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Hillary -Obama: Ohio Debate Live Thread I

The Ohio debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama begins momentarily on MSNBC. They will probably stream it if you're not by a tv. Big Tent Democrat and I will be live-blogging.

You can comment same as always in the comment section below. You also can send us live messages through the software. Only comments you post below will appear on the site.

I'll be putting up some polls during it to see how you think the candidates and questioners are doing. Big Tent's posts will say BTD and mine will be TL.

The live blog stays below the fold so that it can be a bit wider than the front page allows. Just click on the "There's More" button or bookmark the permalink to go directly to it.

If comments hit 200, we'll start a new one.

< Media Coverage of the Ohio Democratic Debate | Post Debate Thread >
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  • Display: Sort:
    Russert looks disheveled (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:03:07 PM EST


    He did (none / 0) (#201)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 12:18:09 AM EST
    I wrote in the live blog he looked like Columbo.

    Parent
    He did (none / 0) (#202)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 12:18:28 AM EST
    I wrote in the live blog he looked like Columbo.

    Parent
    Oh good, they're going (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:03:57 PM EST
    with "schitzo" Hillary.

    Nothing like... (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by americanincanada on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:04:05 PM EST
    getting right to it.

    BTD gets it right (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:10:00 PM EST
    this is going to be a healthcare debate. Good.

    she goes to the attack (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:11:04 PM EST
    it's Republican, not Democratic.  Right.

    Wow! (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:11:31 PM EST
    "It's almost as though the health insurance companies and Republicans wrote it."  I say there's no such thing as too much healthcare.

    How can she even keep doing it? (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:11:55 PM EST
    She must feel utterly defeated - no matter how smart she is, whether she wins the debate or not, they will go after her, and he will be golden.

    My stomach hurts for her.

    She Needs to Be As Immature (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:16:16 PM EST
    He keeps shaking his head. Looking at williams as if to say "what I can do with this stupid women."

    Good.. he's losing his cool (none / 0) (#34)
    by MarkL on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:17:34 PM EST
    Hillary attacks the media! (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:18:49 PM EST
    yay.

    are you comfortable, Barack? (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:20:29 PM EST
    that was the opening skit on Saturday Night Live

    Hillary's substantive answers are much better (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:20:44 PM EST
    than her swings, sadly.

    I think Hillary needs to avoid anything (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by hellskitchen on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:21:59 PM EST
    contrived.  She does so much better when she speaks with the authority of experience, or straight from the heart.  Trying to be clever wins her no points.

    Did Williams just ask (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:14 PM EST
    "how were her comments about you unfair?"

    That's the biggest softball in the world. Journalistic malpractice.

    That one made me (none / 0) (#95)
    by Lefty Bag on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:36:07 PM EST
    Throw up!

    i can't believe williams lobbed that out there.  

    Parent

    SNL Redux (none / 0) (#110)
    by stillife on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:42:23 PM EST
    It was like the question in the SNL debate skit, "can I get you a drink of water?"

    Parent
    Are you guys sure... (5.00 / 2) (#90)
    by reynwrap582 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:21 PM EST
    This isn't just an elaborate SNL skit?

    seriously!! (none / 0) (#96)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:36:38 PM EST
    Yep (none / 0) (#101)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:38:07 PM EST
    Exactly the reaction I have.

    Parent
    One-Sided (none / 0) (#157)
    by Athena on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:52:11 PM EST
    Senator Clinton, can you justify your presence on the stage tonight?  

    Really.  And she was right - all the questions aimed at her - then Barack just parrots her answers.

    Parent

    he's going to be running this country (none / 0) (#165)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:55:44 PM EST
    using her playbook

    Parent
    russert (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by mindfulmission on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:33 PM EST
    I was the Obama supporter who said, "Russert has been worse than bad, he is awful."

    This is pretty embarrassing for MSNBC.

    Can you say CRUCIFY (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by Aaron on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:44:05 PM EST
    Obama just nailed Hillary to the cross on Iraq and Pakistan.

    Huh? (none / 0) (#156)
    by cymro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:51:53 PM EST
    Which movie are you watching?

    Parent
    Russert won't even let her answer his own ?s (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:44:30 PM EST
    #$@%%!$#%!^!^!!#@&#&&#&#


    let's cut HRC off but let OB speak! (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:44:30 PM EST


    Nice job giving Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by reynwrap582 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:44:47 PM EST
    3 seconds to respond to a question he gave Obama 2 minutes for.

    Too busy campaigning (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by reynwrap582 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:46:54 PM EST
    To do your job?  Nice excuse.

    Hearings? (none / 0) (#154)
    by Firefly4625 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:51:07 PM EST
    We don't need no stinking hearings! I'm campaigning! LOL!

    Hillary's kicking A and taking names - Obama's weak weak weak - in a very smug way.

    Parent

    Russert... (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by Locomariachi on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:47:22 PM EST
    DIAF.  goodness this moderation is ridiculous!  i haven't seen this bad debate moderation since high school debates!

    I have never seen a debate (5.00 / 1) (#143)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:48:11 PM EST
    where the moderator is so hostile to one and aggressive toward another.

    that is, DOCILE toward another (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:48:36 PM EST
    Her tone is perfect (5.00 / 1) (#149)
    by cannondaddy on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:50:02 PM EST
    aggresive but controlled.  He's really good at  just holding his own. Still, with no game changing moment it's a wash.  

    who are the 17% of us that does not (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by RalphB on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:50:34 PM EST
    think Russert blows chunks?

    To His Credit (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:50:54 PM EST
    Even Obama seems put off by press attack. But that's because he sees his own future ahead when he gets to be press goat

    No NBC bias evident (5.00 / 1) (#159)
    by Coldblue on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:52:13 PM EST
    unless you are watching.

    lame!! (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by ajain on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:53:03 PM EST
    Obama's reason for not conducting a single hearing is that he was campaigning? That is so ridiculous.

    I guess him becoming president is more important than figuring out Afghanistan

    Unbelievable (5.00 / 1) (#170)
    by Democratic Cat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:10:21 PM EST
    These questions are pathetic.

    Russert has now crossed the line (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:11:20 PM EST
    with Obama.

    I can't believe he's doing this.

    Hillary should not go down this road (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:14:30 PM EST
    She's NOT defending him. Ick.

    yeah (none / 0) (#177)
    by Nasarius on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:20:30 PM EST
    That was a disappointingly classless attack after a nice response from Obama. I'm almost, almost starting to warm up to him.

    Parent
    When (5.00 / 1) (#176)
    by americanincanada on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:18:11 PM EST
    has he EVER defended her?!?!?

    Defending Obama is the (none / 0) (#181)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:24:57 PM EST
    right thing to do, however Hillary should never be defended.

              --Obama rule #2001

    Parent

    This is basically an Obama (5.00 / 1) (#180)
    by oculus on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:22:40 PM EST
    infomercial.

    She doesn't owe him (5.00 / 0) (#184)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:25:33 PM EST
    it just would have made her look good, the bigger person, and esp. since it seemed like that so attacking him seemed even weirder.

    My sister is a HARDCORE Obama nut (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by reynwrap582 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:30:14 PM EST
    and despises the Clintons.  But she was so disgusted by the first section of the debate that she got on MSN to rant to me about how they were treating her.

    I can't watch this (none / 0) (#1)
    by themomcat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 07:59:29 PM EST
    I'll just follow your live blog.

    I'm pretty queasy myself (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:02:51 PM EST
    And forcing myself to do this.

    Parent
    She is Golden? (none / 0) (#2)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:02:47 PM EST
    already looks combative.  Good.

    I also think she looks good in her brown (none / 0) (#25)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:14:10 PM EST
    suit with pearls.  but the camera's catching her smirking.  uh oh...  people hate the smart girl.

    Parent
    Not (none / 0) (#74)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:29:09 PM EST
    necessarily.  It worked beautifully for Dubya in 2004.

    Parent
    but now we hate President smirk (none / 0) (#80)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:31:04 PM EST
    remember?  :)

    Parent
    She (none / 0) (#50)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:21:15 PM EST
    just wanted to get in a dig about the media favoring him.  She has to do this stuff tonight and in this phase of the primaries because now it may sway voters and she might not have another chance.

    Parent
    She's Looks Worried - One Note (none / 0) (#4)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:02:58 PM EST
    Of course, there are rules. We operate under the Obama rules here

    The Set Up Against Her (none / 0) (#6)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:03:45 PM EST
    Jerks

    This shouldn't be hard. (none / 0) (#8)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:04:00 PM EST
    She can be honored to be with Barack Obama.  And also loathe the fliers.  Why do they make this so hard?

    A gotcha question, but (none / 0) (#10)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:06:01 PM EST
    She seems to be spinning this is the right direction and ROCKING on keeping an even tone.

    Great, african dress (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:06:34 PM EST
    what a jerk Williams is.

    ugh (none / 0) (#12)
    by Nasarius on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:06:57 PM EST
    Brian Williams: "Let's cover all the meaningless, petty crap." Ugh.

    someone (none / 0) (#103)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:39:05 PM EST
    still needs to explain why posting a picture of BO in African dress is "the worst fear-mongering in history that will hurt our foreign policy"

    Parent
    I'm glad they both want to talk (none / 0) (#13)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:08:03 PM EST
    about healthcare.

    When Did you Stop Beating Your Wife, Hillary (none / 0) (#14)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:08:23 PM EST
    That's the tone of Williams' questions. How do you respond Obama?

    Where is his "gotcha" question?

    We can kiss UHC goodbye. Here he (none / 0) (#15)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:08:54 PM EST
    goes again.

    not just any issue (none / 0) (#16)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:09:58 PM EST
    Go Hillary - she's absolutely right

    She Can Overdo on Health Care (none / 0) (#18)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:10:25 PM EST
    Or I'm worrying too much?

    I was wondering the same thing... (none / 0) (#32)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:16:04 PM EST
    Though I think he could lose his cool and that could be the point.  

    Parent
    Yikes (none / 0) (#37)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:18:20 PM EST
    Watching them both fight for the last word

    Parent
    this is her signature issue (none / 0) (#22)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:13:20 PM EST
    I don't know how he gets to have the edge in credibility.  She says x, I say y  and you should believe me.

    Fines in Mass? I thought he said he'd (none / 0) (#23)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:13:27 PM EST
    consider them too.

    This IS so great. (none / 0) (#26)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:14:18 PM EST
    Just keep talkin'!

    BTD, did Hillary mention what you said--- (none / 0) (#27)
    by MarkL on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:14:47 PM EST
    that the insurance companies did not want a mandate?
    In fact, that was the single most important sticking point, I have read.

    No she did not (none / 0) (#30)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:15:57 PM EST
    She missed a chance there it seems to me.

    Parent
    Ha! (none / 0) (#28)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:14:59 PM EST
    Thanks for making me laugh. I needed that!

    Arg, (none / 0) (#29)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:15:35 PM EST
    Obama keeps trying to interrupt her while she is speaking. She has let him complete his thoughts before responding.

    Williams thinks he's going to cut the topic (none / 0) (#31)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:16:01 PM EST
    yeah right.

    Oi Oi Oi Obama.... (none / 0) (#35)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:17:37 PM EST
    Isn't he saying at the same time that their plans are not different and then saying that her plan is awful because it will force people to buy insurance?

    We are the same.. (none / 0) (#36)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:18:00 PM EST
    He's using the same tack he tried last debate..."I would be happy to discuss the issue" and pushing the idea that they are the same. Obama, you ARE discussing the issue. Be straight here.

    Um... (none / 0) (#39)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:19:10 PM EST
    not a great way to make a media attack, Hillary.

    Whoa - she mentioned SNL and the media (none / 0) (#40)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:19:13 PM EST
    She is GOING DOWN SWINGING....

    I Loved Her Remark But a Mistake (none / 0) (#41)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:19:24 PM EST
    It didn't carry well with the SNL reference

    Yes, it might have been more effective later ... (none / 0) (#55)
    by cymro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:22:32 PM EST
    ... if there was more obvious bias in the questioning.

    Parent
    Pitiful comment from Clinton about SNL. (none / 0) (#42)
    by Geekesque on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:19:58 PM EST
    Complaining about having a second question asked to you first?  LAME.

    Not really. This happened in TX, and ... (none / 0) (#63)
    by cymro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:25:29 PM EST
    then Obama kept saying that he agreed with her answers, while he was repeating them and taking two to three times as long over it. It was VERY obvious.

    Parent
    Wonder if Brian was snickering with Obama (none / 0) (#43)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:20:10 PM EST
    when he kept looking toward him with that face?

    oh my gosh (none / 0) (#44)
    by andreww on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:20:17 PM EST
    that sounded bad.  whah whah - why are you always asking me first.  even if she has a point, that looked really bad.

    ugh (none / 0) (#45)
    by mindfulmission on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:20:20 PM EST
    I do think that Obama came across stronger tonight on healthcare, but Hillary definitely won the first 15 minutes!

    And I say that as an Obama supporter.

    As for NAFTA... there are many, many quotes of her saying that NAFTA is a good thing.  I hope Obama replies with direct quotes from her.

    And the pillow line was awful.

    Pillow line didn't work for me (none / 0) (#203)
    by Jeralyn on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 12:24:03 AM EST
    I figured the same writer that gave her the xerox line gave her that one...and the one about him wanting to be President since Kindergarten. That's a guy who can't distinguish a funny line from when it might be appropriate to say (or not say)it.

    Parent
    Cool Debate Chat Widget (none / 0) (#48)
    by catfish on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:20:56 PM EST
    I like it TalkLeft. So glad there's a place to go for us now that is actually objective.

    B* is the black (none / 0) (#49)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:21:01 PM EST
    was the better line of that show :-)


    she also now sounds thrown off (none / 0) (#51)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:21:47 PM EST
    I think she will PAY for that SNL comment...

    now he gets to look all cool and above the fray.

    boo....

    NAFTA (none / 0) (#52)
    by clapclappointpoint on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:21:57 PM EST
    Hills sounds like Miss Teen USA South Carolina on this issue.

    But He's Setting Himself Up (none / 0) (#54)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:22:09 PM EST
    Didn't he vote to extend NAFTA? In other words, his record is not clear here.

    Let's hope she goes for it.

    Will Russert acknowledge this? (none / 0) (#59)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:24:05 PM EST
    WTF.  apparently not???

    Parent
    NAFTA has been an enormous benefit (none / 0) (#56)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:23:02 PM EST
    to America - Barack Obama 2004

    and of course he's citing generic urban history (none / 0) (#57)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:23:19 PM EST
    when the manufacturers closed down, i was there to hold workers' hands....

    Obama's answers are better tonight (none / 0) (#58)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:23:33 PM EST
    more succinct and less ponderous.

    What About Obama's Record (none / 0) (#60)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:24:18 PM EST
    Oh right, it's the Obama rules

    Mr. Gotcha (none / 0) (#61)
    by Coldblue on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:24:36 PM EST
    chimes in...

    I hope Russert quotes Obama too. (none / 0) (#62)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:24:46 PM EST


    is pumpkinhead afraid his job is vulnerable? (none / 0) (#64)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:25:32 PM EST
    if HRC gets elected she should eliminate his job first

    Get rid of . . . (none / 0) (#68)
    by clapclappointpoint on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:26:56 PM EST
    . . . the free press?

    Parent
    what free press? (none / 0) (#71)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:28:31 PM EST
    laughing.  :)

    Parent
    Ok, I get it . . . (none / 0) (#99)
    by clapclappointpoint on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:37:47 PM EST
    . . . as soon as they publish something you disagree with, it's "Off with their heads."

    Parent
    I hope she eviscerates Pumpkinhead (none / 0) (#65)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:25:41 PM EST
    he's beyond awful tonight

    they are treating her as an unpopular incumbent (none / 0) (#66)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:26:02 PM EST


    jeezus h. christ (none / 0) (#67)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:26:14 PM EST
    i cannot stand russert!!

    Russert (none / 0) (#98)
    by eric on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:36:50 PM EST
    Makes me want to puke.

    Parent
    "consistently ambivalent" (none / 0) (#70)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:27:59 PM EST
    I think that's Obama's middle name.

    Obama: "What she said."

    Man, it's easy be the second mover!!

    Moderators tend to be nicer (none / 0) (#72)
    by s5 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:28:40 PM EST
    when the people in the debate don't shout over them.

    excuse me (none / 0) (#78)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:30:09 PM EST
    the point of the debate is to hear the candidates, not the moderators.

    Where's the Dodd clock?

    Parent

    They're both utterly incoherent on NAFTA (none / 0) (#73)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:28:53 PM EST
    because they don't really believe what they're saying.

    So now she's right on NAFTA. (none / 0) (#75)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:29:44 PM EST
    Deflates the power of his recent speeches a bit no?  Not that Hillary doesn't do this kind of stuff as well.

    god he's all anecdotes (none / 0) (#76)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:29:48 PM EST
    i HATE that this works on so many people.  i'm blue.

    Lowball.. (none / 0) (#77)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:29:54 PM EST
    How is Hillary's question even comparable to what was asked to Obama? Her point was clumsy, but her bias argument is being validated right in front of her.

    Ugh (none / 0) (#79)
    by notableabsence on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:30:34 PM EST
    It's disgusting to watch Russert attack Clinton and toss softballs at Obama.  He's hardly willing to let Clinton speak...yes or no Senator, answer the question, yes or no...argh!

    If you took a drink (none / 0) (#81)
    by Anne on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:31:11 PM EST
    every time he said "The notion that..." it would take about 10 minutes to get trashed.

    if i were her i'd feel like crying (none / 0) (#82)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:32:13 PM EST
    they're treating obama like he doesn't have any experience.  isn't the point is that he is ready to lead?!?!?!?

    The irony is KILLING ME.

    True story (none / 0) (#88)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:01 PM EST
    No kidding! Per a McClatchy article yesterday, Obama was quoted in several newspapers supporting NAFTA, while all their evidence of Hillay's support for the program came from anecdotal evidence from people saying, well he husband liked it, so of course she must have. It would have taken ten seconds to dig up a direct quote from Obama.

    Parent
    No Jobs in Bush Admin - Hillary's Fault (none / 0) (#83)
    by catfish on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:32:25 PM EST
    Russert is an ass!

    al gore... (none / 0) (#84)
    by mindfulmission on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:33:04 PM EST
    That line was a pretty poor excuse.

    You make plans on what you can get done.  Not what you think you can get done in certain favorable situations.

    I liked it. :) (none / 0) (#92)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:25 PM EST
    Good answer from Hillary on jobs. (none / 0) (#85)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:33:52 PM EST
    I like that this debate is basically a competition to preview their presidency.  More so than the lovey-dubey recent debates.

    even the questions they give him are about her (none / 0) (#86)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:34:21 PM EST
    seriously?!?!!?

    Yeah,,,Hillary says this about you..would you (none / 0) (#91)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:21 PM EST
    like to respond?

    Parent
    I have lost all respect (none / 0) (#87)
    by themomcat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:34:44 PM EST
    for Pumpkin Head and Co. long ago. Just reading the live blog has convinced me that these people are just shills for their corporate masters and their agenda...holding on to a Republican White House.

    BTD was right. (none / 0) (#94)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:35:40 PM EST
    They are validating her clumsy line with questions like "How were her attacks on you unfair?"

    Streaming Problems? (none / 0) (#100)
    by gaitor on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:37:59 PM EST
    Anyone else trying to watch this thing online? MSNBC doesn't seem to have its tech together. I've got a brand new PC and cable high speed... I am pretty sure the problem is not on my end. And to make sure, I did some searching. Looks like others are running into it, too. Pretty bad.

    I am also having this problem (none / 0) (#105)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:39:38 PM EST
    Msnbc (none / 0) (#111)
    by muffie on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:42:45 PM EST
    isn't working for me, but the stream through www.cleveland.com seems good.

    Parent
    cleveland.com (none / 0) (#118)
    by mindfulmission on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:37 PM EST
    I watched it at cleveland.com, and didn't have any problems.  I just switched to actually watching it on TV.

    Parent
    It would be nice (none / 0) (#102)
    by standingup on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:38:48 PM EST
    if they would ask Obama a question about why he has not held any meetings during his time as chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe.  

    Oo (none / 0) (#132)
    by lilburro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:46:57 PM EST
    prescient!  
    I'm just glad Tim Russert is not running for President.  

    Parent
    Hillary just picked up on that ... (none / 0) (#134)
    by cymro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:47:00 PM EST
    ... but Russert tried to bypass it.

    Parent
    Bingo! (none / 0) (#148)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:49:55 PM EST
    She just brought it up!  Now they've started letting him blather on and on and then cut her off when she starts to talk.

    Parent
    i didn't think about that side of it (none / 0) (#104)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:39:16 PM EST
    that the softballs prevent him from waxing eloquent...

    quick, someone save Obama from this outrage!!

    HIGH STAKES SENATE CAMPAIGN? (none / 0) (#106)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:39:53 PM EST
    oh please!

    Indeed! (none / 0) (#108)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:41:08 PM EST
    actually (none / 0) (#130)
    by andreww on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:45:09 PM EST
    it was.  look at your dates.  The candidates he was running against didn't drop out until well after this speech.  Obama was polling behind when this speech occurred.

    Parent
    yeah! (none / 0) (#113)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:02 PM EST
    don't you remember his stiff competition??!

    Parent
    Appears to be the nominee. She knows it so (none / 0) (#107)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:40:17 PM EST
    go for it Hillary and call them all out. (Without hurting Obama in Nov)

    McCain (none / 0) (#112)
    by sonya on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:01 PM EST
    I thought she was referring to McCain as the presumptive nominee.

    Parent
    Ooops. I'm watching debate & basketball (none / 0) (#126)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:44:56 PM EST
    at the same time and messed that up. :)

    Parent
    heh (5.00 / 1) (#140)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:47:48 PM EST
    nt

    Parent
    Hillary (none / 0) (#109)
    by andreww on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:42:08 PM EST
    simply CANNOT win on the issue of Iraq.

    she can't win (none / 0) (#116)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:32 PM EST
    these guys are holding her feet to some inexplicable fire and setting him up to shine

    Parent
    on Iraq (none / 0) (#114)
    by rghojai on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:25 PM EST
    No mention from moderators or HRC that (as best I recall), Obama has said he wasn't sure how he would have voted if he was in the Senate??

    rumpled as Colorado? Good one J. (none / 0) (#115)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:29 PM EST


    Obama hasn't visited Europe, (none / 0) (#117)
    by jeffinalabama on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:35 PM EST
    but he's on the European SC isn't he?

    And on day one in the Senate (none / 0) (#119)
    by themomcat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:39 PM EST
    Obama supported every appropriations bill for Iraq that Bush presented. Actions speak louder than words . And i guarantee the Republican Candidate will call him on it.

    is ut possible they don't know (none / 0) (#120)
    by RalphB on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:43:46 PM EST
    they are embarrassing themselves and their whole profession?

    Hypotheticals... (none / 0) (#127)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:44:59 PM EST
    Where are these questions coming from? WTH? If Iraq goes to hell, would you go back in?

    and notice (none / 0) (#135)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:47:13 PM EST
    how he lets his voice drop on "hell" - excellent acting, p'head

    Parent
    ooh, she calls him on the 'hypotheticals' (none / 0) (#129)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:45:03 PM EST
    nice

    So what happens if Russert is the one (none / 0) (#133)
    by MarkL on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:46:59 PM EST
    who loses his cool tonight? lol

    Russert is a rude Ass. (none / 0) (#136)
    by themomcat on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:47:17 PM EST
    He doesn't interrupt Obama? Does he? I am so glad i am not watching this. Thank you TL and BTD for saving my TV from destruction.

    Obama does look like ... (none / 0) (#139)
    by Robot Porter on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:47:35 PM EST
    he needs a pillow and a nap.

    She Should Just Pay SNL For Debate Skit (none / 0) (#142)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:48:00 PM EST
    Then show it as a commercial

    Can't be worse than this debate

    Just Pay SNL For Debate Skit Rights (none / 0) (#144)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:48:27 PM EST
    Then show it as a commercial

    Can't be worse than this debate

    Put the two (none / 0) (#155)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:51:13 PM EST
    side by side and it would be hard to tell which was parody.

    Parent
    the most important debate (none / 0) (#145)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:48:33 PM EST
    in the most important political contest

    and TV doesn't stop

    sigh

    Just like TX and SNL, Hillary is interrupted ... (none / 0) (#147)
    by cymro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:49:00 PM EST
    ... AGAIN!!!

    Her tone is perfect (none / 0) (#150)
    by cannondaddy on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:50:22 PM EST
    aggresive but controlled.  He's really good at  just holding his own. Still, with no game changing moment it's a wash.  

    To His Credit (none / 0) (#151)
    by cdalygo on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:50:32 PM EST
    Even Obama seems put off by press attack. But that's because he sees his own future ahead when he gets to be press goat

    I am sure it has been said.. (none / 0) (#158)
    by Oje on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:52:12 PM EST
    but, Russert and Williams keep interjecting now to stop Clinton from directly responding to Obama, then they ask Obama to respond to Clinton!!!!

    I thought HC got to respond after the ad? (none / 0) (#161)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:53:17 PM EST


    Of course, (none / 0) (#162)
    by reynwrap582 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:53:55 PM EST
    It's always Hillary when it's about Obama.

    unbelievable (none / 0) (#163)
    by Klio on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:54:45 PM EST
    they don't let her get back to her answer and then the video mix up?

    what is going on?

    They play the wrong video (none / 0) (#164)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:55:28 PM EST
    and ask Obama how it makes him feels. Disgrace doesn't even begin to describe this.

    Marvelous . . . (none / 0) (#166)
    by Cream City on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:56:14 PM EST
    I may have to use that. (With full attribution -- "this poster on a blog said" -- of course.)

    Now Obama is waffling interminably, while (none / 0) (#167)
    by cymro on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 08:58:03 PM EST
    ... arguing that he's "not interested in talk". Ironic!

    Again, not the same.. (none / 0) (#168)
    by NecSorteNecFato on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:03:11 PM EST
    How is showing a clip of Hillary mocking Obama the same as showing a clip of Obama saying she is riding on Bill's coattails? MSNBC has lost all credibility tonight.

    "begrudge" (none / 0) (#169)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:04:13 PM EST
    He doesn't "begrudge" her experience in the WH?  WTF?!?!?  Hey thanks, boss.

    There's a difference (none / 0) (#173)
    by clapclappointpoint on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:14:57 PM EST
    between denouncing and rejecting, apparently.

    Hillary should not go down this road (none / 0) (#174)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:15:21 PM EST
    She's NOT defending him. Ick.

    Agree w/BTD (none / 0) (#175)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:17:08 PM EST
    Bad move HRC trying to jump on the racial antipathy train.  

    Obama, be liberal and proud of it. (none / 0) (#178)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:21:50 PM EST


    When (none / 0) (#179)
    by americanincanada on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:21:51 PM EST
    has he EVER defended her?!?!?

    Tape screwup could be the opening (none / 0) (#182)
    by Cream City on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:25:15 PM EST
    of the book being written right now about the incredibly bad behavior of the media in this campaign. This is not the weekend crew in sneakers on a local station. A network simply does not, does not screw up like that with the wrong tape -- and then have the moderator toss the softball at Obama on it. I did not think MSNBC could disgrace itself more than it has with the jokers in front of the cameras, but now even the techies are pulling crap. Incredible.

    awful from clinton (none / 0) (#183)
    by mindfulmission on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:25:18 PM EST
    My respect has grown over the last several months for Clinton, even as an Obama supporter.

    But that last attack on Obama regarding the Farrakhan issue crossed the line.  I lost a lot of respect for on that one.

    farrakhan (none / 0) (#193)
    by Foxx on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:33:33 PM EST
    I did not see the debate, so am going on the reports.

    Obama has not rejected his church for praising Farrakhan. That is what is ethically required of him and he hasn't done it. We are talking about his close spiritual adviser here.

    I realize Clinton didn't bring this up, but it is the essential point.

    Parent

    the demise starts here (none / 0) (#185)
    by myed2x on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:26:18 PM EST
    lol, Redleft alive and well tonight!!!!!

    Now (none / 0) (#186)
    by clapclappointpoint on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:28:51 PM EST
    she wants to take back authorizing the Iraq war.  Such brilliant hindsight.

    This actually (none / 0) (#195)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:42:12 PM EST
    was a very politic answer.  The people I know who support Barack Obama will always come down to why doesnt' she say her vote was a mistake?  So now, she said it's a mistake.

    Now I have no doubt we'll see headlines tomorrow that Hillary Clinton is a flip-flopper, since this is a Rovian campaign.

    Parent

    what was with that pop quiz on Russia? (none / 0) (#187)
    by Redstar on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:29:42 PM EST


    FACT CHECK on HRC (none / 0) (#189)
    by Alec82 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:36:35 PM EST
    Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton take their campaigns for Senate to Cheektowaga, NY, seeking endorsement of state's fractious Independence Party; Giuliani is solicitous while Clinton criticizes party for anti-Semitism, extremism, prejudice and intolerance; says she will not accept its endorsement if it supports Patrick J Buchanan for president; photo (M)

    CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y., April 29 The two candidates for United States Senate sought the endorsement of the fractious Independence Party here today, but Hillary Rodham Clinton used her speech to attack the group for what she said was the "anti-Semitism, extremism, prejudice and intolerance of a few shrill voices on both the right and the left."

    Mrs. Clinton added that she welcomed the endorsement of the party, but said emphatically that she would not accept it if the party supported Patrick J. Buchanan for president. "I cannot and will not as the price for any endorsement embrace or excuse those who use hateful rhetoric that separates and divides," she said. "So let me be just very clear: I will not run on a line with Pat Buchanan on the top of the ticket."

    Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani was in contrast solicitous, and said that although he "disagreed" with Mr. Buchanan, the leading contender for the party's presidential endorsement, he supported Mr. Buchanan's right to be on the ballot. In the past Mr. Giuliani has called Mr. Buchanan anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant...

    ...
    At a news conference afterward, Mrs. Clinton did praise the Independence Party for its "important and constructive role in political dialogue," particularly with its support of campaign finance reform, but she said pointedly later that her criticism of anti-Semitism in the party was meant to include Ms. Fulani.

    "In recent months, internal battles have cast a troubling shadow over this party, raising questions about whether it will be hijacked and led in a wholly different and dangerous direction," Mrs. Clinton said.

    There had been disagreement among Mrs. Clinton's advisers about whether she should speak to the party at all, but they said she decided that she might appear aloof or politically timid if she avoided the gathering. She and her advisers also decided that an attack on the party could promote her as a principled candidate in contrast to the mayor.

    NY Times, 4/30/2000

    So it was just political manuvering after all, but "rejecting" is so much more powerful than "denouncing."  And the context of her comparison just makes it look ridiculous and petty.

    Anyone got a timer? (none / 0) (#190)
    by Excursion on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:38:52 PM EST
    How much time did Hillary get?  I felt like I was watching the Brian, Tim and Barack debate.  Disgusting!!

    My (none / 0) (#191)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:27:59 PM EST
    thought, exactly.  I think the only reason she talked about the anti-semitic group in NY was to get a chance to SAY SOMETHING!

    MSM headlines say Obama has surged ahead of Hillary.  Doesn't say where.

    Parent

    As I speak on behalf of all Jews (none / 0) (#192)
    by NJDem on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:29:33 PM EST
    [I was at an Elders brunch earlier today--great bagels :)] but yes, her differentiating between "denouncing" and "rejecting" is significant.  I know it's just semantics, but there is a difference in the tone and connotation of the words.  

    She said she knew he was sincere, but should "reject" the endorsement, and I think she played it well, especially as OH and TX have significant Jewish populations.  

    I know he's not anti-Semetic, I know that.  But his association with his pastor IS worrisome--what if McCain's reverend was a supporter of David Duke and gave him a lifetime achievement award?  That's a perfectly appropriate comparison, I'm sorry.

    I feel this reflects BO's philosophy to try to be everything to everyone.  I don't mind a fighter who's not scared to make any enemies.      

    YES (none / 0) (#194)
    by Foxx on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:37:52 PM EST
    I will say it again. This is a huge issue.

    What if Hillary's spiritual adviser was an admirer of David Duke. Exactly, that is the relevant comparison.

    Parent

    Hmmm (none / 0) (#196)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:44:30 PM EST
    Didn't know Barack's minister had praised Farrkhan.

    Parent
    Fine, I'll take the bait... (none / 0) (#198)
    by Alec82 on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 11:14:30 PM EST
    ...speaking for all gays and lesbians, I am uncomfortable with Senator Clinton's decision to remain within the United Methodist Church.  The UMC has taken a position that "homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching" and that openly gay pastors are inelgible for ordination and service.  My parents left the UMC for a gay-friendly church, consistent with their values.  Senator Obama converted to Christianity and joined an African American church that is part of a denomination that has been inclusive of gay members for a very long time.  I expect her to "reject" the position her church has taken on homosexuality.  See? You open the door to identity politics and, most importantly, religion, you live with and suffer the consequences.  It often seems one campaign really does want to have it both ways.

    Parent
    She should leave that church (none / 0) (#200)
    by Foxx on Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 12:10:56 AM EST
    and he should leave his.

    Parent
    Lead toys (none / 0) (#197)
    by tek on Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:47:59 PM EST
    from China has been part of Clinton's campaign speeches from day one.  He's picking it up now.