Clinton wins on Russia

Dennis Flannery, Richmond, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:32:25 GMT

Exactly. Which begs the question, who will he defer to when in office? The buck stops there.

Clinton wins on Russia

michael,ca — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:32:37 GMT

i dont thats true if you listen to both their respones it would seem they generalized, for what its worth i knew his name had an m in it

Clinton wins on Russia

T Terry — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:33:01 GMT

She clearly at least definitely knew he is. From NBC's Domenico Montanaro

So, she won by knowing his name?

Okay, she won.

Clinton wins on Russia

John/DC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:33:07 GMT

Obama is clearly unprepared. His rep in the Senate has always been that he's intellectually lazy.

Clinton wins on Russia

Scientific, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:33:16 GMT

Great. So when did becoming president become a pop quiz? That was a ridiculous line of questioning.

Clinton wins on Russia

Rhj — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:33:51 GMT

Yep.. Biden would have been a great choice for the dems. Certainly better than these two.

Clinton wins on Russia

Gerald, Saint John, New Brunswick — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:08 GMT

Come on now, do you need to know his name to be better, i think Obama takes credit for not talking about someone whose name can't be mentioned but Clinton went M- ed-... whatever, that where i'm from is not very nice.

Clinton wins on Russia

VJ — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:21 GMT

Give up Domenico, go home and sleep... :)

Clinton wins on Russia

Laurie Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:38 GMT

Thank You! I'm glad you msnbc people see this. You have such a love affair with Obama.

Clinton wins on Russia

Louisa — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:41 GMT

Here ls the problem with Obama, his weakness in foreign policy....we cannot affort this. I want to be able to travel abroad and be proud of my president, I was not able to do this the last couple of years, CLINTON is the one.

Clinton wins on Russia

Corinne Allen — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:42 GMT

It seems to me Obama ALWAYS looks at Clinton before answering any question.. Always agreeing with her plan, ideas etc..Repeating what she says everytime !! I am yet to hear an ORIGINAL idea/plan from Senator Obama.. Substance please Senator Obama!

Clinton wins on Russia

bradley — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:07 GMT

why do you keep trying to find a mistake in obama afraid of snl skit?

Clinton wins on Russia

David A — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:13 GMT

Clinton did not win on Russia, were you watching the same debate. Obama dominated every question graciously.

Clinton wins on Russia

Nick Rabago, Morgan Hill, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:33 GMT

Don't you think that Senator Obama's foreign policy team briefed him on this? I'm sure that Senator Obama knew just as much as Senator Clinton did about the question except she got to answer first. You guys sometimes understate both candidates knowledge of the issues.

Clinton wins on Russia

clarence, atlanta, ga — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:49 GMT

So...when the question is asked to Clinton first, and Obama answers second, that's him taking cover huh?

Clinton wins on Russia

B. Newman, Cranston, RI — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:55 GMT

yes, as a matter of fact, it made me wonder if she was asked to answer first and i just didn't hear it!

Clinton wins on Russia

Sarah George, Blue Jay, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:37:07 GMT

Obama made one important point - and that is that he would look to NATO and other international bodies in any response to a Russian offensive in Kosovo.

And with regard to Putin's successor, it is important to note that Putin will remain in charge of the government as Prime Minister and therefore Obama's response to Putin's record was appropriate.

Clinton wins on Russia

julie, slc, ut. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:37:11 GMT

That's ridiculous. Just because Hillary got to answer first, she got to share her knowledge, first. What would you have had Obama do? Regurgitate what Hillary had just said? Exclaim, "Hey i know the guy's name, too!" Or what?

And...Hillary's Iraq blunder says enough about her foreign policy cred.

Clinton wins on Russia

Corinne Allen — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:37:59 GMT

Questions tonight finally forced Obama to display is total lack of experience in foreign policy. No idea who the next president of Russia will be, his relationship with Putin and what Russia is on track to accomplish.. Our next President? I hope not!

Clinton wins on Russia

Kyle Mabbott, Portland, OR — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:38:37 GMT

Obama does not waver on what's most important. There will be plenty of advisers and state department officials to advise the president. Obama understands that in order to get anything accomplished internationally we need support from our allies. He will be able to gain support from foreign nations more effectively than Hillary Clinton, just as he is able to unify our nation more effectively. This is why he will make a better President than she. Nothing will get accomplished without the ability to inspire and persuade.

Clinton wins on Russia

KC Cress, albuquerque NM — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:38:53 GMT

nonsense and a bit quick on the draw if not planted, even the Russians are tentative, particularly this week, yes if you're looking for a quick-draw response w/no Plan B, Clinton's response seems apt, except it seems far more likely that a guy as adaptable and quick to learn as Obama will actually surround himself w/the best and brightest including Richardson, Dodd, and Biden-types, maybe even bringing back Wesley Clark or Colin Powell - more demonstration of why governing is nothing like a debate.

Clinton wins on Russia

Tom, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:38:56 GMT

I've known his name for 2 months, since Putin was named Time's Person of the Year! It's not a hard name to learn. M-E-D-V-E-D-E-V.

Clinton wins on Russia

TeBuckey Jones — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:39:37 GMT

CIC is the most important part of being President. Obama loses this element in a landslide.

Clinton wins on Russia

David Frank, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:39:53 GMT

Big surprise thatr Tim "Gee, Let's Bash the Clintons" Russert didn't ask Obama first.

Clinton wins on Russia

Eli M., NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:40:29 GMT

Barack Obama. Ready day #673.

Clinton wins on Russia

TIM RUSTY,CINCINNATI,OHIO — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:41:13 GMT

CLINTON WINS ON "ALL" FOREIGN POLICY ISSUES. OBAMA IS NAIEVE, ROOKIE.

Clinton wins on Russia

Ken M., Mpls. , MN — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:42:42 GMT

Who really cares about a name? C'mon guys.

Clinton wins on Russia

Ruthetta, Somerset, KY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:43:22 GMT

I think Obama uses Clinton to cover on a lot of issues. Many of the things he says mirror Clinton's comments.

Clinton wins on Russia

Stu Stow, Ohio — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:44:51 GMT

This is where I wish the the world would have seen the greatness of Biden.

Clinton wins on Russia

David McWilliams — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:45:23 GMT

How does Clinton saying "Medvvvv whatever" constitute her knowing the name of Dimitri Medvedev? I knew the name, why didn't she know it if she's the "foreign policy candidate"?

Clinton wins on Russia

Ike — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:45:28 GMT

Ohioans are not interested in who knows the name of Russia's future prime minister. You guys are being childish even debating something that trivial.

Clinton wins on Russia

Mags, Orlando, FL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:46:36 GMT

So Biden would have been a better nominee. But he would have plagiarised more of Neil Kinnock's speeches to augment his command foreign affairs.
Get real folks, Barack Obama will win the democratic primaries.

Clinton wins on Russia

Adam J, Chicago, Illinois — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:47:37 GMT

Come on folks, he has been spending the last few days preparing how to defend himself against Hillary. I am sure that his camp believed that the Russia issue would not be that big. And maybe he did study it, but just not enough. I will give this one to Clinton

Clinton wins on Russia

JJ Greensboro NC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:48:37 GMT

If Sen. Obama is looking to Hillary concerning Russia. We are in Big trouble.

Clinton wins on Russia

Tom, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:49:20 GMT

It actually IS important to know the names. Bush had the same problem. If you are going to be dealing with all these foreign leaders, you need to know names, places, situations, etc., to be able to speak intelligently about them.

Clinton wins on Russia

E. DeWitt, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:49:24 GMT

I recall that George Bush could not respond to fairly simple references to foreign countries when he debated Al Gore. He also stated that he did not read history. After seven years we have suffered first hand, the consequences of his ignorance. I do not want to repeat it with another trainee in the White House. I am voting for Hillary Clinton.

Clinton wins on Russia

Nick Tucci, Butte, MT — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:50:40 GMT

She did win, definitely, but it was still sloppy, and she needs to do her homework. With an answer like that, she wont win against McCain. They both can use a course on foreign current affairs.

Clinton wins on Russia

Stu Stow, Ohio — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:51:31 GMT

Tim Rusty,
They both are naive, Clinton couldn't even name Russia's next president,

Clinton:"Mend... Mendev.... whatever"

Are you kidding me?

Clinton wins on Russia

Janet, Alexandria, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:51:33 GMT

I agree with Ruthetta!

Clinton wins on Russia

Carl, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:51:41 GMT

I don't think that was the case at all. If I am correct, Obama had the last question and he was being polite and letting her answer. It seems Hillary got a little testy when Obama gets too many questions in a row and so I don't think it was that he didn't want to answer but was rather just being nice and letting her take her turn. That is my opinion.

Clinton wins on Russia

Eagle Bear, Tombstone Az — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:52:32 GMT

I want to know exactly where this Foreign Policy Guide is available in print. The one that Hillary is supposed to know about. I saw in another Blog that she only sponsored 20 bills in six years and Obama sponsored 820 in his first eight months as Senator

Clinton wins on Russia

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:55:16 GMT

Hillary voted for the Lieberman/Kyl amendment in 2007 and to me this is an indication of incredibly poor judgment on her part. She has had a piss poor foreign policy record since being in the Senate. This debate has done nothing to dispel that notion. Obama has been right-on in terms foreign policy and has made the correct choice from the beginning of this debacle.
Obama '08

Clinton wins on Russia

Nicholas Corsepius, Vienna, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:56:29 GMT

Neither of them won on Russia . . . both answered the question in the most extreme generalities . . . I figured Obama would have done better considering some good comments he made regaurding policy towards eastern europe

Clinton wins on Russia

ho tc — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:59:55 GMT

"Who really cares about a name?"

Are you kidding me? How can the US president know nothing about what's happening around the globe?

Clinton wins on Russia

Nashville_fan — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:00:07 GMT

Senator Clinton said he is Putin's hand picked successor. I could have told you that, just as Senator Obama could. Quit trying to prop up Senator Clinton's "credentials". She doesn't get brownie points for reading the paper. You can't assume that Senator Obama wouldn't have answered the same way or better just because Senator Clinton went first. Give me a break!

Clinton wins on Russia

Rick, Providence, RO — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:01:46 GMT

Clinton supporters keep imagining Hillary great experience. It just is not there. She cannot even run her campaign so how can we trust her to run our country and foreign policy. Probably by poll numbers because that is what she does like her vote for the Iraq War and the Kyl/Lieberman bill. Those were horrible foreign policy votes.

Clinton wins on Russia

Gene — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:03:06 GMT

I thought they both blew it. Neither seemed to be prepped properly. I recently read his profile either in the WSJ or NYT. That article would be a good piece to carry in the briefcase or breast pocket. Deer in headlights seemed to be a good profile for both of them on this subject.

Clinton wins on Russia

Shtuey — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:05:44 GMT

As telling as this is about his lack of working knowledge of foreign policy, the most revealing moment was when Clinton stated, as I have on this blog on several occasions, that he has not convened the sub committee on European Affairs once since being made Chair. His excuse is that he's been running for President.

So when given the opportunity to have an impact on how we are conducting our policy in Afghanistan vis a vis NATO, a matter of grave national security, Mr. Obama felt it was more important to campaign to be President.

That's "change you can believe in"?

He had an opportunity to show us leadership in crucial areas of our foreign relations. Instead he says he's been going around the country telling people what he would do in Afghanistan. Makes the words versus action argument sound pretty damn valid.

What will be his excuse for not dealing with these issues as President? WIll he be busy telling people about how cool his Presidential Library will be?

This man has no business running for President when he can't even take the time to convene his sub committee.

Great choice people!

Clinton wins on Russia

Cedar Falls, IA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:05:48 GMT

Problem with Clinton is she mirrors other folks than ran for democrats nomination. I can't tell who the real Hillary is anymore. At least Barack is consistent.

Clinton wins on Russia

L. B. Cocoa, Fl. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:06:53 GMT

There is no question as to which candidate will be strong in her ability to deal with foreign policy. we have had enough during the last seven years of the 'bumbling of GeorgreBush'.
If she is liked and respected as well as her husband, our credibility will finally be restored.

Clinton wins on Russia

Audrey, Denver, CO — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:07:03 GMT

Obama will have plenty of advisors to help him with his foreign policies. Oh you mean like Bush/Cheney. Sounds good to me. Look how great the past seven plus years have been.

Clinton wins on Russia

Alisa, Aiken, SC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:13:55 GMT

Sometimes if you agree with someone it is okay to say so. What more could Obama say but repeat what Clinton said. Then the complaint would be "He can not come up with an original idea".

Clinton wins on Russia

mike,huntington,wv — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:13:58 GMT

Why if Mr. Obama is so concerned with what is happening in Afganistan did he not convene hearings on the problems that are now facing NATO in their fight against the Taliban? Again all talk and no action.

Clinton wins on Russia

Douglas Frayne, Toronto, Ontario — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:17:43 GMT

Experentia docet.
Clinton has it. Obama doesn't.

Clinton wins on Russia

Carol — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:23:37 GMT

Didn't HRC say she agreed with Obama's points several times in the last debate? I think it depends on who answers first, since their positions are so similar.

Clinton wins on Russia

Fran, Scarsdale, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:28:57 GMT

Clinton failed on Foreign Policy Issues starting way back with her vote to authorize the war in Iraq. This was, even by her own admission, "regrettable". She pontificates in each of her answers, most of the time straying from the question asked. She is just not "Presidential". As a woman, I found myself cringing when she spoke. In contrast, Obama looks and sounds like a statesman. Obama is in control of his emotions and answers all questions more than satisfactorily. Clinton looks and sounds like the typical politician that have the American people weary and disgusted. Obama is the candidate who will put the Democrats in the White House. I am a republican will vote for Barak Obama.

Clinton wins on Russia

G. Walker, Fort Washington, MD — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:29:23 GMT

You're right that Barack didn't know the guy. You're wrong that Hillary did. Her answers were extremely vague. But, that's ok because I bet you journalist (including Tim until he decided to include that question) didn't know the answer either.

Clinton wins on Russia

Kathy K, Washington, DC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:33:34 GMT

Chuck, everyone knows Medvedev. It's a big story..because it addresses whether Putin can succeed in setting Russia back 30 yrs.. (if you dont get this, check this out with O's advisor, Brzezinski). He knows what it means. Boy, does he.

Clinton wins on Russia

Ian — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:35:03 GMT

How do we know the answer to this when you asked Hillary the question??? What could he have said that would make you think he had an exceptional grasp of the issue. If you want to know what he knows then ask him what he knows and stop drawing stupid conclusions based on your own obvious lack of a logical/journalistic grasp.

Clinton wins on Russia

Hope, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:51:53 GMT

I totaly disagree with your observation that he was looking for "cover" from Hillary. He was probably being polite to see if she wanted to answer first. His judgment about the war and the example he gave about Pakistan show he has a grasp on foreign policy. In this area she is the one who is all talk. What foreign policy experience is she talking about? What foreign policy business do you do as First Lady?? She is full of it.

Clinton wins on Russia

Margie Wallace — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:27:02 GMT

Yes, Obama was lost a few times, going around and off to his regular stump speaches.
I was shocked at the coverage after the debate by MSNBC.
It is hard to believe how biased MSNBC anchors are against Clinton.
Sounded like Fox news to us. You torn Ms Clinton apart.
It sounds like your company wants Obama to win.
McCain will eat him alive and it sounds like all of you know that.

Clinton wins on Russia

MMiller — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:28:49 GMT

Eagle Bear, He actually only sponsored 3 bills as cowriter. He is a new comer. Any bill that moves through any committee he is on gets his name on it. Only one bill actually was passed-and that bill, again, he cosponsored had to do with ethics reform. He was strangely silent on his record in the Illinois house where he had the highest number of no votes (absent) and present during his tenure. I do not call bills that name 'parks' out as a bill because those bills are usually blanketed through the process.
You might take a second look at both candidates records and see that Mrs. Clinton has a record that is much more substantive for the same time period. The seconary reason for her success with many of her bills is because of the relationship she has built with her peers and her willingness to devote actually physical energy to the process with out regard to long hours.
Just something you may appreciate learning.

Clinton wins on Russia

N. Niedermaier — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:40:03 GMT

Personally I had hoped the moderators would have focused on more germane issues specific to Ohio. We still don't have a clear understanding on how Mr. Obama will resolve the loss of jobs in manufacturing. I heard his reference to how terribly he feels about the lost jobs and I heard a lot about yesterdays bad news..but..I got no indication from him on his plan to address this issue. I felt Mrs Clinton had a better answer. I also felt Mr. Obama captured her talking points of creation of a green job force and did not give any real plan of his own. Am I the only one concerned about this issue?

Clinton wins on Russia

Catalina, Tacoma, Washington — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:56:50 GMT

In a past stump speech Hillary said that "I could have told George Bush that Putin had no soul, he was KGB". Several weeks ago Putin was told what Hillary had said about him. He responded "At least a head of state should have a head". Do we really want a president who will anger and insult other world leaders. Do we really fix things in the world, when poor judgement is used. Where was her experience that should have told her how to address other leaders. You think Putin won't remember she said he had no soul.

Clinton wins on Russia

Dan Jando, Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:09:49 GMT

Obama did a "yeah, what she said," type comment. It makes me extremely wary of putting this guy in office, especially when dealing with foreign policy.

Clinton just seems like a name and fact-knowing machine. She remembers even the most minute details. That shows she cares.

Obama, who I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to in Chicago, gave me a pat on the back when I told him I'm in medical school and worried about my tuition in the future. He then said "let me know if there's anything I can do to help," and walked away. Yeah right, like he gave me his private number. He came off as very patronizing.

Clinton wins on Russia

nuanced — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:17:04 GMT

The successor is a Putin puppet what else do you need to know? Do you really need to know where he attended high school? There are Kremlinologists who devote their whole lives to the study. Our problem right now is a president who thinks he knows it all and doesn't take expert advice. He just needs to look into their eyes and see into their souls.

Clinton wins on Russia

Sharifah — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:36:06 GMT

Ok you guys, admit it, Obama is flat out stupid and he copies everything. Look he can't come up with a single speech without help. I watched a youtube now where they showed entire speeches of his which are complete fabrications and words coming from Malcom X, AKA Louis Farrakhan (his mentor) and right out of many of other peoples play books.

All I have to say is the guy can't box his way out of a paper bag. He's the biggest fraud in American History and perpetrated on Americans! That is just the truth. I'm laugh every time I see a debate at the stupidity of the people asking questions and the fact that he's even sharing a stage with Senator Clinton. I mean honestly when all people can say is "He's inspirational" I want to OBAMIT. LOOOOOL.

This is too funny.... The real joke will be on the United States because real peoples lives will be affected and thats honestly the biggest problem in the end. So unlike so many stupid kids think this isn't something you get a do over on. Man what joke.

Yeah I'll denounce Louis Farrakhan, does he have any other lines I can borrow? looooooooool

Clinton wins on Russia

Guillermo, Champaign, Illinois — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:19:05 GMT

They BOTH spoke in vague generalities and barely passed the pop quiz. Obama was smart to play it safe (which was really all he needed, as front runner, to do), while Clinton (who, as the underdog, needed to prover herself) went out on a limb and ended up butchering the guy's nama a la Bush. If you're not prepared, it's better not to feign it and end up putting your foot in your mouth.

Clinton wins on Russia

I can't believe the Obama supporters. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:36:34 GMT

OMG, you Obama supporters kill me. You are actually arguing that it's "okay" not to know the details because some elusive foreign policy advisers will guide him when he gets in office? OMG, that is so scary. Do you really think that argument is going to hold water when debating John McCain? You democrats are screwed if you nominate this guy. SCREWED.

Clinton wins on Russia

Lady Leo , Mableton , Ga — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:11:53 GMT

Hillary is the one who has "35 years of political experience" so she should have scored an A+ on this questions. Since she couldn't pronounce or didn't know the name, (one excuse is no better than the other) she ended up with a C. It is an insult to get someone's name wrong or even pronounce it incorrectly especially at this high political level. Shame on you Hillary.

Clinton wins on Russia

Wayne, Tampa, fl. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:03:11 GMT

It would be so hard for most of the media to say she won, they might be called racist. Hello,HILLARY WON