

Go away Hill, far, far away.

RH Oregon (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:43 PM)

If it wasn't for California she would be out of this. If it wasn't for the Democratic Party's system of voting, she would be virtually non-existant.
-----------------------------------------------------
Actually, if the Dem's system were winner take all, Hillary would have the lead right now (if my system of awarding delegates on a winner take all basis is correct).

Of all the delegates awarded to date, if they went to the person who (by percentage) won the state, this is the delegate total I get:

Clinton -- 1069
Obama -- 998

Still extremely close, but with the shoe on the other foot, so to speak.

Hey First Read, anyway to verify that info? Who would have the most delegates on the Dem side if it were winner take all, not proportional?

(sorry this is posted in 2 places, wouldn't go thru before)

raider dem, maryland (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:43 PM)

This is becoming disgusting on her part. Is this what we can look forward to until March 4? I expect this from her supporters here in FR, but not the main campaign.

DON"T START CRYING!

Chuck, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:43 PM)

I think Obama doesn't want to debate her because he's in Wisconsin, and Hillary, for some unknown reason, is in Texas.

Sheri L., Johnson OK (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:44 PM)

She's just entrenching her position as a catch-up player with this. If there hadn't been 4000 debates prior, it might be a useful talking point. I think there's a lot of people who have a little debate fatigue.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:45 PM)

Give the woman a break. Considering the circumstances, especially financial resources, this is much of what she has left to try.
Anyone in the same position (e.g., Mike Huckabee), would want to try this.

ny reality (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:46 PM)

OBAMA IS "AFRAID" TO DEBATE CLINTON "ONE ON ONE " IN WISCONSIN. WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID TO DEBATE ? THIS WAS A PLANNED DEBATE, YOU ARE NOT MEETING YOUR OBLIGATION TO THE WISCONSIN, VOTERS.

Jerry, adfison, Wisconsoin (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:46 PM)

WOW - HRC is a fighter - always trying to change the game - Wisconsin should note that she is "skipping" them altogether - bigger fish to fry.
HRC is appalled that the "new kid - untested - fairy tale - hot air , wimp" ,etc. can make his own decisions - maybe she should look into her own motivations & stop having 'temper tentrums'.

MAC, STL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:48 PM)

Ha Ha..you guys are actually really funny with that comment about John Spencer. Thanks for my morning laughter!

Sophia, Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:48 PM)

Maybe she can't afford to lend another $5 million to her campaign, and she DESPERATEly needs free air time.

Jimmy CHICAGO IL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:48 PM)

Another waste of money from the Clinton's campaign. Who they heck is advising this woman? While Obama is in wisconsin Hillary is in TX and yet she is running a negative ad. What a joke.

Thank God i am not donating my money to her campaign

Bee (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:48 PM)

An absolutely hilarious bit of desperation on behalf of the Clinton campaign!!! *clap clap clap* Good show! Good show!

Perhaps he won't debate Clinton because they've had 17 debates so far, he's agreed to 2 more, and she's running out of money and needs all the free air-time she can get!

We're almost there!!! Yes we can!!!

Obama 08

Matt, Valparaiso, IN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:49 PM)

Let the Wisconsin debate happen, Senator Obama. The people of Michigan want a fair chance to hear both sides. "Debate Clinton in Wisconsin, Senator Obama " !

Lisa Myers, EauClair, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:49 PM)

There's already been 18 debates. I don't need a debate every week before Ohio/Texas to know who I am voting for. I have watched all 18 debates, and truthfully, they are getting ridiculously redundant. Also, why would Obama give HRC free publicity? He's ahead in the money race by making tons of money off of small donors and can afford to reach the people of Wisconsin through ads and events in the area. Desperate much HRC?

Anne, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:49 PM)

Please, debate me! I cannot afford to pay advertisements because I ... mismanaged my campaign finances. I want free TV time to make up for my mistakes with the campaign, so please debate with me. You know a good debater equals a great president! So come on, lets debte -- you have way more money than I do and you can afford to pay for your ads, so it would be fair if we sit down and debate about anything you like just to make up for my lack of adequate money.
Thank you!
Voters, do you see the consequences of Obama accepting the debate? In your educated minds, do you see the deceptive strategies the Clintons are employing in a desperate attempt to stay competitive? Do you feel it should be up to voters to judge candidates by their performance on critical issues such as finances and leadership in the campaign and not be influenced in any way by any candidate's strategies laden with deceptions that only theducated mind could grasp?

Ron Allen (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:49 PM)

pretty effective ad to those who don't know him. people in wi might want to see them debate...as this is a hard state to get around...a large state....maybe the media there should just do a survey to see if they would like to see one or not...

fedup1940 (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:50 PM)

I just can't beleive this Clinton woman!

She actually expects a Harvard educated lawyer to hold his own in a debate of the issues. Typical effort on the part of Billary to try to compare issues of substance.

I've heard Clinton will say anything to get elected.....seems Barach will talk anything to get elected but say nothing.....and debate even less.

campdog (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:51 PM)

Total waste of resources that could have been used for real advertisement. Another tactical battle that cannot be won by Hillary.

Obama (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:51 PM)

On this issue of mandates, those who don't, whether it's 10 million or 15 million, those who could afford it but don't wind up buying health insurance for one reason or another, they wind up getting sick, they go to an emergency room, all of us wind up paying for their health care. That's the biggest criticism that's been leveled at your plan.

OBAMA: If people are gaming the system, there are ways we can address that. By, for example, making them pay some of the back premiums for not having gotten it in the first place.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/31/dem.debate.transcript/

Well isn't that interesting. So he won't require these young people (the same ones going out in droves to support him) to have health coverage if they don't want it, but if they need medical treatment and don't have coverage under his wonderful plan, he's just going to turn around and make them pay back what they should have been paying in premiums all along.

You know, kind of like paying a fine. Either way, you pay.

Thanks to all those Obama supporters taht keep telling everyone to go to Obama's website. I did. Great idea.

Of course, now that I've started reading about his grand plan to save the world, I continue to find more problems and I will continue to bring those to light.

Transparency is your worst enemy (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:51 PM)

You have GOT to be kidding...poor Hillary why am I thinking ICP's Play With Me?

Maria Mager Ridgewood New Jersey (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:51 PM)

John Spencer was never a seriouos candidate. He was never close and it was never a serious race like this one.

D Andrews, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:52 PM)

Why not debate Clinton, Senator Obama ? We want "more" than fancy speeches, we want a full discussion of all the issues. We were not born yesterday. Bring on the Wisconsin debates.

Chuck,Duluth, Mn. (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:52 PM)

Why shouls he? What could he possibly gain by debating the loser??? the Clinton's are toast & they know it. Withdraw now big butt in a pants suit!

American Voter (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:52 PM)

MAC, STL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:54 PM)

Obama debate Hillary for what? So she can agree with everything he says and then cackle and laugh when she doesn't have an answer to a question. Sorry Hillary. Don't call Obama. Obama will call you. Get It?

Blaine (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:54 PM)

WE APPROVE OF THIS MESSAGE, THANKS HILLARY.

WISCONSIN SMART VOTERS (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:54 PM)

What a weak and embarassing display this is.

She was tired of having so many debates before she started losing. They already have two debates in the next 3 weeks. If she wants to debate in Wisconsin, maybe she should start by showing up there. She has already told the people of Wisconsin that they aren't as important as Texas or Ohio because they have less delegates.

CitizenJ (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:54 PM)

Sad......now she's begging.

Hint: Hillary that's why you're in the shape you're in wasting money

Grace (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:54 PM)

Hillary is still campaigning?

Zoolo, Troy NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:55 PM)

"Please debate me" = "please help me stay in the coverage."

Obama can simply hold to his position, that he's already committed time and resources to Wisconsin, because he values Wisconsin, and that she blew it off months ago figuring that she wouldn't need it, and tell her that if she wants to come and campaign in Wisconsin and spend some money and time, the way he is, she's more than welcome.

Sean, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:56 PM)

I thought Senators Obama and Clinton were scheduled to debate this month. Was the debate cancelled? Or is this a different debat they're talking about?

Anna Maria Gomez (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:56 PM)

Don't be fooled, Wisconsin. Hillary thinks so much of your state and your primary next week that she's skipping you altogether. If presenting her issues to Wisconsin was that important why is she already in Texas which doesn't vote for 3 weeks?

Pete, Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:00 PM)

"Please debate me, I need free air time". Does she think the people of Wisc. are stupid?

Stacy (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:01 PM)

You know last night I listen to the whole Obama speech and all I hear was a VERY long description of what hope means. I don't understand when people started looking at Politicians for inspiration. I want someone that can get the job done. if I want inspiration I'll go to church. I think if Obama is the Dems candidate I'll have to go Republican.

David, GB,WI (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:01 PM)

I came in today to congrad.Obama on his wins. All i have read so far is more trash. Now they are trying to tell the other states Hillary doesnt care about them. Of course this isnt true but i guess anything goes now.The trash talk, for instance, is there way of uniting,right? Telling other countrys we dont care about them and go away mind there own business.Uniting the world i guess. I shared an experience about black man pushing me and saying get used to it his time had come. I got vilafied and today i read a black man saying move over whites, world needs black leader now and its ok.This whole campaign of Obamas was built on hate,race and lies.If you cann't look at any flaws without acting like you are being villified if anyone dares suggest Obama isn't the second comeing and has flaws you will lose in November.I read ,that for the war we are in the world needs to see a black man.What is that?You mean maybe a muslim.It wont go away. Read muslim bridges.org. Obama is plastered all over the sight.It is easy to deny by accusing others but it wont wash for ever and its a long time till Nov.Well Obama congs on last night . I have no hard feelings about it.I do ,though,with you ruining the party and the country if you should win in Nov, some how.The world has seen this movement before and aren't as taken in as those you can hypnotise here. I think maybe your followers here may want to lay off Bill and look at your wife. Concieted and attitude wow.She has taken swipes at Hillary so you can stay clean. Just like those in here. Be ready as front runner now they will be looking at you. I really have no hate or anger just sadness at whats been done and how.Sounded like a threat to Hillary about the stairs? No one said a word about Obamas wife falling on stage with Opera.but than thats par. May the best woman win.I will back Hillary because she is the best for the job but am done in here.So spew away now show the other states not voted yet what your really all about.

ep-ny (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:02 PM)

She just wants free air time..lol

Nick T, tustin, ca (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:04 PM)

If she cared about Wisconsin so much, why is she currently frolicking through Texas?

By the way, freezing interest rates is absolutely the worst idea EVER. Interest rates are sub-prime, that means the banks would be losing money, and the prime rate would go up, meaning that everyone who WANTS to buy a house now has to pay a higher rate, so that people who already have one don't get screwed.

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:04 PM)

Obama is a fruad, and I am glad HRC is putting in out there.

Aidyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:06 PM)

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