Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Jack Heines, Las Vegas, Nevada — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:32:25 GMT

Hillary gave another great performance. She is without a doubt the "best" candidate. I will be voting for Hillary Clinton.

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Burl, KY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:32:40 GMT

Chuck Todd. You are an absolute disgrace. Blah blah blah. I just hope people don't ACTUALLY let what you spout on here influence what THEY hear from the candidates.

Doesn't it make you feel pathetic to have to only be allowed to say what your employer wants you to say?

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Richard Tabuteau, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:33:00 GMT

I wish the Clinton News Network(CNN) could give as balanced an accounting of the debate as MSNBC. If you watch the post debate coverage on that channel, you would think Sen. Clinton mopped the floor with the other candidates. She did well, but CNN needs to get a grip.

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Anthony, New York, New York — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:33:23 GMT

Did you guys (and girls) noticed how Edwards and Obama missed completely the immigration question? Granted Hillary only responded with her NO... But the guys waffled incredibly...

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Amy Presley — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:33:56 GMT

No question about it, Hillary has the most experience and is ready to lead from day one.

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G Davis — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:35:06 GMT

I agree this event did nothing else if it didn't differentiate the big two from the rest.

That said, these debates suck. There were some good exchanges, honest disagreements going on that were cut short and some candidates never got to enter.

With a field this big, there has to be a different way to do this. It's not fair to any of the candidates.

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David Quinta — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:35:37 GMT

It is clearly known...that Hillary supporters were there. and that most of the questions were in favor to her...I MEAN the last question put the cherry on top! No it is not the same like the last debate...clearly Mark Wolf was pessimistic about every candidates response...i wonder how much the corp paid him??? geez...and did you see all those woman in that debate?? i really did not like this debate at all...espc the crowd booing kucinich???? obama??? wow...wake up america!

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Joe J.,Greensboro, N.C. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:35:42 GMT

GOT TO LOVE HILLARY. hillaryclinton.com

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pmorlan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:38:54 GMT

Edwards was put on the end specifically so that he wouldn't be next to them. Does that really surprise you? The media want this to be Obama vs. Clinton. They don't want Edwards in the picture and they have done everything they can to keep him out. We are totally disgusted. But we won't give up...this is far too important a race to quit. We know Edwards won't and we won't either.

By the way, the audience issue was a big factor in this debate and it shouldn't have been.

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Brian, Ohio — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:39:32 GMT

CNN is horrible. I am stuck in Canada for a week on business and have been dying without Hardball, Tucker, and Keith. All they have up here is CNN.

They are clearly pushing and pulling for Hillary. They didn't press her on NAFTA, Immigration flip flop, using gender, and gave her a Diamonds or Pearls question? Are they serious?

Obama did fine on substance. He answered on illegal immigrants, but debates do hurt Obama's style. The question we have is: Do we want someone who can debate effectively and distinguish themselves, or do we want someone who can/will work with others and take a cerebral approach.

CNN is horrible. They put two formal clinton white house workers on the post debate coverage, and are dramatically pushing the news headline they are trying to artificially to create.

I hope MSNBC is going to rebel against how horrible CNN's coverage is, and not push this media creation. But is clearly down to two people, which I think hurts Clinton. The more people on the stage and in the discussion, the more it helps Clinton. John Edwards is out, which Hillary tried to prevent by engaging him.

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Linus, Las Vegas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:41:20 GMT

Does the American people really support Hillary Clinton like we are led to believe by the media???

I talk about politics with a wide range of diverse individuals and I don't see NEARLY the support for her that is portrayed by the MSM.

WTH is going on?

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Torrey Spears, Myakka City, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:43:08 GMT

My debate impressions:

Business as usual as the Democrats offer little more than their debate-laden talking points, and pot shots at the Republicans. Clinton v. Obama was interesting at first... Obama got caught on the illegal immigrant question, and from my vantage point, lost the rest of the night. I, too, am amazed that Clinton was able to skate through the driver's license issue with a one word answer.

Clinton didn't impress me at all. She was served lobbed softballs, she wasn't clear on NAFTA, Social Security, or Illegal Immigration. Obama is clearly out of his league at this point. John Edwards is grasping at straws. He looks desperate out there.

The second tier candidates might as well just hang up their cleats. I like Biden in that "nutty Uncle who always says something funny" way. Bill Richardson was about a half hour away from handing out daisies and braiding Hillary's hair.

Christopher Dodd and Kucinich are wasting the American people's time, in all honesty.

All in all, a complete bust of a debate put on my the Clinton News Network. The debate was tailor made to make Clinton look like the shining beacon on a hill - and if I were the other candidates, I'd boycott CNN for the rest of my campaign.

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Mark Thieme — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:44:02 GMT

Obama did not win.

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Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:45:06 GMT

Anybody else notice how Wolf tried to cut everybody off while they were trying to make a valid point, yet pretty much let Clinton give her campaign speech. CNN (Clinton News Network) is a disgrace

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Michele Konrad, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:46:10 GMT

I don't believe that people actually support Hillary. No one that I know is more than lukewarm about her, and I live in California and have liberal friends around the country. I think it's a story put forward by the media because they want a consistent storyline and an easy answer.
And what was that wierd question to Hillary about diamonds and pearls? Was that some kind of plant? I found it very strange.

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G. Janzen, Fresno, Ca — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:46:35 GMT

The whole fricken audience was her plant this time.

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Brian, Ohio — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:46:58 GMT

The support for Hillary works like this: People are told she is the front runner, so they support her.

Every man I meet says they will never vote for her.

I think the democrats are walking their party off a cliff if they nominate her. She can't win. Women may vote for her, but her negatives are too high. Why would a party do that to themselves.

I have never met people who are dying to vote for Hillary. All they say is that Obama can't beat her. They are going with Hillary because they don't see a challenger, not because she is stirring them up.

This is why she doubled her Iowa staff. If she loses in Iowa, it is over for her, because then it is down to her and Obama for a month of hard core analyzing between the two.

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Jeff Rathdrum, ID — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:47:09 GMT

I agree totally, Hillary is the most experanced and ready to lead if we want the same old politics we have had from Washington for the last 20 years or so, vote for Hillary!!!!
Me I will vote for change and hopefully giving the government back to the people, in other words Obama. In fact if Hillary is the canidate, I will probebily stay home election day because I personily am sick of the same old politics.

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Burl, KY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:47:29 GMT

This whole campaign only makes me want to stop giving a dang!! I have followed it closely and it is truly sad to see what has become of the media.

I have literally watched Chris Matthews go from a tolerable (though strong/slanted) opinated host to a man who is ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED with Hillary Clinton. After every debate, his entire show is devoted to her. He even asks the other candidates who appear on the "post game" wrap up ONLY about her!

Now CNN pulls a stunt like this. They want so badly to make this the black guy vs the women that they won't give anyone else a chance to be heard. Obama and Clinton deserve to be heard, but so do the others. Biden and Dodd specifically. They have been marginalized by the media.

I am TIRED OF IT

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Stephen Cassidy, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:47:29 GMT

Edwards disappeared during the audience Q&A section and Richardson came on strong. Richardson had his best debate of the race. At the end of the night, he looked a lot more Presidential than the two complainers (Edwards and Obama) and could emerge as the alternative to HRC.

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Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:48:23 GMT

Mark Thieme,

NOBODY WON! Everybody who watched that stupid debate is now more dumb than they were previously. CNN needs to learn a few lessons about how to conduct a debate.

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Liberals for Anyone But Hillary — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:49:09 GMT

All Democrats should be ashamed of the boo-ing whenever Clinton was challenged. She should be able to handle her own battles, and she most definitely should be challenged. Obama and Edwards were never out-of-line in their contrasting.

The debate was a total mess.

And Clinton is such a phony it makes me sick.

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diane — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:49:20 GMT

I really missed Russert's no nonsense and hard hitting moderation. blitzer was clearly gotten to by the Clinton camp and their threats. The after debate was a joke with clintonistas doing the spin for their girl.
This whole debate was rigged for hillary. She had a mediocre night but, between the so called moderators who gave her a pass and her people stuffed in the audience as well as the clinton staffers doing spin, this was not a real debate but, a joke.
I hope the next one is on MSNBC and that Russert is doing the questioning and in fine form.

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IFy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:50:35 GMT

Wolf performed as was instructed by the Clinton campaign to go after Obama. I would like to know how these clinton supporter got tickets. The debate was a pro-hillary by Wolf and the CNN(CLINTON NETWORK NEWS)

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Elizabeth Sullivan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:51:21 GMT

Chuck,

If Biden had a good night why not mention it earlier? How wacky would that have been?

One reason Biden is having trouble gaining traction is that no matter how good he does, or how many times the other candidates say "I agree with Joe" or "Joe is right", is because coverage always begins with Clinton, then Obama, then Edwards, then Richardson (even though he is -and looks like- a giant pander bear), then BidenDoddKucinich. You always say "Biden did good" like you are trying to answer call-waiting but want to finish up first.

Where is the phrase count on "I agree with Joe"? And not just by you. It is the elephant in the room that the MSM has yet to report on. Why is that? Could it be that if the MSM focused on Joe Biden he might gain in the polls? What the MSM is saying is that Biden is an old white guy and, therefore, unworthy of real attention.

Talk about your racial profiling.

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IFy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:51:36 GMT

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Jesse, Miami, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:53:32 GMT

Richardson did great. He gave staight answers that showed his knowledge and experiance! Obama did terrible. He couldn't even give a straight answer on a question he attacked Hillar on (drivers licenses to illegal immigrants). He looked desperate and unable to present his own policies.

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Vicki Sanchez, San Jose CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:53:51 GMT

Hillary lost again. Very disappointing. I think everyone had high expectations of her, but they have not been met.

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DJ, MA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:55:18 GMT

Hillary won. Listen to what she says and not to the applause and talking heads. She did a great job and is clearly the most qualified to lead the country and take it back from the quacks who run it now.

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Simon, Philadelphia PA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:55:29 GMT

I'm a man who will vote for Hillary - stop the attack line that she's unelectable - that's why she's leading in the polls nationwide, that's why she she's been dominating elections in NY state including rural republican areas. Its sick that democrats are reduced to spewing out republican attack lines on electability because they clearly aren't touching her poll numbers on the issues. Oh and p.s theres many other men like me who think Hillary's the best choice so don't think she's lacking in our support.

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mike oh — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:55:31 GMT

hehehe ... Obama waffles on the DRIVERS LISCENSE answer ... I can't stop giggling ...

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ben — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:55:47 GMT

I never met a Clinton supporter I liked... Luckily they are few and far between. This debate was ridiculous for every candidate. CNN is disgusting.

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Lewis Craig, Hilltop, Texas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:55:53 GMT

Poor, poor debate. Everyone seemed very nervous. This is certainly the B-Team (and C-Team) for the Democratic party. Hillary is losing all that luster she once had. It's looking more and more like a Republican is goiing to win next year.

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Al's Mom — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:56:24 GMT

Awful. Where's Al GOre?

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Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:56:43 GMT

Obam flinched. He seemed weakest early when the debate was the most heated. He shrunk when he had the chance to stand out.

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Gramma Cedar Rapids Ia — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:56:59 GMT

Well this woman sure wouldn't vote for her!!!!

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Clyde Barrows, Chicago — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:57:03 GMT

Democrats are through.

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WhoCares, Up North — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:57:12 GMT

Has it occurred to anyone that the Dems cannot win without the South? They didn't do it in '00 or '04 and they won't do it in '08 either. Folks in the South will never vote for a woman or a black man. I am not being prejudicial here, just a realist. Why the Dems would put themselves in a position where they could not carry the South is just totally and completely nuts. Thanks to Hillary and Obama, we will all be stuck with another Republican President. Maybe if tHillary and Company can drive the party off a cliff, a new one will emerge from the ashes that actually does what the Democratic party that Roosevelt built did - back the play of working people.

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Randy K Iowa City, IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:57:21 GMT

The Diamonds or Pearls Debate.

That was the most rigged broadcast I have ever seen. Anyone else notice all the extra camera work when Hillary spoke? Shooting from below and to the side, slow zooms. Real nice. At least it would have been if they were doing it for all the candidates instead of just one. That was as bad as anything FOX has done for Bush and the Republicans.

The Diamonds or Pearls Debate.

In case anyone had any doubt about who the Establishment candidate is. And after all the woderful comments from Barack Obama the post debate 'analylsis' jumps all over him and includes two former Clinton White House people and a packaged story line about how Hillary somehow won a debate. That was no debate. That was about as real as reality TV I guess. Absolutely disgraceful.

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linda clarence — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:57:59 GMT

Hillary Clinton should NOT be offering criticism or comments on anyone else's health care plan. We have seen her abilities or lack thereof on health care. Obama shoud have just said "sorry, Senator, but I don't think you are the person qualified to judge what makes a good health care policy or not." but, he didn't really need to. The American people know she has no credibility on being able to reform healthcare. Obama's response to Clinton's attempt to mis-characterize or re-define the middle class was stunning. She tried to hit him but he struck back very effectively on many issues.

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Mary, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:58:03 GMT

I hope that we can expect better from MSNBC than what we just got from CNN. I have never experienced such poor questions and moderating of a presidential debate.

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melody snohomish wa — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:58:18 GMT

yes the american people do support hillary. she is the best candidate running for presisent.
1. hillary
2. biil
3. joe
4. edwards
5. obama
6. dodd
7. kucinish

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men of troy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:58:47 GMT

One thing I know is I will vote against Hillary if she is the nominee period. No more watch CNN specialy that Wafle dewarf the situation room.

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steven beam — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:59:14 GMT

first obama was for everything on the table regarding soc. sec., then he was against evrything, then he was for it, then raising the caop, then not , then a bipartisan commission...which i might add has been hillary's position right from the start. hillary was obviously back on her game, after a much needed rest. as for the attack dogs obama and edwards, they got spanked on the bottom with the rolled up newspaper and put in their cages. oh, and by the way...what exactly was his answer on that yes or no question about driver's licenses? funny how these 2 attackers got called out on their own flip-flopping. alsio, i find it amusing because the crowd booed both edwards and obama and cheered for hillary, they must be people put their by the campaign. hmmmm...i wonder if it just might be possible that the audience supports her because she is the best candidate with the best chance to move the country forward.....no that's not possible, she must have planted the entire audience! step aside obama and edwards and let the lady through...the next president of the united states.

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cindy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:59:24 GMT

Best line of the night - The Upper 6% is NOT THE MIDDLE CLASS!!!!

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Gerald Williams, Ph.D., Pennsylvania — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:59:37 GMT

CNN was horrible. That's why they are know as Clinton Network News. Besides rigging the audience - they shouldn't have been able to influence the debate anyway;

Look at who they have for post-debate commentators. My God. Obama won hands down. Hillary never answered the SS question. Obama took her out on that. CNN refused to play any of that back. They showed Hillary's better remarks 3/1 over Obama after the debate. They didn't even show Obama taking on Hillary's vote on Iran, but instead just mentioned that Obama wasn't there.
They didn't show one of Obama's best presentations at the end of the debat when he said why he would Unite the country.

I am outraged at Clinton Network News. Please make this an issue Chuck. I will watch MSNBS again if you do. I stopped watching CNN long ago.

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Elizabeth Sullivan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:01:45 GMT

Amy Pressly:

This is experience:

Biden is a long-time member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which he chaired from 1987 until 1995 and served as ranking minority member from 1981 until 1987 and again from 1995 until 1997. In this capacity, he has become one of the most respected Senate voices on drug policy, crime prevention, and civil liberties. While 000chairman, Biden presided over two of the more contentious U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings ever, Robert Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas in 1991.
Biden has been instrumental in crafting significant federal crime laws over the last decade, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, also known as the Biden Crime Law. He also authored the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 2000, which contains a broad array of groundbreaking measures to combat domestic violence and provides billions of dollars in federal funds to address gender-based crimes; part of this legislation later was struck down as unconstitutional. He also introduced the controversial RAVE Act in April 2003.
As chairman of the International Narcotics Control Caucus, Biden wrote the laws that created the nation's "Drug Czar," who oversees and coordinates national drug control policy. In this role, Biden continues to work to stop the spread of "date rape" drugs, such as Rohypnol, and drugs such as Ecstasy and Ketamine. In 2004 he worked to pass a bill outlawing steroids like androstenedione, the drug used by many baseball players.
Staunchly supportive of education, Biden's legislation has promoted college aid and loan programs and has allowed families to deduct on their annual income-tax returns up to $10,000 per year in higher-education expenses. His enacted Kids 2000 legislation which established a public/private partnership to help provide computer centers, teachers, Internet access, and technical training to young people across the nation, particularly to low-income and at-risk youth.
Biden's expertise in foreign policy, national security, and arms control issues has won him considerable bipartisan respect. In 1997, he became the ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and chaired the committee from June 2001 through 2003. His efforts to combat hostilities in the Balkans in the 1990s brought national attention and influenced presidential policy: traveling repeatedly to the region, he made one meeting famous by calling Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic a "war criminal." He consistently argued for lifting the arms embargo, training Bosnian Muslims, investigating war crimes and administering NATO air strikes. Biden's subsequent "lift and strike" resolution was instrumental in convincing President Bill Clinton to use military force in the face of systematic human rights violations.

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Sean Andarde, New York, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:01:48 GMT

Frankly tonights debate was a clear home crowd advantage for Hillary. Primed with planted questions of "pearls or diamonds"...Give me a break. Democrats such as myself really need to wake up and stop letting hillary ride bill clintons coat tails and wake up to the realization that the one unifying thing for republicans is hillary, and she stands no chance in the general election!

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mike, dallas,TX — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:03:54 GMT

Chuck Todd,

I hope we will hear your opinion of how Wolf and CNN handled the debate. I thought he lost control and there was significant lack of discipline. Also what was that about people booing Edwards and Obama-that never happened in previous debates. You think the local party has too many Hillary loyalists?(Aything to do Harry Reid's son working for Hillary?)

How about the post debate spin? 2 of the 3 panelists from previous Clinton WH spinning in Hillary's favor?

CNN is no match for MSNBC when it comes to political coverage.

I hope we will hear from you Chuck!

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Seth, NYC,NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:04:10 GMT

CNN was a disgrace to the political process tonite...People in the audience were obviously Clinton supporters and, at times, didn't even allow candidates to finish. The spin the press core puts on these debates is criminal and these debates are losing there legitamacy. Hillary is the easy choice for people because of her husband, and because the press has made her out as the leader from the get go...Makes me sick. Obama is the only man willing to say what the real issues are and how the American people can come together to solve them. Iowa will set the tone and there Obama will finally be seen as someone who can beat the Clinton machine

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Tom Fellows, Lewiston, ID — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:05:25 GMT

Hillary's 35 years of experience, if my math is correct started in 1972. She graduated from law school in 1973. How does she define experience? By her definition Obama can count his childhood years in a foreign country as experience in foreign affairs. Unfortunately, she reminds of most of what I have disliked about the Bush administration. I'll take the uniter, Obama, over the divider, Clinton.

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DesertStormVet, IL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:05:43 GMT

This debate was a joke! In the end all it was was a chance for CNN to give Hillary question's that wouldn't press her on the issue's. I started laughing 10 min's in to this thing. None of the question's even pressed her on her flip-flopping and CNN did their best to help her as much as possible. You may not like every idea Obama has, but at least he stick's to his gun's.
The whole "experience" issue is a joke also. Hillary may have a little more "experience", but she hasn't got good judgement and she has proven that more than once. Look at all the "experience" in the White House now and look at the good it has done. Hillary Clinton is already bought and paid for by special interest, so if you think she is gonna do any of this stuff she is telling you then I have some beach front property in Arizona that I will sell you, cheap. It seems like people just drool over someone who will stand up there and tell them what they want to hear instead of telling them the cold, hard truth.

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Diane, Seattle, WA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:05:50 GMT

Dennis Kucinich,Dodd & Biden deserve more face time. It's still too early to dismiss them as viable candidates. No one I know is voting for Hilary. It makes me wonder if there is some sort of underhanded rigging of the polls by the Republicans because they know she can't win.

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Fred Irwin, IO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:06:45 GMT

The CNN debate was a joke! The coverage was a joke! No more CNN for me! I'm an undecided voter, but now I know why I WILL NOT VOTE for Hillary... The politics process of the onces great United States of America, is polluted!

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Stopwatchingfoxnews, Rochester, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:08:01 GMT

I told you she would dominate. Now the Obama and Edwards people are claiming every question Clinton got was easy. Whatever. The people reject Edwards negative politics and Obama is clearly to inexperienced to debate the republicans when it comes time for the general election. Hillary's answer on the gender question was awesome. Obama gave the same answer Hillary did two weeks ago on the driver's license and undocumented people. Not so easy a question to answer when the shoe is on the other foot. Let this be a lesson to Edwards and Obama, when you start attacking fellow Democrats, you leave yourself open to your own flip flops. That is why you run a positive campaign like Hillary has been doing.

My NY Senator kicks ass!

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Stopwatchingfoxnews, Rochester, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:08:01 GMT

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amy, IL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:08:17 GMT

CNN made it easy for Clinton to avoid pitfalls and to minimize the opportunity for other candidates to make their points while she was allowed ample time to elaborate. Obama answered "yes" to the license question week, yet Blitzer made a particular point to create some sort of a "media moment" for the pundits at the Clinton News Network to discuss. It was tacky. Obama was actually quite direct and forceful in this debate, yet still in a respectful way. Clinton was posed only questions that allowed her to rattle off her traditional spiel. Obama should have been more ready with a concise answer on the license. He believes a license should be part of the pathway to citizenship. It's not that complicated, but the question was framed so that NO one could answer it without qualification. What's most frustrating is that the pundits declare that whoever has the most well-rehearsed answers - or non-answers - wins. That's not really what Americans need. They need judgment, honesty and leadership in government, and Obama provides that.

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Shawn Moore, Norristown, PA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:08:35 GMT

CNN's handling of this debate was a farce. This is supposed to be a political debate, not a sporting event. We're looking for substance, not drama. What a disgrace.

For those saying that the "second tier" candidates should drop out, a quick reminder: Nobody has VOTED yet! There is no second tier, only media biases and meaningless polls. Once citizens are given a chance to vote, you can call the candidates who aren't doing well "second tier."

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Paul, OH — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:08:41 GMT

I cant imagine CNN doing such a pathetic job. It appeared like Wolf Blitzer just let Clinton walk away with no hard questions. I have of late watched the Situation Room too.. and there has been no conversations on her FLIP-FLOP and Social security. Surprising is the fact that they PILED on McCain. I believe in democratic principles but they have really turned me off. I will certainly vote against her unless the nominee is Obama or Edwards. I would say GAO BARACK.

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Petra, Vail, AZ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:09:11 GMT

I think all candidates did well - what really put me off was the audience and Wolf Blitzer. I don't understand why the audience booed - and I also don't understand why a journalist would insist on yes/no answers to really complex questions.
If democracy in this country is going down the drain, I hold debates like this one partly responsible.

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Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:10:09 GMT

I am a hardcore Democrat and I will NOT support Hillary if she wins the nomination. Sorry Clinton Cult, but if she wins, I think you are going to be alone on this one. I will continue to support Democrats at the local and national level, however. How sad is it that we have a time in our lives where we can vote for someone who will create monumental change that will be based on our hopes instead of our fears, and yet there are some fellow Democrats that have fallen under the Clinton spell. How very sad! The Republicans are laughing at you Clinton supporters, and frankly, I don't blame them. You are falling right into their hands.

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Merri — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:10:28 GMT

Boy! I was so relieved to see I am not alone. What a ridiculous debate, if you want to call it that. The Hillary Show. Wow. I am so impressed...I can't wait to vote for her...NOT. I think Clinton News Network has really outdone themselves. What a waste of time. The people I invited over to watch it left half way through. It was a sham.

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Debbie, Wisconsin — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:11:49 GMT

Last week while watching the JJ dinner on c-span, I found myself praying that the Obama people did not boo Hillary. That is so rude. Cheer for your own, but don't boo anyone, just sit quietly. 4000 of the 9000 people that were in the audience were Obama supporters and they could have taken down the house with their boos, they did not, they showed respect. The same respect was not shown tonight, not for Edwards and not for Obama. I was very disapointed with that crowd and even more in Hillary for not putting an end to it.

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Jeff Henry — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:12:52 GMT

We all should be taking a closer look at Dennis Kucinich! Forget about the theatrics between the front runners, seems to me, Democrat or Republican, he is the only candidate on issue from domestic to international policy!

His no-nonsense approach to governing is exactly what this country needs! He also made a great point concerning how the other candidates have voted wrong on several major issues and now, after horrendous results, have changed their positions, i.e. the war in Iraq and Ahganistan, US Trade policy, Patriot Act, Immigration, etc. It would be nice to have a president who gets it right the first time and that also agrees with the majority of Americans!

Check his voting record, I have, and I have to admit...I'm impressed. Check for yourself!

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Abraham, SF, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:13:22 GMT

Now, I know why I do not watch CNN. Did Wolf have ever been in a school of journalism. Sad. Wonder why the news media got all their predictions during prevous the elections wrong? hu

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Jeff Henry — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:13:27 GMT

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mike oh — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:13:30 GMT

hehehe ... the drivers liscense answer ... How did he walk into that one??? Looked like a deer in the headlights when Wolf said it should be a yes or no answer.

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Iowa City — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:13:36 GMT

I would take a long look at Joe Biden. He's experienced. I don't mean he's just been around a long time, but he's spent meaningful time in the Senate negotiating with Milosevic of Bosnia, Gorbachov in Russia, and even this week the leaders of Pakistan wanted only to speak with one person. Joe Biden. Not the President, not Clinton, not Obama, not Edwards. World leaders don't know them and they don’t take the serious. They know Biden. They respect Biden. They know he's honest and they know he's serious. He has the ONLY plan for an exit strategy in Iraq. This plan passed with 75 votes in the Senate, including 15 Republicans. The Iraqis want it. World leaders support it. Its in the Iraqi constitution, its called federalism. Joe Biden knows how world affairs are all connected. He is the best on national security. Best on healthcare. Best for veterans. Best for energy. This plan has practical plans with budgets. He's been ahead of the curve most of his career in the Senate. His development of the Crime Bill and violence Against Women's Act resulted in record lows in crime in the US.

His ability to cross party lines for bi-partisan support is unmatched. Democrats like him. Moderate and conservative independents like him. They will all vote for him. I am an independent and I am voting for him. He has the depth and breadth of knowledge and judgement to be President day one. He is ready to lead. People follow Joe Biden, they always have.

One more thing….Republicans are terrified of running against Joe Biden. If Joe Biden wins the nomination, he will crush any Republican. That cannot be said for any other Democratic candidate. Obama, Clinton, and Edwards will not get votes from independent moderates and conservatives, or Republicans. Biden would.
The Democrats have the oppurtunity to nominate the best president since JFK.

www.joebiden.com

www.planforiraq.com

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Mighty Mouse — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:14:36 GMT

Wolf's "yes/no" demand for the drivers license question was just plain retarded. There's more to it than just answering a simple yes or no, which Barack was trying to point out.

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jon regas, reno nv — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:15:11 GMT

I can't support Hillary Clinton, or Obama. Both are evasive and I trust neither.

Biden is sharp, Kucinich is honest, Richardson is a diplomat. Edwards is a compromise.

If I had one question to ask all of them: why did or didn't you join the military in your early life?

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Dale, New York City, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:15:31 GMT

This debate proved that Clinton is, on balance, a much better debater than Obama--which has nothing to do with which network it aired on. Did Blitzer give her preferential treatment? I don't think so...in any case, nothing as blatant as Tim Russert's pathetically obvious bias *against* her in the last debate.

Of them all, I was most impressed by Joe Biden--for cutting through the theatrics and giving solid, intelligent, and clear answers.

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Howard, Huntington, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:15:33 GMT

I think Obama was very good after the driver's license question, but his stumble there set the tone for him. He should have answered like Richardson did instead of trying to deflect the question towards the Bush administration. Hillary was solid, but only in that she responded forcefully to anything said against her. She didn't make any especially great points, but she was strong in what she said. I think Biden and Richardson had the best showings, but they're only running for cabinet positions at this point.

Tonight just went to show how much the first five minutes can set the tone for the rest of the night. Edwards and Obama wanted to continue their momentum against Hillary, but they were hampered by a very biased crowd and they were too strong too soon. They both recovered well, but everyone will remember the undeserved boos. I think they'll do a much better job of feeling out the crowd first in the next debate.

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Venkat, Sterling, VA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:15:50 GMT

If Hilllary is the nominee then a republican president is garuanteed. What do Democrats see in Hillary? Obama is the right guy. He is smart and is pragmatic enough to bring people from all parties together and yet stick to his principles.

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CNN is PATHETIC — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:16:08 GMT

That was the most pathetic excuse for a debate I've ever seen.

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Jake, IL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:16:31 GMT

At this point in the race, it would be helpful if we had fewer candidates on the stage so that we could get longer answers.

Really though, why we continue to pick our presidential candidates this way is beyond me. This process doesn't tell you anything about how good a president any of these people will be. It just tells you who the best politician is.

Anyone but a Bush or a Clinton. I doubt history will have good things to say about the state of our democracy if we really end up with Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton.

If Clinton is the Democratic candidate, I hope Bloomberg gets in the race.

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steven beam — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:16:55 GMT

ps. i also find it amusing that there are usually hundreds of posts on here about how great obama is doing,yet there is an eerie silence in the room!! could it be that on the very first question he got he attacked clinton on the drivers license issue, then when asked a yes or no question of did he support licenses for illegal immigrants, he gave a convoluted and unresponsive answer. the leadership qualities showed more than ever tonight, hillary picked herself up and dusted herself off after what i agree was a horrible performance at the last debate. and oh yes, i, like simon of philly, am a man, and i will be voting for the best candidate and the next president og the USA, Madame President Hillary Clinton...doesn't that just sound like such a proud thing to be able to say?

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MarkkraM, East Moline, IL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:17:19 GMT

The winner will be chosen on the ground. Pushing for fighting did debates no justice in their place of the election process, and the voters will respond!!

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Sally Burnell, Kent, OH — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:17:44 GMT

Why does no one take Dennis Kucinich seriously as a candidate? The media tells us that Hillary is the sure fire front runner, so in typical American pack mentality, people line up behind her because Americans are always hell bent on winning, mostly at any cost. Look what 7 years of Bush has gotten us - our country is wrecked beyond recognition and no one has come up with a plan to fix things except Kucinich, who is deemed "too short" to be President. Never mind that short giants like James Madison have occupied the White House in the past.

I'm voting for Dennis Kucinich because he's the only REAL Democrat. The rest are "Republican Lites" who are basically parotting the Republican line and not offering any real solutions to America's pressing problems and its almost surely permanently damaged standing in the world. Sure, it's going to take work, and lots of hard work at that, but the only Democrat who sounds like a real Democrat is Kucinich, and I strongly reprimand the MainStream Media for practically freezing him out of the picture of this campaign season.

KUCINICH '08!

http://www.dennis4president.com/

By the way, this is one woman who, as much as I'd like to see a woman President, PLEASE, NOT HILLARY!!!! Dems, wake up! The Republicans are going out of their way to manipulate this election to make sure that Hillary becomes our Democratic nominee because they know that she's got enough baggage going into this election for them to very easily destroy her and get Rudy "9-11" Giuliani elected. And do you want another President whose only message is "9-11"? Haven't we had enough of that for the past 6 years?

DON'T fall for Hillary. Female or no, she's easy cannon fodder for the Republicans. And anyway, remember, the only reason that the economy seemed so good during the Clinton years was the smoke and mirrors that the dot.com boom turned out to be. When it all cleared, tons of tech jobs and firms had disappeared and the bottom dropped out of the Internet boom. Fortunes made overnight were suddenly lost and what we all thought were the "Roaring 90's" turned out not to be so after all.

So don't fool yourselves about more halcyon days ahead if the Clintons regain the White House. All it will be good for if they win is more fodder for the late night comedians.

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Jeff, Oakland, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:18:07 GMT

the immediate analysis on CNN made me sick to my stomach. 3 pundits: TWO former Clinton aides?!?!?!?! You've got to be kidding me. I don't know how Wolf sleeps at night.

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Cody Lonning, Cheney, WA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:18:43 GMT

Clinton will inspire the largest conservative voter turn-out in the history of modern politics if nominated. A vote for Hilary in the primaries is a vote for another Republican president. Her ability to lead this country is an entirely different issue although a moot point.

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Merri — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:18:49 GMT

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Jeannie, Minnesota — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:19:00 GMT

Terrible, terrible debate. It was a perfect example of how the media aspires to influence elections. Why, oh why must Hillary always be center stage? And get control of your audience! I am truly disappointed in CNN.

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Laura Riceville IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:19:32 GMT

To Steven Beam:

Have you been following the campaign? Obama has NEVER changed position on any of his standings. He has been consistant. Hillary two weeks ago said she was FOR drivers licences, then not for it ON THE SAME NIGHT. OBama said he was for licences if there were reform in immigration..PERIOD. He may have given a long answer, but it was ALWAYS YES! Obama has always wanted to raise the cap. HIllary said no she would not raise the cap in a meeting, then in private to a memeber of the audience she said yes she would raise the cap. OBama has never attacked her. Only called her out on her flip flops. Why will she not let 2,000,000 pages of information from her "first lady" experience be realeased? Bill sent a letter to the national archives to keep them sealed until 2012, they had the letter at the last debate so it is a real letter not just speculation. SHE HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE!

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Ruth Bethinger, New York, New York — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:20:00 GMT

If Hillary's approach last time was to flip-flop on hard questions, this time it was about giving vague answers.

I believe once again, Obama stayed true to his values and defended his positions. He called out the false choices that we are presented with - like human rights vs. security (Bush would like us to think that we can only have one) and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants vs. immigration reform (once again, the second is something we should do, while the first can improve public safety in the meantime).

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Sam Westgate, Enfield, IL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:21:45 GMT

The Clinton style that makes her supporters proud.

1. Avoid answering the question while other candidates express their positions.

2. Read Monday's paper and decide how to answer the next time.

3. Lead the polls and blogs in leadership ability.

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Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:21:50 GMT

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Kerry McDermott, Dover, NH — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:22:23 GMT

Biden was excellent. His answers were refreshingly direct and to the point... and actually answered the questions. His knowledge of foreign policy is unmatched, and it showed again tonight. Biden continues demonstrate that he is a practical straight shooter. He has the right balance of seriousness, humor, caring and respect that enables him create consensus. He is presidential. I too wonder how many times during the debate one of the other candidates said, "I agree with Joe."

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Rick- Sioux City — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:22:31 GMT

Hillary Clinton is a snake. She has helped her husband has covered up sex scandals since the eighties. She participated in it. She has no stance on any issue. Everything she has touched has burned to the ground. Education as first lady of Arkansas, Healthcare as first lady in the white house. World leaders don't take her serious. She is in cahoots with Chinese oligarchs. she has committde numerous felonies on camera that she is currnetly in a lawsuit for and if the court upholds the accustion she may serve time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wrOr8VGt0o
No one trusts Hillary.

Feminists won't vote for her. Moderate and conservative independents won't vote for her. It will unite the Republican party. I am Democrat, if Hillary wins the nomination, we lose the white. same for Obama and Edwards.

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Ohiocrat — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:23:01 GMT

You do the math. 2 Former Clintonites; James Carville and David Gergan. A female reporter barely able to hide her glee every time she was able to squeeze in another "Hillary Clinton clearly demonstrated..."

That's the "team" you have pretending to analyze the debate? What an absolute joke. Now I know why I haven't watched CNN in years. They are the single most scared network in history.

Must preserve status quo, must preserve status quo...

Ted Turner must be rolling over in his grade. Oh wait, he's not dead, it's just his once-proud "news" network that has wilted away.

Go back and look at the tone of the questions Edward's was asked. John Anderson's fake tan couldn't even conceal his rage when he played "Devil's Advocate" by asking Edwards about "flip-flopping"--a term Edwards has NEVER used when talking about Hillary.

As usual though, the next president of the United States--in spite of CNN's best efforts--showed us why he's the clearest communicator to come around these parts in a long time.
http://www.youtube.com/...

Oh yea...
I love how Anderson Cooper tries to wimpily squeeze in a "...our audience should know that Mr. Carville and Mr. Gergan served as advisors to President Clinton."

By the time he finished saying "Clinton" his head was clearly pointed at the floor. He was ashamed of himself--as he should have been.

That was at 10:38--a good 20 minutes into their "expert" analysis. What a pathetic joke CNN has become!

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Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:23:03 GMT

WE NEED TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS!!!! WHAT I SAW WAS NOT A DEBATE; IT WAS A CON GAME. THE CLINTON CAMPGAIN STACKED THAT AUDIANCE!!! WHO EVER HAS FRIEND IN NEVADA GET THE 411 & SOME EVIDENCE ON THIS!!! NO WAY THIS PASSES!!! ANYONE FROM NEVADA NEEDS TO OUT THIS CON GAME NOW!!

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Rhoda — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:23:13 GMT

I hope you all at First Read call Wolf Blitzer out on this debate tommorow: he didn't listen to the candidates and was so incredibly intrusive when they were speaking.

I hated this whole thing. I mean the really bad parts: after Sen. Obama expresses support for liscenes and tells a story how he voted for this in the state senate of Illinois Wolf Blitzer accuses him of waffling. That was the exact word: waffling. As if there's a clear and distinct line between yes, yes, and oh, YES!

Hah!

At least Russert listens, even if he does quote you to death.

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Chris- Ames, IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:23:33 GMT

Mark my words. Joe Biden is the only qualified Democratic candidate that is electable in a general election.

www.planforiraq.com

www.joebiden.com

Take a look.

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Tony, Queens, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:23:54 GMT

Not one of the democrats screwed up in a way that would damage their campaign.CNN was the only loser, being that they dont know the difference between a debate and a pep rally. Wolf thought he was was suppose to act like an idealistic district attorney when he was suppose the be a moderator. Debate was driven by audience reaction more than anything. If any one of the candidates said anything they thought the crowd wouldnt like, they would subject themselves to boos that CNN would love to show as their 30 sound bite political coverage (bad national press). Hardball, Tucker, Olbermann, and Morning Joe have dwarfed the organization on CNN tonight. It is not too much to expect for a news network to think about politics in a serious way, and CNN clearly showed that they are not on par with MSNBC in that regard

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bill, boston, ma — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:24:24 GMT

It was very nice she had a one word answer to the immigration question in this debate, but the phrase "a day late and a dollar short" comes to mind. Credibility is hard to win and easily lost. Right now she has none.

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jefferson — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:24:34 GMT

CORPORATE MEDIA IS SO CORRUPT BECAUSE IT'S OWNED BY OUR FASCIST GOVERNMENT. THINK ABOUT IT--WHY ARE THE MAJOR CORPORATE NEWS NETWORKS PUSHING MS. CLINTON SO MUCH? THAT SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO DISQUALIFY HER!

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Frederick Savage, Upper Marlboro, MD — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:24:49 GMT

I...AM...A...ROBOT...THEREFORE...I...WILL...BE...SUPPORTING...HILLARY...

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Maria Jones, Fairfield, CT — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:24:55 GMT

Sick of CNN trying to pre-determine the viewers response by telling us off the bat that Hillary won. I saw no clear winner but a really negative gut reaction to Hillary as I thought she was just too programmed. I did not think Obama waffled at all. Politics is no damn yes or no question/answer session. I am getting pretty tired of the media that can only do one thing right - selling books, movies, cds and projects for the rich and famous. Sick of partisan politics and sick of the media.

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Ryan M., Charlottesville, Virginia — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:25:04 GMT

The Clinton News Network came through for Hillary in true fashion. Softball questions - I especially loved Cambell Brown's question about whether or not Hillary has played the gender card. They also gave Hillary free reign to speak out of turn and gave very limited time for Edwards to speak, who was the most effective at characterizing Clinton's weaknesses in the previous debate. If you think Clinton is going to possibly be a uniter, think again. When asked how she would unite the country, she sounded similar to Bush. "I will listen" but then went on how to say that she would do whatever she wanted to do. Bush said the same thing and who can argue whether or not he has listened. I would venture he has listened. Her supporters did a great job packing the auditorium and disrupting debate.

I despise the media for promoting such a circus atmosphere. You media types always want to build a story because of your focus on ratings. God forbid we ask the candidates where they stand on issues and allow for equal time. Instead, the debates have become like game shows, with sound bites having the most impact. Last debate, you wanted Hillary brought down a notch. This time you wanted to show she could fight back by taking it easy on Hillary and going after the #2 and #3 candidates with tougher questions. CNN wasted too much time with meaningless banter at the beginning.

We learned nothing new about the candidates and where they stand on the issues. Clinton continues to evade specifics on any issue. Obama continues to be focused on trying to reshape the political landscape. Edwards continues to be a populist. The rest of the field is just trying to make it to the first caucus. I thought Richardson did the best he has done in a debate, along with Biden's straight forward ansers - whom I support by the way. What's funny is that Biden has the best experience to take on the challenges we face in the next four years, but the media gets caught up in the story, as does America. Admit it media, you want Hillary in the White House. While you want a story of a close race, you can't help yourself. You want to keep America divided by promoting a divisive candidate. Otherwise, I think you worry that people will stop watching stories about politics. We really need a candidate that can unite our country and I don't think any candidate on either side has made that case, yet.

I think the REAL STORY of this past debate was the fact it was just like Hillary's planted questions - more of the same calculated politics. CNN is in Hillary's back pocket and I really don't think the performance can be judged fairly. It is no secret that James Carville advises Clinton and that he works at CNN.... Hmmm.. CNN the FoxNews of a Clinton Presidency...? We'll see.

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vamonticello, Hampton, VA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:25:49 GMT

Obama won the debate

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Steven TN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:26:28 GMT

I think that your best bet is Ron Paul personally i am a democrat traditionally speaking have been one for all my life however Mr. Paul wants to end the Iraq war bring the troops home immendiatly keep social security for those thats going to have to depend on it cut hundreads of billions in wasteful spending and send a true message of peace around the world hes got a 10 term voting record in congress and he doesnt flip flop at least take a moment to check him out heres a great video for who he is and what he stands for http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfIhFhelm8

http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul-arch.html

Mr Paul on virtually every single issiue hes much more inline with my views

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MM, Denver, CO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:27:28 GMT

Terrible debate. Blitzer had no control and to allow the audience to cheer and boo is simply unprofessional. The last debate(MSNBC moderated by Brian Williams and the always-no-nonsense Tim Russert) was excellent. Clinton was her usual all fluff and no substance self today - she deserved the diamonds or pearls question - that is one she should be able to manage, we hope...and yet...amazing...she could not choose.

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Jeff — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:28:29 GMT

Thus far, to me, Hillary Clinton has represented the past - a past where the little guy got shafted (NAFTA, GATT) so that the Dems could woo corporate cash. Tonight's debate didn't change that. If she gets into the White House, she will continue on the path laid down by her husband and Dick Morris - staking two sides to every issue before working out a "compromise" with Big Money that does wonders for everyone but the folks who really need help.

In other words, if she does get the Democratic nod, I'll vote third party - period.

On a totally different front - the audience was a total distraction. It sounded like a pro-wrestling match w/all the hoots and hollers ...

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MM, Denver, CO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:28:40 GMT

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Brian Welshenstein — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:29:12 GMT

I also agree that Hillary has been postured as front-runner by both the media and election savvy Republicans. Because of the early primary date shake-up, the inclinations of the electorate have been painted by premature polls and the usual biased campaign reports. I wouldn't be surprised if Hillary loses in Iowa.

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modernwoman, Anytown,USA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:29:59 GMT

that's right, every republican in rural upstate NY just loves Hillary!!! Some say in a race between her and the devil, by golly, the devil gets their vote!!!

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Daniel Rice, Ft. Smith, AR — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:30:04 GMT

I absolutely adored Obama's answer that human rights and national security may, in fact, be complementary.

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How cruel is Fact / AZ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:30:56 GMT

Hillary Clinton does not need any thing from the GOP Book!! When she opens her mouth ""Liar"" is the most common asset she portrays. Better known as Billary as she has not the brains to be elected alone!!! Just a big money puppet!!!!

Clinton's both ""liars"" and her a carpetbagger!! NY gave one gift to the Senate """A flip flopping Liar! Joe Biden, Why are you so hen pecked. Is she a Better Washington self serving Paper hanger than you????

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John Brady, Upper Darby, Pa — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:31:09 GMT

I will definitely vote for Hillary. She knows the issues - she sees the big picture I kind of liked that Richardson in earlier debates and hoped he might be Hilliary's running mate but tonight he really blew it on the question on HUMAN RIGHTS or SECURITY. He would be a liabilty now as a Vice - Presidential candidate. Edwards is starting to look like the ambulance chasing lawyer - too slick. Biden has been coming on in the debates, knowledeable on how government works. Obama looks nervous and unsure of himself, may be over coached. Looks like a novice. The earlier charisma seems to be evaporating. Dodd just does'nt have anything that makes him stand out. Kucinich looks like the town clown.

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je — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:31:13 GMT

Writing in from Norway here..I’m studying international politics and it’s quite interesting to watch first and foremost the candidates answer political issues rather than rhetoric and media spin questions. Quite different debate compared how the debate is conducted at msnbc/fox news.

Here is my two cents..

Edwards: were in attack mode but quickly realized that both the audience and the other candidates wanted an issue focused debate, and lost his momentum. Claims that USA has a corrupt system of government, but Transparency International studies shows otherwise.

Obama: Tries to look presidential but missed the mark.His lack of routine is quite obvious, and the answer on the driver license issue hurt him a lot.

Biden: Good performance, but his attitude towards the debate hosts, and his posture were damaging.

Clinton: Clear winner and showed a stellar performance indeed, but her laughter could become a youtube blockbuster.

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G Barnwell — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:31:13 GMT

Tonight's debate was an insult to the American people. I thought the idea was to get answers or comments from everyone. Instead, it appears that once again the media (CNN) is trying to pre-determine the outcome of the race. Of course, CNN is a corporation, isn't it?

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James, Charlotte,NC — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:31:31 GMT

Mr. Beam. Thats the problem that turns me off about Hillary Clinton in the first place. Politics seems like a game to you and her supporters. That is what makes her so polarizing you see. She has no record of co-sponsoring legislation in her "35 years" of experience of working with Republicans to pass anything significant and still wants to fight with the Republicans at the same time because she is "battle scarred and ready". Do you really think she can bring both Republicans and Independents to to set an agenda to pass bills through Congress? She becomes the nominee we lose, if she becomes President we lose. There is nothing to gain because she will still be too polarizing to bring this great country I love together to serve the greater good.

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juan almnza, boise,Idaho — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:31:58 GMT

Dennis Kuchinich the Best Candidate since Abe Lincoln, wake up people, smell the coffee.....This isn't a popularity contest. Vote for who will serve yours, and everyones interest best. Are you people deft, dumb, and blind? Come on, Power to the people! Kuchinich '08!!!!!!!!!!

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Sean, New York, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:33:23 GMT

Since when did being first lady mean you are capable of being president? last I checked people voted for Bill not hillary....besides shell never win the republican vote and has problems receiving all of the democratic vote...wow some front runner...lol

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Brian, Ohio — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:33:50 GMT

The american people do not support hillary. the majority of democrats do.

there is a difference between leading in national polls and leading in democratic polls.

how many republicans/independents are voting for hillary?

There is talk of Hillary not being electable because Hillary isn't electable. Not because she is a woman, but because she is Hillary Clinton. She can't change who she is, and that is what she needs to do if the democrats elect her and want to win.

But be proud Clinton supporters, she did very well again not answering. Laughable that she took both sides on the jewelry issue.

The clintons want to put the nail in the democratic coffin once and for all. Bill ruined the party with his penis, and hillary will ruin it with her inevitable loss. There is a reason the GOP mentions her...it is wishful thinking.

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Jeff Henry — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:34:20 GMT

Hate to say it...but I have to agree with one of the previous bloggers...the Dems won't win the presidency with a woman or black man on the ticket! Folks down here are still waving the Confederate flag, on their front porches and license plates, and teaching their children to hate just like the parents! In reality, some are still fighting the Civil War and don't even consider themselves part of the United States of America! To them, Guiliani is a god send...so sad!

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Maria, Houston — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:34:33 GMT

...and the winner is : Tim Russert! He makes Blitzer look like a wimp.He was "hosting" the debate and could not even handle the audience ? ( unless this was the part of the game). He kept reassuring everyone that there will be time to respond, yet kept interrupting all. This was a staged performance to promote democratic "unity". All sheep unite behind Clinton ! Now! Yaaaaawn....What a waste of time.

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Jim — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:34:44 GMT

Anyone who supports HRC gives me thre LEGITIMATE reasons why.

She won't unite the country or Congress. She will continue to give China free rein like Bill did. Aside from that she has no stance on anything. What we do know about her is this.

She is a woman.
She and her husband are widely known corrupt liars.
She was on the board of wal-mart.
She was in the black panthers (yes trhey killed people).
She destroyed healthcare in Arkansas.
She has no respect or clout in the Senate.
Her family disgraced the white house.
Her husband was only President to ever get impeached.
Her husband spear headed NAFTA.
Her husband cut the military in half, that why he "balanced the budget".What he really did was put us in ahrms way for a short term political gain....sound like a Clinton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wrOr8VGt0o&feature=related

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Mighty Mouse — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:35:54 GMT

Wolf's yes/no questioning was horrible.

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Dan Ames, IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:35:56 GMT

Joe Biden

www.joe biden.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OhPG7mk8yQ
www.planforiraq.com

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Jane, Cary, North Carolina — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:38:42 GMT

What a sham of a debate! Wolf and the others were so pro-Hillary it brought back the memory of CNN standing for the "Clinton News Network!" It was so unprofessional. Thought Obama did extremely well, as did Biden. Hillary was as scripted as the audience members who posed "questions." This was, without a doubt, the most biased I have ever seen a network be in a debate. Shame on CNN. They have lost all credibility. I'm an MSNBC fan - now more than ever! (Note to Iowa caucus participants - please, please choose Obama, Biden, or Edwards!! We don't need a rerun of the 1990s with the Clintons!)

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Pat Smith Mesa, AZ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:39:14 GMT

I especially liked the exchange between Campbell Brown and Hillary. Being a few years older than Hillary I know about the "good old boys club" and "glass ceilings." Women like Hillary led the way for women to be more than chattel and property of their men. The young women of today are strong and capable. They owe a debt of gratitude to women like Senator Clinton.

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Edward Uceta, Paterson,NJ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:39:53 GMT

This debate was set up to cut Edwards gains in Iowa. From the way they sat Edwards, in the far corner and sat Clinton & Obama together to the "Do you like diamonds or Pearls" question..please give me a f'n break. the amount of booing against Edwards & Obama. And the CNN pundits praising Clinton on her poise like she's running for a beauty peagent...Please people all of this doesn't change the facts!!! Fact's people..that's what counts, Clinton is a corporatist who is getting help from very powerful people who have a lot of connections. Wake up America and stop voting against your own interests!!

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David Dean, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:41:55 GMT

Joe Biden is so obviously the most qualified candidate to be President of the United States. I watch these debates, see that so clearly, and wonder why the media continues to talk only about Hillary, Obama and Edwards. At least you mentioned Biden's good performance. But it's more than that - he simply is the best person to step into the job and be president. I'm with Biden - and I'll caucus that way!

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Debbie Whiteley , Vancouver, Wa. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:42:04 GMT

Excellent debate!! Hillary is back!! CNN this was the best debate so far. MSN debate had one sided questions ment to attack Hillary. I enjoyed the different questioned that actually had to do with the issues. Stop the mudd slinging Edwards and obama and tell us what you are going to do for us, not what Hillary isn't. It is getting old "boys"!!! HILLARY YOU HAVE MY VOTE!

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Jay Atlanta, GA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:42:28 GMT

Once again Hillary won the debate. I was a bit unsure who to vote for. After tonight, I know Hillary has my vote for sure.

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Trudy Caswell, Golden, MO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:42:35 GMT

Did Chuck Todd notice that there were more than 3 candidates on that stage? I know it would have been easy to miss them since they didn't get anywhere near the equal time they should have been allowed but they were there and they gave good answers. Better than the media's chosen "top tier" by a long shot.

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Tom B (WI) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:42:52 GMT

I agree with Elizabeth Sullivan. I like Joe Biden he tells it like it is. It just seems to me that the obsession with Hillary, Obama and Edwards is like watching a cat fight where nobody wins. Doesn't anyone listen to what the other candidates are saying. Let's get real and listen to all of them not just what the news media tells us about the "BIG 3".

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steven beam — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:42:55 GMT

oh yeah, post debate discussion...even J.C. Watts, one of the most conservative republicans ever elected to congress gave hillarey the victory, but i guess he is a clinton supporter also. when even a republican says hillary did well, that should tell you something. and the audience being plants..hahahaha...get real, they cheered for her because she gave the best and most concise answers. and they booed obama,and edwards because they attempted to sling mud instead of discussing the issues and answer the questions. and mike from ohio...i'm with you..i can't stop laughing about obama on the drivers license issue...especially after his first question he attacked hillary for her past reponses to the same question. the guy is a joke..all fluff, no substance. he makes a great orator, can give an arousing speech. but being able to stir a crowd of 20 year olds doesn't qualify you for the job of president.

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LoofaBearOreilly, Pensacola, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:43:36 GMT

How many people who post on this site actually work for Hillary Clinton?? What's with the weird "Hillary is good. She gets my vote. Go to her website.com"..??

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Debbie Whiteley , Vancouver, Wa. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:44:17 GMT

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Ernie, Sacramento — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:45:05 GMT

Chuck Todd, Wolf Blitzer, Chris Matthews - all you talking heads are the same, effite snobs. You call yourself "journalists", you're not even reports. You only want to feed us two candidates in a WIN/LOSE scenario. Reality TV at its best. The voters will prove they are smarter than you.

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Sandy Dockendorff, Danville, IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:45:29 GMT

I watched the debate...and the blogging of the debate (here and elsewhere)...and I watched the so-called CNN "wrap-up" of the debate...and now I've read the comments here and a few other places. The only conclusion I've drawn is that the paid bloggers, the CNN team, and the Hillary supporters all seem to have remarkably similar points of view. Personally, I don't think ANYONE won this debate and the biggest losers were the members of the Democratic Party. Hillary Clinton is only winning a name game to this point. No votes have been cast. And if you want to count the polls, then you have to count the ones that show that EDWARDS is the Democrat who beats the Republicans in a general election match-up to a greater degree and in more states that the putative frontrunner. Furthermore, here in Iowa, there is currently a three-way tie between Edwards, Obama, and Hillary. What frontrunner? Electability? I don't know what the answer is to showcase our nominees, but the circus we saw tonight certainly isn't it. How about single issue debates where the candidates can hash out their differences in detail and no one gets to speak more than anyone else. And they all get to stand in the center spotlight at some point. I mean I support John Edwards totally, but it is disgraceful the way that he and others have been treated lately. And don't tell me about the two frontrunners...based on what? Don't we deserve to hear all the candidates? And what's up with only asking some of the candidates some of the questions?

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Ron, TX — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:45:31 GMT

Obviously Blitzer caved to the Clinton's campaign threats. Clinton's audience booing was typical of the Hillary crowd- they're all so proud of her "positive campaign" but when someone starts to question her -policy- ideas, WATCH OUT! They'll hit you personally and run back away again...

CNN just sucks at hosting debates. Blitzer is a tool and can't handle himself with people of that high esteem. I thought one of the better lines of the night was when Obama had to correct Blitzer about thinking "we can't do anything!" Politics of hope... politics of progress... Barack Obama is still the ONLY person who can actually and truly CHANGE the direction of our floundering American politics.

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Mark Thieme — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:46:09 GMT

Here's the Obama spin:
Strong, statesman-like performance

Hillary dissembled and misled.

Many polls have Obama as winner(?)

Hillary defensive.

Obama establishes "definition."

Wait until Iowa.

Mark Thieme spin:

It could have been worse

It could have been way better...

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Tibwa — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:46:17 GMT

Wowwwww. This is waht CNN has to offer to the american people? gosh! Give me Tim or Chris. MSNBC, make sure that you make the difference and take away CNN viewer. They did not rise to expectation.

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Debbie , Fountain Hills, AZ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:47:35 GMT

Richardson should be the nominee. Obama, Clinton and Edwards just wrapped it up for me tonight. Done. They will not get the job done. Human Rights is the most important issue. He has integrity, skill, honesty! Put the rest to rest.

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Ellis B. Kingman, Az. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:50:00 GMT

To the Clinton News Networks' "Its' all over " and NBCs' Chuck Todds' Two horse race" here is pie in your face, Edwards will win Iowa by four points over Obama. Most of us rationals are sick and tired of the media slanting information to favor particular candidates and analyzing for us " whos' on first, and whos' on second " Some of us remember "Dewey Wins in Landslide" and "Florida goes to Gore, or mabey Bush, or mabey the Supreme court.If these so-called odds makers actually knew what they were doing they would be billionaires.

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malarson2, Beaverton, OR — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:50:26 GMT

I can already sense that the 'plant' storyline isn't going to die...it was a big enough story last week to have a lot of people apply the concept to tonight's debate (and after that horrible diamonds or pearls question, I'm not so sure we are wrong to think the debate had plants for her). What I sense is that its backfiring...and just in time for Obama, whom didn't have his best night. If I were his people, I would be perpetuating that audience being filled with pro-Hillary people from this second until the beginning of next week.

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Jessica, MD , Harrisburg — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:50:30 GMT

I am a woman and I am not influenced by the candidate's Gender. Hillary still won't answer direct questions. She doesn't represent me. Poor working women seem to support her, because they are too busy to pay attention to what she stands for.
Democrats need to wake up! Hillary can't win, especially against Giuliani. She is a polarizing figure and can't win Independent, much less Republican votes. That means she can't win in 08, so why are so many women supporting a loser.
Barack did great in the debate again. Like the other CNN debates, the post-debate commentators proved their bias. This time it was tooooo obvious since Barack was Great and Hillary still didn't answer questions.
I agree that CNN should be known as Clinton Network News. I understand that's how Google search defines CNN.
Go Barack. You were great, and the online polls confirm that.

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Tim, New York, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:50:34 GMT

John Edwards is a fraud, a snake oil salesman and nothing more.

Obama is out of his league. He got called out on all of his hypocrisy finally! From missing his vote on Iran (yet bashing Hillary for showing up and actually taking a stance), to giving a convoluted response on licenses to illegals (yet bashing Hillary for giving almost the same response), to not having one shred of documentation from his Illinois senate years (yet calling Hillary a corrupt individual because the national archives aren't moving fast enough to release millions and millions of documents from the White House years), to his "i wouldn't have voted/i would have voted for the Iraq war had I actually been a Senator" line (yet bashing Hillary for actually having to take a stand and make a real life decision), Obama is out of his league and has absolutely no qualifications to be the leader of the US. All of his supporters here are a bunch of whining, looney liberals who have been blaming CNN "Clinton News Network" for the entire week leading up to this debate because you know Obama can't sustain. I understand people may want an alternative to Hillary. If that's the case, why are you people choosing amongst the two most unqualified individuals in this race??? If you had any sense at all, Obama and Edwards would be your last choices! Funny, if Edwards looked like a toad and Obama was 60 pounds heavier, they wouldn't even be on the stage tonight! Try focusing on the issues and experience if you're looking for an alternative to Hillary, not who recites speeches and looks good on camera. You're not voting for an actor to play the president. If that's what you want, vote for Thompson. You looney left liberals are an embarassment and are ruining the Democratic party and this country.

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Bob Meyer, Seattle WA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:51:24 GMT

Hillary is a media creation, Wolf Blitzer is a total panytwaist, what else needs to be said?

Oh aside from the fact that Mrs. Clinton has taken four different positions on drivers licenses for illegal aliens in the last two weeks...

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horseface — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:51:49 GMT

I think most people when they wake up tomorrow will question the clear bias of the audience, Wolf Blitzers horrid moderating skills and idiot framing of questions. Kucinich and Obama both bitchslapped him about his posing of questions. And booing John Edwards and Obama? Who the hell was in the audience?
2+2 do NOT equal 4 in this debate.

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Jackie Anthem Az — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:51:50 GMT

CNN hosted a terrible debate. Let's start with the fact that they allowed the audience to clap and cheer after each answer......after the audience was stacked with Hillary fans. Don't the hosts usually ask the audience to refrain from clapping or cheering until the debate is over? Shame Shame Shame CNN.....What a travesty not to have a level playing field for all the debaters...

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Ryan McDermott, Charlottesville, Virginia — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:52:12 GMT

ONE QUESTION... "Diamonds or Pearls?" CNN - Do we have anymore softballs left?? Hillary sure could use some more to prove herself. If that were the only softball question, then I wouldn't say anything... Tonight was all about CNN propping up Hillary.

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Debbie Whiteley , Vancouver, Wa. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:54:17 GMT

Hillary had a great night! excellent debate! I really enjoyed the questions about the issues, unlike the MSN debate that focused on slamming Hillary. Edwards and Obama need to tells us what they are going to do instead of what Hillary won't!! GO Hillary you have my vote!

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Rob, Seattle, WA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:55:24 GMT

Haven't seen the debate yet, but if Clinton gets the nomination, look forwards to 8 years of Republican rule and 40 years of a right-wing Supreme Court.

The same idiots who got Kerry the nomination (when Dean should have gotten it) wants Hillary to win.

What a bunch of dumb arses the Dems are. If Clinton gets it, I'm going Independent and not associate myself w/the Dem party anymore. Bunch of losers.

Why can't we have women like Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, or Patty Murray; women who voted AGAINST the war, run for President?

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Maya Puri — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:56:39 GMT

Hillary was as phony and disingenuous tonight as ever. Wolf Blitzer totally sucks as a moderator. Hillary planted people in the audience and planted the questions--it was SO obvious. This is why I don't watch CNN. And I never will again. This was a sham of a debate.

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Thaddeus Weakley — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:56:49 GMT

Like others have said, I am not particularily excited about any of them.

As much as I want to see a woman in the White House, Hillary's the right age, has the money, political ties, etc. etc. - the problem is is that she routinely votes Republican!!! This is of course why she's alienated her left (supposed) base and she's long been a negative buzzword among the much of the right who believe what they're told.

As in 2004 I still like Kucinich the best, although like most of the best candidates is deemed "unelectable". He seems to be the only one who has routinely voted correctly (not for what was deemed "popular" for whatever sick reason at a given time).

Was very disappointed in Obama whom I had hoped would emerge as a fresh voice and (though young) strong alternative to Clinton. Particularily on the immigration question he lost much creditability. As a LEGAL immigrant who has gone through tremendous reams of paperwork, expense, and time to legally get where I am, it is a royal disgrace to legal immigrants and citizens alike to give amnesty to illegals. Driver's licenses for illegals, jobs for illegals (when the States has doulbe-digit unemployment), health care for illegals when more than 1/6 of the Country has none???? Come on and get real!!!

The others haven't done anything for me. The more they talk, flip-flop and their bad voting records come out, we can only hope whichever gets the nomination can win in big enough margins that the Republican vote-rigging won't keep the President from serving as happened in 2000 and 2004. Sadly it looks like we're in for a three-peat. :-(>

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W. Osime, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:00:11 GMT

The Diamonds & Pearls Debate brought to you by Clinton Network News (CNN).

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E.J. Butler, Helena, MT — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:02:07 GMT

Shame on Wolf Blitzer for not doing his job as moderator. He should have instructed the audience to stop their booing when Obama and Edwards were responding to Hillary. Candidates deserve the chance to rebut charges without being interrupted by the audience. And I too would like to know how tickets to the event were distributed / if the Clinton campaign "planted" folks in the crowd whose purpose was to silence Obama and Edwards when they engaged with Hillary.

And I agree that the post-debate commentary was way off-base. We were told at one point that two of the commentators had Clinton associations. The fact that CNN felt the need to tell us this makes it appear that they know that their coverage could be construed to be biased. Why not get a couple different folks to comment?

Really a disgraceful job by CNN!

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helen Meluso, Brick, NJ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:02:16 GMT

BIDEN is the only brilliant candidate but our society prefers rock stars like Clinton. I like Clinton also but she cannot compare with Biden.

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Ryan McDermott — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:04:34 GMT

"More Cowbell" I got another softball for Hillary. Cambell Brown, next time just ask Hillary this question: "Could your campaign use More Cowbell?"

CNN - That was a horrible debate. I don't even blame Hillary. Nothing against her at all. It is just like the planted questions at her rally. Her political advisors probably pushed that on her. We really learned nothing new tonight. Yet, the story you want to write is Hillary's coming out swinging. (Which was probably written up like a scripted question)

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Pearls N. Pantsuits Sacramento CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:05:11 GMT

For the last 2 weeks, Obama and Edwards have been beating their chests and dancing on what they perceive as Hillary's political grave..........

Mrs. Clinton totally kicked a tonight!

Deal with it boys......it's Pearl N Pantsuits in 2008!!!

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TINA, FT. PIERCE, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:05:34 GMT

PLANTED QUESTIONS...AND HILLARY STILL DID NOT ANSWER A SINGLE QUESTION!!! SHE ALSO FLIP-FLOPPED ON THE ISSUE OF IRAN BY STATING SHE WOULD NOT TALK TO IRANIAN LEADERS 2 USING DIPLOMACY 2 VOTING TO GIVE AUTHORIZATION TO PURSUE IRAN AND TONIGHT SHE SAID SHE WOULD USE IMMEDIATE, DIRECT DIPLOMACY!!! i DON'T THINK HILLARY BELIEVES ANYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF HER OWN MOUTH. SHE IS PREYING ON WEAK-MINDED FOLLOWERS TO GET HER ELECTED WHILE OBAMA IS CALLING ALL THE STRONG LEADERS TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE IN AMERICA

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Oceanlake — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:05:38 GMT

Social Security funding is tied in with fiscal discipline in general—there are a host of intertwined issues. The next President will have to manage many competing interests. That's why Clinton keeps repeating "fiscal responsibility" and not making simplistic answers. For example, will the have-mores be more willing to pay more FICA or pay more income, capital gains, etc. taxes?

If Clinton becomes President, you'll get the most good Presidential energy since at least FDR.

Those who don't know many who prefer Clinton reminds me of the lady who couldn't understand how FDR won..."None of my friends voted for him."

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Mark — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:07:18 GMT

Drudge brought it to our attention. CNN is turning into democratic version of Fox. The establishment already had alligned with Clinton. It is obvious. CNN puts two former Clinton talking heads on to talk about the debate. C'mon. That is like asking my aunt and grandmother if they did good at a talent show. Hopefully, all the the Anti-Clinton vetriol will poll into one candidate because you think the dems hate the bi**c, you have no idea what the whole country thinks of her.

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Ryan M — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:07:43 GMT

Cambell Brown to Hillary Clinton. "Diamonds or Pearls? *wink*

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Rick Nebraska — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:08:50 GMT

I really like Joe Biden and will certainly vote for him in the primary. If he doesn't get the nomination (as I expect) I'm not sure.

I prefer Biden because he is direct, honest and has the experience necessary. Further he doesn't take Congressional entitlements as several others do. Joe Biden's son is in the military and is going to Iraq. Something tells me you won't see Chelsea, Jena or Laura wearing the uniform and promising to uphold and protect...

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Ken, San Diego, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:10:04 GMT

I love it. This is so funny.

The only thing the Hillary haters can say is "she got softballs" or "CNN is biased"...etc., etc..

I support Hillary. But I'll certainly agree that Edwards won the last debate. The least the anti-Hillary crowd can do is give props when they are do. She clearly won the show tonight. It happened in the first 60 seconds when she roughed up Obama and then Edwards. They were shaken for the rest of the night.

Democrats, THIS is why we need Hillary to be the nominee. Imagine how she'll handle Rudy or Mitt.

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Rick,Union Gap, WA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:10:58 GMT

Chris Matthew gave Hillary her now famous line" Their attacking me because I winning." Who is Hillary Clinton?

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Ed, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:12:26 GMT

Hillary continues to use dividing tactics, mentioning Bush at all possible opportunities. How exactly does she plan to be a uniter and bring in Republicans and Independents when she constantly has to attack someone. It sounds like the same old Bush tactics of blaming everything on Bill Clinton (at least he tried to bring the country together).

I thought Obama and Edwards continued to stress positive messages.

Again the other candidates were not afforded a great deal of time.

Blitzer is a terrible MC, cutting off Richardson several times, throwing out ridiculous assumptions into questions, and asking yes or no questions that should not be answered with one word.

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Faye Acker, Yokosuka, Japan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:12:42 GMT

All of you Hillary haters, need to get a grip, she is kicking butt. She stumbles on a few questions but who don't, look at Obama and the illega immigration questions, he sounded just like Hillary did in Philly.
Vote for the best candidate because of their credentials not because youy don not like them as a person.

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Buddy, Guam — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:12:46 GMT

Obama stuck to his guns? Anyone remember Barak "outgrew my diapers yesterday Obama"'s response to the drivers' license question? Obama and John Edwards who kept on flip flopping.

Hillary clearly fought back tonight and fought back hard.

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Eileen Molloy — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:13:33 GMT

Tonight's debate on CNN was a disaster....Blitzer's constant interruptions, and since when does any political debate permit it's audience to applaud or, even worse, BOO candidates?? I had to put my DVR on pause just to bring my blood pressure down I was so disturbed.

CNN should be ashamed of itself. It's no wonder that the main stream media gets such guff from the far right if THIS was any example. Thank goodness, Tim Russert & Brian Williams asked hard-hitting, probative questions of the candidates in Philadelphia.

However, I do vehemently wish that in all the debates every candidate was given equal time, otherwise the debates just become political ads for whomever the media has chosen as its darlings.

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mike oh — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:13:39 GMT

"Wolf's "yes/no" demand for the drivers license question was just plain retarded. There's more to it than just answering a simple yes or no, which Barack was trying to point out." - mighty mouse

Hmmmmm, isn't that exactly what Hillary has been trying to say since the last debate??????

I've watched every Edwards and Obama supporter on this blog flay her mercilessly since SHE tried to say the same thing about the same question ... not to funny when it's your guy waffling, is it?

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Ryan McDermott — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:14:52 GMT

"Diamonds or Pearls?" - Cambell Brown to Hillary Clinton.

"That's easy, I want both!" - Hillary Clinton

As ridiculous as this sounds, and I acknowledge that the question was an either or type question - no political position whatsoever. No one cares which one she wants. YET, Hillary couldn't help herself - she wants to be on both sides.

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Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:17:12 GMT

I'm so glad to see all the comments in here about how poorly the debate was conducted by CNN and Wolf and how the whole thing was set up as a home field advantage for Hillary.

My hope is that CNN gets called out and slapped on the wrist publicly for this one!

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D Turman — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:18:58 GMT

After this debate I hope Wolf Blitzer returns to the Dog House and stays there for the rest of the election cycle. This guy is a blunder idiot that brought such excitement to the table that I fell asleep, blah.

Q. Do you support drivers license for illegal aliens.
A. Hillary Clinton - No
Response Wolf (idiot) Blitzer, OK.

The natural and most objective follow up should have been,
Wolf Blitzer, Ms. Clinton this is the 3rd. position you have taken on this subject, why is that Sen. Clinton
Then Hillary would have been forced to explain her waffle position, instead she was given a get out of jail pass. I’ll say it again, Wolf Blitzer is an Idiot, do you believe any other moderator would have given Hillary a pass on this one. Hillary Clinton’s campaign should call Wolf Blitzer and congratulate him on the fine job he did for the Clinton team.
...Obama web site

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Tom, Jackson, NJ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:21:14 GMT

This is how I'd rank the debate from winners to losers:
(1) Clinton; (2) Biden; (3) Kucinich; (4) Obama; (5) Dodd; (6) Edwards; (7) Richardson. I think Richardson had his best debate and Obama and Edwards did a lot worse. Dodd wss the same old same old. Kucinich didn't talk about UFO's and I think his talk about education and trade deals propelled him into third place. If Kucinich was just 4 or 5 inches taller I think he might actually be a credible candidate. I give Obama the #4 spot simply based on air time but Hillary got the best of him (especially on illegal immigration which was a huge surprise). Biden always seems to be good in these debates. Besides Hillary he seems like the only one who has the gravitas to be president. Yet, Obama and Edwards are ahead of him. That tells us all what a sorry state America is in. As for Hillary, if this was baseball I'd say she went 3 for 4 with a home run and a stolen base. She definitely won this debate. I had no intention of voting for her before this debate but now I'm almost (I can't believe it) thinking about voting for Hillary.

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Dave Thoreau, Los Angeles, Ca — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:21:49 GMT

It is very clear MSNBC is extremely sore, as a whole, that they were accused of being unfair to Hillary Clinton, especially by Tim Russert (funny thing is, I saw his bias myself even before the debate). Their anger at her even caused Chris Mathews to do a flip flop and, overnight, began frantically attacking her each night with half truths, or no truths at all. Example: Clinton's husband did not say the other democratic candidates were guilty of "swift boat" type tactics, but that Republicans might try to use those tactics in the general election. Some issues are indeed more complicated, as we saw tonight at the debate, and it was Obama who stumbled over the exact same question on driver liscenses for undocumented immigrants while Clinton answered clearly with a single word. Chris Mathews needs to do more research next time. He also needs to do more research before he states as fact that Hillary's camp put pressure on Wolf Blitzer to take it easier on her. This had been stated as untrue by Blitzer himself, and the story corrected on the site Chris read it from. Yet there it was on his show, stated as fact that her people were intimidating CNN's Blitzer. Mathews certianly has it out for Clinton, and has stooped to even criticizing her hand clapping(He might as well just cancel his own show and join Tucker on his, as they have become very similar in their imbalance). With the serious problems with our country, we need to make sure we give each candidate an opportunity to stand free of prejudice and deliberate error by the media. (do a google search for "the fact hub" to read more about such errors).

Hopefully MSNBC is not becoming the next Fox news network.

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Chris, Savannah, GA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:22:00 GMT

CNN was horrible.

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Tina Franks, Dover, DE — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:22:32 GMT

I got two words for tonites debate "SET UP"

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Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:23:28 GMT

Well, the audience was a distraction but Hillary did much better tonight. Obama and Edwards were off their mark. I think that they sensed that the mood of the crowd was against them (booing definitely gives it away) and that was a limiting factor. Still as far as debates go, the boys should have been stronger; you have to continue even though the audience is hostile and I have to fault both Obama and Edwards for not persevering. It didn't help that Wolf cut off their answers on more than one occassion.

I hate when Hillary runs as 'the woman candidate'. Women of America, I sympathize with your struggles to gain parity (I have a wife who is far more capable than me and four talented daughters - my sons are great as well). However, the irony is that you only gain parity when you stop emphasizing your perceived limitations (and any look at history resounds with the fact that women are at least as capable as men). The struggle is really over, you have won your battle (thank God). I think that Hillary is quite the demagogue when she does the sister routine.

The issues are still the same, however, and no debate is going to change that for me (even with the set up provided by Harry Reid's son). The war. It's the war. Hillary has continually aided and abetted GWB's war effort and that has not changed one iota after tonight. She still won't commit to a SS solution - balancing the budget won't cut it. She is in bed with corporate interests and if you've liked the past 7 years, you'll love the prospect of a Hillary administration. She simply won't be straight with people. Study her answers. She was as evasive tonight as ever (her actions and words don't match up). A good debate performance with a friendly crowd is heart warming but it doesn't make for a good president. And if your voting for Bill, then you're missing the point. It's just too dangerous to put too much power in the hands of too few.
Obama '08

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mike, dallas, TX — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:23:48 GMT

Clinton's indecision is simply NAUSEATING.

These are some soft balls:

1. Yankees or Red Sox - "I will alternate"

2. Diamonds or Pearls - "Both"

Guys, this is sickness. This is pathologic. This is not normal.

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llc, lexington,ma — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:25:26 GMT

What we need in the next Presidency is experience and decisiveness and Hillary, Biden and Dodd are the three that have that combination. I believe if we were able to trully give equal time to all the candidates, we would begin to see more from Dodd and Biden but I don't think this will happen, they lack the fire in their belly's to win. I am dissapointed that there is little intellectual discourse and caring for the American people's economic crisis, our soldiers in a false war in the debates. Lots of whether we can have the wherewithall as a country to hire a woman or a black man. Lets get over this and move on we are no longer in the 60s. I personally felt the pearl and diamond question to Hillary was sexest albeit a woman's question. Our country is in crisis and we are concerned about our first potential woman Presidents jewlery choices. Grow Up America. Have we ever asked any other candidate what was their favorite beer or sports team ? CNN should never have allowed that question to close the debate. Obama is bright and yet too indecisive-inexperienced at this time. I think he is a great guy with amazing potential but next time around. I agree with one of the comments here, where is Al Gore and John Kerry? The issue isnt' that Hillary is not qualified its that her contenders are not qualified so naturally she is on top. If the real polititians who are now in the sidelines do not come out soon, we will have a one person show in the next debates and primaries (Hillary). I am a supporter of her yet wish there were others as strong who could help us have real debate over the issues at hand. Wish others at the sidelines would step up to the plate but we may be too late for that now.

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Tina — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:28:59 GMT

Hillary is a flip-flop junkie!!! I don't think she even believes what comes out of her mouth!!! And with planted questions, planted supporters and planted media outlets like CNN I thought perhaps she could have answered at least one question!!!
Obama is clearly consistent and tries to answer fully. Only ignorant weakminded individuals can't appreciate that!!!

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M. Yeav, San Jose, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:31:46 GMT

What disgusted me the most was the audiences boo-ing at Obama. I thought they could be more mature than that, and yes I never seen the audiences in other previous debates did that. What about that Diamond or Pearl question? I still don't understand why they let the person asked that question. Maybe my English is not good enough to understand what CNN was doing.

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Ryan M. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:34:48 GMT

To the person who posted about how Hillary will handle Mitt or Rudy.

All the Republicans want is for Hillary to be nominated. She is the only candidate that will bring out their vote. I'm sure the reason you think Hillary will do well against the Republicans is that her positions are no different than their's.

First off, I don't think Mitt or Rudy will get the nomination. I think the Republican race will be wide open for some time. Rudy has integrity and judgement issues, while Mitt simply has not been tested with dirty politics. When that race gets dirty (ie. I'm predicting a whisper campaign on his Mormonism) I just don't see him surviving.

I recommend watching the Republicans debate. If you think the crowds applaud when Democrats attack Bush, then you should listen to the reaction Republicans get when they attack Hillary - massive applause.

For those not watching the Republican debates - remember the name Mike Huckabee, who just happens to be from Hope, Arkansas

I like Biden's stance on foreign policy, I like Edwards' recognition that we've left the poor behind, and I love Obama's goal of uniting the country. It's not that I'm against Hillary, it is that I don't know what she stands for - Experience? Huh? She hasn't been in the real world for how many years?

Hillary won't be able to unite the party and she is incapable of uniting the country. The reason she won't and she can't is simple: her campaign is all about her and not about the American people. She failed to get Health Care done in the 90's because she couldn't compromise. People don't change. I don't agree on all issues, but this is an area where Edwards has shown some genuine politics. He at least says he is running on behalf of the American people.

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Alec Gerstein — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:34:50 GMT

As far as my family and I are concerned, there was one candidate on that stage tonight who is ready to lead. And that candidate is not a boy!

Hillary is truly amazing. She has it all.

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steven beam — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:35:02 GMT

hahaha bush tried to bring the country together? what a joke! and oh yeah, david gergen also worked for ronald reagan and george hw bush. he was a speech wruter not a policy maker. if there ever was an independent voice it was his as proven by the fact that he worked for 4 presidents, not just clinton...so you can get off that kick. it's funny how every one of the obama supporters try to spin his horrible performance to blame it on an audience of some 20,000 people booing his attacks and non-answers, just what planet do you live on? do you think hillary had all 20,000 tickets to that debate? wake up and judge the candidates on what they can do not just what they dream of doing. on the topic of not being electable...they said the same thing about her in her 2 senate runs, and she won the 2nd one with 70% of the vote capturing over 40% of the republican vote. speak facts people not your karl rove fear and smear politics.

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Demaine Morin — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:35:43 GMT

We are rather hoping that John Edwards will just fade away now. He is so clearly not Presidential.

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Steve, St. Petersburg, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:36:29 GMT

Obama was the only candidate to get a standing ovation by the audience during the introduction. By the end of the debate they were booing him. Nuff said.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:37:35 GMT

<<Has it occurred to anyone that the Dems cannot win without the South? They didn't do it in '00 or '04 and they won't do it in '08 either. Folks in the South will never vote for a woman or a black man. I am not being prejudicial here, just a realist. Why the Dems would put themselves in a position where they could not carry the South is just totally and completely nuts. Thanks to Hillary and Obama, we will all be stuck with another Republican President. Maybe if tHillary and Company can drive the party off a cliff, a new one will emerge from the ashes that actually does what the Democratic party that Roosevelt built did - back the play of working people. >>

Then apparently the people of the South don't give a damn about their country. If they want more of the same war mongering, sabre-rattling, in-your-face politics we've suffered through since 2001, they'll stick to their antiquated ideals that blacks and women are incapable of holding positions of power. If that's the case, maybe we need a reversal of the Civil War and the rest of the country need to kick those incompetent hillbillies to the curb since the rest of us have a more open mind about such issues as gender and racial equality.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:37:36 GMT

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Andrew Noorenberghe, LaSalette, Ontario, Canada — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:39:30 GMT

Hardballers, bloggers, Democrats; let us put the candidate field into perspective. Assuming the republicans nominate Giuliani, how do we measure each one's ability to take him on in a general election other than a so-called opinion poll? I know! Visualize Giuliani fighting down and dirty and giving a swiftboat kick in the crotch to his oponent and what might be the individual response! Edwards would probably sue him for injury, Obama would try to talk amocably with him about it, Clinton would pepperspray him and deny using it, Richardson would probably jump in front of Clinton to take the kick in hopes of a VP spot, Kucinich and Dodd - who cares! But honestly, Biden would be the only one to kick him back and make a witty wisecrack while doing it. He is the only one in these debates who actually belongs in the running for the job of president of the United States. So wake up CNN, MSNBC, etc! Give the man the coverage and respect he deserves!

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David Tulin — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:43:51 GMT

I am a man who plans to vote for Senator Clinton. She is, without a doubt, the best candidate in the Democratic Party. This was her night. Hell, this is her year. She will be our next Commander in Chief. BTW, I'm a 37 year old married man with a wife who supports Joseph Biden.

Clinton/Biden?

It works for us!

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Clint — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:45:10 GMT

Biden is the most qualified and the most mature and honest man (a rare bonus), and the most unifying politician. Hillary is too divisive with republicans. This country needs to heal.

Vote Biden if you want America to come together.

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gerry, atlanta ga — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:50:47 GMT

clinton news network succeeded with mr blitzer behaving appropriately during the debate to his boss, ms. clinton. i thought first sure that he would be doing the nancy grace show from remote.

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cheryl. Mesa, Az — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:52:45 GMT

So many Hillary haters here. If you watched the debate you have to be fair about results. I thought this was a good debate. Biden and Richardson performed very well. Hillary redeemed herself from last debte. Obama needs to go back being a professor and Edwards needs to let go of some of his anger. Hillary, Biden and Richardson did the best. It seems someone is planting Hillary haters on this blog. MSNBC debate was a blood fest. I just want each candidate to give their platforms and as an informed voter will decide who to vote for. I don't listen to pundits on Tv but as a thinking adult research on each candidate and choose the person who best fits what I want from a President. If you don't like Hillary then don't vote for her but you don't have to make personal attacks as some of you are doing.

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Ohiocrat — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:52:48 GMT

What's obvious is that Team Clinton will take a "win" anyway they can get it. Just ask CNN. Their unbiased observers (Gergen and Carville) don't have a problem telling you who won.

Does CNN think the American people are this stupid? Better yet, are we?

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Edward Colon — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:54:38 GMT

Hillary gives us the same old Maybe!!,Well see what the polls are saying tomrrow!!!

Folks we a need change and most importantly we need results!!!

Hillary does not say anything in detail
of what she can do for the for us and the average person trying to make ends meet and inprove their lives.

Obama is the better person for the white house at least he'll tell us what we need to hear and willing to do it!! That's change!!

Obama is the only man willing to say what the real issues are and how the American people can come together to solve them.

Best line of the night - The Upper 6% is NOT THE MIDDLE CLASS!!!!

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Andrew Noorenberghe, LaSalette, Ontario, Canada — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:55:50 GMT

Obama? I don't understand why he is even a top three candidate. He has been by far the weakest candidate in all of these debates. You can sense his own lack of self-confidence.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:56:35 GMT

I will say this: I turned off the debate when it got to the questions from the audience. Please. I mean I realize that we the people are part of the process, but some of those questions just droned on and on.

Like everyone else, I felt that this "debate", and that is an extremely loose use of the word, was highly tilted towards Clinton. If anyone else in the room was given a little more leeway to actually _ANSWER_ a question, I think we would have seen the exact same result we had during the previous MSNBC debate--Clinton folding under the pressure of her opponents like a deck chair in a wind storm.

Wolf Blitzer really seemed to make a name for himself during the Clinton years. This was his payback to them in allowing Hillary to skate through without nary a question of medium difficulty.

The audience was a sham as well. If I didn't know better, it looked like they were debating at her HQ.

Overall, I hope that I never again have to see a single debate--Republican or Democratic--on CNN. They have seriously disgraced themselves as a legitimate source of news and information, political or otherwise.

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Ohiocrat — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:57:44 GMT

Did anyone in the audience boo Hillary last debate? Did MSNBC have two Edwards or Obama "employees" providing post-debate analysis? Did MSNBC try to sneakily "disclose" their bias 38 minutes into their post-debate coverage?

Look, it's fine to support Hillary. What's not fine is to defend any journalist/network that orchestrates debate or only provides one (out of seven) side of the story. Does CNN think we're that stupid? Better yet, are we that stupid?

Hillary supporters would win a lot of much-needed credibility if they would concede these obvious biases. I ain't holding my breath.

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Andrew Noorenberghe, LaSalette, Ontario, Canada — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:00:29 GMT

CNN and MSNBC, It is time to do the right thing: get off of this Clinton/Obama love affair. The voting public realizes the true value of the rest of the field. Why is it you networks don't? Money, perhaps?

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Shawn, TN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:02:18 GMT

After seeing the debate, I can safely say: We are all doomed.

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Bob, Michigan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:04:29 GMT

People, you have to choose ONE. they all have some strengths, but the best all around is Biden. what disqualifies Clinton is not as much her indecisiveness, as much as the division she will bring to washington. Congress will be split! nothing will happen!

Biden.

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GR- Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:06:15 GMT

That was not a debate. Wolf Blitzer is a horrenous moderator asking broad questions and then wanting an "Yes/No" answer. He had no control and issues are complicated. Not to mention CNN's absolutely biased behavior in coronating Clinton- lobbing softball, ridiculous questions and giving commentary from Clinton insiders. They should feel ashamed and other networks should call them out. There is no excuse.

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Dillon — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:07:45 GMT

After reading these comments and other sites as well, it's clear to me that this debate might actually backfire on Hilary. I've never seen this many people agree on one particular topic after a debate than this. The mistake that CNN made was that they were so obvious that you're actually willing to cut Obama and Edwards some slack tonight because of the audience reaction and the behavior of the moderator. No this wasn't Obama's best debate but after the first few minutes, after the immigration question(Which in the end he was right about), he settled down and showed substance in his answers and finished strong. Edwards seemed a little taken back by the crowd's reation toward him and he seemes off the rest of the night. Not his fault. Hilary won but that's not saying much tonight. I think the "No BS" people of Iowa will probably see tonight the same way.

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Dillon — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:08:21 GMT

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Leo, Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:08:25 GMT

Looks like I'll be voting for Ralph Nader for my third straight election. The Democrats need to get their house in order. A good starting place? Throw the bums (The Clintons) out.

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Terry, Ft.Ldle.Fl. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:08:57 GMT

All you people who have said you won't vote for Hillary.
So if she gets the nomination why don't you say who you will vote for so we can all have a good laugh,ha.
Regarding the audience I believe that they were responding to the negative attacks.Going negative has a down side people don't like it and they let Edwards and Obama know it. Tough rocks.

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S. Mason Fort Washington, MD — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:10:04 GMT

Clinton looked horrible and gave answers that were all "canned" She is a politician--however is dishonest and only wants to get the vote-- not do anything. I will be voting for Barack and will under NO circumstances vote for Hiliary-- even if she gets the dem nomination--- I will switch party lines--

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Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:10:24 GMT

The only reason you can say that this debate separated Clinton and Obama from the crowd is because it was set up that way, physically and through its questions. Side by side, placed in the middle, Obama and Clinton were asked the first set of questions and allowed to go back and forth answering them for about ten minutes; and they were allowed much more time throughout the evening. During the second hour, Edwards was only asked one question, I believe. What a joke. But the overall quality of the debate; and the initial questions, intentionally directed towards creating friction between Obama and Clinton, made this debate a non-event for me. I don't know what the candidates will make of it.

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Tim Seattle — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:10:44 GMT

Hillary voted for the war. Obama didn't. It's really that simple.

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Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:12:24 GMT

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Trojan--North Hills, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:12:54 GMT

Geez, will CNN do better "pre-screening" for their Dec. Dems Debate in L.A?

I.E. Ensuring that no candidate's "ringer" gets to ask a question (Happy Birthday to Bill Richardson!).

Followed by a woman who is obviously too illiterate to properly READ a question RE Social Security and Medicate.

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m&a bowman — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:15:00 GMT

That debate was the biggest joke, talk about rigged! Hillary Does not have a chance against the cons.They will destroy her with her own history and words.The attacks from the other dem candidates are nothing compared to what the cons will do aka vince foster,whitewater,immagration,hillarycare and much more! My wife and i are democrats and we dont trust hillary nor do we know anyone that does.I cannot buy the poles that show her so far ahead.How can you win an election when at least half the country despises you.I believe in my heart that if we nominate her we condem ourselves to another sorry republican president!For GODS SAKES HillaryLovers Stop drinking the KOOLAID! Joe Biden is no question the most qualified,not hillary!I think most of us really want Al Gore but we will settle for Biden or Edwards

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Linda Bohrer, Grantham NH — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:16:57 GMT

Hilary is truly awful. I am so tired of her already. It is always interesting to hear Hilary citing her experience. Her healthcare credentials as the spouse of a former president are actually a negative. Her senate experience has been an outright dismal failure, voting consistently in a hawkish manner which shows she is only experienced in making horrendous mistakes in judgement I traveled in her state of New York transporting my daughter to college and was so affected by the incredible poverty of the rural farm areas of upstate NY that I was compelled to write her office begging her to take the initiative to create a viable economic solution to the problems we saw every year. I don't even live in NY but found it distressing to think of people freezing in homes with large holes through the roofs.

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DB Wahome — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:19:00 GMT

Wolf Blitzer was a terrible terrible moderator. The debate was totally out of control with clinton planted cronies heckling and shouting down edwards and obama. This I promise you is the beginning of a rift among the democrats that is going divide them like crazy ... Obama is the ony unite who could have saved this party at this point in time!!

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Dave Sonita — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:25:01 GMT

I can't say who won, but I can say that they ALL have me feeling very anxious. I was particularly worried that after Richardson said that human rights was more important than national security, none of the other candidates would side up with him. Does this mean that torture is OK if I can say is for security purposes? Then why did everyone make a big deal of the waterboarding question in the Mukasey confirmation hearings?

Last time, they all said that the first thing they'll do is get us out of Iraq, then they said "Maybe by 2013...," then they said "Of course, we'll have to keep SOME forces over there..."

Will they answer the same way when someone asks them to give a date on restoring Habeus Corpus and removing the illegal wiretaps?

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Judy Harrison, Kailua-Kona, HI — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:26:20 GMT

Hillary did well, but wouldn't anyone with such a massive political machine behind her...lobbyists and special interest groups? She's a female duplicate of Bush, except she knows how to talk. (and double talk!)
Debates don't give candidates time they need to discuss their positions on issues. Obama's speech last week was incredible. I revert to that. He's got my vote!

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adam, west orange, nj — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:30:20 GMT

worst debate yet... CNN was totally bias, the questions were bias, and the moderator cut off everybody when they were trying to make a point except hilary. terrible debate

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:30:58 GMT

<<We learned nothing new about the candidates and where they stand on the issues. Clinton continues to evade specifics on any issue. Obama continues to be focused on trying to reshape the political landscape. Edwards continues to be a populist. The rest of the field is just trying to make it to the first caucus. I thought Richardson did the best he has done in a debate, along with Biden's straight forward ansers - whom I support by the way. What's funny is that Biden has the best experience to take on the challenges we face in the next four years, but the media gets caught up in the story, as does America. Admit it media, you want Hillary in the White House. While you want a story of a close race, you can't help yourself. You want to keep America divided by promoting a divisive candidate. Otherwise, I think you worry that people will stop watching stories about politics. We really need a candidate that can unite our country and I don't think any candidate on either side has made that case, yet. >>

The more I think about the "the media wants Hillary in the WH" point of all of the MSM's cheerleading for her, the more I've come to believe what they really want is _BILL_ back in the White House. Deep down inside, in places HRC's supporters don't ever think about, I believe it is also true of them. Everyone of them thinks life was awesome when Bill was President, they've come to expect that the same would be true under Hillary.

If people have been paying attention, it isn't. Hell, she's pretty much in bed with everyone of Dubya's special interest groups. If you believe she'll have us out of Iraq within a year of being inaugurated, it will only be because she'll have those troops next door in Iran. Her voting record proves it.

In terms of her performances at these debates, I'll say this: If John Kerry made flip-flopping an art form in 2004, she's the Michaelangelo of it. Pulling teeth is easier than getting an answer on DL's for illegal immigrants. Then when she did answer, she gave 2 answers in the span of a minute and a half. And that's just the start of it.

I'm sorry, if she is the nominee, we will suffer another 4 years of a Republican in the White House. The Dems may even lose control of the Senate as a result if her name is the top of the Democratic ticket. She is too polarizing even within her own party. How do you think that plays outside of it?

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Jo, Riverside, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:36:59 GMT

Joe Biden made the rest of them look like they were on the high school debate team. He is so clearly the best democratic candidate it would be laughable if the stakes weren't so high with the result being Hillary as president. You do know she took a payoff from the lobbyists don't you? In my book that means you go away--and you don't come back.

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josh — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:37:29 GMT

Like diamonds? Well, here's a pearl: CNN passing softballs to Hillary.

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George, Tampa, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:37:40 GMT

Awesome debate. Much better than the Russert gotcha-festival from 2 weeks ago.

Clinton decided to be aggressive, and she clearly threw Obama and Edwards off their game. When she answered Edwards with "mud" and "Republican talking points," you could tell how stunned he was.

Clinton is not only going to win the nomination in landslide fashion, she will also handle Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani easily in the general election.

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Abraham, SF, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:39:09 GMT

Did we have a debate tonight? Did we?
Really, Wolf is real loser, cannt even ask tough question like Tim R.
CNN just wasted the time of the candidats. Sucks.

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L winky — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:39:14 GMT

What a farce and is there anyone out there that actually buys this crap Hillary Clinton is selling? 28 years of either a Clinton or Bush in the White House and look where it's gotten us. Enough of the status quo government, it's time for a change but I don't see anyone out there that is not affiliated with special interests. If the democrats nominate Clinton then the GOP will win again, it's party suicide and it looks like they can't wait to do it. Another 8 years of do nothing government ahead.

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Thaddeus — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:40:50 GMT

Sadly, I believe that Shawn of Tennessee summed it up the best - "After seeing the debate, I can safely say: We are all doomed."

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Stan, Chicago, il — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:41:21 GMT

That 'debate' sealed the deal for me. I will not participate in a coronation for a dynasty. I am a democrat, but i will NOT be voting for Hillary Clinton, not in the primary or the general. Since the media has decided that Hillary will win the presidency, and doesnt need to go through an actual primary either. Then THEY can do the voting.

This hasnt been my country for a long time now, this hasnt been a democracy for a long time now. Watching this last 'debate' made the whole thing painfully clear. This country is no longer for the middle class, its about the corporation. Whether Democrat or Republican, it makes no difference as long as they support the corporations mad money and power grab. Im sick of it, and i wont continue the lie any longer.

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walt Wend, Tacoma, Wa — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:48:31 GMT

Its amazing about the debates how the programs can one side the issues. They spin the debates so they come out the way they want them to come out, and only play back what they want and only partial play back of statements to appear the way they want it to sound. Its the same thing with the republicans, they got them debating whose the most conservative in stead of real issues. Or do they only report what they want you to hear instead of the real truth on issues, so the public does hear both sides of the story.

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bill, sf, ca — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:48:33 GMT

debate. dreadful.
clinton. tiresome.
obama. complex.
blitzer. blowhard.
edwards. shrinking.
dennis. ears.
biden. funny.
audience. clinton's.
campbell. best.
result. differentiation.

gee, hard to do in one-word. the debate separated the top two from the rest. the choice there is normal democratic politics vs. a different approach not beholden to the normal democratic leadership.

smart money. clinton.
heart. obama.

can't wait for the iowa results...

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Don Milner — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:48:54 GMT

The party is out of touch with the country as they continue to ignore the illegal immigration issue that the people are super concerned with as evidenced by the driver's license outrage poll numbers. The candidates continue to ignore the elephant issue and that "party" may be the big winner! This "debate" was a hoax from day one.

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Lew Ferrin, Sutter, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:50:18 GMT

While I generally prefer the news analysis on MSNBC, CNN reclaimed the crown for hosting a very watchable and worthwhile Democratic Debate. The two hours spend by leaving me wanting more instead of regretting watching as a waste of time. Perhaps it was the notable absence of Lou Dobbs that helped the night succeed. Hillary clearly won the event but Biden was a close second, along with kudos for Richardson. Edwards was strident, weak and almost whimpering by the end. Obama took it on the chin when Hillary hit back but never laid a glove on her positions.

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Tony Odi, Maryland — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:51:45 GMT

I think Clinton was the best tonite. But as a black man, I was also interested in what Joe Biden said, he was on a good message. As of Obama he was disappointing tonite. John Edwards is a very big disgrace to men. What he was only after attacking a female and cannot attack the republicans record? And he forgot that he was among the people that were making a huge money in Louisana from the forclosed homes. Anyway Biden is my first choice, followed by Clinton, then Obama and Finally Richardson. Although am for Biden, I think is time to have a change in the white house, Men has been ruling for more than 200years. So is time to have a woman, a Black man or a Hispanic as the president. We Americans champion for Democracy all over the world, and all the other parts of the world have had a female president. So I think is time for us to make history as Americans so can continue to lead the world

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Abraham, SF, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:55:59 GMT

The media can decide who is going to be the nomine. We do not need anymore primaries. A hardcore democrat, but I will never vote for HRC because I do not want to be a complice of a bush like in the white house. To all democrats who believe its time for change let get together and force the change.
Poor CNN

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Keith, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:59:00 GMT

I have never been more disgusted in a candidate than I am tonight.

I can't believe, after a week of issues with "Plants" in her audience, Hillary Clinton put plants in the debate audience.. Not just people to make her look good, but to actually _boo_ out and _Shut_ out the other candidates. That is disgusting, disrespectful, and is making me hate my own party. How _dare_ they. How _Dare_ they?!

We aren't Republicans. We don't disrespect those who want to voice an opinion. We had 7 years of that under Bush, I don't want another 8 years under clinton.

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Valerie, Sacramento, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:00:29 GMT

I have one comment why would some one vote for a presidential candidate based on their performance in a Debate. Will the debate play a part when dealing with Pervez Musharraf and issues in Pakistan.

COME ON PEOPLE !!!!!!

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Dixie Siegel — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:36:11 GMT

Well I cannot say that I was impressed with the format and Wolf. Most of the questions were catch 22. Damned if you answer yes or if you answer no. Like anyone could say defense yes, let people have no human rights. Obama was right on this one. I think that Obama is too thoughtful for CNN and Wolf. He doesn't think in sound bits. I was hoping that the audience questions would be better, but it wasn't a true town hall like Obama shines at. I think that the "6%" line was the best one liner by Obama. I cannot say it was a great performance by Obama. Pundits will praise Hillary for her come back (predictable). I think that what Hillary didn't say is the most important thing...remember that pause about NAFTA...Clinton #1 gave us NAFTA and all its ills after campaigning to oppose it.

Bravo MSNBC for questioning the make up of the audience and the format, but whinners don't profit.

Remember a debate does not make a race. George Bush lost 2 and won the White House.

I don't want my president to win some scripted debate.
I want my candidate to make a change. Hillary was evasive on those poor $97,000 people. She also sounded very soft on Roe. Don't let me think she is totally going Rep.

I think that CNN is going where they think the story is...with Clinton and Carville is big time Clinton.
I still love you though...just change sides. Lets pick up our toys and go to bed to get up tomorrow and fight aqain.

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Jeffrey, Arlington, VA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:37:48 GMT

This debate was disgusted, distorted and bias! Where was the hell of Mike Gravel in CNN debate? We wanted Mike Gravel in the debate because he is the man of the truth which the mainstream media censored him in order to prevent his exposure to tell the truth to American people for today’s problem of political and media corruptions. John Edwards was right about the lobby problem within the political corruption because lobbyists exploit financially supports and influences to politicians and media which they often neglected American people needs and concerns. This debate showed that CNN heavily favors to Hillary in the debate because of her huge financial and lobby influences to corporation-ruled CNN. That is the media corruption! Most of the time Kucinich tried to response to answers and he was completely ignored by CNN commentators and an ugly bigotry one, Wolf Blitzer. Powerful Israel lobby-influenced CNN commentator Wolf Blitzer was rude and disrespected to some candidates, especially Kucinich. Wolf looked like Osama Bin Laden because of his unshaven face with his impolite attitude. Fire Wolf Blitzer! Now we call CNN as Corrupt New Network.

Why does Hillary in the debate act like a tomboy because she is a lesbian? We are wondering that her veiled behavior could frustrate her husband that led him to involve his secret romance flings with other women. Why does she always wear her pant to cover her legs in several debates because she tried to prove her to be a man?! Hillary could wear her pantyhose and high-heel shoes in the debate that would electrify American people, especially for men. That will definitely boost her popularity poll for the Democrats presidential nominee.

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Mark Bonin Tucson Arizona — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:43:49 GMT

The interesting thing that seems to have ocurred in the landscape of politics ala USA. The pundits swarm to the largest war chest like hogs to slop. Since the 2008 Whitehouse Race Infinitum began back in '05,consistently, we have been reminded of the Clinton machine. Regardless of the visual component of such an analogy ie. A steamroller crushing the life out of everything in its path, there is the perpetual inference that the American population has surrendered to that concept and have thrown themselves into its path. It would behoove the broadcast media to advocate for a higher level of debate given the importance of this election in 2008. I saw nothing conclusive in any of the ideas expressed in these debates.Americans will not tolerated another campaign of retort rather than response.When will the voters be treated as something other than saps.

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Kim Ramsey, — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:48:41 GMT

I have watched all of the debates thus far and this was the worst, unorganized and pro clinton debate presented thus far. MSNBC please please please sponsor the rest of the debates. Clinton, on the first debate, stated that she would not meet with anyone and Obama said that he would. Why hasn't anyone checked her on this statement. I am a woman and I will not vote for her. She appears to be first be in the race to win and secondly to make a difference. I am so tired of hearing about the 1990s when we are in the year 2007 going into 2008. What worked in the 90s will not work in this day and age. We need a genuine candidate, one who tells the truth and what he believes and not one who just wants to win and will answers in a way that she feels will give her an advantage. I also do not believe in the polls that are taken because no one ever polled me and asked me who I would vote for. One thing is right and that is that we all have a choice and if we are not wise and make the correct choice, we could be in a worse situation then what we are in now. In order to progress you must move forward. All Clinton wants to do in remain in the past. Also MSNBC, whom I watch everyday, needs to stop focusing so much on her and saying that it appears that she is going to win. I do not think she will because we Americans can see through the smoke and know that she will not benefit our country the way we need a president to stand up for us. I really think that the most genuine people are first Obama, Edwards and then Biden. I think a good match would be Obama for President and Edwards for Vice President.

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Greg Brown, Las Vegas NV — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:48:44 GMT

I was there and am a volunteer for the Edwards campaign in Nevada. About the tickets. They were distributed by the sponsors, UNLV, the Nevada State Democratic Party, and CNN. The left side of the hall (the side of the stage where Edwards sat) was the UNLV ticket-holders. The right side (the side where Biden sat) was the Democratic Party ticket holders. On those bleachers, there were not entirely Clinton supporters. By my estimate roughly 30% of that section were Clinton supporters, about the same for Obama, slightly less (maybe 15%) for Edwards, and supporters of all the other candidates in that section.

The booing was, sadly, the result of a large number of young, enthusiastic, but rude and innapropriate, Clinton supporters among the Dem party ticket holders. I kept waiting, as did many others (including a Reid staffer I spoke wiht after) for CNN to step in and ask for behavior appropriate to the dignity of a presidneital debate.

But this was the show CNN wanted, and its what they got.

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HW Wan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:52:27 GMT

Hillary is the leader for sure, I do believe she will lead this country to a better tomorrow.

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Chris K, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:54:21 GMT

Obama was the big loser in this debate. He stumbled over and over an could not give simple Yes or No answers. The irony is this comes after pounding Hillary for 2 weeks for not giving simple yes or No answers!

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Abishag98, San Antonio, Texas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:02:08 GMT

Senator Joe Biden was the clear winner of this "debate." You people who think Hilarious Hillary is some kind of god need to get a grip on yourselves.

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Rebecca, Dallas, Texas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:15:52 GMT

My impression was that Obama miscued at the beginning by answering a short-answer question with a lecture, allowing Hillary to look strong initially. But by the end of the night Obama was the one sticking to his guns and making sense, while Hillary sounded like she was mouthing drivel.

Biden actually seemed to enjoy himself, which was refreshing.

I thought the moderators went easier on Hillary than the rest; since she had it rougher last time, I'm OK with that. But what was with changing the audience questions??

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David Joines — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:23:20 GMT

Can't say it any better than everyone else that has more than 2 brain cells has. CNN was a setup for Clinton.

If they gave Biden a 10th of time they allowed to Clinton et al. We would know without doubt who our next president would be. Experience, no nonsense, and heart.

I only hope that the American voters realize this as well. Enough of the media driven lies that force you into one corner. All Clinton has is a name. Beyond that nothing. She says 30+ years experience, well if that's the case why hasn't anything she's EXPERIENCED gotten done yet? Hmmmmm?

Use your head and THINK who has the ability to lead.

Biden....

And CNN's Blitzer? Did this guy even host a debate before?

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Matt, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:29:27 GMT

The debate was a disgrace. Booing at a debate is tactless. The Clinton plants should be ashamed of themselves. As for immigration - she took both sides of the drivers licenses issue at the last debate, and then next day she came out in favor of granting drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants, and today she came out against it. She is all over the place. And it disgusts me. I wanted so bad to like her, but something's changed in the Clintons since the mid-1990s. They have become political thespians. They've been watching Bush. And now Hillary is running a Rove like campaign, long on slogans, short on real policy positions, and speaking only in front of supporters - even at a debate. It is shameful. Anyone but Clinton gets my vote. Anyone!

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Rex Lipana, San Francisco, California — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:47:11 GMT

It's quite obvious that Chuck Todd is an Obama fan-boy. What a load of biased reporting! You should be ashamed of yourself.

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Adam, Sacramento CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:52:09 GMT

Is first read the right place to complain about bias. Notice the categories line on the left it indexes the stories here to names.

Clinton 125 37.09%
Obama 86 25.52%
Edwards 57 16.91%
Richardson23 6.82%
Biden 20 5.93%
Dodd 22 6.53%
Kucinich 4 1.19%

CNN's video index january through october

Hillary Clinton 169 39.21%
Barack Obama 128 29.70%
John Edwards 68 15.78%
Bill Richardson 26 6.03%
Joe Biden 14 3.25%
Kucinich 13 3.02%
Dodd 13 3.02%

It's just coincidence the national polls so closely mirror coverage ink bytes and video I assure you.

Hillary has the clinton name everything she does get's covered it's an unfortunate truth that usually gets equalized by Iowa and New Hampshire with all the moved up polls after them this year capturing the Iowa NH surge might be dificult for a dark horse however.

No I don't think it's fair but I've seen the favorites election afer election benefit. Go Iowa and New Hampshire.

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Barbara, Haverford, PA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:01:20 GMT

Yes, she's a good debater, but Hillary is still shrill, calculating and not deserving to be President. She did nothing tonight to win me over (and I'm sure others still continue to be tweaked by her). She is no Bill.

Obama missed opportunities but, at least for me, is the only candidate with real leadership skills capable of bringing the country together. I hope he hits her hard in the next one.

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me — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:09:23 GMT

CNN SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Steven Beam Daytona Beach, Florida — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:57:07 GMT

james from charlotte:typical from an obama supporter, take a colloquialism and try to turn it into something it's not. as far as legislation: she has sponsored legislation on childrens health care and prescription drug safety, the fight against AIDS, she authored legislation to lower prescription drug costs, she authored legislation to protect the nations food supply from bioterrorism, sponsored the "prevention First Act" that increases access to family planning, introduced the Count Every Vote Act to ensure that all of our votes are counted and has a verifiable paper trail, championed legislation to bring broadband internet access to rural communites which is important for today's economy, she's leading the fight for expanded use of onformation technology in the health industry so as to lower costs, mistakes , and insurance prmiums, authored legislation to expand healthcare benefits to the Guard and Reserves, wrote legislation to make sure the troops returning from war have access to psychological treatment, and there is probably another 15 pieces of legislation that she authored or cosponsored. so once again, you speak and spread lies and talk of things you have absolutely no knowledge of or choose to conveniently misrepresent the facts. you repeat the media hype about her being polarizing, yet can you find 10 senators that say anything bad about her performance as a senator and her ability to reach across the aisle to work with others to get things done? i think not. and tell me why the polls have always shown her as the front runner and that 75% of democrats think she is experienced and ready to be president? if she was so polarizing why do so many people support her? it seems the only polarizing people are the obama and edwards supporters. take another look at the blogs on here and elsewhere. you will find very few, if any at all, of supporters of the other candidates outside obama and edwards say anything negative about her....they will tell you why they think their candidate is the better candidate based on issues and leave it at that. yet you obama/edwards supporters have this overwhelming need to try in desparation to disparage a lady that has spent her life working toward causes that benefit the american people. seems this polarizing comment thing is the only thing you have to offer along with your disingenuous comments on her long record of sponsoring and co-sponsoring legislation. i again go back to the fact that the same thing was said about her when she ran for the senate, yet she was elected twice the 2nd time with 70% of the vote and the support of nearly 40% of the republican voters of new york. take the time to read some of the comments from other senators from the republican side (which were made long before she ran for the white house) and you will find, like most intelligent people that rely on facts and not some hyped up rubbish, that they actually admire her for her ability to work toward compromise and the passion with which she does her job. why has she gotten more endorsements from more people than any other candidate? because they know she can get the job done. so please! before you start spewing your hatred and fear-and-smear in some last ditch effort to save a campaign of someone that is nothing but fluff, take the time to check the facts about what Mrs. Clinton has done in the senate and you'll see that she outshines obama at every turn. i see the obama crowd trying desperately trying to spin this debate tonight on everything from the moderators(which, by the way, wolf blitzer didn't ask the questions. and they accused clinton of doing the same thing in the last debate) to the audience and who knows what else. intelligent people know that the democratic party handed out the tickets to this debate not the candidates, they got to invite only a few guests, yet somehow clinton planted 20,000 people in the audience. it doesn't matter that when any of the candidates offered up substance they all were applauded, just they had to be clinton plants when they booed the attacks. funny it was all good when there was an obvious attack plan on clinton by the moderators in philly, but obama gets a couple questions he can't answer and right away wolf blitzer and cnn is working for the clinton campaign...haha. then the post-debate discussion was supposedly all clinton supporters, carvelle was bill's campaign manager, so i'll concede he may be biased. but david gergen worked for presidents reagan and george hw bush, before he spent 6 months writing speeches for bill, and if you look at many of his commentaries you will find that he has actually had more negative things to say about bill and hillary than anything good...because he is a republican. so once again spewing falsehoods to try to spin this as a reason obama looked like an amateur tonight. then there is jc watts, one of the chief antagonists during the clinton white house and definitely totally anti-democratic anything. he too said hillary, by far had the best night and obama failed to show up for the debate...guess he must have had a sudden change of party loyalties and switched to a clinton supporter. you people are a joke and the american people as a whole can see through all of this chris matthews anti-hillary bullcrap and support her because she is a proven leader and has command of all the issues, even the ones that take more than 30 seconds to answer with some feel-good soundbite fluff that you find coming from obama. again sir, i ask you to do a little research and find out what you're talking about before you act the fool again. have a nice day.

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Jodie — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:59:59 GMT

what a complete waste of my time. Everything was terrible including the lighting. CNN is fair and balanced just like fox news. Wolfe Blitzer is not a serious journalist. Hillary has the whole CNN network firmly wedged up inside the bottom half of of her pant suite, if ya know what I mean. WB needs to pull his head out of her a** and get a breath of fresh integrity.

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Ellen — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:11:42 GMT

Too funny to watch. Blitzer and the audience were bought and paid for. The only unknown is whether the debate prep sheets are in the same binder as Clinton's townhall planted questions.

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devin leonard, Albuquerque, NM — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:40:16 GMT

Chuck Todd is well known as a Obama supporter, and therefore I am not surprised that he seems so hesitant to give Hillary Clinton the win...but that is exactly what happened tonight. Obama floundered helplessly on the immigration question and this time HE seemed like the one who was trying to have it both ways. As much a Todd hates to admit it, Hillary seperated herself from the pack once again, and he continued lead against all of the GOP rivals proves why she should get the nomination.

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Otis Foster — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:47:17 GMT

The debate was a scandal. Blitzer should never be given an assignment of this importance. I don't know if I buy into the CNN-conspiracy theory, but I'll settle for rank incompetence.

The audience should have been silenced at the first outburst of applause, and anyone violating that rule should have been warned, and then asked to leave on repeat offenses. They made it sound like a WWF match. Just a disgrace. You wouldn't get that in Iowa or NH, where they understand the importance of a real discussion about policy.

If there ever was a rationale for debates - I go back to JFK - it's long since been lost. With our appetite for instant satisfaction and instant prognosis, people are fixated on 'gotcha' points, which have precisely zero predictive value in determining who is best suited to take office. No better example than last night. Tell me if you can what important information about policy or competence could we derive from that god-awful mess?

Steven Beam: If you're going to decide whom to vote for based on debate technique, you'll get the president you deserve and we'll all pay for it for many years. You really should set aside your self-satisfaction and consider why so many people are profoundly distrustful of your candidate. If you need a memory prompt, read Howard Kurtz's column in the WaPo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/15/AR2007111500626.html
She is simply not trust-worthy for many of us, and trust along with comepeence is a bright-line issue for voters. She will never tell you what she stands for if she thinks it will offend.

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NoHillary, Buffalo, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:50:44 GMT

Why don't they ask the people of Upstate NY how good of a senator she is? She lied to us about getting us jobs here. She has done nothing for us!! She used NY as a stepping stone to the White House. Wake up America!! She is a total phony!!!

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JAYSEN ROZZA NEW CASTLE PA. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:51:37 GMT

Too bad! Bill Clinton the 'BUTCHER OF BELGRADE', who slaughtered 10,000 civilians over a 78 day bombing! campaign, did not! have the foresoight to attack! the UBL training camps where 911 terrorists ready themselves for that dark September day, Oh! here's another issue if? Bill Clinton was a staggering success with policies in KOSOVO, why is it Muslim attacked the USS Cole a few short months following the great?, success of Kosovo. If GWB is a failure?, why have teerorists been unable to penetrate U.S. defense..., OH YEAH I'd vote for STALIN!, before PULLING THE LEVER FOR A LYING CLINTON.

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Juliet Taubner Mt. Vernon, Maine — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:41:16 GMT

The media controlled the debate. I want to hear from all the candidates, not just the ones the media chooses to hi-lite. The anchor people, also controlled the outcome of the answers when the audience participated. Let the candidates talk, we want to hear their ideas, not what you think we should hear!!!!! STOP MANIPULATING THE OUTCOME!!! IT IS TIME THE AMERICAN PEOPLE EDUCATED THEMSELVES ON ALL THE CANDIDATES. WE MAKE THE FINAL DECISION AND I WANT TO BE WELL INFORMED.

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Maggie, WV — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:44:58 GMT

When is someone going to tell Hillary that she has not been a politician for 35 years, being the wife of a politician, even first lady is not the same.

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bill — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:03:17 GMT

That was about the saddest bunch of political rhetoric I have ever seen.
God help us, "IF" this is the "BEST", we can expect from an entire country to put forth as candidates for the UNITED STATES PRESIDENT!
It was a waste of time !

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Mike Gutierrez Albany, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:00:42 GMT

All you Hillary haters need to wake up...She as tough as any candidate in the race, she has more expereince other than Joe Biden to handle the job, and she can win in the general election. To win inthe general election you have to carry Independents ans moderate Republicans. Supporting a tax increase on household incomes of 96,000 hits the two grouops I have talked about. A police office who is married that has a family of 2 makes around 96,000. Obama wants to tax these people more...Is he NUTS...He can;t win...Edwards is a rich guy who tries to act like he comes from a poor family that understands what it feels like to make edns meat..Come on !!!!

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Bee — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:04:56 GMT

Who is organizing the next debate? CNN is the worst debate organizer i have ever seen.

Wolf Blitzer the Pessimist - I am happy Obama call him out on this issue. He is so pro-Clinton and it was quite obvious.

I am sure the Clinton supporters were all planted in the debate room.

CNN is - Clinton Network News

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Bee — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:05:32 GMT

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John Yasik — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:19:42 GMT

America - I just don't get it. I believe many American people are looking for the "easy" answer on who to support for President. Many Americans do not want to do their homework. And the media is eager to help. And the media is leading them to Clinton or Obama. Both of them are "new" and exciting" candiates. But this is not a popularity contest - this is real life - with nuclear weapons, wars, poverty, education system that needs repair, social security that needs fixing, etc. Clinton, I believe will be a viable option but she is still 4-8 years away from being ready to lead the most powerful country in the world. I would probably vote for her in 2012 or 2016. Same for Obama. I believe, he to, will someday be a very good potential candiate for President. And I would seriously consider him for President in 2012 or 2016. BUT neither one of them is ready NOW and neither can match the experience and knowledge of Joe Biden. Or Chris Dodd for that matter. And those two candiates are not being given the opportunity, by the media, to explain to the public who they are are why they should be considered for the Presidency. The media is telling us its Clinton or Obama. And maybe Edwards.The United States is near crisis. The current adminstration has totally "bothched" nearly everything they have touch. Our problems at home are the worst they have ever been. Many foreign countries look at us as an aggressor. A "bully"! Contrast that with the world's opinion at the conclusion of WWII - America and the American GI meant hope, salvation, and liberation. It was a great time in American history.
Please do your homeowork. Take a HARD look at ALL the candiates experience and knowledge. This is not a game. Your decision is the most important it has ever been. The stakes have never been higher.DO NOT let the media make it for you.The candiate should be the people's choice and not that of special interest. Or the media. I believe if you do your homework, one would find the race should be between Joe Biden and Chris Dodd. Personally, I take my right to vote very seriously. And as much as I despise the Bush Adminstration and want a democrat in the White House, I can tell you right now if Clinton or Obama are the democratic candiate, I will be voting for any Republican who gets the nomination. Good luck America!

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ted — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:20:09 GMT

debate was terrible. Clinton should not be the demorcratic nominee. She is a poverty peddler.
CNN is becoming a disappointment. What a dumb question at the end americans working their butts off and to ask her an obviously planted question like that her response was soooo fake - I am now for obama/biden/edwards in that order

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Herndon, Virginia — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:21:34 GMT

I just want to say that i agree with how the South would extend the "olive branch" to a black male or a woman. I honestly think that Hillary won this debate and redeemed herself... And I am not a supporter either. I think that she can lead, however, I am concerned about electability. Julianni has not done nothing for New York. Of everyone in the race, I think Julianni should not be there... It is ridiculus that he is the Republican front-runner. I have yet for someone to tell me what Obama really stand for... What policies has he supported for his home state as well as the nation... I am reading and watching for that. I would rather vote for Hillary versus Julianni.... and that is the truth !!!!!

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Macy Grimes IOWA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:23:35 GMT

Hillary was GREAT last night and has sealed my vote!

I'm very disappointed with Obama and Edwards. John Edwards was too angry to get any point across and Obama just babbled, I was embarrassed for him, why is he even being considered in this race, he is obviously way out of this league of experience candidates.
Richardson was impressive and my new second choice...

Clinton will be the next President in 2008!!!
VOTE FOR HILLARY

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Bee — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:23:42 GMT

No more CNN debate please. They are the worst cable news ever

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Jim Halper, Burlington, NC — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:24:44 GMT

Hillary won the debate between the top three, but Biden won the overall debate and came across as the most electable. The top three are just too polarizing and attract too much media attention which further perpetuates the issue and hurts their chances to win the general election. The media needs to spend a little time looking at the substance of each candidate.

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kmnecole, st louis, mo — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:27:21 GMT

I am so happy to see that other people saw what I saw: booing when challenged on issues, questions obviously planted, and meant to leave the audience with that last great impression (diamonds or pearls, I mean- really?), post spin that declared the winner but offered nothing positive about any other candidate, no hits on the driver license issue- which does anyone else consider ironic- I mean the 'leader' had issues with this question, so the day of the debate- the governor of the state in which the 'leader' is a senate member- suddenly drops the issue. Sorry, I got off topic- back to the debate-- not letting 4 other candidates speak for 15 minutes. I have lost all respect for the moderators and hosts of CNN.

This debate was geared to be one-sided from the moment the headlines read "Hillary slipping in polls"-and if you are a Hillary supporter- then yeah, she did great. But if you care anything about change in America and in Washington- this debate did you no justice. However, I guess the media accomplished what they set out to do.

Next time ANY DEBATE IS HELD- BOOING(how 5 year old)should be outlawed and those who do should be forced to live as castoffs on a desert island with George W. Bush as their island leader.

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Sierra, SF — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:28:34 GMT

Mark Thieme: '...Obama did not win...'

No, and he needed to.
But, Hillary DIDN'T WIN
She looked weak and whiny
Not strong, not a leader

What MUD ?
She should have been challenged on that
Who's threw mud at you ? When ?
What charges constitute 'MUD' ?

Hillary is in the pack, now.
She's not floating above the field
And she's STILL evasive and unresponsive

Not the knockout blow I was hoping for.....
But, she's in the pack, she ramains evasive, and her complaints about MUD make her seem needy and weak

It ain't over !
And the fat lady won't be singing when it is ....

Hillary Clinton, 15 years of dishonesty, scandals and divisiveness

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BIGOLDTEXAN — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:28:57 GMT

CNN was bullied and they caved in and gave the HRC camp what they needed.

Shame.....Shame.....Shame on you CNN.

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Dave McClary — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:29:20 GMT

Like it or not, Hillary is a skilled politician. And, she works hard. No matter how much negative polling she may have, she showed in her first Senate campaign that she can convert voters by meeting them, listening to them and speaking to them. She's masterful and a delight to watch. I don't always agree with her, but she knows exactly what she's doing. Obama and Edwards are soooo second tier that it will take a new huge scandal to throw Hillary off. I'm sure there a few thousand Republicans working on this...

Dave
Traverse City, MI

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Arikansas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:05:30 GMT

Professor "holier than thou" Obama clearly lost the debate. Without little Timmie Russert there to front for him he went down. Timmie & Crackpot Cris Mathews front for him now becaue the know he can't win in Ge and they are closet Rep. Their style of journalism is getting stale and old. Take note Chuck Todd...eon't fall into that trap. They will be going down soon.

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Sam, Mo — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:08:30 GMT

Did you see poor little Timmie "gotcha" Russert's face as he talked about the debate on the Today Show this morning? He just can't stand to it that Hillary won the debate last night.

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Sam, St Louis MO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:13:06 GMT

I never watch MSNBC anymore except for Keith Oberman. Keith, is a real jourhnalist. Would LOVE to see him take or Hardball when Crhis has to go in for counseling anger management or whatever he needs to help him with his vile anger at women or whoever dares to disagree with him

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Tom, New York, NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:13:55 GMT

I absolutely love the comments from people that actually believe the audience was "planted" in Hillary's favor.....so answer me why did Obama get one of the best, if not the best, applause at the introduction to the debates? And those same people who applauded loudly then either did not "boo" Hillary or chose to "boo" Obama????? Face it, the audience was not planted and they just expressed their feelings and thoughts at the appropriate times....wow....

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Michael Twokay, San Diego, CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:22:50 GMT

Richardson actually said human rights are more important than United States national security? And nobody called him out on this?

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Nick Brown, Geneva, OH — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:23:17 GMT

Give credit where credit is due. Sen. Biden was, by far, the most effective candidate last night in terms of time alotted. My only gripe is the lack of opportunity for him to address matters other than Foreign Policy. Biden has a voice on all of the issues -- he just needs a platform to shout it from.

And in regard of experience, the candidate most qualified is a no-brainer. Biden.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:23:42 GMT

<<All you people who have said you won't vote for Hillary.
So if she gets the nomination why don't you say who you will vote for so we can all have a good laugh,ha.
Regarding the audience I believe that they were responding to the negative attacks.Going negative has a down side people don't like it and they let Edwards and Obama know it. Tough rocks. >>

I would rather there be another Republican in the White House than Hillary Clinton. At least if there is a Republican, the Democratic-lead congress would at least put up a fight to stop anything they disagree with.

If it were Hillary, they'd pass everything if only to show that the Democrats are united, even if it were the same legislation that they'd fight tooth and nail against were it a Republican.

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Sp MO — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:27:43 GMT

What's the matter with you people. You are trashing Wolf and CNN but where were you after the last debate. Crackpot Chrisie Mathews was brutal and so gleeful in his attacks on Hillary after Timmie"gotcha" Russert insisted on YES OR NO answer from Hillay. You people loved it. Now you are whning because Blitzer dared ask your Prof "holier than thou" to answer. Can't have it both ways. CNN was just as fair as MSNBC and not as violent and vile as Crackpot mathews after the debate. Grow up.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

portla ndval — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:29:24 GMT

We have so many options for our media today. People will leave TV in droves in favor of the internet if so-called "news" networks treat future debates like this one. Boo-birds? Cutting off some candidates and not others? Focusing questions to one candidate? Putting bottom tier candidates in the middle and top ones off to the side? Our country's electoral process is a shambles and our media is contributing to its current horrible condition. I turned it off. CNN should be boo-ed.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:30:20 GMT

<<Awesome debate. Much better than the Russert gotcha-festival from 2 weeks ago.

Clinton decided to be aggressive, and she clearly threw Obama and Edwards off their game. When she answered Edwards with "mud" and "Republican talking points," you could tell how stunned he was.

Clinton is not only going to win the nomination in landslide fashion, she will also handle Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani easily in the general election. >>

What the hell are you smoking and why aren't you sharing it with the rest of us????

Hillary won the debate? If only because she didn't have to answer anything representing an actual policy question. Then again, you Hillary supporters would rather it play out this way--let her win on her name and not on her voting record, her First Lady papers, her lobbyist partners, or anything else that would paint her in a completely different light than her name affords her.

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Rick — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:35:14 GMT

Great analysis Chuck!

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:37:14 GMT

<<While I generally prefer the news analysis on MSNBC, CNN reclaimed the crown for hosting a very watchable and worthwhile Democratic Debate. The two hours spend by leaving me wanting more instead of regretting watching as a waste of time. Perhaps it was the notable absence of Lou Dobbs that helped the night succeed. Hillary clearly won the event but Biden was a close second, along with kudos for Richardson. Edwards was strident, weak and almost whimpering by the end. Obama took it on the chin when Hillary hit back but never laid a glove on her positions. >>

This is, of course, only because Hillary can't win a real debate where she is asked real questions about politics and not her opinion on fashion (re: pearls and diamonds). Even there she couldn't give a difinitive answer. It was an either/or question, Hillary. Both is not on the menu.

The real debate is the one where the journalist asking the questions (yes journalist, not semi-illiterate Hillary bobble heads in the crowd) is well versed on the issues of the day and asks the tough, pointed questions that allow the candidates a real chance to answer. This was more Clinton pep-rally than a real debate. I'll settle for Tim Russert, Brian Williams, and Chris Matthews asking the questions that matter to me. If you want a show and not a real discussion of the issues, continue to support CNN. Otherwise, join those of us that actually give a damn about our country over on MSNBC.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:48:55 GMT

<<Chuck Todd is well known as a Obama supporter, and therefore I am not surprised that he seems so hesitant to give Hillary Clinton the win...but that is exactly what happened tonight. Obama floundered helplessly on the immigration question and this time HE seemed like the one who was trying to have it both ways. As much a Todd hates to admit it, Hillary seperated herself from the pack once again, and he continued lead against all of the GOP rivals proves why she should get the nomination. >>

Maybe because there was no win to be had at this "debate"? Throw in some balloons and this may as well have been the convention in CNN's wet dreams about Hillary winning the White House.

Give us a real debate with tough, pointed questions written by journalists who haven't sold their souls to any single candidate (basically anyone at MSNBC) and then we'll see who truly comes out on top.

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Phil Blackwood, Lincroft, NJ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:49:53 GMT

I have the agree with Chuck Todd that Obama missed an opportunity to call out Hillary early on. But it was not too difficult to sort out her evasions. I thought Obama gave real, solid answers, with a few exceptions, while Hillary gave a better "performance" than in the last debate still without really saying much. Our standards have been systematically lowered the last few years by a Bush Administration that says almost nothing about the true decisions we face. Obama is our best candidate to restart the 21st century; read his books, listen to his speeches. He has real depth of character and intellect and we are lucky he is willing to put up with nonsense like last night's debate to try to put America on a more solid foundation, restore Constitutional balance, re-energize American leadership in global diplomacy, and tackle the liife-and-death issues of war and climate change.

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Mike K, Denver — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:52:18 GMT

Then again, this debate WAS in Las Vegas. Nothing like a good floor show to go with all the boozing and gambling.

Clinton's campaign better hope that what happens in Vegas stays there, because you can bet the other campaigns are going to be all over her and her staffers about last night. What might have been a short term "win" will be a longer term nightmare once her opponents have a chance to sink their teeth into her over this.

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small d in michigan — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:53:20 GMT

we all see what we want to see, so lets just go with the averages,and see what happens, but don't be surprised if it is a women's hand on that bible (wow)
come january 20th 2009

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fl — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:12:52 GMT

My question is why they even bother to have debates if the candidates are not given equal time!!! This feuding and mud slinging between Clinton, Obama and Edwards, does absolutely nothing in distinguishing the differences between them – in fact; it proves just how much those three are alike (i.e. juvenile). The media is intentionally feeding this fire between the so-called “top tier” candidates and in doing so distracting everyone from the purpose of what the debates are actually about, which is to single out the person most qualified and competent for the democratic nomination and from that point – the presidency. However, despite the medias obvious bias towards the so-called “top tier” candidates and their blood lust for a good fight, it is becoming more and more apparent that Joe Biden, even with the very limited airtime given him, is by far the most electable candidate. Joe Biden has more experience, intelligence, maturity and dignity, than the so-called ‘top tier’ candidates put together – not to mention the strength and fortitude to beat the republicans at their own game.

JOE BIDEN ‘08

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Benjamin Keaton, Robertsdale, Alabama — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:19:17 GMT

Sen. Clinton showed how strong she can be. After a hard two weeks, she came out strong under a lot of pressure. I can't believe how much Obama waffled on the immigration question last night!! And thank you Wolf for pointing out that he missed the Iran vote. He was out campaigning that day!! Give me a break. It shows his lack of experience.

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Amazed, Atlanta — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:20:54 GMT

Biden is the guy that should be the president.. clearly. None of the republicans have anyone as experienced as he is... we should all be voting for him. He would creme any of those Neocon losers.. but sadly, the democrats love shooting themselves in the foot. But alas, he will likey be out of the election by the time it gets to my red state of Georgia.. so if I am forced to vote for one of those frontrunners, clearly, it's Clinton.

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Louis Simpson — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:30:31 GMT

CNN was terrible. I don't know what has happened
to it. It used to be an excellent network. The debate was a circus. What matters is Iowa.
I think that Obama, Richardson, Biden did well.
Clinton is a master of saying nothing. Dodd talks too
long. I like Dennis K. He is clear. John it wasn't his day. But he will be fine.

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Dot, Illinois — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:40:06 GMT

From what I am reading there seems to be more agreement on the isssue that the debate was a bust than on any other issue for quite some time. My two cents is that reporters are no longer fair, unbiased or independent enough to be objective moderators. So many of them have their own agenda or have made their selection from among the candidates and that preference shows in who they moderate the debate.

I could not watch the debate, but I read in tmy paper that it was approximatley 15 minutes into the debate before Senators Biden and Dodd were given an opportunity to speak. Seems expremely unfair to me. The reports of the times given to each candidate would seem to bear out the fact the the moderators were only interested in hearing what Clinton and Obama had to say. Not fair.

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Edgar Kashdan Brookly NY — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:48:16 GMT

Two things are certain Edwards is dead in the water and Obama is an unknown commodity. Is he a Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton or Thurgood Marshal. In my opinion his resume is to thin to know.

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Jacknyc — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:56:41 GMT

Disgraceful set-up for Hillary from start all the way through the post debate coverage. How were candidate positions chosen?

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cmadler, Ypsilanti, MI — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:34:46 GMT

I am STILL waiting for someone to call out Hillary on her great "experience." I still don't understand how someone whose "experience" consists of being married to a successful politician ranks above people like Biden, Richardson, Obama, and Kucinich. The only Dem candidate who Hillary really beats in experience is Edwards.

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Russ, Richmond, VA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:39:57 GMT

How many times are we going to hear Hillary say "I have years of experience. Everyone knows where I stand on the issues...I'm for children. I'm for women". That seems to be her favorite standard answer and never a challenge.

Hillary will skate to the Presidency with the MSM clapping in the background.

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Marta H. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:42:54 GMT

I witnessed a debate in Iowa (minus Obama as he declined) and must say that this one wasn't much different. I wish the American people would stop listening to rhetoric and get the facts. Wake up America! This is our leader of what is left of the free world. Educate yourselves on the facts!! It's all over the internet if one cares to educate oneself and you don't need the media to mediate for you.

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Harry Horan, Ridgewood, NJ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:48:30 GMT

Wolf's performance was very disappointing. When HRC invoked "mud slinging" she was not challenged to give an example;Edwards and Obama were talking issues. And pushing that inane question about the relative importance of security vs. freedom was strange

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Al, ND — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:57:30 GMT

As in any debate you have winners and losers, JRE saw right from the start it was a set-up and that CNN’s [Wolf Blitzer] was playing the Hillary game, he let her talk and talk and she was making very little sense in her rhetoric. I did like her remark about running for President as a person and made reference to the fact that she was a woman in the same breath. If this was or was not sexism, I guess I do not know the difference? And she will use her sex to get any and every vote she can. It was a set-up and CNN was used as the goat in this.
As the debate I will file it in my file 13 as disaster and go on as if it never took place, right from the start everybody was fired up and lost their cool and never regained their poseur, and if this was Hillary true poseur I wouldn’t want a people like her for my President. We have GWB why would we need a rerun of him!
The last thing here, if this was Hillary true personality then I can see why “Bill” jump the fence for Monica!

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Raymond Hicks, Bend, TX — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:58:31 GMT

Senator Clinton is leading in the polls in Nevada by over 50%.One should expect a Nevada audience to be favorable toward her. How is Tim Russart's question about UFO sightings more political astute that Wolff Blitzer's question about diamonds or pearls.

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Trish, Sebastopol CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:16:18 GMT

I thought Obama did the best job of injecting actual substance into a debate which was looking for smack-down sound bytes. What is being spun as "waffling" on the driver's license issue was actually a thoughtful response which is thoroughly consistent with his detailed plan on immigration. And I thought his take on renewable energy and the future of nuclear power was forward-thinking with a better grasp of what's happening in the scientific community.

If you re-watch the debate, sift through the rude interruptions from the crowd and moderators, you will find that he gave the only answers that address the true nuances of the very complicated problems our nation faces.

I thought Hillary came out of the gate forcefully, but I realized as the night wore on that she still was not taking any real stances on the tough issues. Obama was absolutely right to correct her on the Social Security issue -- why should the upper class be given a break on SS taxes when the rest of us have to pay them on 100% of our paycheck? She looked extremely stupid on that issue.

I like Edwards, but I think some of his attacks backfired. He did have some good answers, like the gender card issue.

I was impressed with Kucinich's answers, they had a lot more bite to them this time. I think he's too extreme to be a viable President, but you gotta love his unwavering conviction.

Bill Richardson irritates me in every debate. Although he did well on the drivers license issue, his answers are generally pandering and desperate.

Biden is refreshing in an old-school kind of way. He always seems more Senatorial than presidential, but at least he knows he has nothing to lose by letting just about anything come out of his mouth.

Dodd had a good answer or two, but flatlines otherwise.

My ranking goes like this:
1. Obama
2. Kucinich
3. Biden
4. Clinton
5. Edwards
6. Richardson
7. Dodd

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Trish, Sebastopol CA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:22:50 GMT

Oh, and I forgot to add, I thought CNN was completely unprepared and disorganized. The audience was disruptive and unruly, and Wolf Blitzer seemed to channel more Jerry Springer than Walter Cronkite. Terrible debate -- CNN loses big-time.

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david jaoui, pomona, ca — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:59:31 GMT

how come nobody i know supports hillary (off the top of my head i could name upwards of fifty voting people i know who don't prefer hillary clinton) but i hear about so many people who support hillary from the news and from the internet?

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Hilde McNeil, Irvine, California — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:00:20 GMT

The real loser last night was the American people. When the media has the power to shape opinion and exercises that power as CNN did during and after the debate, we all lose.

The questions were designed to give Clinton her inevitable "comeback," the audience response was rigged, the supposed questions from the undecided voters were paraphrased and dumbed down by Blitzer et al. and the post-debate analysis was dominated by two members of the Clintons' inner circle.

CNN has joined FOX as another sad example of "news" you cannot trust.

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Mick McNesby Tucson, Az — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:08:17 GMT

Wolf Blitzer stated at the beginning that he would bring candidates back to the question asked, if they did not answer.

I think he really intended to.

It turned out to be a joke, the way candidates gave some almost non response to practically every questioned asked, then moved on to their usual pattern of blame Bush, then get gushy over what redistribution plan will make audience members think they are in for a new nanny-state handout they did not earn themselves, then a final suggestion of their backing of "working families, children and in one case 91 year old women"

Watching audience members nod their approval and happiness as if something thoughtful was being said was especially stomach turning.

By the conclusion of most responses, the original question had barely been touched, if anyone could still remember it.

Wolf tried but failed to get some thoughtful responses and then got overwhelmed by the candidates' aggressiveness to keep talking about what they wanted to talk about, ending all chance to hear any quality answers, if they'd had any which they did not.

The format, questioning and responses were amateurish beyond comprehension.

Even Democrat Juan Williams a guest on Martha McCallum's show the next morning, seem to laugh at what was referred to as a debate.

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Dave Carlson, San Diego, California — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:20:41 GMT

CNN's post-debate coverage was overwhelmingly biased. Carville basically ran Bill Clinton's campaign, Gergen worked in the Clinton white house, Borger is clearly in love with Clinton and could barely hide her glee when she mentioned how Clinton "clearly demonstrated" something, and JC Watts is is a Republican who may not have Democratic interests at heart.

The network didn't disclose who half of their correspondents had worked for until at least 20 minutes into post-debate coverage, when much of the damage had been done. These debates are a farce, and the questions were overwhelmingly slanted in one direction. CNN has lost its reputation as one of the best media outlets on television.

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Ajay — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:52:11 GMT

CNN rigged this for Hilary. They set up the first 10 mins for her to capture her lost ground from the last debate. I mean the crowd was booing anyone taking issue with Hilary. How can you have a debate like that. I can bet you this booing part was set up by the clinton campaign.
I think Obama, edwards, Biden , Richardson did well, but then Hilary has the establishment in her favor. She is really manipulating things behind scenes, using all these clinton connections, it gives her a for taste of her presidency , if there is one. I am not sure if this is the America we want.
I do not find these debates to be open and frank, that bring forth the real view points of the candidates. They are media circuses showing which candidate has better resources and better connection out there.

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Cedric, Charlotte — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:59:36 GMT

1. This was the worst debate of the lot. I cannot believe they allowed the ridiculous booing. Basically it seemed only Clinton supporters were doing this, though I agree with someone else that Obama clearly got the most applause when they were introduced, so i can't say the audience was "planted." But it certainly was uncivil, and Wolf Blitzer was pretty abhorrent as moderator, unable to exercise much control. I think Kucinich wanted to go to Wolf's a-- during the debate...

2. Speaking of Kucinich, his pic has got to be in the dictionary beside "dyed in the wool democrat" if ever there was such an entry. Here's a guy whose ideas deserve to be taken much more seriously than they are-R. Paul is his Repub. counterpart. These 2 guys should debate each other just because they are so unique and deserve better forums to be heard. Kucinich is for slavery reparations for black people (I'm afr. amer., not a big proponent of it, but i wouldn't turn it down) abolishing trade agreements, impeaching Cheney & Bush, lowering the drinking age to 18, lowering the voting age to 16 (not a good idea, but still fascinating), and a perhaps dangerously precipitous end to the war. I just love his ambition- it's such a contrast to the other Dem candidates. As much as I like Edwards, having voted for him in 2000 for Senator, and considering I'd have voted Dem in '04 had he been the ticket been switched w/ him for Prez, Kucinich smacked him on the China trade treaty, which even Edwards had reservations about at the time. Even since 2000 we've lost so much manufacturing and textiles in the Carolinas thanks in part to those treaties.

3. Debate winner? Really it was Biden to me, followed closely by Kucinich, and then Richardson, a surprise showing. I actually liked his response on human rights being more important or as important as nat'l security- as with torture, its the principle that trumps the expediencies of nat'l security. At least he was honest- the Olbermann wing of the Dem party certainly would agree, considering the feeling about wiretappings, where liberty trumps security.... I thought Anderson Cooper made a dumb statement when he said that Richardson "must be regretting his answer." Why? It's where I think the party is on these issues.

4. Hillary might be next in the ranking. She had to do was hold her own and to her credit she did. Substance didn't matter much at times- for example, what point was made by accusing Edwards of using "R. talking points" and "slinging mud" was backed by nothing to prove it. Edwards was making distinctions, not slinging mud. That's what Dem primary voters deserve- to know who and what they're voting for. Howard Wolfson and crew say you're being dirty if you disagree with her, which is simply juvenile. This is serious business, and it's disingenuous to be a Manchurian candidate in the primaries w/ an eye toward the general election. But it didn't matter that what she said didn't mean much, because she sounded tough saying it and showed she wasn't going to idly take a beating.

5. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT BELIEVE OBAMA WASN'T QUICKER ON THE DRAW W/ THE DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUE. Damn disappointing. All he had to say was he supports it people who have "come out of the shadows" and agreed to pay back taxes or fines or whatever other kind of slap on the wrist moderates on the issue (like me) propose. But he didn't. Now next debate he'll have to have something formulated, but his lack of a concise answer was for me pretty incredulous. There was substance in his answer taken as a whole, but it didn't sound very "neat."

On the other hand, he definitely made a good point about the social security cap and the upper 6 percent not being the middle class, which should've gotten more post-debate acclaim. Perhaps it didn't because he slipped up and called it a "trillion dollar tax cut" accidentally at one point, and Clinton was allowed to make him seem a little sophomoric when she corrected him. Still any informed observer understood his point.

6. All in all, Clinton has generally come across as the more savvy politician, as even Obama acknowledges. What Dems have to decide is if that means she'd make the best president. There's a difference. I like Hillary and I would vote for her assuming there's no Huck, McCain, Obama, Edwards or Biden to vote for, but I'm not as convinced about her "fire for change" as I am by the 2 younger men. On the other hand, I liked Bill Clinton and voted for him, and this would be basically be a shared presidency in my view, so if you like Bill, you'd probably like Hill.

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Carol, Long Valley NJ — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:14:43 GMT

I watched the Democratic debates last night and I had the following observations.

-- too much time was devoted to the top three, Clinton, Obama and Edwards
-- Biden won the debate -- he had some of the best talking points.
-- Richardson held his own, I think that he only stumbled on the one question concerning Pakistan.
-- Obama does better at delivering prepared speeches than he does 'off the cuff'.
-- Dennis K and Dodd were pretty much ignored.
-- the comic relief from Alaska (Gravel) was missing.
-- it was interesting to hear them all proclaim that 'privacy' rights are important when selecting future judges. Bush/Cheney don't believe that Americans deserve privacy, anywhere, even on the phone.

Any one else have some intelligent debate observations?

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El Pearl, MS — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:34:59 GMT

If the media allow Hillary to use this I am woman and you can't talk back to me this would be a shame. If women want to be treated equal, we must go out and act like it. I will not vote for Hillary if she does
not stop using this "I'm a woman, don't take bad about me. Would the media let Obama or Richardson get away with that. I don't think so.

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Jay T, Fort Myers, FL — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:38:41 GMT

Hillary didn't win anyone over with her performance. Those that love her still love her. Those that hate her still hate her. The flip-flopping she's done recently on certain issues won't play well with undecideds. Edwards and Obama were weak last night. Had they been on their game she would have looked average.

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Cedric, Charlotte — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:54:07 GMT

Obviously the "privacy" thing applied to abortion splits half the country. This goes without saying, but pro-lifers believe a developing child/fetus has its own privacy rights. I'm a reg. independent and there are many things I agree w/ Dems on, but the "willing suspension of disbelief," as Hillary would say, that it takes to believe abortion isn't taking a life is more disbelief than I can suspend.

Not trying to start an abortion debate...just saying.

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Cedric, Charlotte — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:06:49 GMT

Question: How could Obama have missed that Iran vote? He had to know not voting on it would bite him in the butt. Something's odd about the whole thing. I've heard internet chatter that it was brought up purposefully brought to a vote while Obama was out of town by Harry Reid, who's son is apparently Clinton's campaign chair in Nev. Last night Blitzer pointed out that Obama had been critical of Clinton's vote, but he didn't vote on it. Obama quickly said "That was a mistake," and moved on to addressing an audience member. That was weird; even more weird is that Clinton's allowed herself to be hammered on that vote and never brings up Obama's non-vote. When she said something about Obama's health care plan at the very beginning, I thought she was about to say something about the Iran vote but she didn't. It all seems kinda fishy to me.

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Dan Hill Moscow Russia — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:07:07 GMT

Comment from a Republican:
After 7+ years of Bush's arrogance, reckless spending, and damaging relationships with our international allies (I live in Russia), I am finally ready to vote for a democrat - with one exception. The only thing worse than Bush would be Hillary. I (the country) can't take another four years of both Clintons lying, scandals, selling of the lincoln bedroom, last minute pardons of criminals, staff member suicides, chinese campaign contributions, and on and on. Give me Obama!!

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Richard Commins, Atlanta, Ga. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:13:13 GMT

Again, I believe Joe Biden is the most astute and experienced of the Democratic candidates. He is circumspect and insightful, and speaks with an assuredness none of the others have. I am a liberal Democrat, but I can tell you that an unusually large percentage of us are skeptical of Hillary, though I do like her. There is no better candidate to actually win the general election (which requires winning something in the South) than Joe Biden. Why doesn't the press, and for that matter, Wolf Blitzer and the debate moderators, give Joe Biden the time and chance to express himself. Why does the media govern whom we may hear.

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CJ,. Kent, Ohio — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:01:39 GMT

This debate was not the best one. I think they were not thinking when they decided not to have a time constrant.

But, everyone who is complaining about the way CNN covered the debate needs to get over it. They focused more on Senator Clinton because she is the clear front-runner. Not because they are "pushing and pulling for her. And the diamonds and pearls question was just something funny. To be taken lighly. Not because CNN loves Hillary. Edwards got boo'ed by the audience because he was flat out, full on attacking Senator Clinton. Not because the audience was full of Clinton fans. You people need to stop complaining and relize the other candidates did not do as well as Hillary tonight. And they haven't on the campaign trail thus far either.
CLINTON '08

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rjones2818, central Indiana — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:54:33 GMT

Let's see. Dennis gets cheered everytime he speaks. Dennis makes Edwards look bad by JE apparently no understanding product liability law. Dennis brings up impeachment.

Chuck Todd fails to mention Dennis in his posting.

It says lots about Chuck Todd and probably the MSM, none of it good.

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Donald Smith — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:13:58 GMT

The obvious slant towards Hillary by CNN and the audience was disgusting to say the least.

Bill Richardson was the only one that stated clearly his plans for stopping the Bush war, plans for funding our military health care(now over 40% have mental problems and the highest suicide rate in any war we have had), more importantly, he addressed the critical issue (others avoided) which is one of the primary causes for America's loss of trust and respect from rest of the world -the Palestinian/Israeli problem. Bill Richardson has proven what he can do, not waffle answers Hillary produces every time she speaks. It is interesting to watch her only to see what she perceives her audience to be then she tailors her answers to what she thinks they want to hear, not what her plan for solving our nations problems.

This CNN debate and subsequent commentaries were the most unbalanced, biased analysis I have ever witnessed. "The old time "let's create a crisis or make one up to get higher ratings" philosophy of CNN I can only hope backfires completly. From my perspective no one I know has stated he or she will vote for Hillary. Are there that many ill informed people to vote for someone whose actions are contrary to their actions?

Bill Richardson is clearly the emerging leader we need, not one of the "top three".
Why doesn't anyone ask real questions?

"Will you reverse the current power the president has that has been granted GW Bush by this Congress?"

"What do you think about a candidate that takes funds from the same "bundler" that financed GW Bush, for governor and presidential campaigns?"

Hillary's Mystery Money Man is Alan Quasha who is Chm of Harken who also bailed George Bush out of 3 failed businesses among many other less than legimate financial dealings.

To allow booing when a candidate that is factual is indicative of the selected audience and complete lack of control by Wolf. He cut off everyone except Clinton while letting her continue to mull around the question or simply not even answer what had been asked.
Boycott CNN?? Not a bad idea!

DonSmith -Houston

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Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:39:12 GMT

Thank you for not mentioning Kucinich. Are you a hack or what?

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Kyu, Radcliff — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 08:29:07 GMT

Brian, Ohio, why you blame CNN? Did you forget what Time Russert did to Hillary at MSNBC debate? It was a evil's scenario, Tim planned to hurt Hillary, so pointed Obama and Edwards to attack her right after her answer. CNN questioned to every candidate fairly, not like MSNBC. Fox is Slave of Republican, MSNBC seeks the benefit for their business, CNN works for real News and American people. CNN is the most trustworthy Network. Brian, I am dying to vote Hillary, negative friends are poison for your life. Diane, Tim Russert should be fired because his vice.

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Captain-Sky — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:06:04 GMT

Chuck Todd Take Off That Toupee And Let Your Brains Get Some Much Needed Air.It's Funny How Every Mistake Obama Makes It's Somebody Else's Fault,Mainly Senator Clinton,I Guess It Were Her Fault That Obama Couldn't anwser A Simple Question,That Only Required A Simple Yes Or No,And By The Way Let Me School You People On Obama,He Makes Long Speeches With These Great Big Old Words That When You Listen To Him You Have To Have A Websters Dictionary When Asked A Simple Question,That Required A Simple Yes Or No,He Started With This Rabble Babble About This And About That,So He Could Confuse The Hell Out Of Listeners.Obama Is Dangerous Because Without A Ready Made Stump By His Camp,He's Totally Lost,I Don't Think There Is Any Words That Would Explain Edwards Other Than Pathetic,Ignorant,Idiot,Self-Propelled,Self Righteous Homo,Edwards Is One Scary Dude,He And Elizabeth.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Captain-Sky — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:19:10 GMT

I Also Wonder Mr Todd Are These Anti-Hilliary Haters Planted Like You Say Hilliary's Audiuence Were,Or Is It Just Coincindental That This Blog Is Loaded With Obama & Edwards Fanactics,If I Were Hilliary I Wouldn't Give MSNBC The PLeasure Of Turning Your Debate Into A Obama & Edwards Fiascal.And Again Take Off That Toupee And Let Some Of That Water,& Air Out Of Your Head.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Captain-Sky — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:21:22 GMT

It Ain't Funny When The Rabbit Got The Gun,Is It.......

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

julianbook — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:30:54 GMT

Hillary's husband was the worst president ever by a long streak. Note that the first World Trade Center attempt happened under Clinton's watch in 1993. When you try to bring down 2 buildings with 50,000 people in them, it's the equivalent of trying to set off a nuclear bomb in the financial center of the world. A serious and competent president would have seen and treated it as such. Clinton had ample opportunity to nail Bin Laden as his whereabouts were quite known. He was sleeping on the job literally and figuratively (with interns like Monica and the others). The next , successful attempt in bringing down the WTC was planned while Clinton was sleeping, and Hillary was helping to put out lies to the public ("vast right wing conspiracy and all that crap). Bush inherited the Clinton failure. As a result, we've had over 3000 people lost in WTC, almost had the Pentagon destroyed, etc. This has brought us into the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with possibly a million people killed or maimed, all types of suffering, another 4000 Americans dead, and a practically bankrupt economy. And we're still in the mess, with more people hating us worldwide than ever conceivable. What we need is an intelligent president - someone actually committed to the public interest - to lead us out of the mess, before we wake up under a mushroom - which would probably lead to the end of the planet earth, as the US would have to react, or just wait to be hit with more nuclear bombs. It's that serious. You can be certain that Bin Laden, who's net worth is estimated at 300 million, is working with his associates on how to make a nuclear strike on the US. Hillary is even more incompetent and self-oriented than her husband, who would be the shadow president in her administration anyway. Nice lie she tries by saying that she would send him around the world as a goodwill ambassador - but then again, as William Safire said years ago, she's a "congenital liar". Obama is the only hope.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

William Richard, Munich Germany — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:42:51 GMT

The Nevada "debate" -- Total JOKE!

CNN -- across the board, totally opinionated liberal political hacks. Evidently, THE primary prerequisite to being hired by the network.

Situation Room -- political hackery at its finest, led by mental midget Wolf Blitzer.

Wolf Blitzer as a "debate moderator"??? Well, what did you expect? The Democrat Party deserves better.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Michael , Sioux City, IA — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:39:54 GMT

Barack is going to win IOWA!!!
The youth will have a major influence on the caucus for the first time ever.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Steve Kirk, Hempstead, New York — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 06:40:58 GMT

Clintons fatal remark "Why That's A TRILLION DOLLAR Tax Increase!" while engaging Obama in a discussion involving the 3rd Rail of Politics, Social Security, and raising the cap on those earning $250,000 a year was heard by 76 million Baby Boomers, who have paid the bills of this nation for the last 40 years as a direct assault on our future benefits and can only be interpreted that what Clinton was really saying was "I am the Candiate of the Rich, the Corporations and the Lobbyists."

Well we heard you loud and clear Clinton and the primaries are now all about our lifetime earned benefits under Social Security and more importantly Medicare. It is now all about no more one word answers and your giving us a detailed plan how you are going "To Show US Our Money."

If Clinton does not reveal a plan that does not include raising the retirement age, reducing benefits to retirees or increasing taxes on the now vanishing under $250,000 Middle Class instead of on the rich the 76 million Baby Boomers will be seeing her at every primary polling location in this nation.

I really hate to break it to Clinton but the Baby Boomers went to school before the dumbing down of America began. We can divide the TRILLION DOLLAR TAX INCREASE by 76 million. Clinton had the nerve to stand up on that stage and be horrified by a TRILLION DOLLAR TAX INCREASE that equates to $131578.94 per Baby Boomer over the course of our average 13 year expected retirement. Clinton the U.S. life expectency now stands at age 78. So if every Baby Boomer works until the age 65 (don't count on that) we should expect to be retired for at least 13 years. Well $131,578.94 divided by 13 is $10,121.45

Appears to me you will still be short with a TRILLION DOLLAR TAX INCREASE. Care to try for a necessary 2 TRILLION DOLLAR increase in funding of future budgets to simply pay us our full Social Security benefits? After you try that explain how your plan will pay our Medicare benefits. Please tell us in your plan where you will get those TRILLIONS without reducing our Medicare benefits.

See you at the polls Clinton where the Middle Class and Working Class Baby Bommers are going to bury your hoped for legacy before it even starts. We will be pulling the lever for Barak who at least with his plan has us half way to our full Social Seurity payments.

We will keep you in the Senate where you and the rest of your collegues with an 11% approval rating can figure out the rest of the math. If you need a calculator let me know.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Rodger Olivares — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:08:59 GMT

I thought Hillary did well, considering how poorly she did last debate. It did seem that she had an overwhelming support in the audience. She does have a big lead in that state, but they should have a bipartisan audience nonetheless.
Obama did fairly well as well. He missed a couple openings for attacks and occasionally did his infamous stutter. Like Hillary, he was still unclear about certain issues.
I thought the clear winner was Joe Biden. How can you not like the guy? The other candidates preach about how the public wants straight answers and honesty, yet I wonder why Biden isn't a popular choice. He shows the most experience, very practical, and offer clear, cut solutions. This goes to show that the public just wants ambiguity rather than concise answers.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Dorinda Vandervort — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:44:19 GMT

MSNBC was the only news I trusted not to be biased and constantly lie on political issues. After listening to Chris Mathews give his OPINIONS and try to stamp Americans name on them Im just not so sure of their credability anymore . If he doesnt like the Clintons he should keep it off the airways .To say Americas majority dislikes both Clintons is far from true . It should be about time limits and fines were put on all news commentators who try to sway public opinion masking their own personal views as those of America

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Susan, Colorado Springs, CO — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:18:03 GMT

"All comments must be approved".. Chuck Todd, you are a disgrace to the country. Dennis Kucinich is a viable qualified candidate whom you cut out of the debates AFTER he was cleared to participate. What we are left with are cowards who are easily bought and sold...what is wrong with this picture?

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Sophie, San Bernardino, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:00:44 GMT

I think this debate was very interesting! My opinion on this debate that is was ALL FOCUSED on Clinton & Obama. I think both have very great views but as a Minority I can see myself siding with Obama. Due to the fact that he REALLY understands the Lower classes of society and their needs. On the otherhand Clinton is a Strong women who has experience. So it can go either way. As for Edwards, it seems all he kept using was that he was brought up in a Mill working family so that he can relate in some kind of way to the ppl or repeat the same answers as Clinton and Obama. He was dominated by the other two.

Quick Post-Debate Impressions

Musa Azzouz,. Northville,Mi 48168 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:12:06 GMT

Chuck Todd's analysis of the delegate count and projections of what is to come is truly amazing. I wonder if he will do a calculation based on what if: What if the rule for the democratic primaries was winner take all. How will Obama and Clinton stack up? Another interesting calculation would be to ignore the states that are and have been definately red or blue, and concentrate on the toss up states and allocate each toss up state to either Obama or Clinton and find out how things stack up. It may be an interesting approach to determine who is more likely to win the general election.