The Duel at Dartmouth

Crystal — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:56:04 GMT

I agree. That Clinton giggle drove me up the wall. But more importantly to refuse to answer a question on Social Security, that is crazy. How can I vote for you if I don't know your stance on an issue that WILL DEFINITELY affect me. Also, the response about allowing the public to know donors of the libraries and foundation, that was weird to say the least, given your background, it is no way that you can dodge the question. I thought that Tim did a good job at trying to get her to answer the questions, he was respectful in his tone and presentation.
I thought Edwards did a good job last night (applaud him for exposing Clintons take on the Iraq war), I thought Obama did answer the questions directly (applaud him on exposing her inability to unite Republicans in regards to the issue of healthcare and then not revisiting the issue for the remaining years in office). Biden did okay, and Kucinich is over the top. But overall, last night was a good debate!!

The Duel at Dartmouth

MK,MO — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:00:32 GMT

hillary needs to answer the questions she is asked, her constant duck, cover and misdirect just reinforces her lack of honesty and the fact she can't be trusted

The Duel at Dartmouth

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:06:41 GMT

If Hillary gets elected (a BIG if). We will find out the answers to the questions last night on January 21 2009. Her answers on social security shows she does not care about the subject.

I think Joe Biden hit it right on the money when it comes to America being ready for another ride on The Clinton runaway freight train.

The Duel at Dartmouth

George — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:27:30 GMT

Crystal-

Obama and Clinton answered the questions almost exactly the same way, to the point of beginning their answers with, "I agree with..." It was Edwards who was out there challenging Clinton.

You sound like just another shill for Barack. Edwards and Biden were best and Barack disappointed, big time.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Judy, Ovilla TX — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:27:40 GMT

I don't like the way Hillary decides what she will answer. I just don't trust her. As time goes on, all of the dirt about her will come out. Too bad the polls don't show that Obama is honest and has integrity. The Republicans want her to be nominated because they can't wait to come out with all the dirt on her and Bill.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:40:43 GMT

Hillary did so much ducking last night she may become Dick Chaney's new target. I think Edwards and Obama did particularly well, showing their grasp of the issues and their ability to criticize Hillary without getting nasty. The only one who doesn't act like a politician is Mike Gravel. I loved his recent 'fat and stupid' comment. A politician would have called it 'horizontally and IQ challenged'.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Julie in VT — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:51:23 GMT

The most explosive moment in the debate, bar none, was Gravel exposing Hillary voting for this insane Leiberman resolution to declare Iran's military as terrorists - the first serious step in the Bush/Cheney march to bomb Iran. How could she support this?????? God help us if she gets the nomination. Kudos to Biden and Dodd for voting against this folly.... and shame on Obama for skipping out on the vote altogether.

The Duel at Dartmouth

RR, Orlando — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:57:45 GMT

Clinton DID answer the question about whether she would support Israel in a pre-emptive strike against Iran, albeit indirectly. She stated that in the "real", not "hypothetical" situation with Syria that she did support Israel's actions. To me that was a "yes" without making a direct threat towards Iran.

By the way, did anybody else think the candidates blew the question regarding gay marriage? The question came frome the public in reference to the New Hampshire teacher who read a story about two princes to a second grade class. Not one candidate had a negative response. Come on people, we are talking about SECOND GRADERS!! My partner and i just looked at each other in amazement (yes, we are gay) wondering why no one could make the distinction between tolerance towards gays and the idea of pushing such an issue in front of a group of 7 year olds. I realize that they are children that age with two mommies or two daddies, but I still think that discussion belongs in the home, not school, when we are talking about chidren in second grade.

The Duel at Dartmouth

PJ — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:59:12 GMT

Judy said: "The Republicans want her to be nominated because they can't wait to come out with all the dirt on her and Bill." And that's all they have, smear & fear, but it won't stick. As for Hillary chuckling, while she THINKS how to answer a question, gee how terrible, to actually think before speaking. Something George W has never learned how to do. ("childrens do learn") so pathetic. An intelligent Democrat in the White House! Not another Retardlican.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Erik — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:06:08 GMT

Obama did not do what the media wanted him to do...be an attack dog! I'm bewildered by this because Obama stuck to the issues and instead of applauding this the media is angry because he did not put on a show. Why? Isn't the point of the debate to tell the American public the canidates views on national issues? Or are the debates a time for the candidate to spew negativity and rage? Is this what we want our children to see? Is it what we want to become ourselves? As a nation of civilized people or are we looking for any chance possible to bring the next man or woman down? Obama stuck to his promise he should be congratulated not criticized. If he went off criticizing Hillary the media would put him down for not sticking to his promise of running a clean campaign! He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't in the media's eyes.

Obama you have my support you don't have to be dirty and be pressured into being attack dog. I can tell my little nephew here is man who doesn't claim to be perfect but works hard to do right by people. I can tell myself I don't need to fit in corporate America by back stabbing my way to the top. To me this is a spiritual belief Obama was tested on and he did great! He set an example for our nation; it's children and adults. Obama left with his integrity in tact and to lose that is not worth the job. Obama you have my vote for being a decent human being who isn’t lead by the media! Obama you are a true leader!

The Duel at Dartmouth

Adam, Columbus Ohio — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:16:55 GMT

Hillary's ducking and weaving of those big questions (Iran, Israel, withdrawal from Iraq) is going to hurt her only if her serious competition (Obama and Edwards) hammer her with it. They had that opportunity last night, and declined to take it. One of those two is going to have to seriously put some daylight between their positions or Hillary will ride her 20+ point lead all the way to the Democratic Convention next August by sheer inertia.

The Duel at Dartmouth

HMT-MI — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:21:15 GMT

do not worry about Democratic dirt---the republicans have more than their share of dirt to spread---starting with the head of their party(Bush) right on down to the janitor in the basement.Edwards showed the guts to stand out and I agreed with him about the Iraq war--he expressed my sentiments exactly.His haircut means nothing I have paid $200.00 for the works----and he has a lot more money than I do.Obama was out of it last night,Hillary too.It seems that these people are wearing out ----take a time out and go back to work in the senate to get somthing done.

The Duel at Dartmouth

pab, ozark, al — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:38:45 GMT

I am a liberal to to the core, no way Hillary will ever get my vote, if she is the nominee I will sit out '08. What's with Pat Buchanan. Has the Clintons promised him something? I know why he does not want Obama (he's black) but what's wrong with Edwards (he's not Hillary) C. Matthews is a fool. He voted for GW Bush over A. Gore and look what that got us. So Matthews has the judgement of GW Bush. I want to THANK MSNBC for Keith Oldbermann. He's a true American.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:25:20 GMT

RR - I don't think anyone is advocating "pushing" same-sex marriage or relationships on second graders. Rather, I think it is more a realization that it is becoming more and more common, and there is nothing wrong with acknowledging its existence. There is a point where it crosses the line to indoctrinating kids with pro-gay marriage or anti-gay marriage views and that goes too far. I don't think that was the question posed to them however.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Bruce, NV — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:40:33 GMT

It seems to me (granted, a non-Democrat) that there are only 3 Dems with any kind of chance: Sen. Clinton, Mr. Edwards, and Sen. Biden.

Sen. Clinton's advantages need not be enumerated here. Mr. Edwards' advantages come down to his populism, his straight-talking and (faux or not) his "they're trying to shut me up" schtick. Sen. Biden (who would be the best President) is intelligent and articulate.

Sen. Obama has basically, imo, forfeited his early advantages. He still seems as if he should be in AAA instead of the majors.

A Republican's take; worth what you paid for it (nothing!).

The Duel at Dartmouth

B Shaver, Pembroke Pines, Florida — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:41:50 GMT

Chris Matthews sounded frantic and particularly nasty because candidates 2 and 3 haven't mounted a heavy attack on Hillary. So he took it upon himself to do it for them. Last night he represented TV "journalism" at its worst.

The Duel at Dartmouth

ZTLogic — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:53:39 GMT

I felt the MSM, including Tim Russet, who I think did a fantastic job yesterday by the way, are all out to put Mrs. Clinton back in the WH. In a very important topic as Iraq, Mrs. Clinton should have answered first, rather than allowing her to user others reply as part of her own platitudes. The issue of torture is also a good example.

If the MSM was really spoiling for a fight as Chris Mathews and his fellow clowns were suggesting yesterday, Mrs. Clinton should have been made to answer question before other and then allowed her a rebottle.

The most annoying part for me is that she already acting that she is president when no vote has been cast!

Also, if they want a real debate, Kucinich, Gravel and Dodd (know I normally call a GRUMPY OLD MAN) should not be on that stage because:
(1) They don't have any chance.
(2) They are just wasting precious time and not allowing people to see the real Mrs. Clinton, which would have come out yesterday had Obama been more aggressive as Edwards was.
(3) Time for comic relieve is over, serious issues need to be discussed and put on record

The Duel at Dartmouth

ZTLogic — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:57:13 GMT

I felt the MSM, including Tim Russet, who I think did a fantastic job yesterday by the way, are all out to put Mrs. Clinton back in the WH. In a very important topic as Iraq, Mrs. Clinton should have answered first, rather than allowing her to user others reply as part of her own platitudes. The issue of torture is also a good example.

If the MSM was really spoiling for a fight as Chris Mathews and his fellow clowns were suggesting yesterday, Mrs. Clinton should have been made to answer question before other and then allowed her a rebottle.

The most annoying part for me is that she already acting that she is president when no vote has been cast!

Also, if they want a real debate, Kucinich, Gravel and Dodd (who I normally call a GRUMPY OLD MAN) should not be on that stage because:
(1) They don't have any chance.
(2) They are just wasting precious time and not allowing people to see the real Mrs. Clinton, which would have come out yesterday had Obama been more aggressive as Edwards was.
(3) Time for comic relieve is over, serious issues need to be discussed and put on record

The Duel at Dartmouth

RR, Orlando — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:02:10 GMT

Carrie, you are right about same sex parents being more and more commonplace, and there is nothing wrong with it being acknowledged. I just feel that a second grade class is not the place and that it is the parents' responsibility to discuss it with their children, not the school's. I am just afraid that this is the type of issue that drives the religious right and gives them something to rally their base. Only John Edwards mentioned that second grade may be too young, then he backed up on that statement. I would have respected him more had he not done so. Having said that, I was just surprised that no other candidate even went that far. I guess times are changing faster than I thought.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Candy Appleson — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:02:15 GMT

The Dual at Dartmouth?

More like the Dullards at Dartmouth.

The Duel at Dartmouth

End This War — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:09:20 GMT

I am proud of B. Obama.
he did not do what the media wanted him to do, attack his opponents as they wish he would.
Edwards was also good, he answered all questions directly as Obama did.
I have to admit that I did want to see someone knock HRC on her ass and I`do not like the flip flops and Because Hillary does NOTHING BUT LIE AND CHEAT. She couldn`t give a direct answer, she looked stupid when asked the tortured question that Bill thought was fine to torture for answers even if they get the wrong answer from the prisoner.
How she is the front runner and get this, is because she was the former first lady before Laura, she didn`t run the white house and being the former first lady do not make for experience to be president.
a vote for Hillary is a vote for Republicans.
She runs as the candidate with the most experience only because she says it is so. THIS DO NOT MAKE YOU EXPERIENCED.
She tries to say that all the Democratic contenders have the 'same voting record' on Iraq! LIAR, LIAR, LIAR. Her continually changing her mind to fit her audience, couldn`t do this last night. THIS DO NOT MAKE YOU EXPERIENCED.

NO MORE BUSHS/CLINTONS................End This War!!
NO MORE REPUBLICANS/CLINTONS..........End This War!!

The best team for the white house is OBAMA/EDWARDS '08.

WHAT WE NEED IS CHANGE, AND OBAMA IS THE MAN TO DO IT!! HE HAS STOOD BEHIND ALL THAT HE HAS STATED, HE DOES NOT FLIP FLOP JUST TO FIT THE AUDIENCE.
He state that the American people should be told the truth even if it hurts and I agree, we have been lied to, mislead,and kepted in the dark far to long.
If we hadn`t have been there may not have been a 9/11.
Who dropped the ball there?
The most "experience" my ass, I can smell her lies all the to my hometown.
Is it me, or does she looks as though she is aging right before your eyes? When Tim brought up the money and Norman Hsu I thought she was going to fake a faint:).
I still don't understand how 8 years of being First Lady counts as "experience"

NO MORE BUSHS/CLINTONS................End This War!!
NO MORE REPUBLICANS/CLINTONS..........End This War!!

BEST TEAM FOR THE WHITE HOUSE,
OBAMA/EDWARDS '08

The Duel at Dartmouth

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:21:38 GMT

RR - I guess that I maybe have a different view, coming from a pretty liberal school system. But I will concede that it is a difficult question. Perhaps second grade is too early. How do you feel about including it in a health class or whatever they are calling them these days when kids are a little older?

The Duel at Dartmouth

nuanced — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:46:01 GMT

Tim Russert is a disgrace. He needs to read the constitutions which says "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." He was clearly giving the candidates a religious test pop quiz in the so-called debate when he asked them to come up with a bible quote. This has nothing to do with qualifications to run the country or their stand on issues and it violates the constitution. It would have made much more sense to ask the candidates for a quote from the US constitution since they will be sworn to uphold it.

Backed into the same religious test corner and forced to spout god-talk or lose the election I would have chosen Jesus' advice to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” which was a clear call to separation of church and state which he further amplified when he said “My kingdom is not of this world" in response to pleas for political activism.

The Duel at Dartmouth

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:32:31 GMT

nuanced - I don't like that he restricted it to Bible verses, although the candidates did not stick to it anyway, but I do like to know what bits of wisdom candidates consider to be important - guiding principles I guess you could say. Of course, it's probably a bunch of crap anyway...LOL.

Loved Kucinich's choice, btw. If he does nothing else right, he carries around the right writing.

The Duel at Dartmouth

RR, Orlando — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:50:58 GMT

Carrie, your suggestion makes sense, I think that most reasonable voters would agree with you. Thanks for your feedback.

The Duel at Dartmouth

KK, Coral Springs, FL — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:16:00 GMT

Tim Russert was a terrible moderator. The "debate" sounded more like an interview of Clinton, with Russert asking Clinton follow-up after follow-up questions, not giving the other candidates a fair chance. I am so tired of the media and now George Bush deciding who is the Democratic nominee. NO VOTE HAS TAKEN PLACE YET!!!! DENNIS KUCINICH would be the hand's down people's candidate if people would get the opportunity to listen and really hear his progressive views and beliefs. He is one of the very few candidates with principles and lives by his beliefs.

The Duel at Dartmouth

JA, Hanover, New Hampshire — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:30:09 GMT

I thought Kucinich won the debate hands down. However, I will be voting for Hillary. I don't mind her nuanced answers; in fact, I applaude them. Being direct and inflammatory like the famous axis of evil speech is what destroyed years of diplomatic efforts in the first place. I think she is the best qualified candidate in terms of intelligence, understanding of the issues, and experience.

The Duel at Dartmouth

End This War — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:55:47 GMT

Your right KK of Coral Springs. Tim Russert was a terrible moderator. just about all the questions that were asked he kept coming back to HRC for a follow up. He did not give each of the other candidates the same chance as he did HRC. I believe that he truly wanted to see he stumble which she did by stepping around most of the questions.
Did anyone get the poll results of democrats debate?
I can`t find them, pls direct me.

The Duel at Dartmouth

kk, bfe, ms — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 04:19:17 GMT

Does Clinton ever really answer a question directly, if you look at her stance on the issues, she doesn't have one. She opposes bans on everything but she doesn't support the ideas either. She isn't making a stand on any issue so that all the voters hear what they want to and she will get all the votes. Personally, I would vote for a monkey before I would make her our next president, and it's not because she's a female. It's because she's indecisive and that is the last thing our country needs right now.

The Duel at Dartmouth

BOB — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:12:46 GMT

IS TIM PART OF FOX NEWS OR WAS HE JUST PART OF THE DEBATE?