It's the economy...?

Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:08 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Democratic debates

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
It took more than an hour for the debate to turn toward economy, a topic first and foremost on many of Pennsylvania's voters' minds.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Seriously, it took 50 minutes to get to an issue!!!! This is horrible!!!!!!!!

Stephanie (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:13 PM)

Thank you, finally LOL Glad I didn't miss that part.

Lisa in working class New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:14 PM)

To late. Everyones switched over to RugRats on Nick. Angelica is giving everyone a hard time about sandbox time. It's must-see TV, and much more compelling then watching these two.

Robby Doude (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:14 PM)

There should be a BOYCOTT OF ABC until they apologize to American People for putting on such a despicable debate.

A BOYCOTT OF ALL PROGRAMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

justwaitandsee (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:14 PM)

Thank goodness! Intelligent talk for intelligent viewers.
Commercial TV is a disgrace - not all life is a reality show, or conspiracy movie-of-the-week.

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:15 PM)

Nothing so far has moved the richter scale on talking points. But I would not be surprised on how the media will chose to focus not on what was said on the economy but the back and forth on Ayers. I found it curious how it all seemed co-ordinated between Stephanopoulos and Hillary

Brian Little, Oak Park, IL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:15 PM)

umm, here's a thought. Maybe ABC only got two debates out of 21 because they like the gutterball politics

Tim, Reading, PA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:16 PM)

I have to say, used to like Charlie Gibson, not liking these two now. The MSNBC debate had much better questions and questioners (and no, I really mean it, not sucking up LOL). These two have no rhythm whatsoever. CNN seemed better too. This is a snoozefest.

Lisa in working class New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:16 PM)

Obama looks CONFUSED. How you doing Obama supporters.

FINALLY. I know Sean Hannity is finally looking for a congratulation for saying Obama has not been VETTED YET.

Objective Analysis (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:17 PM)

Yes, I'd like to know how raising everyones taxes will improve the economy. Hillary? Barack? Please explain.

Jerry P., Portland Maine (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:17 PM)

Since when is it OK for debate moderators to interrupt the candidates (well, candidate in this case) to try and play 'gotcha'?

Jay, Newark NJ (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:18 PM)

I agree I refuse to watch this channel anymore. Charlie is aweful and rude. He keeps cutting off Senator Obama and lets Senator Clinton continue to run on with her lieing. Obama just pointed out how she makes comments off camara that she believes is not being recorded. I am going to turn from this rubbish. Then of course he takes a break ..whatever

Rochella Alozie, Herndon, VA (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:19 PM)

We started watching something else....Crap debate....non=debate.

KY observers allofus (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:19 PM)

Yeah,
This is pretty lame.

Fox News quality Charlie and little George are doing their best for Hillary. They have grilled Obama like republicans or clinton shills, and then Charlie has the temerity to appologize to hillary clinton for "getting out of balance" and owing hillary "time"

KEL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:20 PM)

KEL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:21 PM)

To late. Everyones switched over to RugRats on Nick. Angelica is giving everyone a hard time about sandbox time. It's must-see TV, and much more compelling then watching these two.
Robby Doude (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:14 PM)

-------------------------------------------------

I skipped South Park for this?

Man, and I hear Kenny dies in this episode!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:21 PM)

ABC should be ashamed of themselves !

Steve B. NewYork (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:22 PM)

What a piece of junk of a debte. Now I understand why one of the candidates didn't not want to agree to another debate. This ABC moderated debte is pathetic.

earl B. (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:22 PM)

This is the worst debate. ABC had an opportunity to make this a great debate. Instead all they did was try to see who could make both Hillary and Obama uncomfortable. I'm an Obama supporter and I didn't like the way either one was being treated with the focus on the non-issues.

Joy for Obama, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:23 PM)

It's the economy for the primary season, Iraq in the general. Obama dominates in both areas. Here’s a good summary of some reasons to consider supporting Obama. Share it with friends in Pennsylvania.
http://acropolisreview.com/2008/04/top-reasons-to-give-barack-obama-your.html

Tina, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

Charlie's doing a better job for hillary than howard the ugly sweater

KEL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:24 PM)

WORST . . . DEBATE . . . EVER!!!!

You guys at MSNBC make ABC look like a bunch of amateurs. Not only did they try to crucify Obama, but I actually felt sorry for Clinton on one of the unfair questions they asked. That said, they are clearly biased against Obama. Not sure if they're biased for her, though, per se. I think they're just trying to get attention for themselves.

George shouldn't have been allowed on the debate for obvious reasons. Who thought that was a good idea?

Dave in AL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:25 PM)

This debate sucks - I can't tell who Senator Obama is debating - Hillary Clinton or Charlie Gibson?

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:26 PM)

This can't be called a debate. What a joke.

Jill (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:27 PM)

Good Lord. What a horribly moderated debate. I can't wait to switch to MSNBC for a breath of fresh air.

Laura Harrison (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:28 PM)

Economy - 1 Hour and 11 minutes

Flag pins - 10 minutes 30 seconds

Are they serious

DW, MIami FL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:29 PM)

It is frustrating that these candidates get a pass on the problems in our country. They say that the government is at fault. But, they make is sound like George Bush is the government. What happened to the resposibility that they bear as Senators. Why don't we hold them resposible for the messes that we are in as well as George Bush?

Mark Fowler, Sycamore, IL. (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:30 PM)

I can't wait to hear Keith's analysis.

Jill (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:30 PM)

I can't believe I missed going to the gym for this debate.

DW, Miami FL (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:30 PM)

People on the West Coast: Don't waste your time.

Jill (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:30 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Bring our jobs home from Communist China and the economy will be just fine.

twocanpete (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:31 PM)

This is worst the debate I've ever seen. ABC should be absolutely ASHAMED of themselves. ASHAMED! Chuck Todd, you should be ashamed of yourslef as well. I think you are a great fellow, but even you must realize talking about Tuzla, William Ayers and other B.S. topics for 60 minutes does nothing to help my mother in law get a better job or healthcare. I know that media members dont care because they are all rich and ELITE, but real Americans want to hear about issues. Your a just as full of it as the rest of them Chuck. I'm very disappointed.

Josh Pittsburgh (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:31 PM)

THAT'S WHY THESE DEBATES ARE A FARCE .... THE COMMENTATORS ARE AUDITIONING THEMSELVES ... THINK HOW AWFUL KATIE COURIC WILL BE. Kinda of like a political American Idol show.
,

.. THESE DEBATES ARE A FARCE .... (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:31 PM)

THE MODERATORS STINK!!

donna (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:33 PM)

ABC completely embarrassed themselves in this debate. Just a godawful performance from the moderators, who apparently think they are running for a role on "Dirt."

Mark Sumner (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:34 PM)

why is it charlie gibson keep interrupting one candidate and let the other ramble along? He also haven't asked one intelligent question. This is an ambush like someone said earlier. Hillary jus goes on and on. No interruptions. What the hell!

earl b (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:36 PM)

And I thought Russert and Williams were bad. Boy, was I wrong.

Jill (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:38 PM)

Ditto. The debate is almost over and they're just now talking about high gas cost! So, who's fault is it...the candidates or the media for not asking the right questions? Why doesn't the MEDIA focus the candidates on what we want to hear?!

Wanda Jackson (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:38 PM)

I watched 45 minutes of this "debate" and then turned it off. If you can't get to the issues in 45 minutes, you don't get anymore of my valuable time. I have heard about all of the gotchas, gaffes and tabloid politics (including Ayers) and now I want to know what each of these candidates will do to make things better in this country.
It is disrespectful to the voters and the candidates to waste their time on this nonsense. Enough!
The media may think this stuff is important, but the voters by and large need to get a good night's sleep so they can go to work to pay for all of the things that have not been discussed (the war in Iraq, the price of gasoline, care for our veterans, fixing the national infrastructure, hurricanes, tornadoes, you name it).

Nancy in NY (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:41 PM)

This debate was horrible. This close to the end and we can't even address the REAL issues. What about the prices of eggs, bread, sugar for God's sake?!?! I don't really care about Hillary and her dodging sniper fire a decade ago. I need to know if elected, how will she ensure I can afford to feed my family!

Wanda Jackson (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:43 PM)

I am glad to see that I am not alone in being very upset with the questioners. It was more like an inquisition of Senator Obama. The character assassination that has plagued him throughout by the media was continued ad infinitum. Finally policy issues were raised, especially to Senator Clinton. It was absolutely the worst debate(?) Senator Obama was constantly interruped as if it were a Sunday talk show. Awful Stuff.

Barbara Snowberger Knoxville, TN (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:43 PM)

George and Charlie should be fired immediately. It took them an hour to talk about an issue that will actually affect the lives of Americans.
They also clearly believe the American people want to hear what they have to say instead of what the candidates have to say.
How do they make it through an entire debate in PA without discussing NAFTA. I guess George thought that might get embarrassing for his old boss. It's so nice to see journalistic integrity alive and well. No wonder many people don't bother with traditional news outlets any more.

Paul (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:45 PM)

Really. WTF?

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:18 PM)

why does everyone keep skirting the issue of illegal immigration.....that is one of the most important topics that everyone avoids...how are we as lower middle class legal born and bred in the usa citizens going to keep paying for these people using our resources (hospitals, clinics,vehicle insurance thats not paid,etc.) they are one of the reasons we are in debt...they don't pay any taxes..it falls on the lap of us ...talk about unfairness

bev shenandoah co. virginia (Sent Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:23 PM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=904807