The Buckeye brawl

Dee Joseph — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:33:21 GMT

Hillary Clinton came across as a well informed, forceful and no nonsense leader, she was extremely articulate and answer all the questions with clarity and sincerity, where as Obama seems to wait for Hillary to finish taking clues fro her to smooth talk his way through the entire debate.

The Buckeye brawl

Julia Young, Memphis, TN — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:40:21 GMT

What are the results of the text poll on the debate last evening between Barack and Hillary? Why don't ou publish it on your site. It seems MSNBC works hard to find negative points to make on Clinton while giving Obama a pass.

The Buckeye brawl

AP from IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:45:42 GMT

I'm not really sure how anyone can assess last night's debate and declare no winner. Obama gave, by far, the best presentation. He was calm, earnest, detailed and explained his positions very well. He made great foreign policy points on Iraq, Pakistan and Kosovo.

Hillary Clinton sounded and looked very tense compared to Obama's relaxed and friendly appearence. My favorite moment was the Farrakhan question. I thought his overall answer was good enough but when he turned tables on Hillary and conceded her point in a very humorous way I was amazed by his deft handling and deflection of her attempted jab.

I for one, "reject and denounce" the idea that Obama is not going to be a great president. He would certainly be tested and the problems he will have to deal with are almost insurmountable but his intellect, ability, instincts, empathy and total lack of fear to change our direction is exactly what America needs right now.

The Buckeye brawl

Annette Caldwell — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:47:40 GMT

I believe that Senator Obama was able to give clear and concise answers to questions posed to him. He was able to keep calm, even when Senator Clinton made digs at him. I've always said that no matter who the nominee is, I would vote for that person. Based on Senator Clinton's performance these last few weeks and the fact that she started the campaign off as the inevitable nominee, I'm not so sure that I could cast a vote for her. We would not be discussing this issue had Senator Obama lost 11 straight states. So, when Senator Clinton complains about how tough the media is on her, she should look at the fact that she is still be given the benefit of a doubt, when it would be all over for Senator Obama, if he were in her shoes.

The Buckeye brawl

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:49:00 GMT

"At times last night, Clinton's frustration at her position was evident. Not 20 minutes into the debate, she expressed exasperation at being asked first about the North American Free Trade Agreement, an especially volatile issue in Ohio over which the two Democrats have tangled."

Why not?
Her husband signed it...
She was all for it back in 1993

She only changed her mind when she was running for President.

The AP: "The tone was polite yet pointed, increasingly so as the 90-minute session wore on, a reflection of the stakes in a race in which Obama has won 11 straight primaries and caucuses and Clinton is in desperate need of a comeback."

After her screaming and yelling over the weekend, I guess Bill gave her Focalin back to her...

The Buckeye brawl

Tony, Chicago IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:51:24 GMT

Just want to share a couple of thoughts when I hear the media favors Obama. First. I think the networks want to be a part of this movement with Obama. They don't want to miss the story of Obama. Second. In my opinion, Clinton and her campaign have no one to blame but themselves. They make the most news by her comments during speeches. Look at this past weekend. I think she brings it on herself.
It also does not help that Obama does not play by the same rules. You never see the guy get upset no matter what is thrown at him. Clinton on the other hand. Does not hide her emotions well and sometimes speaks when she should remain silent.

The Buckeye brawl

Don, Dayton, OH — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:58:10 GMT

Reuters: At least Clinton ATTEMPTED to pronounce Medvedev's name. Obama was in la-la land on the entire issue regarding Russia. Tim Russert later said that he intentionally did not direct the "Russia" question at either candidate, just to see who would jump in and answer the questions. We all saw Obama turn to Clinton as if to say, "you take that one, 'cause I will sound like an idiot trying to answer it".

One other observation: I loved that Clinton FINALLY pointed out that Obama's claim to have been against the Iraq war from the beginning was totally irrelevant, because he WAS NOT IN THE SENANTE at the time and was not privy to all the intelligence that was presented to Congress. It was a long time coming, but went directly to the heart of the matter.....Obama CANNOT say how he WOULD HAVE voted, because he simply wasn't at a level where he COULD HAVE voted.

Clinton '08

The Buckeye brawl

Desire, Houston, TX — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:00:27 GMT

Are you saying that by Clinton not being able to pronounce Medvedev's name is more important than the detail understanding of the crisis in Russia she proved to understand. Have you guys for a second even considered that Clinton's comments on getting the first question every time was because each time she answered Obama just agreed with every thing she said."I totally agree with Senator Clinton or As Senator Clinton rightly Pointed" If Obama had gotten the question on Russia first I think we should have all seen a different results from the debate. Please MSNBC for GOD's Sake and for the sake of this country just look above the ratings and give a fair coverage to all the candidates. It for the Good of this nation.

The Buckeye brawl

Patrick, Detroit, MI — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:15:30 GMT

I find it hard to determine who won the debate, but I do lean toward Obama. Pat Buchanan (sp) was spot on, Hillary did better in the 1st half than the 2nd. I think there's a bit of media backtracking after being slammed by SNL.

CNN took at hit for that and MSNBC weren't going to follow. That said there are clear and distinctive trumps that are getting passed. Hillary's tax response was the worst. It looked like she was lying.

In contrast Obama needs to brush up on his foreign policy. Against McCain, what was a stumble, will be a clear and distinct loss.

The tone of the debate made Hillary look defensive and gave Obama the high hand. I think that after the media gets over it's embarassment it will be March 5th and it won't matter. Until then Clinton should thank every writer and cast member of SNL. That gave her a shot in the arm truly. I think the coverage of this debate would've been entirely different if not for them.

The Buckeye brawl

DaDane, Baltimore, Maryland — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:20:08 GMT

It seems completely ludicrous to try to spin this debate. Obama held his own, which is simply put a win. He was presidential, informed and substantative. He defused Hillary's singular claim to her right to be president by if not out-pointing her, by being definitely as detailed, knowledgeable and prepared in his answers. He has shown that he is definitely more of a leader in his broad appeal and his understanding that the only way to make government work is to make it trasnparent and to involve the populace. Hillary's let me fix everything for you plan is flawed and has been proven so throughout history. No president, no matter how intelligent or knowledgeable can bend congress to it's will without the help of the populace. Obama has made his case, he is best fit to lead this country forward. to qoute hillary "Get Real"

The Buckeye brawl

Andrew, Austin, Texas — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:20:11 GMT

from m-w.com:

reject: a: to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use <rejected the suggestion> <reject a manuscript> b: to refuse to hear, receive, or admit

denounce: 1 : to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil <they denounced him as a bigot>

Words DO matter. Obama was right the first time.

The Buckeye brawl

Chad, Salt Lake City Utah — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:26:21 GMT

I think nobody is talking about how the Reject/Denounce thing did little more then make Clinton look stupid. She interrupted the moderator AGAIN (she has a lot for respect for the rules I've noticed) to quibble over pointless semantics. And it made it her look STUPID.

The Buckeye brawl

CSW, Centreville, VA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:36:42 GMT

Ok enough of the media pass or you can't talk about race. I look at things often times through a sports metaphor. If you get to foul line because the ref made a bad call, the shooter STILL, has to make the damn shot and Obama had done that each and everytime. If he benefits from bad press, often times press that she or her husband creates, then so bit it. But in a debate, he still had to answer the question, on the stump he still has to get in the minds and hearts of voters. Stop it with he gets a free pass. If he were not qualified he would not be in this position. It is not like we have had great black candidates before like Obama. Get over Hillary. You are losing and you need to sit down. We are down to seconds left in the game and you don't have the ball!!!!!!!!

The Buckeye brawl

susan muller — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:43:20 GMT

The media are so obviously biased towards Obama, that Clinton can do nothing right in their view. Keith Olberman is clearly anti-Clinton. Whenever the post-debate interviews led to positive remarks about Clinton's performance he either said time was up or deflected the positive comment with a negative remark of his own.

Brian Williams did the best job of being fair to both candidates. The media should employ more fair & impartial analysts.

The rest of the media ought to just wear their Obama buttons and stop pretending to be "analysts"

The Buckeye brawl

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:49:58 GMT

I knew that Hillary was bright but the more I watch Obama there is no doubt that this guy is very, very sharp.

The Buckeye brawl

Drew from Chicago. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:50:02 GMT

Gobama! Hillary is a whiny little brat.

The Buckeye brawl

HMT-MI — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:50:37 GMT

since Hillary told thee truth about the media why was it calledself pity?How many of us have listened to these gasbags praise Obama and describe Hillary as nasty,cdrabby,angry,and whatever comes into their heads?Alter says she should drop out right now---who is he?She will drop out when she feels the time is right.SNL hit it right by saying the media is in the tank for obama.Why hasn't his whining been talked about?Mean Hillary,liar Hillary,oh the horror of the pictureon Drudge.Why wasn't he asked about Rezko/If and when Obama wins the nomination will the media protect him from the Gop?

The Buckeye brawl

KW, Philadephia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:10:28 GMT

I like Hillary, but I like Barak Obama even more, he would be a much better President. Already, Hillary is in the blame game mode. We have had enough of that; 8 years of it from the Bush Administration. We certainly don't need another 4 especially from a Democrat. Hillary does not have what it will take to stand up to Lobbists, Big Corporations, Oil companies. The exact organizations that are being allowed to suck the average American dry of their hard earn money. Barak Obama will be a President of the People and act like one. We don't need another person that's called a President but acts like a CEO of a business organization, I am afraid Hillary would be that to a certain degree.

The Buckeye brawl

Gina Brownsville, TX — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:16:56 GMT

I believe the most qualified person for this job is Hillary. She's been there and done that, who better than her to know the issues we face. Obama IS DEFINETLY NOT READY for Presidency!!!He thinks it's easy when WE ALL know its not. All those followers he's got are as delusional as he is. If this man is given the reigns to direct our United States of AMERICA, he will lead us into continued DESTRUCTION!!! (NOTE: As a Proud American Citizen, I am only exercising my First Amendment "FEEDOM OF SPEECH")!!! HILLARY is OUR SMART CHOICE.

The Buckeye brawl

John, Los Angeles — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:18:05 GMT

The one thing that really stood out is that both Obama and Clinton would have cleaned the debate floor with George Bush. I watched the debate, and it was pretty even. I think Hillary's tone was somewhat unfocused ranging from the SNL reference to discussing the minutia of her health care plan whereas Barrack's performance seemed a little more consistent. Still, compared to Bush, either candidate would have clearly outperformed George Bush.

The Buckeye brawl

Jen, New York, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:19:40 GMT

Obama's tone during the debate, while more pleasant, lacked passion. Clinton's passion for her country is always evident though not always well received. In my opinion, she won the debate hands down based on content and conviction.

Has anyone else noticed during the debates that Obama tends to use Clinton's best answers and then just repackages them as his own. Some say this is a strategy to look like he has the ability to find common ground. I don't. I suspect that he is at a loss without a script and is not as well-informed as Clinton so he must "borrow" her answers. It seemed at times last night that he was mirroring her.

The Buckeye brawl

James G., Oak Park, MI — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:23:17 GMT

One other observation: I loved that Clinton FINALLY pointed out that Obama's claim to have been against the Iraq war from the beginning was totally irrelevant, because he WAS NOT IN THE SENANTE at the time and was not privy to all the intelligence that was presented to Congress. It was a long time coming, but went directly to the heart of the matter.....Obama CANNOT say how he WOULD HAVE voted, because he simply wasn't at a level where he COULD HAVE voted.

Clinton '08
Don, Dayton, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:58 AM)

Well, HRC likes to take credit for passing SCHIP, which passed in 1998, and she wasn't in the Senate at the time......

The Buckeye brawl

sherr — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:24:52 GMT

After sleeping on it, I have come to the conclusion that this country is not ready for a woman as President of the United States.

I couldn't believe the feigned confusion of the MSNBC boy's club over Clinton's frustration on getting the first question so often, as they did the post debate "analysis."

Not surprisingly, this same press corps, rather than EXPLAIN what it meant, they are just saying "it didn't work." A missed opportunity, and one that was left on the table because it hits too close to home.

But let's explain it now.

Hillary gets the first question and answers it thoroughly, and Obama's answer to the same question is nothing more than an ECHO of Hillary's answer.

I'm also hearing how Hillary looked petty talking about the mailers. That is a no win situation. She was responding to a petty question about that very thing.

As a Democrat I was conflicted about who to vote for. As a woman, I see that the club at MSNBC is hostile to Clinton because she or her campaign have called Matthews and Schuster on their colloquial and unacceptable choice of words and poor judgement. It looked like Russert in particular was determined to take it to Hillary.

I'm shocked that more women haven't expressed their unhappiness with the press coverage. It took Tina Fey and Saturday Night Live to embarrass the media and call them on it.

While no one offered Mr. Obama a pillow, they certainly didn't call him out on the nearly identical responses he had to questions when he went second.....and that is not because he and Hillary's position on the issues are nearly the same as they like to say.

I have to finally say that all of the poll results and blog responses that get reported on are heavily bias to a younger demographic which has to be mentioned, but sadly is not. I mean, how many people over 35 do you know who use the texting feature on their cell phones, other than to contact their children?

Simply insulting to report the results of text messaging polls and blog
responses as representing the broader viewing audience. Yet, it gets reported as though it is. This isn't American Idol, it's the Presidency.

The Buckeye brawl

Get Real — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:26:17 GMT

Why all of the ‘whining’ about the media bias against Mrs. Clinton? We all have short memories. When this campaign started, Hillary was labeled by the media to be the significant front runner. She was the only one being talked about and was in the spotlight continuously. When her team failed to adjust to changing conditions and fell behind in the delegate count and lost multiple primaries in a row, the attention switched to the new front runner. What does that say about the media? They are going to focus coverage on what is hot. And what do you say about the team that fumbles the ball away? You say they fumbled and are now desperate. That is what is happening!

The Buckeye brawl

a of illinois — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:31:01 GMT

I don't know why I should expect a different set of standards for this election that I would in the regular work place. It's much easier for a black man to get promoted than it is for a white (or any other color) woman. We are set to a highers standard (ALWAYS). It makes me so mad that because Hillary has showns that she is not a droan by showing more than on emotion they tag her as moody, schizophrenic, crazy..............because I don't know ANY men who are every cranky, moody, or uneven in their behavior. I'm sick of the Obama bias. It is real and it is percieved. The networks should not be able to give 24 advertising to their favorite candidate and I just hope the people in Texas and Ohio are smart enough to vote for more experience. On the darkest evening of the year would you drive without headlights if you had a perfectly good set of headlights (even if you didn't like what the headlights looked like). That is what the people voting for Obama are doing. They are driving this country without headlights when we know what a Clinton presidence would be. Also, has anyone thought about what the black community will feel Obama owes them for their unwaivering support of him?

The Buckeye brawl

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:46:54 GMT

Sen. Clinton is not getting traction. Her best shot won't be good enough against Obama. She appears increasingly nervous and edgy, with a forced smile that fools nobody. Perhaps if she and her husband had less baggage....

The Buckeye brawl

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:49:41 GMT

Gina, Brownsville:

Hillary has been there done that? What does that mean. Where has she been and what has she done that makes her a better candididate. Amazing how people express their support for someone based on over-generalized comments that mean nothing. Hillary has been there done that so lets vote for her. Am I missing something here?

The Buckeye brawl

leslie ungar, akron, oh — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:50:52 GMT

when all is said and done a campaign, a presidency, an NBA game come down to two minutes. who do yu want in the lineup when the game on on the line
a rookie or a player with playoff experience? it's just that simple.

The Buckeye brawl

Diane McKay St. Louis Mo. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:55:45 GMT

Hillary apperared to look old and looked like she was a mother scoulding her son.
Obama stayed on the high road and gave her enough rope to show her peronality.
Obama will need a good military advisor.

The Buckeye brawl

Cindy Rowlands, Seattle, WA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:55:59 GMT

What I loved was that Hillary in her blueprint for the economy has PROMISED to create 5 million new jobs. Then it was pointed that she promised to create 200 thousand new jobs in New York when she ran for Senate yet there was a net job loss of 30 thousand jobs. Her response....She made that promise because she thought Al Gore was going to win the presidency. Make you wonder how many of her "promises" are conditional on the make-up of the Congress & Senate or on some other (unknown to the voters) condition. The way I see it, all she did was pass the buck and place the blame for her failure to deliver on everyone else. Typical DC politics.

The Buckeye brawl

Morgan — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:56:25 GMT

The Debate was a knockout for HRC!! But when Matthews and KO started talking they just wouldn't admit it. They wouldn't talk about anything obvious. They played what ifs and said did anyone get the pillow thing? MSNBC has always been in the tank for Obama. Him skirting around the LF support question was NEWS WORTHY and they said "hey, look, he finally said the word reject, Hillary was just being picky" THIS was huge! To tie his Pastor to LF like that on National t.v. and Obama not to say first off he rejects that sort of backing. You know Obama doesn't want to offend the black community that backs LF. Then he said words don't matter. They sure do if you are going to be the Leader of the Free World! No one commented on his nervous full teeth grin as she was debunking his position on that... play that again MSNBC... I dare you!! And why don't you have someone on from Clinton's actual campaign beside Obama campaign people instead of someone who used to work for her?? You are wimps!

The Buckeye brawl

Carol, Virginia — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:58:39 GMT

The Buckeye brawl

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:59:50 GMT

a of illinois:

What a sick racist statement. And what will females want in return for their undying suport for Hillary if she were elected. I know. Sounds just as stupid dosen't it?

Hey, what do you think would have been the reaction if Obama had touted last night that he would be the first Black President just as Hillary stated she would make history by being the first female President. Do you think that he would have been as well praised as Hillary was for her comment if he had made such a reference. I doubt it. People would have said he was playing the race card. Why do you think he stays away from such comments while Hillary is able to bring up again and again that she would be the first female President? You are right. There are different standards for candidates in this race. Some for Hillary and just as many for Obama. Hillary can sing all she wants "I am female hear me roar" and she is praised for it, but Obama has to basically keep his mouth shut about his unique minority status or he looks like he is divisive by many.

The Buckeye brawl

juan,ft lauderdale, fl — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:00:58 GMT

Hillary not remembering Putin's successor seems to come down to America's ethnocentric mentalities. Europe is bordered by several countries with numerous cultures, history etc while we are bordered by just 2 and separated by massive ocean;theirfore; when Rumsfeld mocked France and Germany as "OLD EUROPE" we all come across as ignorant and arrogant. Americans seem to lack basic knowledge of history, geography and civics. I remember when Ford made a fool of himself debating Carter insisting that Poland and other eastern countries were not Soviet influenced. Before we can engage in foreign policies that is based on exporting so-called democray it's obvious at least that we get their names right since this present administration operates on hypocrisy, not practicing what they preach, and pure geo-political arrogance(neo-con policies). One just has to travel abroad to know our Americans are being treated thanks to last 7 years.

The Buckeye brawl

Fred C Dobbs Sierra Madre, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:13:20 GMT

A conservative sent the Obama over to Drudge and it worked.

Clinton got the blame.

McCain is up in the national polls and Obama is down.

By the time we get to November 2008, McCain will be far ahead in the polls. And we can add Obama to the long line of Democratic losers.

I am a Democrat and for the life of me I cannot understand why some people in the party are drawn to losers like Obama/Kerry/Gore/Ted fat drunk Kennedy
et al!

The Buckeye brawl

Sherry Decker — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:15:12 GMT

Once again the media shows how school yard bullies get their name. Obama sat on a nice comfy pillow while Hillary was attacked by the sexist pig, Russert! How disgusting!!

The Buckeye brawl

JMF, Annapolis, MD — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:20:27 GMT

Her first question whining was clearly to make the attempt that Barack always latches on to her answers. HOWEVER, watch the last two debates. Contrary to Clinton's comment, Obama did get plenty of questions asked first and she VERY OFTEN stated, "I agree with Barack". Face it Clinton zealots, there is not much difference between the candidates

The Buckeye brawl

Robert Stelling, Chandler, AZ — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:22:19 GMT

Sen. Clinton issued her challenge to meet me in Ohio! It was no Thrilla in Manilla. It just showed the Clinton legacy. "It is everybody's fault but ours."
If her actions last night foreshadow how she would conduct foriegn Policy this country would be in the crapper.
"I have the most experienced machine that has ever been assembled and you keep picking on me."
"If you don't say renounce I'll nuke you."
Hillary you have stayed too long. Say Good Night.

The Buckeye brawl

John Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles, California — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:27:07 GMT

Has anyone seen total speaking times for the Feb. 26 debate posted anywhere? It seemed to me that Obama spoke for more minutes after Clinton complained about always having to answer first.

The Buckeye brawl

Halli Casser-Jayne, Sharpsburg, MD — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:31:45 GMT

Senator Obama has a habit of riding two sides of an issue that the mainstream press seems to wish to ignore. The problem of his 'present' votes in the Illinois State Legislature have hardly been addressed.

Last night, Senator Obama walked the middle-ground on the issue of NAFTA but most egregious was his attempt to please both his African-American voters who hold the anti-semitic Reverend Farrahkan in high esteem and the Jewish community that does not. Senator Clinton called Senator Obama on his longtime refusal to extricate himself completely from Farrahkan. Even when she did win her point, Obama only parsed his words but still didn't utterly condemn Farrahkan or Obama's Reverend Wright. To do so he would have to resign from his church, and Obama isn't about to do that.

Halli Casser-Jayne
http://www.thecjpoliticalreport.com

The Buckeye brawl

John Doe — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:33:06 GMT

Barak Obama has a lot of questions to answer about why he has been a member of this church for 20 years, with a Pastor who supports and praises Farrakhan.

If I were Obama I'd be ashamed too of a photo of me with Islam clothes on IN A VILLAGE THAT SUPPORTS ALQAEDA TERRORISTS....REMEBER 9-11

Wake up people.

The Buckeye brawl

cc, Boston, MA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:35:40 GMT

It is funny that Hillary was jumping up and down on getting questions first and then flubbing the name of Putin's hand pick successor.

Did and one catch the fact that when Tim Russet corrected her on the pronunciation she just said "what ever"? Now if that is how a Commander and Chef handles mispronouncing some ones name then we are in real trouble.

With a name like Barack I would not even try to attempt to pronounce Dmitry Medvedev. It is heard to butcher someone's name and then be sarcastic about it as Hillary did last night.

I have a name that people butcher all the time and it gets frustrating. Let along disrespectful but then again she's a Clinton, tacky.

The Buckeye brawl

Elle, Vermont — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:38:20 GMT

Oh, enough already with poor little Hillary, the media is against her. I only get hard questions, poor pitiful me. Obama has run a transparent campaign, you want his tax returns, here they are, his kindergarten records, take a look. You can't look at her tax returns, her White House records or even her Senior Thesis. Sen. Clinton has been secretive to the point of paranoia. If she would just answer questions directly and make the information available, the media wouldn't have to get tough on her. They aren't hard on Obama because they haven't had to be, the information is already out there. Hillary Clinton is her own worst enemy and the dolts she has running her campaign aren't doing her any favors.

The Buckeye brawl

Chad. Houston, Tx — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:40:36 GMT

What I find hilarious is that Hillary's campaign is preaching a message of change in the Whitehouse, yet has continued to show at every available opportunity that they will continue to use the divisive and intellectually dishonest political tactics of the Bush administration. Her supporters complain of a media bias yet refuse to acknowledge that she has been given ample opportunity to put forward a more positive image and refrain from the highly negative tactics she is now famous for; she has basically taken what a little more than a year ago was a united Democratic party and through her constant negativity and "us vs. them" discourse has torn it in two, ensuring that no matter who wins the nomination it will be a much tougher battle than it originally could have been.

The Clinton campaign truly has no one to blame for their failure other than themselves, I realize that's a tough pill for her supporters to swallow, but it's simply the truth. If you're tired of watching your candidate continually lose then you should make it clear to her that you would like to see a more cleanly run race where instead of constantly focusing on the "shortcomings" of her opponent she is instead focusing on her own strengths, otherwise it's simply a matter of days until we can officially count Clinton out of the equation for good.

The Buckeye brawl

Jeff, Atlanta, Ga — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:41:08 GMT

I thought the same thing; last night when the question about Russia was proposed Obama was absolutely lost and waited for Clinton to take the raines, she may not have pronounced his name correctly, (who can?) but she knew what the heck she was talking about and Obama deferred to her he was totally lost
Can Olberman and Matthews can you two not see this
Are you both promised Cabinet post in an Obama administration

Jeff Atlanta

The Buckeye brawl

Zee Moltov, San Francisco, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:42:39 GMT

Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's really working for the good of all of us in the Senate.

Obama or Clinton.

Records of these two candidates should be scrutinized in order to make an informed decision. The bills they both have worked on and which are now the rule of our land can be found on the website of the Library of Congress - www.thomas.loc.gov, but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you for both candidates.

The List for Obama is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.

During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills.

He introduced 233 bills regarding healthcare reform:

- 125 on poverty and public assistance,
- 112 crime fighting bills,
- 97 economic bills,
- 60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
- 21 ethics reform bills,
- 15 gun control,
- 6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427.
These inculded:
**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law,
**The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, - became law,
**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill, - became law,
**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.

In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public.

He's not just a talker..........He's a doer.

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law - 20 pieces of legislation in her first six years.

1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition
Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championsh ip.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American RevolutionCommemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11
18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

There you have it, the facts are straight from the Senate Record - YOU my fellow citizens, decide who is fit to be the President of the United States of America and who is ready to lead us from DAY 1.

- ZM, CA

The Buckeye brawl

Zee Moltov, San Francisco, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:44:05 GMT

Is there a word restriction on this? How many characters or words are allowed?

The Buckeye brawl

Bill, Portsmouth, OH — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:54:31 GMT

MSNBC commentators were extremely critical about the CNN debate of last week. Many of the remarks were directed at the lack of control of the CNN moderator, which was copied by Brian Williams as if he had drunk the CNN Kool Aid. Russert was much better in this respect, but should have dealt with issues critical to Ohio voters, such as foreclosures and industrial development in the rust belt and Appalacis. If your going to be critical of others then step up to the plate and hit one out of the park not just take pitches until you walk or strike out.

The Buckeye brawl

Helmut Taylor, Peabody, Massachusetts — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:06:02 GMT

Not to know the name of the man she has to look into the eys next year. If she is the new President of the United States of Amarice she should know and be able to say his name "Dmitry Medvedev". How is this fitting in with being knowledgeable and prepared. And now 2 seconds to midnight she wants to take back her vote to allow Bush to invate another nation.

The Buckeye brawl

v, ca — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:07:57 GMT

It is a pattern of Obama looking at Hillary for answers during debates. Again this time, he turned to Hillary to answer the question about Russia as he knew that he doesn't know enough to be able to say much, not mention if he could say the name of the Russia leader. It is a tough pronounced name.

When Obama debates Republicans, he is better to remember that Hillary won't be there to answer the questions for him.

Again during this debate, it shows that he won't stand the ground to "reject" for what he believes. Another 4 years of Bush is on our way if he becomes the nominee.

The Buckeye brawl

J. Ed, New Mexico — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:27:10 GMT

The debate was definitely not earth shattering, nor did the 'heavens part and there were no angelic choirs singing for either candidate'. What I think we all walked away with is that more debates will not help the public make up its mind at this time.

Those who are for HRC or Obama remain staunch supporters; there may have been slight shifts or sifting which may have taken place but nothing dramatic.

I would give the edge to Obama on a few points.

Hillary should not have complained about receiving the first question as it actually gave her leverage and quoting the SNL line seemed whinny and by the reaction from the audience was not well received. Either she is being poorly advised or her attempt at being spontaneous is NOT working.

When prompted on being transparent and making public her and Bill's tax returns as well as the Whitehouse records she appeared uncomfortable and evasive. Personally, there may be nothing there however she never stated a definite date and offered vague efforts to comply sometime in the future. She needs to understand that when she accuses Obama of using Rove/Bush tactics, by not being quick to disclose her finances she displaying a Bush-like refusal to inform the public and this is hypocritical on her part and casts a shadow of suspicion.

When Obama was queried regarding Louis Farrakhan’s support, he was clear and direct about his denouncing what the minister’s position has been and dismissed it. Even when his own minister was referred to he was clear that he wanted to mend and strengthen the breach between African Americans and members of the Jewish community. He had completed his reply and Hillary appeared to trip up trying to grab the opportunity to turn the question around so that she could appear to be better then Obama. She referenced the election in NYS and the Independence Party support which she rejected. Her attempt to slap Obama down failed as Obama calmly took her comments and stated that both ‘denounce’ and ‘reject’ applied and showed that as a leader he could compromise and concede a point.

Obama was able to score points on the Iraq vote by alluding to bus being driven to the ditch and by disarming the comments on ‘bombing Pakistan’ –

All in all Obama continued to get more and more comfortable and appeared presidential while the Clinton campaign appears desperate and inconsistent as far message and style.

The Buckeye brawl

Jane, Charleston, WV — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:30:48 GMT

Hillary Clinton is a Methodist. The United Methodist Church has called for "divestment" in companies that do substantial business in the West Bank. Earlier this month, the Methodist Church released a "Israel/Palestine Mission Study," in which Jews are called "monsters." Why is no one asking Hillary to "reject" and "renounce" the public pronouncements of her church and clergy?

If you don't believe me, check out what the ADL has to say about it:

http://www.adl.org/PresRele/IslME_62/5233_62.htm

The Buckeye brawl

KW, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:42:50 GMT

A of Illinois, what are you talking about. I am black and American. Being American to me comes first. Right now it is about the American people of all races, color, greed, etc. Don't speak for anyone except yourself. As you have no idea about the black community no more than I..Barak Obama doesn't owe any specific group of people anything. When he becomes President he will owe only his devotion to the well being of the American people. That he will represent which will include all Americans. Get over the racial overtones and get a clue.

The Buckeye brawl

J. Ed, New Mexico — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:42:56 GMT

The Buckeye brawl

Lisa, Glen Ellyn, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:00:18 GMT

All of MSNBC (including Tim Russert) act like they work for the Obama campaign. They are so biased in favor of him. Just listen to Chris Matthews for 5 minutes. You can tell they hate Hillary. Where is the fair reporting? Where are the ethics?

Go to CNN.