November 16, 2007
Posted: 07:35 PM ET

For one voter, the choice is down to just two candidates.

35,000 FEET OVER THE SOUTH (CNN) - From the middle seat of a cross country flight to Atlanta, Cynthia Oglesby studied a newspaper account of Thursday night's CNN debate in Las Vegas.

A case worker on the graveyard shift outside Los Angeles, she missed the event live because of work, but was eager to see the details.

The 50-year-old mother of two grown children has been closely watching the presidential campaign. She wants to see California make a difference in the February 5 primaries.

"You do your homework, and then you don't lose any sleep over your choice", she said.

Blunt and plain-spoken (she told a reporter on the plane he looked older than his age), Oglesby assessed a race for her that's down to two candidates. She's narrowed her choice to Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama.

"I like that lady", she said, pointing to a photograph of Clinton, "and not because she's a woman."

Olgesby said she has followed Clinton since her days as first lady, noting "I know she'd be a better president than her husband."

She cites experience and intelligence, and a "gut feeling" for liking Clinton. "She has the country's best interests at heart. Maybe we haven't gotten some of the answers we should have from her, but she's been pretty straight forward. She's been evasive on some things, but they all have. You're not going to have answers for everthing."

She says she also likes Obama, but "he's got to show me something. I'm not sold on him at this point."

Experience is her main reason for leaning towards Clinton over Obama at this stage. She said, "it's too early. He's too young. That's his biggest downfall. Presidents have to be of a certain age to be successful. He's experienced, but not enough to run the country."

But returning to the gender issue, Oglesby admits it's a factor, for her and for the country. "It's time for a woman to run things", laughing about what "you men" have done.

"As a woman, I'd like to see her win", she adds, saying that will be about 20 percent of her final decision.

Pausing, she questions whether the country is ready for a woman president. "We"ve come a long way, "she said, but said it may not be far enough.

–CNN Political Desk Managing Editor Steve Brusk

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


JJ Jacksonville FL   November 19th, 2007 2:20 pm ET

This is just another one of the 'Clinton News Network's' attempts of trying to make the nomination a 'two-horse' race and then saying the better of the two horses is Hillary. I hate to say it, but in light of all of your Obama-bashing and Hillary-loving, you guys are turning into FOX News…but not to worry, only smart people figured it out, and you guys should know how few of those there are in this country…

Steve Blaine Washington   November 19th, 2007 1:30 pm ET

Why is neither Hillary or Obama campaigning in South Carolina? Hillary resided in the South when her Husband was Governor of Arkansas.
Are they both writing off the South?

Kate, Grand Blanc   November 18th, 2007 12:22 pm ET

(I wrote this last night but it seems CNN does a little too much editing…)

Shame on you CNN! It is obvious your leanings…and how is ONE woman's views newsworthy?? You could have interviewed a multitude of others how would have given you completely different opinions!

This is shameless and disgusting news "coverage."

OBAMA 08! For a change from the status quo, for honest politics (and a break from CNN's shameless 'news coverage.')

Corey, Bloomington IN   November 18th, 2007 12:03 pm ET

Wow. Nice 'undecided' voter there, CNN.

Stop fitting the election into your stupid narrative and let people decide for themselves.

Maryann - Orlando, FL   November 18th, 2007 11:08 am ET

Where is the campaign ad for Biden? Everyone on that debate panel said "Joe is Right" – I want a BNN (Biden News Network)!

I thought candidates were supposed to get 'equal time'? No one is talking about Kucinich, Dodd, or any other candidate that is not a 'front-runner'.

The media is NOT helping America in making an informed
choice here!

Jamie, Bedfor, VA   November 18th, 2007 10:15 am ET

If women vote for Hillary Clinton just becuase she is a woman, then they deserve what they will get. This is the same woman who dissed people who stay and home and take care of their children and "bake cookies", the same woman who ignored her husbands affairs and blamed the "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy." She is either a dupe or incompetent. Either way…you get what you vote for and just being a woman is not enough. If she is proud of her achievements as first lady, then why not release her files? She can do it, but is hoping she can dupe you!

Bernie Moore-Knowles - Papa'aloa, Hawai'i   November 18th, 2007 3:45 am ET

I love this picture of Hillary. Shifty eyes?

Anonymous   November 18th, 2007 1:33 am ET

and I wonder how many aisles of the plane they had to canvass before they finally hit one that was actually considering Clinton above Obama.

Anonymous   November 18th, 2007 1:33 am ET

Obama's the same age Bill Clinton was, and has more legislative experience than Hillary and Edwards combined.

Nuff said.

Juanito, Washington, DC   November 18th, 2007 12:23 am ET

Hillary used the debate to spin her platitudes. One of them was a peon against unsafe toys. “We shouldn't permit the import of unsafe toys,” she said in the debate. But her chief strategist, Mark Penn, is the CEO of Burson-Marsteller, the PR company that represents Aquadots, the company that makes the bead toys with an adhesive coating that turns into the date rape drug when children suck on it. Penn is paid by Burson based on a percentage of their profits, and Aquadots is an important contributor to their bottom line. But neither Blitzer nor any of Hillary's Democratic opponents were alert enough to call the conflict into question.

S. Pett, St. Petersburg, FL   November 17th, 2007 9:18 pm ET

I do not believe he is too young. I would point out that Theodore Roosevelt is widely considered one of the best Presidents and he was younger than Obama when he became President. Furthermore another President generally acknowledged as a successful President (at least until his assassination) was President Kennedy and he was the same age as Obama. I agree that he comes off sometimes as inexperienced. I believe my ideal ticket would be Clinton/Obama, but I don't know how realistic that is.

demwit   November 17th, 2007 6:43 pm ET

I will vote for the least corrupt dem candidate, which rules Hillary out completely due to CNN openly corrupt news coverage of her…

jim Nolan, Helena Montana   November 17th, 2007 6:22 pm ET

first she says she likes clinton "and not because she's a woman" and later states, "as a woman, I'd like to see her win". Huh?

RuthieM   November 17th, 2007 4:02 pm ET

These kinds of comments are so stupid when they say, 'he's got to show me something'. Where have people like this been, sleeping under a rock? And, what in the heck has Hillary shown her that warrants her 'presidential' right now? Gee, the, shortsightedness of Americans.

Calvin Robinson   November 17th, 2007 1:51 pm ET

I am disappointed with my favorite political news station (CNN). It is only obvious to anyone who watched the debate that:

1) The questioning was designed to cast doubt on Obama and Edwards and to give Hillary an opportunityy to redeem herself. That is unfortunate to me when my news station behaves in this way.

2) That Biden was the only person on the stage who seemed presidential. He expressed clear knowlege on a host of topics and you could tell that he is a hard worker. He speaks as one in authority. Take away hillary's celebrity and all of us know that biden and biden alone will offer this country more REAL opportunity than any of the other candidates ever could.

CNN had almost cxauseed me to over look him because of the lack of real coverage, but I watched the debate and he is now the MAN!

Kathy Farmer Newnan, Georgia   November 17th, 2007 1:49 pm ET

Please do not vote for Hillary or Obama. Neither of these people are qualified to even pick up my garbage. Hillary is a self-serving, arrogant, person who can not lead our country anywhere,but into deeper dispair. Obama is a terrorist living among us. Why are the American people so blind to these things? Do not believe the stories that are published by the campaign leaders…they are lies. Please pray to God for leadership in making your decision on who to vote for. He is the only one who knows the truth about our candidates. These two are not capable of running this country!

Alex, Norfolk, VA   November 17th, 2007 12:49 pm ET

Thanks CNN…I am completely over your coverage of this election. First you lob softballs for Hillary in the debate, ask her "diamonds or pearls" (the most rediculous question ever in a debate), and then you declare her the winner. I feel like you tore her down for two weeks, then build her up again, just so you could have a news story. I'm undecided, but this kind of stuff makes me sick. This is NOT news and so pro-candidate I can't believe it wasn't written by the Hillary campaign. This is the last time I get my news from CNN. It's clear who you want to be president.

Jesse, Burnsville, MN   November 17th, 2007 12:37 pm ET

Does anyone know if it is possible to file a lawsuit against CNN for favoritism of a candidate? I know in the general election, they have to give equal time to each candidate. Is there anything that says that a news source cannot be complete biased in its coverage of a candidate in the primaries?

I wish a watchdog group would do an analysis of CNN to determine what percentage of positive new stories (or debates) were favored towards Clinton.

The CNN fix is in.

Chris, Chicago, IL   November 17th, 2007 12:35 pm ET

Someone needs to inform this woman that her vote doesn't count. Hasn't she heard of the election of George W. Bush? OH and the feds are going to be bombing airlines left and right this holiday season so make sure you ship your presents in advance so that way your family memebers will still be able to get them and don't forget, peace on earth.

P.S. Mr. Bush, Good job with that khadaffi skapegoat. You really planned ahead.

http://www.golden-lamp.com

Jose Card   November 17th, 2007 10:44 am ET

CNN is very selective of the postings people sent in, while TIME.com will publish everything you post immediately. Why are we wasting our precious time with CNN? If you want to hear what real people have to say, go to TIME.com and enjoy being an American voter.

James, Boston, MA   November 17th, 2007 10:33 am ET

In the same one hour time frame Clinton denies playing the gender card, and then gives a condescending/scolding/playful comment to Campbell Brown when asked what was meant by a comment about the boys club at a recent appearance. Then Clinton declares that she prefers both diamonds and pearls to another planted question by a college female undecided voter with a serious question. How gender makes you more qualified to run one of the most influential countries in the world is beyond me. Unfortunately, that is all the further most Clinton supporters look into their candidates, resulting in 8 disastrous years for the US worker. CNN is shameful for trying to manipulate the voter instead of just reporting the news.

Kevin, Port Orange, FL   November 17th, 2007 10:27 am ET

Someone should remind this lady of a certain President around Obama's age named John F. Kennedy, and then tell me you have to be a certain age to be President. It's sad that misinformed (because of places like CNN) citizens have the audacity to vote.

Jane Monroe NV   November 17th, 2007 10:13 am ET

We all agree that Obama sealed his fate, his in-experience and lack of good judgement were cleary shown in vegas debate. He gets less and less electable with each debate…

He really isnt a public speaker…

I think its over for Obama, dont waste your votes..
VOTE FOR A WINNER HILLARY CLINTION

Ben, Medford, MA   November 17th, 2007 10:06 am ET

"Presidents have to be of a certain age to be successful."

Yes, that makes a lot of sense!

JFK – 43
FDR – 51
Teddy Roosevelt – 42
Abraham Lincoln – 52
Bill Clinton – 46

Barack Obama – 47 (currently 46)

So let's see… Teddy, FDR, Lincoln… 3 of the top 5 Presidents according to scholar rankings. Average Age: 48

I think I agree with that original quote and apparently they have to be YOUNG.

Ron, TX   November 17th, 2007 8:13 am ET

‘The same old experience is not relevant: You can have the right kind of experience and the wrong kind of experience,’

Bill Clinton said that… in 1992. We need someone who is ready to CHANGE America. Following in Bush's footsteps with secrecy, refusing to be honest with the American people on where you stand, planting fake questions, refusing to talk with foreign leaders, that just doesn't cut it for me.

BARACK OBAMA '08!

Daniel, Oz, Kansas   November 17th, 2007 8:12 am ET

She is full of crap. She is voting for Hillary because she is a woman. How can someone who will unite the republicans against her, be a good president. She will be a lame duck from day 1. Joe Biden has the best chance of accomplishing our goals. which is going to take cooperation from both parties.

Christine Bruner Huntington Indiana   November 17th, 2007 7:36 am ET

Shame on you CNN This was the most one sided debate I have ever seen…It was clear from the start that whos side CNN is on…Hilary was not ask any hard questions and was allowed to reply without being interupted…It seemed to me that the crowd was also planted being Hilary supporters..I was undecided up untill now …Now I know who I won't vote for…I can't believe that Cnn took part of this debocle ….Although I am a democrate I would vote the other way now if it comes between Hilary and one of the republicans…Thanks for makeing up my mind …

mark wilkes barre pa   November 17th, 2007 6:55 am ET

Next stories from average citizens are as follows,, A sick child who's parents make 80,000 plus a year, A house keeper at the four seasons hotel born outside of our borders,an accident victim hit by a un-insured un licened motorist.

Dave, Hilo HI   November 17th, 2007 6:20 am ET

"Maybe we haven't gotten some of the answers we should have from her, but she's been pretty straight forward."

Huh? An oxymoron in sentence form. Too much kool-aid.

Jaik , chicago, IL   November 17th, 2007 3:51 am ET

what is this a campaign ad for Clinton ? CNN is screwed up

Jill, NJ   November 17th, 2007 1:42 am ET

Well, after reading this article I couldn't say the media isn't biased.

Shawn Sullivan, San Antonio, TX   November 17th, 2007 1:05 am ET

I agree completely with her standpoint at this time. We want answers and hopefully someone will start speaking.

Juanito, Washington, DC   November 17th, 2007 12:06 am ET

""She has the country's best interests at heart. Maybe we haven't gotten some of the answers we should have from her, but she's been pretty straight forward. She's been evasive on some things, but they all have. You're not going to have answers for everthing."
".

This woman is confused…Hillary is straighfoward yet evasive?

With voters like this, now I know why America is in such deep trouble.
God help us all.

Jim L., Irmo, SC   November 16th, 2007 11:53 pm ET

Now lets have a human interest story that is from the point of view of a person who is leaning towards Obama because of his forthrightness and innovative ideas. Or would that be just a little too fair?

Jerry Thompson Houston, Texas   November 16th, 2007 11:25 pm ET

what is this experience she keeps claiming? I have yet to see her in any of the important pictures of the Clinton Administration. Also I don't remember what position she held in that administration and you don't generally get experience by simply having a spouse as the President. Also thank you CNN for asking what Clinton would like more diamonds or pearls. She said both, how telling of all her answers she is ALWAYS sitting on the fence that or greedy. My guess is CNN won't post this, they never post my comments, can't handle negative posts of shrillary and Peter Paul on the Clinton News Network. By the Way I loved all soft ball and planted questions in the "Debate" last night, could you have made it any lamer?

Joy, Birmingham AL   November 16th, 2007 11:00 pm ET

Isn't it funny how everyone talks about how Clinton will make a difference because she's "a woman", but then Clinton is the most hawkish and right-wing of the whole bunch. She's the only Democrat nominee who supports the perpetual war on terror… which will succeed about as well as the war on drugs.

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   November 16th, 2007 11:00 pm ET

Yes it has come down to this, the choice between a Woman or a Black man. Inexcusability or Inexperience. The Deception or the Dream.

If her only choices are these two, I think she needs to take another look at the realm of choices. Maybe Kucinich isn't so bad, at least he has a banging hot babe of a wife, and we might get to find out the truth about Area 51 yet!

Len, Fallbrook, CA   November 16th, 2007 10:55 pm ET

"Olgesby said she has followed Clinton since her days as first lady, noting "I know she'd be a better president than her husband.""

Not a real high standard to beat really……….

U GOT HER, LA.   November 16th, 2007 10:51 pm ET

DA HILDA BEAST WIll TAX YOU TO DEATH. MERRY X-MAS YOU ALL!! 2008

Lew, Pacific Palisades, California   November 16th, 2007 10:36 pm ET

And this is newsworthy because…..?????

PollM, Dallas Tx   November 16th, 2007 10:30 pm ET

Seven Democratic presidential hopefuls went head-to-head on the issues Thursday night, with the biggest pressure likely on front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Who do you think won the CNN News Las Vegas Democratic Debate at the University of Nevada?

———-> http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=996

.

TH Binghamton NY   November 16th, 2007 10:27 pm ET

What a complete waste of type this article was. Nothing of substance; just drivel. But I guess that's what the news services are best at. Now that CNN has formally endorsed Clinton, I'm sure we'll see alot more of this sensational journalism.

LO, Garland, TX   November 16th, 2007 10:23 pm ET

So, some random Clinton supporter off the airplane gets published on CNN.

You guys are becoming shameless.

BajanLuv, Newport News, VA   November 16th, 2007 10:22 pm ET

CNN.
How do we know this story is true? Would you please post information about the PLANT–the young student who asked about diamonds and pearls? She said that her real question was about Yucca Mountain. I am reading about this in all the other networks and print media. Nothing on Clinton News Network. Some audience members were also told when to heckle? Say it ain't so. I really like Anderson Cooper too. We get it–Wolf and/or CNN can't stand Obama/Edwards. Just come right out and say it get it over with, please. Well, it's back to MSNBC(yikes) and FOX (double yikes). All hail Hillary our annointed queen. We have grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory.

Tired of Corruption LV   November 16th, 2007 9:57 pm ET

The gut feeling must be indigestion. Clinton has shown nothing but vague answers, many sides to one issues, only making her decision after polls are taken, shady donors, planted questions, being completely disrespectful to an Iowa voter who asked her to explain a vote – just to mention a few.

Robb, New York   November 16th, 2007 9:54 pm ET

Of but of course the article focuses on a potential Clinton supporter. What's the story here? That this is the one person in California supporting Clinton? Was it too easy to find a Democratic voter leaning toward Obama or Edwards? Hmmm…

Can we get some equal time and have a pro-Obama or a pro-Edwards voter? Maybe if you did that, your critics wouldn't be calling you the Clinton News Network.

Matt, Columbus OH   November 16th, 2007 9:32 pm ET

Who the hell is this lady and why do we care what she has to say? Remind me please.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP