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Some video clips direct from ABC News:
Here’s a report on it from ABC News:
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama opened Wednesday’s presidential debate on a point of accord: neither answering head on whether they’d be willing to name the other as vice president.
Sen. Obama, D-Ill., said it was “premature” to discuss the veepstakes, but promised the party would come together by August, ”
Sen. Clinton, D-N.Y., agreed, “Regardless of the differences there may be between us, and there are differences,” she said, “they pale in comparison to the differences between us and Sen. McCain.”
On stage at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, in a debate moderated by ABC’s Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos, Clinton said, “I am going to do everything I possibly can to make sure one of us takes the Oath of Office next January.”
Pressed by Stephanopoulos on whether or not Obama would be able to defeat Republican presidential nominee John McCain in the general election, Clinton said, “Yes, yes, yes.”
Obama also expressed confidence in his Democratic rival saying he “absolutely” thought Clinton could win in November.
The following is analysis from Nate and Michael:
Nate’s analysis
Opening statements were about par for the course as both candidate laid out their respective visions, we’ve heard that a million times.
However, things got interesting once Charlie Gibson questioned Obama about the “bitterness” comment. Obama uttered the answer he’s been giving about Clinton pouncing on his misspoken words and how he feels voters are bitter but his statements were improperly worded. Hillary responded saying she knows her grandfather didn’t cling to guns and faith out of bitterness, they were a part of his life, “like most Pennsylvanians.”
Gibson also questioned Obama on the Jeremiah Wright controversy, Obama claimed to have no previous knowledge of the incendiary comments which came on YouTube and other media outlets. Clinton then followed up on a question about her staying in the church, she responded saying that had she heard the remarks of Pastor Wright, she would have left the church. She also said “you can’t choose your family but you can choose your Pastor,” as an extra jab.
Funny line, Hillary wishes the “Republicans would just apologize for the Bush/Cheney years and not run anyone, just admit a Democrat should be in the White House again.” That’s funny for Hillary Clinton, she’d like that wouldn’t she.
Overall I think Obama had some weak answers. Hillary Clinton appeared to do well. I would say that neither of them really lost ground tonight as they batted around the latest news surrounding the election.
Both moderators, Gibson and Stephanopoulos, did a fabulous job in my opinion. They asked tough questions and then used the almighty follow-up question to get a straight answer.
Michael’s analysis:
The first thirty minutes had a lot of political meat. Barack Obama was asked a series of questions on Rev. Wright, and handled them in a mediocre fashion. Instead of stressing his distance and objection to Wright’s comments, he focused on his absence from hearing them. While these two might be true, it is more substantive for him to argue against the words (and stress that) than say he didn’t hear them.
There was also a lot of heat on Obama being elitist, at at some points the context of his being elitist colored some of his typical comments and ideas. Hence, when he argued, “I know what the American people are feeling,” it was easy to interpret this comment as arrogant, rather than empathetic.
In no way could people argue these mediators were going easy on Obama. In fact, there was some slight preference to Clinton, with less heavy questions and a few camera shots to Clinton’s daughter Chelsea, cementing this mother-daughter bond via the camera-lens. Clinton did not hold back either in regards to attacking Obama for his comments on guns and religion. While this hurt him, this did not raise her image.
Hillary Clinton did a poor job of addressing the Bosnia affair, and gave Obama a large window for him to demonstrate he was above these petty political topics. Obama did a nice job of framing the future questions and those directed at Hillary as insubstantial, and distracting to the overall mission for the presidency. This may have been his strongest part in the first thirty minutes.
Update
Here’s the full debate video:
Video: ABC Clinton/Obama Debate from Philadelphia, PA
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Sen. Obama’s response to the “pastor” question was once again not an acceptable explanation. The pastor is the voice of the congregation and Barack continues to suggest that he “never heard” those words and were brought to his attention “much later”.”
Message to Barack: “BullSh!t”
Summary: If you want our vote … just “scold” the good Reverend with words like “abhorrent”, “vicious”, “insensitive”, “unbecoming of a man of the cloth” … something like that.
Don’t tell me that you NEVER HEARD or I WASN’T THERE. This sounds like my teenager daughter trying to “pull a fast one.”
Common Barry! You’re running for President of the United States of America for God’s sake!
Get to the real issues, PLEASE, for once stop asking questions about ridiculous affiliations. Make them talk about real issues. SHAME ON YOU GEORGE AND CHARLES…there are those of us out here with brains who want to move beyond who said what or who knows whom who did what?? really, these are two outstanding individuals and I want to really hear them talk about their differences, and their plans,hopes, and wishes to do the job differently than suffering anymore from the Bush/Cheney disaster. ASK REAL QUESTIONS please. Stop assuming these are REAL issues. THey are not! The media and their obsession about these issues are insulting my intelligence. LET”S MOVE ON>>> now please?
Why has no one mentioned Hillary’s pastor and him being convicted on child molestation charges??? I think thats FAR worse than what Wright said…
HRC: A+
BHO: B-
Hillary was the CLEAR winner of this debate. She did a marvelous job. She really made her case. And I think she’s got my vote here in Oregon. We vote in May.
Just finished watching the live stream (Thanks to the Irish man who gave out the link in the other article, I’m currently moving and my t.v. is in the back of my car).
I thought Hillary did an excellent job on issues concerning taxes, iraq, and education but her attacks on Obama were unnecessary and only fuels what people don’t like most about her. Even her attacks against the Republicans/Bush came 20 secs after the comments she made about pulling the parties together. She just comes off as not likable or not fair and some people have to like their candidate in order to vote for them. I agree with Michael about the Bosnia affair. She did a terrible job with that and only gave Obama ammo for addressing “silly season”.
As for Obama, I thought he didn’t come off as squeaky clean as he probably would’ve liked. He might of had the right message or thought process but he kept on stumbling over himself and the moderators certainly didn’t help.
In the end I don’t think Obama made the clean break away he was probably hoping for but I don’t think Hillary pulled off any miracles that would save her now.
Can we get more cuts to Chelsea please? How about that direct spotlight on that whole “Hillary” row?
The moderators had an obligation to target Obama on some of the bittergate news, but asking who was more patriotic, him or Wright? Or asking him about the lack of flag pin?
It’s funny because that’s the worst they can dig up on him. Clinton’s chief strategist resigned because he was working on a columbian trade deal, and they’re talking about his lack of flag pin.
I hope Pennsylvania was listening and watching. Obama was on message and his message was the right one.
I love the way people complain about Hilary attaching Obama but never mentions that he attachs her EVERYDAY.
The only reason Hilary doesn’t have this election in the bag is the media. Do you guys remember that Bush was pushed down our throats by the media?
Hilary did a great job tonight!!!!! I like her just fine.
Being an Obama supporter, I hate to say this…but Hillary did a pretty good job. But I don’t think that will take anything away from Barack.
White folks please… get over yourselves and come to realize a borther will be in the White house.
we forgive your parents and grandparents how they treated our familes in the 40 50 60’s - remmeber it was cute and fashinable to for whites to treat balck awful. Think about your parents and gran parents had to particapte
I still don’t understand why Obama has to explain what his pastor said. That is so stupid. We have a person by the name of Robert Byrd (U.S. Senator) who was a “former” leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Who has been in his position (until recently due to illness), since the 50’s. He used the term “White Nigger” in 2001 and has stated other racially deragatory comments. He outwardly opposed Thurgood Marshall, and Condoleeza Rice, more than likely based on the fact that they are black. But now one talks about that. Bill Clinton made a comment about Barrack and Jesse Jackson’s campain. Everything that is negative about Obama is what SOMEELSE is doing. But Hillary lies and its “ok”. Oh and if I hear anoher thing about the “Black vote”. Like ALL Black people vote for Obama. All white people don’t vote for Hillary or McCain. Also, Obama’s mother is WHITE. He was raisd by his mother, and grandparents who are WHITE!!!!! But no one talks about that.
Hillary Clinton snubs stay at home moms, but there is no commercial on that. I am totally for women, but Hillary has GREATLY dissapointed me. She has shown such tackless behavior as a person and as a candidate. The questions posed were horrible, there was no real “meat” to the debate. Hillary’s questions were “easy”. Of course since the moderator is a previous Clinton “employee”. Hillary’s pastor’s background is not clean. Has anyone researched him? And when is the last time Hillary went to church anyway? The shots to Chelsea were not needed at all, it did nothing for me, it was a waste of film. I at first supported Hillary because I thought that I knew more about her and because of her experience. But like her husband said, she is 60, she is forgetfull and she is tired.
We need a fresher start American people. Look at what Bush’s experience has done for this country. I personally know too many people who have died in this war. It is TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!
Clinton is clearly a more skilled debater. She is poised, clear, confident, and speaks with authority. Obama says “uhh” and “aandd” too often. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I thought he gave his worst performance to date. His answers on Wright and bitterness did not satisfy me either. I truly would be happy with either candidate in the White House, but after tonight, I am leaning more toward Clinton. She’ll outperform and outsmart John McCain in debates and on the campaign trail.
Pastors and snipers and “bitter”, oh my!
Why isn’t anyone talking about the fact that Clinton wants to commit the US to defending the Saudis, UAE, Jordanians etc. using the Cold War doctrine of Massive Retaliation.
This is, I think, just a touch more worrisome than any of the so-called “important issues” that have taken up so much airtime on the talking head shows this week.
Charlie Gibson really cornered Obama on the Capital Gains tax. Obama will still raise taxes on capital gains even though he knows it will decrease government revenue. This guy is dangerous.
I don’t give a damn who anyone’s minister is unless he is going to be the vice president, I don’t give a damn about who wears a flag pin, unless that pin is going to bring the troops home and take care of the young men and women who have lost limbs, eyes and minds in this horrible war in Iraq. I don’t give a damn about anyone who landed in a War Zone that wasn’t one, unless they were looking for Osama Bin Ladin. I only care about who and how they are going to end this senseless war, fix this country’s economy, put Americans back to work. restore our constitutional freedoms and stop selling this country off bit by bit to the highest bidding nation.
Tired of the Trash.
See if this works
Thanks Jeff,aztb,Janee,Matt,Jared,Infinite and, Susan Wein, there are sensible people out here in the ether after all. Get rid of the irresponsible ?’s. A debate is to pose ?’s and receive answers that will give persons an idea of whom and what they are voting for, not petty and inarticulate concerns over things that have no affectation upon who we are as a society.Get to the reality of what we all must face as a civilization, as a chosen gathered nation of many beliefs and idealogies, these are the things that make us great. Isn’t it time that we, as a society, decide?
I hope the next awakening for the voters is what is now happening for me–I have long been turned off with the politics of the past–I am now and have been increasingly disgusted with the arrogant media who believe they are being objective when they have lost control of the fact that they are just puppets waiting for the political machine to give them the next smoke screen to exxaggerate. I get physcially ill watching most televised media programs and have come to rely on a few places to read information that I find slightly less tipped to one extreme or the other.
Tonights debate should be a educational film about the art of the passive agressive political assassination game called “vetting.” The media are the message carriers once the tidbit of information is dropped into the airwaves. If vetting is taking a person/s and seeing how well they handle being brought down, then let’s just give the election to John McCain now–he lasted how many years in a prison camp??? Doesn’t that make him the PhD in being able to withstand being “vetted?” Why should anyone look strong and speak clearly and correctly when they are being attacked for the sheer purpose of causing the squirm? Seems to me when someone is being maligned, they ought to look offended and have a desire to be defensive. But in the world of politics, I guess it is considered good political sportsmenship to have someone try to get you to squirm but show an opposite reaction?
No doubt that Clinton was the clear winner of this debate. She has a much better plan and outlook for where this country needs to be going. Obama was unable to give clear answers. His “change” talk is just a play on words to get the attention of those voters who don’t really understand politics but know how to ride the wagon.
It’s sad to say but most likely Obama will win over Clinton because of the wagon train. When Obama loses to McCain I will be sure to post a “Thank You” to all those who vote without really having the real issues in mind.
T’diem
Surely you are not counting on this site for fair and unbiased news, correct?
Class will out. Clinton won this one hands down. She answered the questions; she is articulate and knows the issues. Obama did a lot of uh .. ah… not his best performance.
I am wondering why someone doesn’t ask HC about her association with Bill Clinton.If it is so important to keep questioning BO about his associates, supposedly because of their character, language and other flaws– shouldn’t some one mention the girlie obsessions,the lies to investigators and the shame and disgrace of near-impeachment, that BC brought to the White House? If she can’t manage her marriage–how can she run our whole country?
My grandmother always said “If you lie down with a dog–you will get fleas!” Get her some Black Flag Spray!
What terrible journalism–get to the real issues. Asking “tough questions” some of you people say, yeah right. The first hour of this debate was the same crap that we’ve been fed for the last few months. I’m surprised Sen. Obama didn’t just look at the moderators with an “are you retarded” look, because these petty issues are NOT IMPORTANT. FLAG PIN? PASTOR? Exaggerated Snipers? NOT IMPORTANT.
I can’t, for the life of me, figure out some of you people and why you cling to such petty things–voting based on clips and snippets. Do America a favor and forget such trivial matters.
You guys are way off the mark on your reviews of tonight’s debate. The debate was ridiculous. It was an example of how tabloid the MSM has become. Instead of talking about real issues they keep talking about nonsense like flag lapel pins, “bitter,” Bosnia sniper fire, and Jeremiah Wright. It’s nonsense and has nothing to do with what kind of president either of these two would be. These questions have nothing to do with the future of this country. It’s these moderators that have shown themselves to be out of touch. Americans want to know about the economy, about the Iraq war, about health care. They don’t want to hear these non-issues brought up over and over again. We already know what happens when people select a candidate because of some trivial nonsense like that - 8 years of America going down the tubes. We cannot afford to elect John McCain. It’s not even an option. Barack Obama 2008! It’s time for a true change.
The loser tonight is ABC News.
Mimi
Come on…..
Reaching here a bit huh! Did Hillary support bill in his quest to please the women? Does she share his views about what he did and say he did nothing wrong. Can she really make decisions for him to “control” their marrage. You can be an idiot or you can be honest like her or not.
Obama supports his buddies. While he says I did’nt hear him say those things. Now he acts as though we are just attackinh him when we want answers. His pastors view about the government creating aids to kill the black people is pretty far out there and he won’t say the guy is crazy.
Hillary is married to bill and still she says he was crazy. I’m sure it has been a strain on their marrage. The fact is that Bill made a decision that was personal (yes that means , none of your business)and Obama makes decisions that are political. Bill lied but Obama does as well. They all do. If you are honest you realize this. If you are an idiot then attack me on my post.. Bring it on!
I’m glad they finally put that awful man on trial! Did anyone catch the verdict at the end? Someone told me the judge let him walk free! Well I certainly hope that isn’t true.
Btw Janee, thank you for pointing out that it is as true to say Obama is white as it is to say that he is black. Of course no one ever does. He’s only winning because he’s black, no one ever says he’s winning because he’s white
Which is funny, since every Republican nominee was a white male, I think McCain only won because he was white. And Male.
As mentioned by some people here already I also found it strange that some issues concerning Hillary were not addressed.
And Obama was right; the real issues are pushed aside. Can’t believe we are still talking about his pastor. What more is there to say? And holding Obama accountable for comments made by people he knows just doesn’t make sense to me. Bill cheated Hillary and she stayed with him, is she pro-cheating now?
And telling a lie? They all lie. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Hillary clearly won the debate as far as presenting your case was concerned. As far as substance goes I would give Obama the edge, be it slightly. I found him better when the tax issue was discussed.
But overall I think it was a better night for Hillary.
One thing I’m thinking about is whether Hillary isn’t stuck too much in the 1990s. Sure things were far better than, but I think that you can’t just try doing everything the same as you did in the 1990s. I’m not sure it will work now. Different times, different people and the problems are never exactly the same. I’m not saying that she is actually proclaiming this, but sometimes it seems like it.
Anyway, I think both candidates are capable of winning the general election. I think that they don’t differ that much as far as substance is concerned. It is Hillary’s style, and some actions, that do not sit well with me. But that is something personal.
Out of the many debates Obama still comes out as the winner for me. I’ll keep supporting him.
Regardless of who you support, Obama did not do very well in this debate at all. Partially, this was because he was disproportionally targeted by the moderators. As a presumptive nominee, this is understandable. He was not very poised; few confident answers were offered. At times, he seemed to be a little testy and irritated. His comparison to Clinton’s “cookie” statement could cause problems with women voters. Hillary offered much better answers that were on target. That being said, I don’t think that there will be much of an electoral advantage from Clinton in the following primaries. In the general election, barring a miraculous Clinton victory, the issue brought up against Obama will come back to hurt his chances.
Hilary won because Obama sucked. It’s like an elderly person getting credit for winning race when the opposition had a stroke!
He also was under the line of attack, while all her controversial issues with the exception of Bosnia was ignored.
It surprises me that people here are so happy that it was an uneven attack strategy. They should have had Tim russert. He attacks both sides evenly. I think almost the entire first hour was dedicated to controversial things. this is probably why the moderators got booed later because no one learned anything.
How about the big deal about the flag pin yet the opponent right across from him DID NOT HAVE A FLAG PIN either. Why wasn’t she questioned on this? If you want to get petty and stupid get petty on everyone. Or Hilary’s ministers background which will make Wright not seem to bad? You all are proud that it went this way? You all hate obama that much? I hope you notice that both of them came out with a little more damage and dirt which will hurt who ever goes against McCain. At this point i think McCain will most likely beat which ever one of them wins because more and more dirt and damage is coming out and August is a long way to come.
Dem 08
Have you noticed that there is a Wagon train for every single candidate? You can’t ride on one wagon and point at someone else riding on one.
Come on guys, in order for someone to win a debate, there has to be a debate. This was more like the 2 hour special: “Barack Obama - Vetted or No?” Featuring special guest star Hillary Clinton. They even had that jerk at the end who summed the whole debate up for the audience, in case they were too dumb to see that it was an Obama ambush instead of a debate. Issues? Is that what debates are about? Obviously you don’t watch ABC!
So yeah, Hillary won. She also wasn’t in the crosshairs. You want to examine a transcript and see what I’m saying? It was silly.
I’m still totally buying the box set when it comes out.
This debate was a joke. “Tough questions”? Those weren’t tough. They were straight from right-wing talk radio.
Here are some tough questions…
1) What are your plans for the economy? How do you plan on dealing with the credit crisis?
2) Do you have any plans for health care?
3) What do you plan to do about rising gas prices? Rising food prices?
4) How do you plan on paying off the 9 trillion dollar debt?
5) What are your views on presidential signing statements?
6) What are your views pre-emptive/preventative war?
7) What are your views on executive power? Is it legal for the President to violate treaties, laws, or Constitutional amendments, regardless of whether we are at war or not?
THOSE are A FEW tough questions.
Over a half-hour was dedicated to “personal attack” issues, and Stephanopolis (long-time Clinton cronie) even introduced additional attacks toward Obama. He should not have been one of the moderators–he wasn’t objective.
Hillary did well, but I have a real problem with her attitude. It’s ironic that she accuses Obama of condescension and elitism because I always thought the Clintons were more guilty of that.
I remain loyal to Barack. I keep going back to that speech he gave on “race”. That was one of the most thoughtful, personally honest, and heartfelt speeches I’ve heard any politician give in quite some time.
I know Obama hems and haws sometimes when he’s on his feet: at a debate or at a spontaneous rally shaking hands….but once he does get the words out, he seems to be saying the right things.
As for Hillary–she still comes across to me as very opportunistic, manipulative, and willing to do anything to win regardless of ethics. I thought Bill was a good President but I never found either of them particularly upfront or honest. Another Clinton in the White House seems like it would be a step back. We’d go from a President’s son in the White House (which didn’t work out so well), to a President’s spouse in the White House (which also might not work out so well)! Bush Sr. wasn’t that great of a counsel to George W. Why would Bill be a great counsel to Hillary?
At least Obama and McCain aren’t Bush and Clinton! Their ideas would be fresh. Sometimes I think our political system is more like a monarchy: with 2 powerful political families running everything! It unfairly tweaks the system.
I wouldn’t mind banning direct relatives of former Presidents from running in any future elections!
Did anyone else think it was cliche that Hillary kept plugging her website??
Also, I don’t see how Hillary’s message can hold up against McCain. Her whole angle is experience and being a fighter…umm, McCain fits that message much better than she does. Seeing how Obama has weathered her storm shows that he can handle McCain, because their selling points are so similar.
About the commentators in this debate…I really was not impressed. Dude kept cutting off Obama and Snuffalupagis was bringing up the old Wright news.
I’m really tired of commentators pressing them on running together as a joint ticket. That whole idea is so 2 months ago, and even then the idea made no sense. It felt like ABC wasn’t current when they brought that up. No one wants that or is even talking about that anymore.
I think that the media is loving this drawn out fight between the Dems because it has increased poorly performing news ratings. The media will keep egging them on until the convention.
After listening to both candidates last night, I don’t think either of them have chance against McCain. The biggest argument I’ve heard against McCain is that he is too much like Bush…well he’s not, so the Dems better think of something else fast.
Nah, the biggest argument against McCain is that he thinks we’re close to achieving our goals in Iraq the way things have are going, and the Dems don’t. He wants to stay to an in-determined amount of time, and the dems want to call it a game and begin packing ASAP.
Look for that to be the headlining debate in the election. Every other issue will be minor by comparison.
Hillary wears suits every day. And I’ve never seen a flag pin on her lapel. She acts like a man, drinks with the men, and said she even hunts with them. Where’s your pin Hillary?
ABC sucks. I’ve never seen more juvenille questions. It was also clear that Stephanopolous and Clinton had met in advance of the debate, and scripted out questions, so that Hillary would be set up with a pre-canned attacked on Obama. The reason America is no longer a superpower is because the Media is run by idiots. Talk dumb to America and America becomes dumb. When is the media going to take the high road, and elevate debate and discussion, instead of going after the irrelevant minutia.
I was impressed and surprised that Obama did not take a clear chance to pounce on Hillary regarding Bosnia. Hillary said during this debate, as did her husband Bill that candidates get “tired” and say the wrong things. That was just an excuse and another lie. She has told this story on several occasions and lied each time. I was also surprised that Obama seemed to stumble on the questions regarding Rev Wright but I do agree that these things are all distractions from the real issues. Hillary really should be careful because she has a lot more negative baggage that Obama has apparently decided not to use. Overall I say Obama won the debate for taking the high rode.
Guys,
I’m an Obama supporter but he choked last night. It’s time for him to show-up because he can not and will not beat McCain with that type of performance. End the end, I will vote for either Obama or Clinton in the general. However, Clinton is more ready. The reason why I support Obama is because it can’t be any worst than GB and it’s give me a chance to vote for the first black president. Hillary can grow up to be whatever she wants. She is a very saavy lady.
Thank you Charlie and George (and ABC News) for asking questions about recent remarks made by both candidates that do matter to voters! I’m still not satisfied with Obama’s answers regarding his association with Reverend Wright but you did the best you could with him.
I thought this debate was really well done. They were harder on Obama which is natural looking at his position as front runner and the fact that no one has really questioned him before. It was important to hear his answers to a lot of these pressing current issues and topics that people do care about. Hillary who has been on the receiving end of the attacks in every debate has always taken those tough questions and turned them into winning answers. She commands debates and wins. He had so many opportunities to shine and he lost every single chance. That is what the debate is all about. Take the question and make it a winner for whatever your viewpoint is, spin it if necessary, answer it only partially and move to something that is positive for you. He has SO much to learn. He’s just not ready for the main stage yet.
Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos are tools. Maybe they should both be working for the tabloids(i guess abc is one in the same). They both should be ashamed of themselves.
rlp-politcal …….Whether or not BO ends up in the White House, there is no need to forgive my parents or grandparents for anything…I don’t want forgiveness for them. I am extremely proud of my family all the way back to when they came from Ireland, bought land and farmed for generations…without slaves, if that is what you are suggesting. I don’t owe anyone an apology, nor do I wish to be forgiven for anything…I haven’t done anything to be forgiven for…but thanks anyway, I think the fact that he is where he is, along with many blacks in this country, it’s time to drop the “you owe me” song and dance. Get over it.
“The times they are a changing”…going, going , gone….
About the debate…I thought it was the best one they have had. Charlie and George should moderate all of them! Great job.
All of you that are blaming the moderators and ABC need to grow up. Obama is a big boy, he should be able to handle these type of questions. He’s going to have to handle much worse if he goes up against McCain.
You’re kidding, right? This debate was such a sham. 45 minutes in they finally started discussing something like, oh, I don’t know, actual issues.
I don’t know which is more sorry - that the Clinton shill Stephanopoulos thinks Americans care more about flag pins than, say, the economy, or that some Americans actually do.
ONCE AGAIN, he couldn’t answer the question about the American flag. What’s he hiding?
I got a solution to all this crap about Obama and the flag pin and the issues of his patriotism. Obama needs to start wearing a pin shape like the Constitution that says Made in the USA. I guess that will satisfy all his critics on that subject.
On the Rev Wright issue nothing Obama says is going to satisfy some people. As you know when one black person says or does something it is the responsibility of every other black person in America (all 41 million) to denounce that person. Why do you think they keep bringing up Farrakhan? This is a person obama does not know personally and has denounce in public, but yet again his name came up. Oh yeah, his the boogie man to white and Jewish Americans. Why then doesn’t Clinton have to answer for the likes of white people like David Duke, Pat Roberts, or Jerry Falwell. That right only black people know every other black person in America.
Now back to Rev Wright, if you going question Obama about his decision to remain in the church (80,000 members). Then you have to question Clinton on why she would stay with her church when her minister was a convicted child molester. Oh yeah I forgot I was talking to fair and balance attacks (not the Fox News version of fair and balanced).
Mike,
You think this debate was a sham? Did you see the Republican CNN/YouTube debate? That was a sham. The ridiculous questions that were chosen came from democratic supporters in disguise.
My problem with the debate was that it was not about the issues that matter to me and that it looked like the moderators gave Obama much tougher questions.
Whether or not he wears the flag pin, I couldn’t care less. You can wear the flag pin and still be a major league….you know.
Maybe some people found this debate interesting with respect to the issues that were discussed. That’s possible. I found it one of the worst debates. There is a big chance that people will always think one candidate was given the tougher questions, but in this debate it was too obvious in my opinion.
And I don’t think Obama has had a free ride in the media. Because as far as I remember this isn’t the first time the Reverend Wright issue has been addressed.
Stalin,
I argee with you for once; that debate was even more ridiculous than this one.
I really find it disheartening that the real issues don’t get the ratings, but I think it’s a trend everywhere. You don’t see people blogging about the issues nearly as much as you see silly comments regarding how Hillary’s ridiculous, McCain’s senile, or Obama’s a Muslim. Not that everyone is that way, but from what I see there are very few who are really moved to bring up Iraq, the economy, or our healthcare crisis.
I think the main reason people want this democratic primary to done with is so we can get back to talking about the issues. Obama and McCain both have their positives and their shortcomings as far as their persons go; Obama stumbles on his words sometimes, McCain misspeaks like it’s going out of style. Obama is a charismatic and inspirational, McCain is a war hero with a maverick style.
The issues will be where it’s at with that contest. I can’t wait for it.
I know, I know: what if Hillary makes it? As an Obama supporter, I’ll be disheartened to see my guy fall, but I will stick to my guns of being an informed voter and stand by the issues, voting for who I align with the most.
I honestly always thought I would vote for Hillary before the New Hampshire primary. That’s when I began digging into the other candidates, watched some debates and went for Barack’s platform. I only wish Hillary had carried herself differently within this campaign; it would make it so much easier for me to like voting for her.
Stalin’s right, but the Fox and ABC news debates weren’t the only poor quality debates this season. By and large, I’ve felt pretty disheartened to see how a number of these debates have turned out with the modern news media in control of them.
They love circus more than anything else, and it’s scary to see how they can put our nations top leaders in a room and make them jump through whatever hoops they like. I really hope they find another way to do this in 4 years.
Ok, for anyone who wants to check the truth/nontruth of the candidates statements in this debate, factcheck.org has their analysis up at:
http://www.factcheck.org/.....lphia.html
Very interesting, from the looks of all the facts they checked, I’d say no one won this debate. Even a moderator was incorrect.
lol Obama’s performance was embarressing to say the least. It’s not like we all didn’t know these questions were going to be asked. This is stuff that matters to American people, whether obama and his dumb fans like it or not.
And it’s not suprising that these radical elite libral nuts would now protest ABC.
Obama could take a dump on the White house lawn and his dumb ass followers would still say “It is a change we can believe in!”
Caleb
we all knew that he was going to be asked about the flag pin and if he believes in the American flag?
True enough some of the time should be attributed to some of those questions.
I believe the problem is that it took up almost the entire time. You have to dedicate majority of the time to policy issues.
Even The Governor who has been rallying for Hilary the entire time complained about the Debate before any Obama supporters did. And i also don’t think the 95% disapproval rating on ABC’s website are ALL Obama supporters.
Remember there are two main complaints.
1. uneven attacking on Obama
2. all gotcha questions and almost running out of time when the real issues came along.
maybe someone can say everyone who complained about it being against obama are bias obama supporters
but the latter has been shared by people who are not obama supporters as well. And at least one very important one that i know of and that is the Governor or PA
Wow, Caleb, you’re big on vitriol, but low on content; lots of name-calling, but no actual issues cited. Why are you so bitter?