First Impressions, Day 2

Fred, Fort Wayne, IN — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:37:41 GMT

I guess when your wife and daughter are killed by a drunk driver and you have two brain aneurysms, you can't get emotional
Joe Biden 08

First Impressions, Day 2

PollM, Dallas TX — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:38:50 GMT

Who won the Des Moines Register Democratic Debate in Iowa?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1296

.

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Bee, NH — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:40:30 GMT

Here is my grade:

Obama - A+
Clinton - B+
Edward - A-
Biden - A+
Dodd - B
Richardson - B

The best line goes to Obama; I like it when he came to Biden's rescue. He is a man of character.

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Mark Cary, NC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:42:02 GMT

Really. Obama got the You Tube Moment? The audience laughed more when Clinton said "I want to hear this." Obama seemed mean and overly serious when he responded to her and only a few laughs from the audience. I really love media spin!

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Daniel (Lafayette, CA) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:43:39 GMT

Chuck Todd, I just happened to flip over to Fox News to see Frank Luntz's focus group...three people went in supporting Edwards and when the debate was over almost HALF said they were supporting Edwards. Obama's support remained the same and Hillary's' supporters were vastly disappointed and most in the group of close to 30 switched from Hillary to Edwards and some to Obama.

I just thought I'd relay that info...CNN is still compiling their focus group data.

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diogu, Houston, Texas — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:44:39 GMT

For all the points you have made, Obama won the Debate because at a minimum Hillary was supposed to stop his momentum and she did not.

Even Hillary referred to him as "President Barack.

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BETH — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:45:59 GMT

AMERICA WINS WITH "HILLARY"... HILLARYCLINTON.COM

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Fac/azt — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:47:16 GMT

Is this not an Insult, to want to be the next President and have a record of conjecture, failure past and present. Thus meaning these six continue to demand meaningless solutions "which prove failure"".

This is why there is a failed congress!

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WiseGirl, Ann Arbor, MI — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:47:42 GMT

Have politics become so boring that a simple joke made by Obama is suddenly a "YouTube" moment? Come on! Can we focus on other matters? I hate it when the media makes such a big deal about a sound bite that means absolutely nothing. I think Edwards won the debate but I'm still voting for Hillary!

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Charles W, Ontario — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:49:42 GMT

The comment Obama made to Clinton was classic! They showed a close up of her afterwards and she was steaming!!!

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HMT-MI — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:53:43 GMT

Clinton did great----so did Edwards---they all did well---obama admitting he would ask clinton for advice was refreshing---if he is the one he will need the clintons.I thought there was a big difference from yesterdays debate---more substantial and the Iraq war was discussed.Maybe they republicans were not asked about the war is because they are all all for war and more war---they do not stray from the Bush administration.Ron Paul is the only one to have the guts and backbone to stand up to Bush.Mr Todd----what you have to say means less and less---when you were on c-span you were a more honest guy.

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Aidyn, NY — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:57:10 GMT

Hillary did well and I think she might have picked up some support!

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Kym — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:58:06 GMT

WiseGirl, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:47 PM)

I gather that the only reason why you are voting for Hillary is because she is a "woman" and you want to see "a woman president"!! What a joke our democratic system has become!!

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jillian, Chandler, Az — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:58:44 GMT

The difference between Biden and the rest is that Biden speaks from his heart. The others use campaign speak.
When Biden talked about his New Years Resolution, that was one of the best moments of the debate.

I like a candidate that has emotions, that has a heart. So unlike the ones we have in DC right now.

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Kristian O — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:06:00 GMT

Edwards is going to win Iowa. he's the safest of a good crop of candidates. Obama is nice and a good option. Hillary is too risky and the others just ran in a bad year. You heard it here first.

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Sunny Day, Gold Canyon, AZ — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:06:44 GMT

Hillary was really impressive! She's got my vote.

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Bryan — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:08:29 GMT

Joe Biden was great again in this debate and I think Barack Obama maintained his momentum. Any combination of Biden/Obama or Obama/Biden would be a great ticket.

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Jackie, Boston — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:13:23 GMT

Daniel - If you watched FOX and Frank Luntz right at the end, Brit Hume asked him to ask that focus group who they would actually CAUCUS for - OBAMA won by a large margin - Edwards came in second and Hillary third.

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Micah, 1 America — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:14:21 GMT

Amazing to me that we Democrats have complained for the last 7 years, among other things, of the division created by the Bushecons. Putting the "reasons" of the divide aside, we all can agree that the divide in itself, was largely to blame for some of the issues we are facing today.
With that said, why would we as Democrats choose the most polarizing figure in our field as our Nominee? Is this going to be a "you screwed us, now we're screwing you" kind of nominee? Because thats what Hillary being our nominee would be. Another 4 years of divide.
We want to walk into office in Jan. 09 with a political divide ALREADY IN PLACE? Ask yourselves, is thats what best for AMERICA?
I believe the type of divide created by the Clinton administration was not good for AMERICA. I didnt personally care about his affair, but that divide hurt US as a country. When casting your vote, place the needs of our party and this country first.

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Dan, TX — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:14:47 GMT

The real question is why do all of Bill Clinton's advisors think Barack Obama is the better candidate?!

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Alex, Arlington, Virginia — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:15:35 GMT

I think Obama and Edwards did the best by in large, giving the edge to Obama for not faltering at the only contentious parts of the debate. I thought the forum to have all candidates put forth their ideas equally was a RGEAT, and FRESH format though. Despite, that Hillary seemed a little overly anxious to find some way to poke at Obama, which hasn't been out of character the past few weeks, by interrupting the flow of the debate to try and make his response a "GOTCHA" (her term) response on using Bill's advisors. All in all, Hillary didn't slow Obama's momentum, Obama looked cool under fire. Bring on January!

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Margaret, NYC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:15:43 GMT

Yes - Obama's retort to Hillary was classic - as he was determined to BURY the fact that a horde of Clintonistas are advising him.
Obama may rock the vote - but he won't rock the boat!

Lobbyists have driven Obama's political career -
http://www.rollcall.com/politics/kstendorsements.html

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Charlotte, NYC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:16:49 GMT

Obama won - Edwards came in second - Biden third.

Hillary seemed nervous - not a good debate for her.

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Alise, GA — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:18:55 GMT

No more plants! No more Bushes! No more Clintons!
No more 90s Back to the Future!

John Edwards will be a great President - and move us FORWARD!!!!

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Kristian O — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:23:07 GMT

CNN reports that Edwards won their focus group poll as well. Hillary was 2nd and Obama was 3rd. Things are changing in a hurry.

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Jeff — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:28:40 GMT

Ok I have to say I'm an Obama supporter, but did anyone notice how many are saying what Obama has been saying all along. Clinton talked about a transparent government, that is what Obama has said all along. Now the difference seems to be Obama is already that way, I have to wonder when Hilary will start her transparent Government?
I also thought Obama had a huge opening when asked about Clinton advisers, besides the so called youtube moment he could have easily made reference to the fack that they jumped ship and are now his supporters.
And I have to say although I missed it I'm glad Clinton finally understand it's President Obama LOL!!!

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ace p washington, d.c. — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:34:18 GMT

i don't think anyone won. i think they all faired well. i see a good representation across the board. just being truthful not emotional.

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Lynne — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:39:27 GMT

Biden wasn't EMOTIONAL, HE was SICK. Didn't you hear that at the beginning Chuck?

He has a cold for christsakes! Cut the guy some slack, will ya!?!

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Gina, Charlotte, NC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:39:32 GMT

My grades:

Obama - A+

Edwards - A

Biden - A-

Dodd - B

Richardson - B-

Clinton - C-

I was being charitable giving Hillary a C- as she really had a bad day. She seemed very tightly wound. Looked like the collapse of her campaign is taking a real toll.

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WiseGirl, Ann Arbor, MI — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:39:35 GMT

I agree with you "Mark Cary"! Media spin is ridiculous. This one liner by Obama was not that funny. I don't get it at all. Just because someone shows a bit of humor the debate goes to him? Ridiculous. I think Clinton and Edwards did just as good of a job as Obama. Lets focus on the issues.

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craigfarmer — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:42:16 GMT

Hillary won this debate because she gave the best 30 second info-commercial. It's up instantly on her site: www.hillaryhub.com

Also, journalists should continue to ask Obama how he can bring new and fresh ideas with the same Clinton people. I generally support them also, that's why I support Hillary.

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Jill, Albany, NY — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:59:32 GMT

Obama and Edwards were the clear winners. Biden did well, too. The format was still too rigid, but it wasn't as deadly dull as yesterday's debate!

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Daniel (Lafayette, CA) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:03:56 GMT

Jackie-

No, I did not see that, I only saw the first part of Luntz's focus group.

But either way, I think it shows that Hillary has gotten stuck in the mud and Obama and Edwards are now battling it out for Iowa. The majority of people in the room, according to the first part of Luntz's presentation, were Hillary supporters and then they switched their support.

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Sonja, Cross, SC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:13:39 GMT

I like Sen. Edwards, but my heart is with Sen. Obama. Under normal circumstances Sen. Edwards might have had my vote. However, this election is probably one of the most important in my lifetime. Edwards does not have the money or the organization to carry any potential Iowa victory past Iowa. That may set up the stage for a HRC win. People you have to keep that in mind. I do not think for a second that Sen. Clinton is capable of winning in the general election. People do not like her, her negatives are way too high. I think it is important for people to keep in mind that Sen. Obama is the only viable alternative to Sen. Clinton.

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SoCAl for Edwards — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:14:53 GMT

Doesn't matter who everybody thinks won or lost. Edwards is still the only chioce for REAL change.
Edwards/Obama '08

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HMT-MI — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:16:40 GMT

Yeah---who could yearn for the awful past of the 90's----all that peace and a great economy with people just working one job instead of 3-----we did not have the good times we have now.The horrid middle class was abominable and thought they had a good future for their kids.How much better things are now and what a wonderful future we are looking forward to.

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--NSMSNBC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:21:25 GMT

...obama admitting he would ask clinton for advice was refreshing ...
HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:53 PM)
HMT, you really spun that comment well, I honestly mean that. The Clinton campaign or any campaign for that matter could use somebody of that caliber.

: )

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Steven, Santa Fe, NM — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:22:41 GMT

Obama's response to Hillary's interruption was a great moment that captures why Hillary's campaign is in such trouble. Hillary seemed to think that Bill Clinton's team choosing Obama over her was a good thing! His retort, "looking forward to you (Hillary) advising me, too", was perfectly timed, witty and struck home. Watch her face as his response sinks in and the audience cheers/laughs - she knows she has made a major mistake.

Search YouTube for "Des Moines Register Debate: Advisers" for the clip.

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Micah, 1 America — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:23:45 GMT

If you are an American who yearns to finally get beyond the symbolic battles of the boomer generation and face today's actual problems, Obama is your man. Who wants to spend the next 8 years refighting the same fights that have been going on for decades?

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MEG Clayton, NE — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:35:10 GMT

I'm flummoxed that so many people are moved by John Edwards. To me, he comes across as insincere (as he did in 2004), and willing to say anything to get him elected.

As usual, I felt Biden gave the best, most enlightening answers, although I think he wasn't "on" today because of a cold.

Biden's the one who gets my vote still. He's got the chops.

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Mort Zuckerman — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:35:11 GMT

Wisegirl and Mark Cary -- did you actually watch the debate? Listen to the laughs that Clinton got vs. Obama:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nKHBSFSosY

Clearly Obama got the bigger laughs and applause. Maybe the grating Hillary cackle made you think that a lot of people were laughing?

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MJ WileyMedia, PA — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:39:30 GMT

Edwards is correct about coporate greed. Thats why major news outlets tend to ignore his campaign. We all know who owns MSNBC, FOX etc.....

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ace p washington, d.c. — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:43:31 GMT

maybe they changed to obama because they knew that hillary wasn't the change agent at all. on the inside they may have been privy to a truth that caused them to say it would be better to head up instead of fooling the public. maybe if edwards, biden, richardson or dodd asked first they may have been there. that many top brains don't leave because you are on the right track.

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Nancy in Ames, Iowa — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:51:06 GMT

Again, for the 800th time I ask you to tell me why you won't post my comments. I don't attack, use profanity, or anything unacceptable. If I am banned, please let me know why. Thanks.

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Gerry, Anchorage, Alaska — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:52:06 GMT

Hillary wants "transparent government," huh? Excepting First Spouse records, I'm sure. Who know what Billy will be up to under the cover of Hillary's "First Spouse Immunity" doctrine...

Take a fresh look at Biden, people. He's by far the best option in every way that matters.

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Jan, Nashua, NH — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:53:13 GMT

re: "I believe the type of divide created by the Clinton administration was not good for AMERICA."

The divide was NOT created by the Clinton adminstration. Clinton is one of the most successful Presidents America has ever had. His approval ratings are still high, and 70% of the nation thought we were going in the right direction when he left office.

What the Republican Party wants you to do is blame the divisiveness on the Clinton administration. No, we are divided because of the Republican Party.

And, personally, Bush is the one who said we are either for him or against him. I'm AGAINST him. Let me know when he apologizes.

I can't wait to give "the Clinton administration" another chance to clean up this mess!

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Amazed, Atlanta — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:26:11 GMT

Edwards won, in my opinion. Now maybe you so called journalists will give him a little attention. Pretty Please?

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Mr. Unite Us — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:46:40 GMT

Barack Obama vs.the Hillary Cackle.

Video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhPxSm9Es0w

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ace p washington, d.c. — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:59:39 GMT

i don't think edwards won. i think they were all pretty even. edwards,clinton and obama ducked a question. you can't be a winner and duck questions.

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Ruth Bethinger, New York, New York — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:09:35 GMT

I agree with one of the comments above that the abilities of Obama and Biden combined would be formidable.

So I completely agree. A Biden/Obama or Obama/Biden ticket would be unstoppable.

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Jimmy Kimmel — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:46:09 GMT

Hillary is trying to limit the amount of time she talks at the debates. The more she talks, the more ground she loses in the polls.

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Dan Nyack NY — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:13:32 GMT

http://youtube.com/watch?v=LZ61kgQ0cz8

The Fox Group said Hillary wasnt impressive. It was all about Edwards and Obama! Hillary's drug accusation about Obama was a huge negative for all 29 people in the focus group.

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Tanya, Colonia, NJ — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:18:52 GMT

I agree with Meg that Edwards supporters are a mystery to me. He is so obviously, transparently phony and opportunistic. How many Katrina victims has he invited to live with him and Elizabeth in that 28,000 sq. ft. house? I haven't heard of any but he's got room for a few dozen. He is just one huge ego trip and I wouldn't believe he could accomplish anything in the unlikely event he became president. I also think his appeal is basically that only a white person can win and its not Hillary Clinton.

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pmorlan, Louisville, KY — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:33:23 GMT

Looks like Edwards was a hit among the undecided voters. Both the Fox & CNN undecided voters overwhelmingly picked Edwards. They were impressed with his authenticity and his message. Don Fredericks over at the LA Times blog even wrote a fairly nice piece about Edwards debate performance (he never does that).

While Edwards is not popular among the pundits evidently the voters like him.

Did anyone notice Senator Clinton using some of Edwards lines during the debate? She talked about a "new kind of patriotism" (Edwards always talks about having a president that asks voters to be patriotic about something other than war). She talked about the bully pulpit (Edwards always talks about the bully pulpit). And finally she said if the voters stand up for her she will stand up for them (another Edwards line). They say immitation is the sincerest form of flattery and in this case I would agree.

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Tammy, Bluffton, Indiana — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:15:49 GMT

Joe Biden is still the one who seems to have the ability to move our country forward in a positive direction. He has already proven that he can get votes from both sides of the aisle on his proposals. I can only hope that the polls are wrong and that the people of Iowa will caucus for Joe Biden.
It is amazing that the pundits on MSNBC, Meet the Press, and this site, will mention how Biden does so well in these debates and that is the only mention he gets. Why not discuss why he did so well and what he knows on the issues instead of who said what about the other candidate.
We need Joe Biden for President.

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Joe, Houston — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:27:39 GMT

I'm starting to believe a Biden/Anyone - Edwards, Obama, Clinton, Richardson, Dodd, would be a better ticket and would have the ability of receiving crossover support from independents and discouraged republicans in the general election. If the only thing they can attack Joe on is plaguerism, (who hasn't repeated someone's good words, college maybe?)he will carry the election forward to a positive outcome. He of all candidates has been working the most lately to implement polcy and not continually campaigning, nor continually to seek donations, but working!It also appears he has the support and trust of all the other candidates and would receive the respect and trust from many republicans to move an agenda the American citizens demand now! It also appears he is one candidate who does'nt believe the average American is ignorant and that our voices and concerns should be addressed. Hoping more of you feel the same way here in the near future and perhaps give us a real chance of changing our current path that this current administration has put us on. MSNBC thanks for letting me voice my opinion. The rest of you, I hope you have a great holiday season and keep posting, America needs your voice!!!

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Kerri — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:08:55 GMT

Edwards is NOT electable. He's already been part of a losing presidential ticket (Kerry/Edwards '04) and despite him being the steretypical "southern male", Edwards wasn't able to help Kerry win a single southern state in 2004.

As well, despite campaigning in Iowa for 4 YEARS he's in 3rd in Iowa (an in all the other polls). Now that's pathetic.

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Sean — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:53:14 GMT

How many times is MSNBC going to report on First Read about Obama claiming he would use her an ad advisor?

I used to question those that claimed MSNBC was anti-Hillary - but now agree. This is the third time in First Read (that I have seen) that they talk about this.