Clinton presses Obama for NC debate

Posted: Friday, April 25, 2008 11:19 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
JACKSONVILLE, NC -- Clinton continued pressing Obama for a debate here this morning, saying that each state has a unique set of issues that deserve discussion.

Clinton, joined outside a fire house near Camp Lejune by retired military leaders, told several hundred supporters that she was happy the campaign has continued in North Carolina, because there is “no better place to be in the springtime.” She made a pitch for her campaign’s interactive “NC Ask Me” feature, in which people can submit questions online and get an answer -- some of which have been used in television ads.

“It has been great, and we’ve gotten over 14,000 questions,” she said. “We have answered every one of those questions. But the only question I can’t answer is why Sen. Obama won’t debate me in North Carolina. And I’d sure like to give an answer.”

She said that each upcoming state deserves their own debate, because “the issues in Pennsylvania are not the same as the issues in North Carolina,” and “the issues in North Carolina aren’t the same as the issues in Indiana."

“There’s all kinds of issues that we should be debating about right here in North Carolina,” she said. “So again I offer that I’ll go anywhere at any time. And we’ll have that debate as long as Sen. Obama would agree to actually meet me. I think that would be good for the voters and it would be good for this important campaign.”

Today, Clinton also encouraged supporters to vote early, immediately after the event even at the fire station just feet from where she stood. “It’s an opportunity for those who have busy lives like most of us these days to actually go in and vote,” she said.

She again promised an active campaign in the Tar Heel State, and even asked for the crowd’s help in keeping an eye on her husband’s eating habits.

“My husband loves North Carolina, and he loves barbecue,” she said. “And he’s been eating a lot of it across the state.”

The former president has held 25 events on five separate trips to the state already, the most recent of which occurred on Wednesday. Someone in the audience urged Clinton to send her husband to the beach for a more nutritious meal.

“Okay, send him to the beach, you’ll serve him fish. That’s a deal,” she said.

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Comments

Is she going to trounce those "military leaders" around everywhere? I think a quote one of them made earlier today is pretty problematic... that she isn't afraid to "pull the trigger". Where were these military leaders when she was singing the blessings of the Iraq War and voting for this whole mess? She still hasn't told us what she learned from her gross mistake.

Ron, TX (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:26 AM)

Uh, because we don't need a debate in each and every state, maybe the candidates should actually spend time interacting with the State's voters!

Uh, and also because the last debate was a hatchet job and you jumped right in wielding the ax Clinton. So, no, not going to "debate" you when you don't have a debate in mind. Oh well, the front-runner (that would be Obama) might just prefer to spend his time talking about issues instead of junk.

I know you didn't ask me, but those would be my answers for Obama.

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:26 AM)

Looks like hillary is expecting Obama to crawl under a rock and not debate.

The only reason she wants to debate him, is so she can try to make him look weak.

I think he should debate her, so he can redeem himself from the last time, and send her packing once and for all.

Barack, you gotta show her she's not the only fighter in the room.

Knock her ass out!

Go home Hillary (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:26 AM)

Oh Goodness, there have been 21 debates so far. And Senator Clinton cancelled the 1st NC debate (scheduled for April 19) because she claimed it would disrespect passover to have it on that day.... but, she made three campaign stops that same day in Pennsylvania.

Funny, isn't it? The Clinton campaign always good for a spin -- try not to get too dizzy, you might vomit.

Kim, Pasadena, CA (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:26 AM)

As a former Clinton contributor I was recently solicited to email my thoughts to Geoff Garin, Clinton's new Chief Strategist….some kind of outreach program, I assume.

Here is some of what I wrote:
Dear Geoff:

Drop out. That would be my advice. Your team put up a good fight but it's over. You're actually making a lot of us very tired.

Have your candidate make her speech after the next primaries thanking the wonderful people of NC & IN - and the entire country - and then have her throw her support to Senator Obama for unity's, her Party's and America's sake. She could go out on a high note (possibly even a winner in Indiana).

This would instantly restore her greatly diminished credibility and help get back the support she has lost within the party and the Senate and become a true leader in helping possible new President Obama to shape and pass legislation. Eventually she can replace Harry Reid (this might be good for you and Howard Wolfson going forward as well).

Otherwise, she walks away from this, still the loser, but with culpability (deserved or not) for damaging what had been shaping up as a transcendent Democratic year, albeit one in which she is no longer the person to bring this agenda home.

It's too late for her to become the nominee in any real world scenario other than one which would be so bitterly divisive that's the thought alone is horrific. Make a rousing endorsement speech for Senator Obama. Those negatives will get cut in half, Bill's legacy may eventually be restored and her successful future will be assured.

Gary - from Chicago

Gary-Chicago (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:27 AM)

Why should he debate her when he's already beaten her? Seems silly to me.

But, I'd like to see him take her lying *** on.

I think it's time for him to take the fight to her, put her under the microscope about trying to change the rules of the race and attempting to hijack the party by redefining how Democrats determine the part nominee. Make her try to justify why it's ok to disenfranchise Michigan voters who couldn't even vote for him. Make her explain why the entire nation's voters – who have given him the popular vote and pledged delegate lead – should be ignored by superdelegates.

Call her lies out!

Sam, Muncie, Ind. (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:28 AM)

In view of Senator Clinton's proposed Middle East umbrella alliance and her long history of self-contradiction, who is the least likely candidate to withdraw American troops from Iraq?

Does anyone know an issue when they see it?

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:28 AM)

If she wanted to debate in NC then she should have accepted the debate date that Obama agreed to WEEKS ago.

___
She said that each upcoming state deserves their own debate, because “the issues in Pennsylvania are not the same as the issues in North Carolina,” and “the issues in North Carolina aren’t the same as the issues in Indiana."
___

Except they never debate the ISSUES, just more tabloid crap and then Hillary ranting on about health care details for 30 minutes. She doesn't give a crap about NC or Indiana, she's just using it to score points.

She's so rediculously disingenuous.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:28 AM)

Sure, Hillary needs all the FREE air time she can get.
Too broke to buy the time she needs.

Mark, IL (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:29 AM)

He won't debate you because he's already done it nineteen-thousand, gazillion times and your attacks don't equal the issues of the American people. We aren't stupid. Another debate doesn't equal; "Okay, I'll play nice this time". You won't and do not have the capacity to leave the tit-4-tat out of such a serious contest which involves the people of this country. Get it together Hillary, you're making us women look like we change like the seasons only on cue. Take a pill or better yet, another shot of something strong. The party is being torn down by this childish behavior that will do neither yourself nor Obama any good come November.

J. Lodi, CA (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:29 AM)

I do hope that Senator Obama does not debate this Lunatic again. For what, the Clintons are crazy!

Redlands (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:29 AM)

I think she is entitled to a debate in NC...and he should do it too, with an agreement that they stick to issues, and stay clear from the so called distracting and gotcha questions.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:29 AM)

Why does she want yet another debate? Assuming her campaign is telling the truth about its fundraising, she shouldn't need this free media coverage.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:30 AM)

Clinton wants free air time and is good at debates.

Obama is leading and is also a wimp at debates.

So there will be no more debates.

the Truth (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:30 AM)

Obama had a debate scheduled in NC, but she waffled. She's full of BS.

Ron Hussein (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:30 AM)

Trying to reconcile Hillary's base of support, I've come to some conclusions. They are:

-They are unfullfilled angry women

-They are spinsters looking for validation as women

-They hate men

-They are bitter, jealous, racists both male, and
female

-They are closed to hope, and full of fear

No other explanation is reasonable.

Hillary is a wretched woman scorned.

Hillary the Hell Hound (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:30 AM)

After the last debate (on ABC), I wouldn't want to sit down with her either. How many times would you want to talk about lapel pins, Rev. Wright, the Weather Underground and other meaningless drivel that have absolutely NO IMPACT on average Americans - much less a person's ability to govern.

It's all become a spectacle, not a debate.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:30 AM)

Yeah, like she has any intention of talking about the issues. 4050 of our service men and women have died in Iraq, the suicide rate is astronomical, but let's talk about flag lapel pins. It's the pins that support our military, not actually funding the VA or passing the GI bill. No more shiny objects to distract the public from the real issues.

fortuna, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:30 AM)

Since when have any of the debates focused on state specific issues? After the last so-called debate, Obama would be crazy to agree to another one.

Sue, Bloomington,IN (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:31 AM)

Obama is too Scared. He was crying after last debate and now he is ready to pick up his toys and go home.

patty,sd,ca (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:31 AM)

Maybe Obama won't debate Hillary in NC, because Hillary is already finished. The next debate Obama participates in will be against John McCain.

Oh, and Hillary, I agree with the need for people to keep an eye on your husband. I just wasn't aware that it was because of his eating habits.

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none. Paid your campaign debts yet, Hillary? Or are you saving the money to pay the lawyers defending you in the campaign finance fraud lawsuit?

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:31 AM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
In poker parlance, why would he double her up? As it is all Obama has to do is sit back and watch ole girl get blinded out.

twocanpete (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:32 AM)

How many debates have we seen? There have been over twenty! They all sound pretty much the same too. I may be wrong, but I don't remember questions tailored specifically to state issues. The questions usually revolve around policies and personal issues.

Sounds more like Hillary Clinton is pushing for free air-time.

sg, michigan (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:32 AM)

He will not debate---he has no reason he is the enevitable winner despite of what he knows and does not know.Many fleeing from the democratic party as they are collapsing from their archaic rules and do not listen to the majority of their members.

NObama-MI (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:32 AM)

She wants a debate again so she can arrange her ABC people and CBS people to give her questions before hand. She is such a looser. We are going to crush her in NC.

Matt for Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:33 AM)

I don't know why he won't debate you Hillary. Now you say you will debate him at any time, but you were the one that changed the first date and arbitrarily selected another. Or maybe you've finally convinced him, like you have the rest of America, that you cannot be trusted, are dishonest and a liar.

Are you telling the people of North Carolina that Obama can't win because he is black? Or is that Bill's job?

MBM Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:33 AM)

Ugh! Here we go again with Hillary Despiritely flailing for something, anything...She's losing. She knows it.

Obama should NEVER agree to this - they have had TWENTY-ONE Debates to this point - that is more than enough. We all know their policy positions and those of us who have watched the debates could probably recite them word for word.

This is all about Clinton wanting another Gotcha Debate. She should be careful what she wishes for - there are plenty of Gotcha questions out there that the media has yet to ask HER.

Mel (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:33 AM)

You're the front runner Senator Obama. You don't have to debate Hillary. Don't let her bait you into her world of filth, and distractions. You've had enough debates. Everybody, and their dead relatives know who you both are, and what you both stand for.

Hillary; Leave the Polls Without Her (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:34 AM)

Senator Obama, do the debate. See if Hillary Clinton can take a punch.

No, you couldn't do that. The baby boomer feminists would scream bloody murder. Afterall, she's a woman!

And then you're going to have to go after a 71 year old man in the general campaign. See if he can take a punch. A man who was a POW for 5 years.

You can't win Senator Obama. You're trying to be respectful to each of them. But they call you a whimp.

You have class and you have dignity - something no one else seems to have anymore.

Obama Supporter (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:34 AM)

Great. Keep it coming, Hill. That argument worked so well in Wisconsin.

Billy, Normal, IL (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:35 AM)

If we all ignore her will she go away?

Paula, Maine (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:35 AM)

Here is a question for you SENETOR Clinton: "Why do you continue to manipulate the truth (a.k.a. lie) in an attempt to elevate your position on anything and attempt to bring down the candidate democrats have overwhelmingly selected? I don't think you are entirely stupid but are you so arrogant that you can't see the writing on the wall?"

Like the poltergeist in that Amityville Horror said: "GET OUT!!" (of the race, you're only making things worse for democrats and yourself)

Obama is what America needs.

Dave, San Diego (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:35 AM)

It has been 12 months of debating ... at this point a debate serves only the point to have a debate over the debate and to distract from the issues.

Well, and then there is the needed free airtime for Clinton during and after the debate. I'd say, no thank you.

Clinton is campaigning for 2012 and Obama for 2008. So, I really don't care for any more Clinton spin. ("I am leading now in the popular vote"-Clinton ... yeah right!)

Frank, Missouri (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:35 AM)

Sen Obama agreed to a CBS debate in North Carolina that was scheduled for April 17th - it was Hillary Clinton who turned this down as she wanted it after the Penn Primary ---
The Clinton campaign issued a statement that this was too close to Passover?? (as a jew I findthat excuse from the non Jewish Clinton hysterical)--

Now the Clinton campaign wants to dictate exactly how everything plays out and when and where to have a debate

They are NOT (and will not be) POTUS - they do not set the agenda

alison (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:36 AM)

I am sure she'd love to debate the issues, like why hasn't Barack Obama denounced every black person to have ever had offended white society; and whether or not Obama loves America as much as any white person; as if North Carolinians really want to debate these issues. That is if none of her contraversies be brought up.

Hussein (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:36 AM)

Oh, give me a break Hillary. After the press beating he got in Pennsylvania, No candidate in their right mind should be put in that situation again.
If you really want to debate and are truly against NAFTA, go debate Bill. I would love to see that one.

BC (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:36 AM)

Please, please, please give me more free air time. I need all the help I can get. Its not fair. We should count the votes in Michigan. All of the other elections were undemocratic.

Hillary Clinton, Long Walk, Short Pier (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:37 AM)

LoL, more debates for you to clarify how you want mandates and Obama doesn't?

Next time lets have a silly debate on how Hillary Clinton can stimulate our economy by paying her past due debts?

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:37 AM)

I've got a question for her campaign, but I can't get an answer from her so perhaps one of her supporters will answer: I hear she turned $1,000 into $100,000 in just a few days in the commodities market to raise money for Bill's presidential campaign. Why doesn't she do that for her own campaign so she can pay off her debts?

Jack Hussein Donovan, IA (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:37 AM)

Craig Crawford from Congressional Quarterly (say that 5 times fast) has a great idea. Have Barack debate McCain right now.

In fact, have all 3 debate right now.

Obama is in a bad spot here. He will look supremely weak and scared if he continues to turn down these debates with the lame excuse that there have been too many already.

How many meetings with the Israli/Palestinians will be too many? How many meetings with the Iranians will be too many? How many meetings with the North Koreans will be too many? How many will it take you to get pissy and take your marbles and go home?

Why shouldn't the citizens of North Carolina and Indiana and every remaining state get the economic boon that these encounters bring? All those newspeople spending money on hotels, restaurants, transportation. NC isn't in the trouble some other states are but it seems to me Indiana especially could use the cash. You can help them NOW.

C'mon Barack. Here's your chance to regain some respect from Undecideds who thought you looked petulant in Philadelphia.

Margaret, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:38 AM)

They keep printing that this would be a set back for women kind.
Well listen up I am a woman and I don not want another Clinton in the white house.

They keep harping on the women are the ones voting for HRC, I did not.

They keep saying all sorts of stuff using the GENDER card for HRC.
I think that if this keep going in much longer we the DEMOCRATS will just stop paying attention.

The SUPERS need to end this right now.
Is this still good for the party?
I don`t think so!!!!!

Pls note that all WOMEN are not voting for HRC, as we see her as some sort of MONSTER LYING CHEATING STEALING B_T_H.

NO, I would never vote for thiat.

Go Obama '08

BIGOLDTEXAN (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:39 AM)

Of course Hillary and her budds are pushing for another debate; with the campaign in so much money trouble, a debate will be a FREE AIRTIME. Why should Sen Obama waste his time debating when he can go about his campaign and meet the people and answer their questions in person. Hillary is behind and will never catch up, and she is just grasping at straws. She is looking so desparate right now.

It is Over (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:39 AM)

Why have a debate when the media already has the "narrative" written? Just get somebody to play Senator Obama's part from SNL and carry on . . . what difference would it make?

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:40 AM)

How many debates already, 18, 21? I've lost count. And none but the first few have had any real substance.

If I wanted drama I'd vote for Hillary. I don't and I think that it is one of the problems with politics today. I don't like "reality" television, Maury or Jerry Springer either. Since the next "debate" will likely be like the last several and similar to the prestated low-life slugfests without real substance and simply attacking one or both of the candidates, I see no real value in having another one.

I already have sworn off ABC (haven't watched a single program or commercial since the last farce) and refuse to watch Fox "News." I am running out of quality news reporting. Please don't make another reason for me to stop watching another network.

NO MORE DEBATES!

Democrat (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:40 AM)

So people asked her 14,000 times "Why are you still in the race"?

Bob, Chicago

Bob, Chicago (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:40 AM)

Give one reason why Obama should further HRC's Tonya
Harding tactics. Also, didn't Obama get "lynched ABC
style" the last time he showed up.

SD's the writing was on the wall with HRC taking
McCain's side. The DNC is now divided compliments
to the Clinton's the other Rebublican's.

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:40 AM)

I have noticed that my comments which are many have never been posted. I wonder if anyone can tell me why?
OK, let's see this appears to be the first on the list. Hillary Clinton is showing the American voters that she is leaning heavily on her husband's support. It is also remarkable that when she goes into any State she compliments that constituency for something or other. Now in No. Carolina it is the sunshine state, the best place to be in the summer. Really! I always thought that my State of South Carolina was one of the most colorful places to be in the summer. And, we down here also love our barbecue treats. Come on. Is this all she has to offer Nor. Carolina? She should tell the people in that State how her healthcare plan will cover every American in the country and will be affordable to all. Haven't we heard this before? And, can she get us out of Iraq or does she believe that we should be there permanently?

RAnthony, Mauldin SC

Rudolph Abraham, Mauldin SC (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:41 AM)

Patty SD CA

You're absolutely right. Obama is ready to pick up his toys and go home to the White House.

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none. How's that campaign finance fraud trial going, Hillary? Are you sweating yet?

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:41 AM)

There is no reason to debate her here in NC. She will not want to really discuss the issues that are effecting the people of NC.
I am so tried of the lies and half-truths HRC tells.
She has already lost this primary fight and is just trying to make sure Barack can't win in November so that she can say "I told you so". I think that it is disgusting that the Media and The DNC has not stepped in to say enough is enough.
There are people that say we as black people automatically jumped on the Barack bandwagon because he is black are mistaken. There was a time early on that I was really leaning towards HRC, but because of her continued negativity there is no way I could.
She really turned me off with the comment that she would have left the church if Pastor Wright were her pastor. Being married to a pastor gives me a little insight into this. My husband has said things that I certainly do not agree with over the past 20 years, does that mean I should have left not only my church but my marriage also? What needs to happen is the media needs to report things in a fair and even manner and stop making the littlist thing into a major issue. We have really real and big issues to deal with other than who said what when.
GAS, ECONOMY, JOBS, EDUCATION.

LadyT in Thomasville, NC (Sent Friday, April 25, 2008 11:42 AM)

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