A tense night comes to an end

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:38 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Phew, the entire debate had a very tense feel; a combination of two very competitive Democratic candidates and two very tough questioners. Both candidates were put on the spot and survived. Clinton came armed with her own material, from hits on Obama's record and tried to keep Obama on the defensive, but again he survived. Obama probably had more negative YouTube moments than Clinton, because of the initial waffle on the Farrakhan answer (though he did clean it up pretty well) and his look to Clinton to answer the Russia question first. It was clear Obama didn't want first dibs on that question; Neither candidate seemed comfortable enough to say Dmitry Medvedev's name but Clinton tried, Obama didn't even do that.

Overall, it's hard to see this debate as changing the trajectory of this race; Obama was a bit more defensive tonight than last week and had more stumbles tonight than in more recent encounters. Clinton really flubbed that "SNL" line and she did so early so it made it into a bunch of writeups; she should have saved it until it was more appropriate. It was a contentious debate, but civil; and both will probably be better nominees for it.

It's hard to pick a winner; Clinton was more prepared but Obama survived and that's probably the name of the game for him at this late date in the campaign.

We'll have more thoughts later but for now, good night from Cleveland.

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Comments

"Obama/?????" Take a look at Obama's VP in this truly inspirational video. This debate shows that foreign policy matters!!!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg

Stu Stow, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:42 PM)

Chuck, which debate were you watching. If Obama was defensive he was a terrific counterpuncher. Hillary's whine about the SNL skit will lose her this election. Obama won the last two debates.

Early Narron (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:42 PM)

CLINTON WAS COOL AND CALM. SHE KNOWS HER STUFF. OBAMA SEEMED NERVOUS, KINDA OF EDGY, AND NOT REALLY WITH IT.

Harold Matthews,Pittsburg, Pa. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:43 PM)

C L I N T O N W I N S !!

John T.,Tampa,Fl. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:44 PM)

I disagree a bit. I felt Clinton won, but I missed the SNL line. What was it?

Kevin H, Mercer Island, WA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:44 PM)

Are you kidding me, Obama blew her away. Her little quip about always asking her the questions first was just stupid, and made her look really petty.

Jeff, Atlanta GA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:44 PM)

She tanked - not her answers, look at the video. She looked beaten. Right from the outset. And that SNL reference was bizarre!

SJF (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:44 PM)

Thanks for the blogging, guys. Great as always.

David A. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:44 PM)

Huge night for Hillary, she won the debate.

Juan Lopez, ElPaso,Tx. (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:45 PM)

I disagree. There was no waffling on the Farrakan answer; and, as your colleague rightly pointed out, "denounce" is a much stronger word. Clinton avoided questions she didn't want to answer, such as how is she going to enforce a mandate? How much will the subsidies be? Who is going to define "affordable" as it means a different amount to different people. Clinton did come off as whiny (complaining about the mailers and being asked questions first), and was out-classed by Obama. Just looking at their behaviors and demeanor, she's not very presidential. Her strength in the debate format has deteriorated over the course of 20 debates.

Maria Donovan, North Olmsted, OH (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:45 PM)

the most intresting thing in this debate was the questions from left feild

michael,ca (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:45 PM)

hillary won on points, but Obama had the laugh lines - a draw.

Obama 08!

andy (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:45 PM)

The live commentary from you all has been vastly more balanced and insightful than what's going on right now on MSNBC. Keith and Chris are fawning over Obama. What's up?!

Jennifer, Old Greenwich, CT (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:46 PM)

She won again. But the hostility that she used (not to aggressive understand), left her lookig ferocious. The fighter she is, but the fighter only has to be there with a 51-49 vote. The unifier, Obama, plans to come to the table with a much larger reaching margin. So why fight, be smart compromise and get everyone on board. Is that not how the government works?

T Terry (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:46 PM)

wow, i didn't know msnbc was pro-clinton

Jerry, Stanford CA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:46 PM)

Obama allowed Clinton to go first on the Russia question because it was her turn to answer. He had just finished a lengthy response about his support from non-democrats. Don't read into it too much, Chuck.

Mike, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:46 PM)

Thank you MSNBC for actually hosting a DEBATE! Your competitors should take a lesson from you. We finally got to hear about the issues that are so important to all of us.

Kelly, Austin, Tx (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:47 PM)

all he had to do is survive and he did so. it's a shame she didn't come out ready to hit harder. she didn't do herself any favors tonight and i think the trajectory of the campaign still favors the "chosen one." it's a shame cause she's the better candidate.

kelby, washington, dc (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:47 PM)

Obama looked at Clinton first, because the moderator, asking the question looked at Clinton!!! What waver on Farrakhan are U referring to?

Rep0X (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:48 PM)

We need more debates so that we can see how well the candidates respond to questions when they can't be totally prepared to provide a canned response.

Janet, Alexandria, VA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:49 PM)

Obama looked cautious. Probably how he will look as president. Ineffectual. Looking to others for speeches and ideas. Fubbing basic politics 101. He is an idea not a person. I need substance not talk. I wanted to like this guy. I wanted a black president. I wanted to show my son he could grow up to be president. But I wanted my son to see with hard work and experience he too could be president not because he is a man going against a woman. Not because he gives good speeches. Not because he was the flavor of the month. Because he is the best person for the job.

If it aint Hillary '08 then it will be Nader '08.

C. Marie (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:49 PM)

Chuck Todd - have you endorsed Clinton yet? Cheese!Obama won all the way!

Billy Bob Hobson (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:49 PM)

She hit Obama hard again on his two mailers and on health care, which is her strongest issue. In fact, she prolonged the debate on health care, stretching it out to a full 16 minutes as moderator Brian Williams clucked at her to move on. But it wasn't enough. Obama had good, ready rebuttals against her on NAFTA and on her Iraq war vote. He put on a calm, good-humored manner early on and easily maintained it through to the end, when he copied (Xeroxed?) Hillary's positive, graceful "I'm honored to run with you" moment from the end of the last debate in Austin, Texas.

Full commentary: http://www.nationalscold.com

Gustavo Herrera, Baltimore MD (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:50 PM)

OMG. You have got to be kidding me. It is so clear that all these networks desperately are trying to help Hillary. Obama had more stumbles?? Are you kidding me?? They're making this stuff up. Anyone who actually saw the debate knows Obama won hands down. Clinton was stumbling all over the place and everyone knew it. Especially on NAFTA and Iraq. She was floundering!

Jenny Johnson (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:51 PM)

Precisely what good is the man's name? Ohioans are more interested in who's going to solve their problems and bring the country together, than in who knows the name of a FUTURE prime minister.

On the other hand, if you want to call someone's name, it's important that you get it right or don't assume you know. That was a mistake from Clinton.

Diamond (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:51 PM)

re the tax returns, she is too busy? did she not file her 2006 tax returns on time?
maybe she should look on her coffee table, remember the billing files.
Is this a joke that the press is harder on her. ?
She always blames someone... the right wing conspiracy, the media, the campaign managers, even that she gets the first question

Gerry, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:51 PM)

I think Clinton won, without a doubt but it will be interesting to see how the debate's outcome resonates, if at all. That being said, **** MSNBC, you guys rocked! Thank you for finally asking the tough questions and holding our candidates accountable. Nice!

Maria, Katy, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:52 PM)

You seem to have watched a different debate than most Chuck, what's up with that?

Monte Comeau, Salmo, BC Canada (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:52 PM)

Gerry, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:52 PM)

Obama absolutely cruised in this debate! He crushed her on everything except it was a draw on health care. They both did fine, but Obama showed he's made of finer cloth than she is. She looked evasive and tired and worn out.

John Thompson (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:52 PM)

in regards to the questions, senator clinton answered the majority of them. senator obama either avoided them or waffled. not a strong showing for him. what was with all that stuttering?

megan, steel town, OH (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:52 PM)

Hillary won. She was cool under pressure, she remained calm. For that matter so did he but, he seemed to flip-flop a lot, not good at answering questions he's not ready for, and really has yet to show his savvy in foreign relations.

Now: as he claims he was always against the war but voted yes during the whole Schiavo fiasco? Wow where is the good judgement there?

Dolores F (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:52 PM)

Russert showed why he's the best. Clinton's answers on creating jobs was Poor (I thought Gore was going to be elected?) Give me a break. Good leaders play with the cards they are dealt with. I thought Obama agreed with her too much, but otherwise, he held his own.

John grillo, San antonio, Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:53 PM)

Clinton definitly knows a lot about everything..kinda scary...her IQ must be off the charts. Obama seems to draw the same word for word responses he has used in past debates regardless of whether they actually apply...but he sure does give a better speech.

Neither answered the last question, but it was a poor question, designed to sell papers and give commentators something to appear wise as they shake their heads over the answers. Neither fell for it.

Larry Battros, San Antonio, Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

Senator Obama is clearly a calm, rational and wise person. His ability to maintain his composure during tonights very pointed, potentially controversial questions from the moderators and goof-ups by the production staff, clearly displayed his ability as a future Head of State. I have no doubt that he can negotiate for America's interests abroad and inspire greater national pride at home.

Doug H (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

Tim Russert question on Louis Farrakhan was an insult. Why is it that every African American must bear the sins of Louis Farrakhan? If Farrakhan was the leader he claims too be, the majority of African American would be Black Muslims. Is Tim Russert obligated to repudiate every Kook who happens to be white? Tavis Smiley and Louis Farrakhan do not speak for me or most African Americans. I am not my Brothers keeper.

Hrv, Queens NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

Clinton knows her stuff, changed my mind I vote for Hillary

David , Dallas , Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

I thought that Obama did a great job!

Jim, Carbondale, IL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

If the SNL line is going to lose her the campaign then we really need to re-evaluate how we are voting and what issues are important.

K. Sanford, Ocala, Fl (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

Obama's debating skills have come to trump hillary's...calling for more debates as only given him more opportunities to show the public how skilled and collected he is.
I am a bit irritated at how your MSNBC guys are covering the "public financing" issue on tv right now. How can we not consider a campaign financed by a literally a MILLION donors with average donations of $100 and NO LOBBYIST OR PAC money NOT be public? How much more public can you get than Obama's fundraising in this campaign?

Anne, Miami, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:54 PM)

Mike in Boston -- FYI the Russian question -- Tim just said he purposefully did not ask the question directly to either one of them. Obama "let" Clinton go first because he obviously didn't know a thing about the guy. So, Chuck is right.

angie charlotte, nc (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:55 PM)

Obama won the debate, just as he has all the others. I don't know why the media is so reluctant to give this man his due.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:56 PM)

Hillary needs to do the Democratic Party a favor and concide the nomination NOW! She obviously LOST THIS DEBATE as well as the last two debates before this one. She is obviously for herself and not for the people because if she was "one of people" she would release her tax returns NOW, NOT WHEN I CAN! Everyone else in the country can provide a copy of the form they filed be it a 1040, 1040-A, or an 1040-EZ. Why won't she just do it? What does she have to hide? I for one possibly the MOST CONSERVITITVE person in America because I think that what you work for you should keep. So I can honestly say that Sen. Barack Obama is the FIRST DEMOCRAT that I will vote for in my life.

Norman E Harvey (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:56 PM)

Mr Russert embarrassed himself.

david, norfolk, va (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:58 PM)

WOW ! HILLARY HIT A GRAND SLAM HOME RUN.

Willie Stargel, Cleveland,Ohio (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:58 PM)

Winner: Clinton.
Loser: Obama. And by loser, I mean that in all aspects.

Finally the commentator is noting that there actually are really TWO candidates. They are NOT the same!

It seemed that every time there is a national or international issue up for discussion, it's an opportunity for Obama to say, "I agree with Senator Clinton."

This is because Clinton has experience.

Case in point: Clinton, "I serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee."

Obama, "Me too" and then when Clinton criticizes his service on his subcommittee, he says, "Well I've only been doing this since I've been running for President." Which means at most a year of experience? And he's making the excuse that he's been running for President as the reason he hasn't gotten anything accomplished?

Wow. What would happen if he actually were President? What excuse will there be then?

Nathan, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:58 PM)

Tax returns... where are they? Funny how Hillary says that her supporters are funding her campaign... uh, she gave $5 mill. She, too, is also funding her campaign. I would like to see her joint tax return to see who is funding her personal bank account! That $5 mill came from her/Bill's account. Who has been paying her husband????

Fed up in TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:58 PM)

Obama survived--Thats all he has ever done in these debates with Hillary. 'He survived, So therefore he won, because expectations for a male candidate are not set as high as they are for a woman candidate.

ge``pa~ (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:59 PM)

Clinton won. A word to Obama, get more SLEEP !

Arcadia, NYC (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:59 PM)

I can't imagine how anyone thought Clinton won. She sounded hypercritical and as though she was left grasping at straws - note the parsing of "denounce" versus "refute" - she looked silly.

Dems '08, Miami, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:59 PM)

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