Last night's debate (D)

Scott, PA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:31:22 GMT

I was very disappointed when (upon Biden’s remark on being tested, as part of his efforts in teaching prevention and testing of HIV to his urban black population) Obama felt the need to defend himself being tested as if it were something disgraceful. What a freaking wuss! There was no need for that, stand up and be a man. It was as if he were embarrassed by it. His fear is regrettable. Clinton’s response to that and other questions were equally as wussy. Be a man, as it were, and be the strong leader we need.

Last night's debate (D)

RAH — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:10:26 GMT

Scott, whatever medical test anyone takes is their personal information. No one should be revealing someone else's personal information especially to the public. Another thing, AID's testing has a certain stigma to it and the Obama's took the test in Kenya to encourage the people there to take it and not be ashamed. Maybe not everyone is knowledgeable about the reason he was tested. Giving the lies that are being spread in the media about him these days, he wanted to clear up the reason and occasion for the tests to head off any mean spirited rumors about him. (again)

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Susan, Miami — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:16:52 GMT

Hillary was the most impressive. She will be nominated and will probably win. This is every republicans nightmare.

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Jenvon, Detroit, MI — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:21:52 GMT

Biden and Dodd need to go sit down.Their many years in Congress haven't stirred things up much there. What was up with Gravel? Dennis K. has the soundest plan, but alas, people will not vote for him because of his looks. Richardson was lack luster. The only two who had a little spunk were Obama and Hilary.

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Russell in Maryland — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:23:57 GMT

Scott, you are repeating your exact comment from another section. I guess you are proud of calling people wusses and to be a man because then people will think you must be a macho macho man. Know what I think?

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Scott, PA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:31:13 GMT

Obama's testing was made public months ago and brought up again during an interview with him several weeks ago. I'll agree that Obama's efforts are admirable, they always are.
Then why the shame?-The need to defend taking the test? There is nothing to be ashamed of and precisely Biden's point in his efforts to elevate the issue on national television.
Lastly, FEAR (being afraid of the media spin or public ignorance)is not a good reason, we need someone that is certainly not afraid of what the media can do to him. A leader, not just a good person.

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Scott, PA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:39:10 GMT

The more I think about it the more it disturbs me. First, that this was made into a joke. Second, it does a disservice to the very community they were trying to convince and inform.

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juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:40:34 GMT

Hillery seems more confident/presidential with each debate as well as a good grasp of issues;HOWEVER; it is those high negatives.

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stix66 illinois — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:54:34 GMT

thank you RAH ..you said it for me.

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Isaac CO — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:10:32 GMT

Hillary just had another night of telling people Exactly what they want to hear... She's the only one on that stage that stood on what she thought was politically expedient over their personal beliefs.
No surprise though, at least she didn't spend as much time blaming Bush for a war she voted for as usual.

Last night's debate (D)

Liz K — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:18:11 GMT

I agree with Scott on this one. Since Obama had made this information public in the past, why did he seem so panicked about explaining why he was tested? Biden was trying to say that if you're going to prevent the spread of AIDS, people need to be tested. Plain and simple. My husband and I both got tested before we got married. It was no big deal, but Obama made it look shameful. I was a little surprised when Biden used Obama's name but it shouldn't have been something that made Obama blush. Quite the contrary, he should have stood there and said, "Yes, Joe is right. It is very important for people to be voluntarily tested if we're going to curb the spread of AIDS."

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John — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:27:23 GMT

C'mon Susan, Hillary has very effectively alienated every progressive Democrat her by spineless, compromised positions. She's already dispised by rank and file Republicans. Her candidacy would be Karl Rove's dream opponent. Are you Susan - aka the famous republican lurker who paid by the RNC to whip up support for a loser?

Last night's debate (D)

L. jones — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:47:07 GMT

If we stand back, amd take a serious look at ourselves we all have negatives. Who is say high/low? The media spunned these assertions about Hillary. As a man we can make a joke of ridiculous assertions. It is like the Cold Pizza sexual harassment mess. Woody said he did not do it, Jay said the same thing and who do we men believe, 9 out of 10 men will believe those two guys of course. Why get caught up in media hype, judge for yourself. Would you prefer a weak person to run for public office or someone who has a back bone and not a push over. She does not give in to the media and that is why they beat her up with that.

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Ken, Winona, MN — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:51:47 GMT

I was disappointed in the AIDS responses. Nobody seriously mentioned the decriminalizaion of injection paraphenalia and the free distribution of condoms. Both are known to reduce transmission rates. This is an example of endless political blather prevailing over acknowledged facts. I came away from last nights debate with the feeling that neither party will let the facts get in the way of a good story--and I'm an ardent Democrat.

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Miriam, Chicago, IL — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:01:37 GMT

It's unfortunate that to me Obama's response seemed almost panicked regarding the HIV test - as I think Biden was trying to show that the fear, shame and embarrassment of HIV testing is lending to the spread of the disease and therefore what we must get passed. I was a bit disappointed in Richardson's response to the HIV question - he seemed to stumble and fumble his way through and didn't make alot of sense. That was disappointing to me.

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John Doe, Santa Monica CA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:22:19 GMT

I agree that it was wussy of Obama to qualify his testing of HIV. He was tested in Africa and - I believe - it appeared on the Oprah show. It was a completely public display to take the stigma off of getting tested. And yet when Biden brought it up saying Hey look, it's important to get tested, the stigma is lessening, some of your candidates have gotten tested, Obama appeared embarrassed and qualified that, further adding to the stigma.

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John Doe, Santa Monica CA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:22:44 GMT

Last night's debate (D)

RAH — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:34:58 GMT

I still maintain that a person's medical testing is still ONLY their business to reveal. I would still feel the same way if the discussion was about prostate cancer, high blood pressure or cholesterol; even if the discussion was about preventative care in a health care discussion. It still wasn't Biden's place to talk about Obama's AIDS testing. Noble or not!

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Belinda — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:47:13 GMT

Hillary was the clear winner. Her responses were cogent, concise and seemingly largely based on experience. If you're objective, you'll agree.

Last night's debate (D)

jjg, ms — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:51:56 GMT

Great comments, Ken. You are exactly correct, and research supports what you noted. Unfortunately, these will be spun as promoting IV use and sexual irresponsibility; ridiculous notions, of course.

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Giancarlo, Cambridge, MA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:53:36 GMT

You guys miss the point. Obama's response to the AIDS question was to clarify that he did not go with Biden (as a gay couple) to get tested together, bur rather he went with his wife Michelle. It was a light-hearted and funny moment.

The debate didn't change anything. Richardson's performances continue to be atrocious. The words needles, condoms and penetrate should never be in the same sentence when addressing the HIV/AIDS epedemic among young people.

Obama was at the top of his game last night. You can tell that he's too smart to be confined to 30 second answers. Clinton's performance at the beginning of the debate was solid, though a bit too programmed and "canned", and she faded away at the very end.

Democrat's best hope for winning the WH in 2008 is Barack Obama. Both Hillary and Barack will mobilize the GOP in 08, with the difference that the latter will get many of them to come out and vote for him.

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lewis, cincinnati, ohio — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:56:31 GMT

I don't think Obama was embarassed by getting and AIDS test. I think he wanted the audience to know the context in which he got his aids test. Standing there I'm sure he could see some conservative mag stating that he was tested for aids without giving the complete story.

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Brooke, Las Angeles, CA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:13:24 GMT

Thank you Giancarlo. I was wondering when someone was going to get Obama's response to Biden's remark. Folks are so quick to judge without first looking at alternative meanngs.

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J. Smith, Portland, OR — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:19:52 GMT

Senator Clinton won't be a strong leader, and isn't now. Instead, she's the flip side of the same coin as Bush.

Both are stubborn. Afraid. Unauthentic. Have questionable ethics. Have wealthy backers. And have name recognition.

In the debate last night no candidate hit a home run; there were a couple of surprise base hits from Kucinich and Dodd.

Last night's debate (D)

Kato in Des Moines — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:24:17 GMT

Obama's comment was merely an attempt at humor in response to Biden's somewhat ambiguous statement when he said: "I know Barrack Obama has been tested for HIV." Obama jokingly wanted the audience to know that Biden was not with him when he got tested. The inference being that they are not a couple.

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Ken, Winona, MN — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:27:35 GMT

Who really cares if a particular candidate was AIDS tested??? Biden wasted our time talking about his personel AIDS test and was out of line in mentioning Obama's. I thought Obama's comments were appropriate and well presented.

However, there's still the problem of nobody addressing known, proven solutions. We absolutely MUST mention needles and condoms when discussing this problem with young adults.

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Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:47:12 GMT

I missed the AIDS thing... I think that was about when Argentina was scoring its third goal against us. But based on all you guys have described, Obama's response sounds pretty funny. Also its the one negative comment I'm seeing from Clinton supporters about Obama's performance, so he must have done pretty well all in all. Actually from what I've read, the field as a whole did well. Curious to see if the Republican debate on these issues actually happens. According to the debate coordinator on CSPAN this morning, it will, but don't know if anything has been scheduled as yet.

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Veritas, Boston, MA — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:08:07 GMT

Hey Smith- Where did you get your indepth analysis of Hillary Clinton-Rush Limbaugh? Please try not to be so ignorant- You are spewing Republican talking points- You have nothing to back it up- This is serious-get real- Stop the knee jerk attacks and think- Whoever your favorite candidate-go out and work for them- tout their strengths -just don't do it by putting others down- If they haven't got the credentials to win then perhaps they don't deserve it. Please stop hurting our party-

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J. Smith, Portland, OR — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:04:38 GMT

A first thought about last night's debate is that Sen. Clinton's current rhetoric on several national issues sounds like what Sen. Obama's been saying for a long time; for example, the need for racial inclusiveness, government funding for education for low-income youth, more funding for inner-city social services programs, etc.

Sen. Obama's campaign platform is founded on inclusiveness. In fact, his two books ('Dreams From My Father', and,'The Audacity of Hope')speak, in great part, about finding and building upon our common concerns, the areas that unite us, the 'sameness' we share.

Obama's campaign is about hope for our future, our children's future, our country, and how we together can make positive changes happen.

He offers sound policy proposals and good answers - doesn't claim to have all the answers - but consistently demonstrates willingness to work toward positive solutions for Americans of all backgrounds.

America's ready for positive change and Obama's the best, most authentic candidate to lead us forward in that change. His campaign platform's got substance, inclusiveness, and gives me hope.

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HMT — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:59:15 GMT

Edwards di the usual good job---

Last night's debate (D)

Harry — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:11:51 GMT

Hillary Clinton will never win. People simply do not understand the amount of hatred the GOP, evangelists, and conservatives have for her. Furthermore, her unfavorables are too high. How do you expect her to win a single state in the south? In fact, how do you expect her to win a single '04 red state?

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Bob — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:17:23 GMT

You folks that are making an issue of Obama talking about the HIV test, if he had not spoken up, the headline would have read: PLAYBOY OBAMA GETS HIV TEST, MICHELLE IN THE DARK.

Get a grip, if someone puts you out there like that on national TV, you would have felt the need to explain. Without explaining, people begin to wonder (because of the very ignorance they are trying to fight): why did he take the test? Does he have AIDS? Does his wife know? Has he been engaging in extramarital relations?

Hillary Clinton, in my opinion, is the one WHO NEEDS AN AIDS TEST with Bill Clinton as her husband.

Last night's debate (D)

Giancarlo, Cambridge, MA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:47:02 GMT

I'm starting to feel that Obama is too smart for all of this. He really struggles with restricting himself to soundbite answers.

Barack Obama was the head of Harvard Law Review, an amazing intellectual achievement. About 10-13 people run for that position every year and the fact that he was selected by the majority of his law school peers for that post, while being the first African-American to ever have it, speaks volumes about the respect he inspires in those that work closely with him.

I felt that he did very well last night and that his answers are far more thought-out than Clinton's or anyone elses. But the question is if Obama is too good for Presidential politics? Is he too intellectually honest and accomplished for this? Unfortunately, after witnessing how our society glorifies a Paris Hilton and violent TV shows, I'm afraid to say that maybe Americans aren't on his same wavelength and are having trouble appreciating him.

I would hope not...

Last night's debate (D)

In2Win — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:08:56 GMT

The Hillary/Obama thing worries me. I am not prejudiced but there is a good amount of hidden prejudice across the South and the West, where the Republicans have dominated. Now that GOP support is wavering acroos the boards, A female or African-American candidate might just rally them again, especially if a guy like Fred T. or Rudy is the alternative. The democrats, to make a realistic bid for the White House, to deliver the right message, has to have the right messenger. A Gore/Edwards, or an Edwards/Ridhardson ticket might make inroads in the South and the West.

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SickOfTheRacialCrap — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 15:13:50 GMT

I have really had it with these blatant racist comments. For the last time, White journalists reporting opinion pieces on Black people asserting that Barack Obama MESSED up or FAILED because the entire Black audience didn't fall in love with him, is down right abhorrant and racist! You people may vote for someone based on their race, but the rest of the nation is not like you. I have really had it with these retarded opinion pieces being passed as news and I have had it with it not being confronted. The type of reporting being done with regards to Obama and the Black vote is highly offensive and very racist and enough is enough. No one ethnic group in American is guaranteed to vote for people as a block based on race. That's right. Even White people. So, knock it off or their will be a list made of all journalists, not who they work for, but the actual journalists themselves who are writing these racist pieces and a list will go out into the Black Community , from Tavis Smiley to your average Black Blog, to reject everything that journalists says because they are a racist.

Last night's debate (D)

John Barton, Denver, Colorado — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 16:11:06 GMT

As in independent voter, it is obvious to me that regardless of her ability to say the popular things in debates, you have to understand this about Hillary. She only has support from a relatively small core group of democratic supporters(mainly female)and she is dispised by over half of all voters.(More so than any candidate in history-and including many females). Secondly, her candidacy, and indeed her entire political career is based on one thing-Bill Clinton. Even her most vocal supporters have to admit that without Bill, she wouldn't have been a senator, and certainly wouldn't be in this race, much less in the lead. She has a proven, long-term ability to polarize make a large number of people very angry at her. This won't change, it's just a fact.
If the democratics do nominate her, they will be doing the very thing that the republicans want. Can you even imagine the money that will be raised to attact her if she is the nominee?
Hillary can't possibly win the general election-it's simple math.
Barack Obama is the obvious choice-fresh, smart and with the ability to cut across all party lines-democrats, republicans and independents. And he is energizing a whole new generation of young people who are beginning to care about politics for the first time since JFK. He couldn't possibly be beaten by any republican. That's why the right is attacking him and going soft on Hillary.
Please democratics, don't nominate Hillary and put a Fred Thompson, or some other right wing fool back in the white house. This nation has a real chance with Barack Obama to get back on track.-don't blow it!

Last night's debate (D)

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 14:58:26 GMT

SickOf... that's bothered me, too. The thought that African-Americans would vote for Obama simply because... or that women would vote for Hillary simply because... it's really pretty insulting when you think about it. By the way, I've seen similar references to Richardson.

Basically the point being made is that these voters are so shallow as to not even bother hearing what the candidates say to determine which might better represent their own opinions.

I've seen Clinton supporters making that argument - that women will vote for Clinton simply because... While I'm sure its unintentional, in effect this argument insults the intelligence of other women.