Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Kathryn Smith — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:16 GMT

no, but
i heard her give a "whatver" to the guys name from Russia.......I didn't like that. Anyone else???

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

C. Marie — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:31 GMT

He is always going to look to someone woth more experience.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Aimee, Boston, MA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:37 GMT

Obama has "me too"d his way thru this debate; what a surprise.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Chris Johnson — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:37 GMT

I think you looked into that one a little to much Chuck.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Lisa C — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:39 GMT

I sure did. Good thing Hillary went first on that one because he sounded like an echo

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

M Cohen Westchester County NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:41 GMT

Yes. Obama is a foreign policy rookie. WAKE UP AMERICA!!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Bethany, Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:42 GMT

Did anyone else notice that when Hillary couldn't pronounce the Russian President's name she said "whatever"

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

AJ, Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:44 GMT

Yep, I did...another rookie in the big leagues. Great if he wins then we will basically have Jimmy Carter or George Bush redux....take your pick..

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Earl, Littleton, CO — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:57 GMT

Obama clearly is very weak on foreign affairs - for example, he does not know anything about Putin's replacement or how to interact with him.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Sarh — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:00 GMT

I notice! Obama frequently looks to CLinton on issues. HE continues to REMAIN vague on the issues!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

David Hartford — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:05 GMT

That's a point you're making. Wow. No idea what your point is, however....

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Dennis Flannery — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:15 GMT

Yes! And she didn't complain about having to handle it first. His answer was weak--akin to sending a 'stongly worded letter'.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Sean, Cleveland — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:34 GMT

Chuck, what are you talking about? Dude, talk about the issues. Does "First Read" mean you're the first to read too far into everything?

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Scott, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:40 GMT

Chuck, your such a Clinton HOMER!!!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Teresa, Myrtle Beach SC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:48 GMT

Yes, he is a follower not a leader!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

alexis, new york, ny — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:52 GMT

no. I thought he did a very good job in answering the question. Clinton couldn't even pronounce the man's name. Tsk Tsk Chuck

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Phil, Durham, NH — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:56 GMT

how many softballs can you send hillary?

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Trev — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:10 GMT

Yes! We can't expect him to know everything, but these are the kinds of things the Republicans would use against him with vigor. Hillary, by contrast, is ready right not to step into the White House and take briefings on the details of foreign policy. I just hope the audience sees this.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Anthony E. Fremont, Ohio — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:16 GMT

Anyone else see the PATTERN of Chuck Todd Stories pertain to Barack Obama...Obviously, He is a BIG Hillary Clinton supporter...How about a balance opinion and save the "Cheerleading" for her website...

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

SammyAL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:16 GMT

Yeah. Because he doesn't know anything about Russia--in spite of being chairman of the subcommittee!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

bpdc Belfair, WA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:23 GMT

c'mon Chuck... you are reaching....
He directed it at her first
You are trying to create a bit much here.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Elizabeth — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:34 GMT

He always looks to her, except on the re-hearsed ones

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

jennifer arroyo grande ca — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:37 GMT

Putin is going to be the next prime minister of Russia. Obama always looks to someone else for his answer. He is not ready to be president.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Michael Dunbar, NEW YORK, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:37 GMT

Totally, Obama is weak on Foreign Policy. This debate should have happened before "super-tuesday".

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

alfie, washington, dc — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:46 GMT

ugh. you're an a**.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Chris Becher, Denton, Texas — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:53 GMT

I believe that this is a silly fear. Who are you talking to? Do you honestly believe that a man with Senator Obama's integrity and belief in America would honestly do anything to ruin our relations with Isreal?

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Lynn M — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:55 GMT

That is because she is so better qualified than he is despite the hype from the media

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

elle — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:09 GMT

I disagree. He should have REJECTED the support!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Harry, Boston MA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:12 GMT

Finally Todd, someone notices the vacuum behind the flash.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Joshua Nave, Las Vegas, Nevada — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:30 GMT

What I noticed was Clinton reciting a laundry list of superficial facts while claiming that the intelligence was incomplete, then stumble when it came to remembering Medved's name. Obama, on the other hand, used the opportunity to stress the principles he will govern on, and demonstrated an easy familiarity with the failed policies of the Bush administration when it comes to dealing with Putin and Russia.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Cass Gerling Pearland, Texas — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:48 GMT

If you think that Obama does not know his world policies, think again! He is very worldly...

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

andrew, niagara falls, ny — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:50 GMT

to me it looked like the question was asked to her as they had just asked a question to obama.. I think you guys are really grasping at straws during this debate, and sometimes inappropriately.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Kelly, Austin, Tx — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:54 GMT

He seems to stump when he dosen't know the facts. He had no stump fodder for that guy.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Kelly, Fort Dodge, IA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:57 GMT

You're trying to make the smallest issues important. No fair-minded undecided person would make a difference between denouncing and rejecting. Same for this issue. Nobody is going to change support or advance support for Clinton because of an undefined look.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

enise — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:58 GMT

Tonight has not only is a victory for Hillary, but also for women. Good job Hillary. Sounded to me at times as if Obama didn't get it right when he accused her of whining, he does a good job of it himself. Lets wait and see how the MSNBC ommentators are going to try and twist this and hand it once again over to Obama. Come on guys give the real woMAN in this debate credit.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

D. Jones — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:09 GMT

Clinton has been jumping in quickly on several questions that were open-ended. I am getting that notion that Senator Clinton has the Annie Get Your Gun Syndrome; anything you can do I can do better!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Vance, Homewood, Alabama — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:11 GMT

No. Did you notice that Clinton couldn't pronounce the President of Russia's name. Possibly one of our most potent enemies past and present. Her answer: President.....whatever???? With all her experience, inexcusable.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Marilyn Gipson, Ossian, Iowa — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:39 GMT

Come on Chuck, why don't you just go ahead and pledge your support for Hillary? That's OK with all of us. Just stop "reporting", or being an analyst, when you clearly have a preferred candidate?

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Mart, Tobyhanna PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:54 GMT

Obama appeared both to look uncomfortable answering and also to be looking often to Hillary throughout the debate for hints at how to answer the hard questions he didn't know the answer to. Hmmmm...who do YOU want for President? The woman who knows what she's doing or the charming clueless guy to her left?

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Philadelphia. Pa — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:58 GMT

Obama didn't prove he had any knowledge on Russia. Obama saved again by the media. All he did was agree with Clinton and didn't show he had any direct knowledge on the new leader.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Nick Tucci, Butte, MT — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:32:27 GMT

She couldnt remember Medvedev name tho, they were both unprepared for that question, which makes them both look week on foreign Policy. Do your homework people, cause those weak replies wont fly with the republicans, and McCain will mop the floor with you

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Susan Alexa, Yarmouth, Maine — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:33:19 GMT

As always, Mr. Obama has clearly followed the Clinton examples with not an original thought. Even his closing statement was to try to close as strongly as Mrs. Clinton did during the last debate. Opps, Mrs. Clinton has been there done that, except hers was not to copy but to lead.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Trish Donahue — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:16 GMT

Yes, and then he did an " Uh, what she said."

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Jackie Spenser — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:33 GMT

Obama is aobut empty promises, not answering hard questions.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

VICKI — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:03 GMT

CAN YOU REALLY THINK OF ANYTHING THAT OBAMA HAS DONE BEFORE HE STARTED RUNNING FOR OFFICE? NOPE!
AND YES THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN DENOUNE AND REJECT-
WAY TO GO HILL!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Jennifer, Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:12 GMT

And you think Clinton has a ton of foreign policy experience vs. Obama? Come on, give me a break.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Gaye — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:22 GMT

russett I reject your accertion that Sen. Obama knew nothing of the incoming president in Russia -that makes you tacky just plan tacky.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

AJ, Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:33 GMT

Geesh...seems a bunch of Obamaites have come to the boards tonight...
ALL MUST BOW AT THE ALTER OF OBAMA
MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Nathan, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:35 GMT

The Commentator is Missing the POINT: Obama was trying to "denounce" the support, while not denouncing the vote or votes which Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam will bring to his campaign. This is the distinction that Clinton was making.

Clinton was stating: When this happened to me, I completely rejected any influence, support or otherwise inclusion of these types of individuals. Even when it could be detrimental to her.

THAT was the point. And Obama was obviously trying to hedge his bets on giving lip service to his denouncement, while still encouraging the anti-Semites to support him with their votes.

Clinton was saying, Dear Anti-Semites, No Thank You. Vote for someone else.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Margaret McKinney Nassau, The Bahamas — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:50 GMT

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Luke — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:50 GMT

He's ahead and playing this debate safe people...

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Trina, Cincinnati, OH — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:52 GMT

I really don't think any of this matters (except the "whatever" kind of stung a bit). They are having a love fest. Their disagreements are incredibly superficial. They are fighting the fight because this campaign is just as important to history as the actual election.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

C. Marie — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:36:22 GMT

As much as Chuck has supported Obama in First Read it is funny to see the Obama supporter turn on him so quickly.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Nick Tucci, Butte, MT — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:41:38 GMT

both of them were week on this question and better start doing there homework on foreign policy, other than iraq. if not, McCain will wipe the floor with both of them in the generals.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Diane, Bellefonte, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:41:42 GMT

Yes, he did, just like he used to repeat what John Edwards would say. After he agreed with Hillary, he went on and on about Putin, instead of talking about Medvedev.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Chip, New York, New York — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:41:48 GMT

I honestly thought that Tim Russert would ask Obama a different question, to test him, rather than the question just asked of Clinton. He is only able to get away with "me too" on this stuff because the weak press allows him to -- in fact sets it up so he can.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Sue Dix, Christiansburg, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:42:44 GMT

I think he looks to Senator Clinton for every answer!
If the moderators and the others would pay attention they would notice that after all the debates he has gotten educated by taking notes from HILLARY CLINTON!!! Why do you think she said that about going 1st????? She knows he feeds off her answers!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

john, portland, OR — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:43:02 GMT

Shoe could not even say his name correct. Once again MSNBC does what is does best, Back the Clintons issue after issue. While she was hosting Easter Egg hunts on the White House grounds he was at least working on making Illinois a better place to live and empowering others to make a difference. With her constant crying and fits and meltdowns she would be a Foreign policy disaster! I can hear it now, "Shame on you Hugo Chavez....."

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Kyle Mabbott, Portland, OR — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:43:56 GMT

He understands the issue. He understands the need for multinational support. Don't worry, Clinton, Biden, Dodd will be there to advise him on a whole host of matters during his presidency. Especially on relations with Russia! I trust nobody more than Barack to make the right judgement based on the advice he is given from the "experts".

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Jo, Chicago — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:46:50 GMT

Poor Barack didn't have anyone to plagiarize from, so he didn't have anything to say on Russia. He took everything she said and then blabbered on about Bush and Putin. Nice try, rookie.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Tanya — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:47:51 GMT

From where I sat, it looked like the question was asked to Clinton, but the live feed was so bad on your website that it's hard to tell.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

NSN, Denver, CO — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:54:02 GMT

SammyAl said
"Yeah. Because he doesn't know anything about Russia--in spite of being chairman of the subcommittee! "

My sentiments exactly!!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Clint Cooper — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:56:42 GMT

Holy. Chuck Todd is pulling for Clinton. I am so tired of the pro-Clinton bias in the media! It's disgusting. If the media had done its job asking for the tax returns instead of trumping up this ridiculous non-plagiarism charge, she'd be history by now. How much did the Clintons pay him to spin it this way.

HE LOOKED TO HER BECAUSE IT WAS HER TURN TO ANSWER YOU IDIOT!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

JJ Greensboro NC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:57:18 GMT

Sen. Obama was in control tonight.There is Power in silence. These debates have the same issues, name-calling and finger pointing. Something Hillary was good at tonight.Pass the hot seat and stay in the past. We are in the now. Not what she did in the 90's and 2000.I guess its called experience.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Reginald Barry — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:57:49 GMT

Obama is a gentleman (& an honest one)....that's the answer to all who think he doesn't have an answer to the questions without looking to Clinton. He doesn't smirk & pounce like Hillary does. He answers questions directly & doesn't evade as she does, doesn't try to make her look bad, and he reamins calm & presidential. Can you imagine her in a negotiation with foreign leaders or anyone...they would walk out!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

M Cohen Westchester County NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:58:38 GMT

Tim Russert just said that this question was a jump ball and Clinton took it. For Chris Matthew's number of the day, I would like him to count how many ums Obama used.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

John James, Gainesville Florida — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:01:16 GMT

It was a silly question. Tim Russert should be teaching in a college not moderating a Presidential debate.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

loris bay — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:02:40 GMT

The most important question is do you think McCain knows. Hell he would have just said I dont know it, and why are you asking me this? He sure as hell would not have been able to pronounce it.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

ho tc — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:09:38 GMT

Here's a thought.

If Obama wanted to show he can be a leader, he would have answered this question first. He didn't, and INSTEAD, he TURNED his head and looked at Clinton. Why? Obviously, he didn't know the answer, or to be a little fair, he wasn't sure.

Should anyone have any better explanation, please feel free to weigh in.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

suzanne Hawk Chuluota Florida — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:14:37 GMT

Why do you think Senator Clinton said something at the beginning of the debate as to why they ask her the question first?

He always feeds off of her answer.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Alisa, Aiken, SC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:23:29 GMT

Obama does not have to look to Clinton for the answer to any question. He has his own ideas and voice. If their views match he is willing to acknowledge that. Too bad Clinton is not so willing to do the same.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Jammetrymon, Denver, CO. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:25:32 GMT

This debate was a waste of time. I reject and denounce the prospect of listening to Hillary's whining about the coin flip. Talk about "grasping for straws". Obamee dont play dat!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:19:43 GMT

According to George Mitchell, Hillary didn't add significantly to the efforts on the Northern Ireland peace accords (contrary to her claim). Secondly, her foreign policy record while in the Senate, has been piss poor. From voting for the authorization of force in Iraq, right up to voting for Lieberman/Kyl in 2007 she has demonstrated either unpreparedness or political expediency. Her answer on Iraq (vis a vis returning to fight a resurgence of Al Qaeda) was diffuse. And on Russia, when Barack looked to Hillary, it wasn't because he didn't know the answer (I think you guys project your own ignorance sometimes) it is his debate style. He was giving her the opportunity to answer first; he was not hedging to 'copy her answer'. Barack was a foreign studies scholar in undergraduate school; this is not George Bush you're talking about. With these two candidates, it's never a question of not knowing the information.

Anyway, Barack looked very presidential and this debate did nothing to change the dynamics of this race. Hillary finally admitted that she shouldn't have voted for the Iraq authorization of force resolution (finally) and for this, I will give her credit. In fact, this has relieved a major stumbling block for me in terms of ever being able to support her, if she were to become the nominee (although, I'm not there all the way). Hopefully it won't come to that since Barack will handily win Texas and possibly Ohio. I think the decision will be made by March 5th. I am cautiously optimistic.
Obama '08

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Renny — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:32:02 GMT

Obama does seem to look to Clinton for answers. I also notice that he appears arrogant and seems to think that he is above these debates, that it's a waste of his time.
How is this going to work for him, if he is the dem. nominee vs. McCain?

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Robert Black, Bellmawr, New Jersey — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:26:19 GMT

Obama said renounce, not denounce as every thinks. Denounce is a much meanful word. Renouce means to not recognize and denounce is to be publicly blame worthy. This exactly from the dictionary. I listened over again and was right he said "renounce", but everbody thought otherwise. Witch doesn't fit

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Liz, Newark,CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:53:21 GMT

For someone who is paraded as the ' inspirational speaker' the semantics do matter.
Rejecting the support of a divisive personality like Farrakan is absolutely necessary for somone trying to unify the country much less someone running for the presidency.

Literally millions of people denounce the views of people like Farrakhan -- That's not unique -- What was needed from Obama was a clear response to the endorsement by Farrakan- Obama clearly waffled and did not have a clear answer on this. He needed to reject the support or endorsement by Farrakan and had to be coached to do that by Clinton.

This is his lack of experience -- right here between making good speeches and taking the right action

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

frederick, Woodbury, MN — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:00:21 GMT

I have been reading this site for months and never got the feeling Mr. Todd was a closet Clinton supporter. I am glad that people are finally noticing that Mr. Obama's answers mirror Mrs. Clintons and then he pontificates after concurring.

From what Tim Russert said after the debate he did not direct the Russia question to either candidate on purpose to see who would jump on it. And as to mispronouncing names, in this world of many cultures and names being alphabet soup to us Americans it is tough to always pronounce the correctly. Granted saying "whatever" may have been less than desirable but it shows her willingness to give pronouncing the name a shot, and after getting tongue tied on it I think it was a fairly natural response to something we all can be guilty of mumbling. In response to that thread I say, "whatever."

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Little Benny Franklin — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:14:41 GMT

This is why we need more debates, a candidate that cannot grow and be more specific shows a lack of real commitment to change. Senator Obama rests on his rhetoric and stays safe, Why vote for a man who is too scared to go out on a limb and tell us what he would really do?
Real change means real specifics, not the empty rhetoric that we have had for the last few years.
Senator Obama is using the same empty rhetoric of Bush, promising to be a different type of leader while not telling us anything specific.
This is a really good contest, lets keep it going, it only helps to get more information, those who are calling for Clinton to step down just want their vote to count and thus support their choice while ignoring that we still have many who wish to vote and become part of the process.
I think those people who want this to be over just want to win at all costs and are afraid that the more people hear from senator Obama, the less impressed they are. Doonesbury is now making fun of his lack of specifics, this question will only grow louder unless senator Obama gets more specific.
One trick ponies soon become boring and repetitive, time to get a new pony because this one just 'don't learn'!

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Fred, Arlington, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:58:29 GMT

He had JUST answered a question! Should he expect to answer two in a row or did he want to give Clinton a chance to speak?

I think you guys are blowing this completely out of proportion.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Mark, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:54:06 GMT

Yes, I noticed the deer in the headlights look on Obama's face. That's why Clinton had complained about getting more questions first. She wants more moments like this to expose Obama. The media just has to let that happen. This was just a glimps at the problem we all are going to have if Obama gets the nomination. McCain is licking his chops.

Obama looks to Clinton on Russia?

Ruby, Chicago, IL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:33:30 GMT

I didn't notice it but I saw a clip of Tim Russert being interviewed by someone after the debate where he said that he asked this open ended question and looked at Obama and Obama's eyes went to Hillary so he looked at Hillary who answered. I wondered why Russert didn't call Obama out on that. Instead, he let Obama direct him elsewhere and he took the bait.