CNN

Harry in Iowa? My exact sentiments. Exact sentiments. Well spoken.

Didn't clinton say "no" to drivers licenses yet 2 weeks ago said it was too complicated of a question for yes or no. So why know 2 weeks later can she answer no.

Harry from Iowa and Eric: I agree with you both.
I wish we could suspend polls until at least after January. Wouldn't that be something!
And that question about drivers licenses deserved more than yes/no!!I didn't tune into the debate to hear yes/no – I wanted to know what each of the candidates THOUGHT!!

What tom from NM was trying to say but used too big of words is,,, the democrats put on heck of a show at the debate, it was great to see them mix it up with pro wrestling soap opra like coriographed precision. Hillary was too into herself and preoccupied with non facts and trying to convince us that she has any experience behind her to even notice she was BEING atacked,, she was well prepared to make promises she cant ever keep. It will take alot more than her apponents have to convince her we are all on to her

"Mike Huckabee: "We've had a Congress that spends money like John Edwards at a beauty shop…." or, Tom Tancredo.

Posted By Steve, Lyons, CO : November 16, 2007 11:24 pm

Hey Steve Lyings, Do you understand the difference between the two?

One was for ego only and the other was for CHARITY.

Did I write that slow enough for you?

Political "zingers" are only effective when they're unscripted. Huckabee and Romney's quotes are just planned jokes that fell flat. When it comes to politicians trying to be comedians, they should just stick to their day jobs.

Then again, not many of them are too great at that, either.

Wolf Blitzer: "Congressman Kucinich, you were the only one who voted against the Patriot Act. Why?"
Congressman Kucinich: "Because I read it."

I wish Kucinich had a real chance. I'd totally vote for him.

I think Biden has the best performance in the most recent debate. I definitely wouldn't mind having him play some important role – ie. President, VP, Secretary of State, etc. Unfortunately, he said he is not interested in being VP if Hillary is the President. Who can blame him with Bill around?

Hillary has more energy today. But then that might have something to do with the crowd – practically pro-Hillary. Obama and Edwards are being booed when they tried to elaborate their answers. Unfortunately, Wolf cut it short.

Wolf Blitzer didn't give them time to explain. It's important to hear the rationale behind their answers, because it helps us see how they view the world and how that leads to their decision. How informative is a 'Yes' or 'No' answer? 'Yes' because ...., 'No' because ... It would help us see their point of view.

"Mike Huckabee: "We've had a Congress that spends money like John Edwards at a beauty shop...." or, Tom Tancredo.

I am still up in the air about who to vote for as are many Americans and I expected better of CNN after the debate. Instead of discussing all of the candidates it focused the first half an hour on Hillary and Obama. I do not except that they are the automatic front runners but that is what the mainstream media is pushing. I think the other candidates deserve equal time by the press. I listened to Joe Biden for the first time last night and was very impressed. I also like Bill Richardson but their names are hardly mentioned. Shame on the media for forcing their "front runner" options on the public. Let us decide.

The guy from Iowa – who is so mad because he thinks a candidate he clearly does not like has already been chosen.

Get real, it ain't over till it's over, rule number 1 in elections. LBJ found it out the hard way once, and never another one. Hillary is favored because she is the best candidate, and of you do not like it tough bananas, get over it. I don't think CNN is showing any favoritism, I think this is more your perception and you probably strengthen that every time you see an article about one of the other candidates, you probably ask right away – "Now why don't they do the same piece on Hillary?" – the answer is probably because she did not do what that other candidate did to gain the media's attention.

Remember the media is in the business of keeping you on it's channel, they are not in the business of giving free or equal time to every candidate in every instance.

don't know why people think Hillary is experienced.

We know at least one job that Bill thinks an intern can do better than Hillary.

Posted By Honestly, TX : November 16, 2007 12:21 pm
loooooooool! no comment!

I know it is still early in the Presidential selection process, but discussing ZINGERS! We've got some important and scary issues coming up in the next 1 to 10 years. Things such as a likely recession, our Foreign policy in relation to Iran, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine and North Korea, baby boomers drawing a defunct Social security system, illegal immigration, energy independence, global climate change, and America's poor education relative to other countries in a global marketplace.

I want to hear detailed plans from the candidates on what they would do to address these important national issues. I tired of political points being achieved from zingers and sound bites. Common America!

Mayor Guiliani showed tenacity and leadership in New York City and this was most apparent during the city's dark days on 9-11-01 and months after. This is part of his legacy that he didn't do a Ray Nagin and stand before 1000 school buses simpering to the people in Washington to solve his shortcomings and lack of Leadership. Rudy was and is America's Mayor.

Best Zinger was by Wolf Blitzer when he asked Hillary for straight answer. Hillary, do you think we should raise the maximum taxable amount on Social Security. Anyone notice she never answered the question? Matter of fact, her answer said she doesn't even have a plan to fix the problem. Matter of fact, look for specifics on her health care stuff, there are none. She is nothing but filler and fluff – with no substance.

I laughed my head off every time the candidates shut Wolf up and he'd just stand there looking like a little boy with a white beard who'd just been scolded by his mother.

This CNN debate was the most ridiculous waste of airtime I've ever seen.

A top Hillary aide warned Wolf Blitzer not to be too hard on her, a CNN plant revoked an intelligent and pointed question towards Clinton in favor of 'diamonds or pearls?' and Campbell Brown's obvious bias towards her was horrible.

This did not change the race in the slightest, but just made CNN less reliable.

In response to Eric, who said the following question was one of the "two stupidest questions" he's heard during a debate: "Which is more important, national security or human rights?"

I have to totally disagree. This question is of the upmost importance in a time when people are willing to give up personal freedoms for security. The bill of rights of this country gaurantees freedoms, not security. A nation, for example, can be very secure, yet have no human rights. So you may not be killed by a terrorist in such a nation, but you could be imprisoned by the government and subseqeuently tortured and/or executed without a trial.

Human rights are far more important than security. As soon as we lose our freedom, security matters not, for we have already lost what this country stands for. Only a coward would trade freedoms for security. After all, the quote is "give me liberty, or give me death." Not, "give me liberty, or give me a very secure life in a totalitarian state."

On illigal immigrants:,no one seems to adress the Visa Problem. Many Illegals come in on a visitors visa or education visa and simply just disappear. When is this country going to address this problem? I saw a program on CNN where a family from Mexico got visas for Disneyland 10 years ago and just stayed here Immigration does'nt know where they are. Give me a break.

Hillary Clinton defending lobbyists as representing "ordinary Americans," a line that did not go over very well with her audience.

I'm confused. Why do people think this list is biased? These is zinger from McCain aganist Hillary (a good one at that). Guiliani has 1, Thompson has 1, Edwards has 1, Kucinich has 1, and Hillary has 1. Everyone wonders why CNN covers Hillary so much, its because any post about Hillary solicits hundreds of comments. They are a smart organization with great business skills. We, the consumers of this news, are showing where are demand is by always reading things on Hillary and then getting into huge debates about her. Come on people, its your basic economics. Demand drives supply so blame yourselves for the excessive coverage on her

hey some humour in politics not bad at all...but in last night's debate wolf blitzer was a terrible moderator.....while most questions asked of the politicians do not have a yes or no answer there is a clear difference between further explaining your yes or no (Obama tactic) as opposed to one leg on each side of the fence (clinton tactic)....so for cnn's political team....sorry your analysis of the debate is wayyyyyyyyyyyy....off beat

Romney's running scared–he doesn't want to lose New Hampshire, Michigan, or South Carolina like he's losing Iowa. He knows that if the debates proceed, Mike Huckabee stands only to gain & he stands only to lose.

Romney's ceding Iowa to protect himself elsewhere.

The Iowa need to hold & televise the debate as scheduled whether or not Romney attends.

Dennis Kucinich should be charged with TREASON for appearing on Syrian television denouncing his nation and our brave troops. This guy is an absolute CREEP.

Rudy Guliani's leadership during those dark, dreadful days of 09/11/2001 was quite memorable and comforting to all Americans. As a presidential candidate, why shouldn't he reference such experience during debates?

Sounds like Biden is jealous...

Biden: "Who among us knows what they're doing?"

Said during a prime time CNN debate among only democrats. Priceless!!

Hey, why isn't there coverage here about how CNN "planted" that idiotic question about pearls and diamonds with a college student who wanted to ask about Yucca Mountain? This news organization has lost its way. This debate was the worst yet. Wolf Blitzer was a disaster. Go back to substance. Enough with the sensationalism already.

Going along with how lousy Wolf Blitzer was; how about all the attempts to reduce complicated issues to yes or no answers and smugly mocking them all for trying to elaborate. Especially the drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. So we tell them they need to have licenses to drive? Guess what, they're also supposed to have green cards. Props to the candidates who refused to let the question go by with a yes or no.

Post by Eric is 100% on the mark...

How is that CNN has two commentators on last night following the debate that worked for the Clinton Administration and proclaimed their obviously biased viewopoints about Hillary allegedly winning?

Yes and when Obama gives a THOUGHTFUL, INTELLIGENT answer to a question he is categorized as "weak" or "indecisive"?

I don't get it? The political commentators assume people want one- word answers that skirt the question? It's absurb. Obama stole the show and gives people what they want. Real answers.

Wolf did a great job of trivializing the important issues facing us by forcing 'yes or no' questions to complex isues (looking for sound bites?) - and constantly interupting the candidates in order to do so. It was inane. The choice of solely Republicans and Hillary Clinton supporters for initial post-debate commentary was worthy of FoxNews. The on-air reatting/editing of audience questions was shameful. Otherwise, good job.

Harry from Iowa: well said.

I really hope that when actual votes are cast, as opposed to statistics derived from archaic land-line polling methods , the people of the state of Iowa will make a strong statement that they want some real change in the White House...not yet another political puppet (Hillary).

Mike, people call it the Clinton News Network not to bash liberals, which you would know if you read, but to chastise them for all but declaring her President without allowing fair coverage to the other candidates.

One of my all time favorite debate moments was during the vice-presidential debate between Cheney and Edwards in 2004. A question about same-sex marriage was asked of Edwards and he went into a boiletplate spiel, taking great pains to make references (albeit, nice references) to Cheney's lesbian daughter and the Cheney family's support for her, etc.
When it came time for Cheney to reply, instead of delving into the issue at all he simply said something along the lines of "I'd like to thank Mr. Edwards for his kind words about my family." Period. Made Edwards look like the blathering politician to Cheney's kindly grandfather. Sheer brilliance, in my opinion.

Though I think Newt Gingrich is too radical, I have to agree with his recent critique of these election antics sooooooo far in advance of the actual election, and the entertainment factor of it all. These one-line zingers are intellectually cutesy, like bumper sticker thinking. What the US needs is a statesperson, a leader, someone who will work for America not just for his/her party. Partisanship has become a divisive factor in our culture and world. We need a "uniter"–but not of the Bush variety. Remember: 'A house divided against itself will fall.'

It is the denigration of the debates to "zingers" that is why no one is watching nor cares about them. The soft ball questions, the primping and preaning of the candidates, and the pandering of the questioners is insufferable. But it sure does fill broadcast time, and that is what CNN, FOX and the rest seem to care about most.

Mike Huckabee should be the next President. Very smart man and he almost more of a man the Hillary Clinton

How about John Edwards saying "That's cute Dennis" in response to Kucinich's claims that Edwards should have known better than to pass trade legislation with China because he is a trial lawyer.

Here's a question for Hillary Rodman Clinton.

Ms. Clinton, has your husband, the Rhodes Scholar, learned the definition of the word "is" yet?

Lighten up!!! The conspiracy theory that somehow the liberal networks have picked Hillary as the next President is nuts. In fact, I've visited other blogs–trying to get BOTH sides thoughts out on an issue is IMPOSSIBLE without being attacked by the bloggers and the (FOX, Rush, staff)–that is if they even allow your message to be posted!!! Read a few of these blogs–there are ways of assessing where the popularity lies–with a majority of inputs on blogs, poll's, college campuses, etc. The reason Hillary is getting lots of media attention–is she is getting a lot of air time–both positive and negative. Chill out–just because your favorite horse isn't even finishing–doesn't mean the team has lost the race!!! Remember–the key is to make certain we don't have a repeat of the past!

Harry from Iowa- you are my hero. I couldn't have said it any better.

And I agree that we need to get rid of Tim Russert and Wolf Blitzer, who both have their own agendas. We need Keith Olbermann to moderate!

I couldn't agree more – Wolf Blitzer was AWEFUL!! Not only does the guy have no expression whatsoever, but his questions were not thought out at all. Let's see – yes or no to dumping nuclear waste in your home state – how in the heck is someone supposed to answer that with a yes or no? Stupid!!

Secondly, was this really supposed to be a debate with undecided voters? PLEASE....these people were not undecided – you could sense that 1/2 of the crowd were backing Hillary from the get-go (ewwww). Maybe she planted a few supporters – like the one who had the last question for Queen Hillary "do you prefer pearls or diamonds". What a rediculous question!! For someone UNDECIDED, could you come up with something more important to ask?

Yet again – another debate focused on Hillary. Not that I'm planning to support Kucinich, but when does he get the chance to speak...or Dodd or anyone else? I'd love to hear more on what the others have to say, but they never get the chance!

Although I'm a Democrat, John McCain had the very best line, and Governor Romney was second.

I find it hilarious that people who refer to CNN as the "Clinton News Network" – a phrase coined by Sean Hannity – probably rely on Sean and Rush to get their "Fair and Balanced" news. You don't want fairness in your news, you just want the media to bash Democrats and liberals like your beloved state run...errr I mean Fox News Network. In case you didn't notice, Wolf was asking tough questions about the war, border security, and education – to name just a few. And he wasn't letting them dodge the questions – unlike Republican debates where the answers to every question that gets asked is about who loves Jesus and hates brown people the most.

As I type this, I do smile a little bit knowing that at least CNN doesn't screen comments that are critical of their reporting, whereas the "Fair and Balanced" network does.

never have i been more convinced that CNN is the aptly dubbed "Clinton News Network". the debate last night was atrocious. the fact that the crowd was so biased against edwards and obama was quite suspicious – and when have debate audiences ever booed candidates? it had as much substance as the jerry springer show – in fact i half expected them to start chanting "clinton, clinton". and the analysis by gergen and the old clinton dude with the glasses was so biased (i think his name was carvill?) after watching the debate i felt that obama in particular made some excellent points, but all the analysts could talk about was the comment hillary made about the gender card. i especially found it ironic that right after she mentions she's not playing the gender card, she goes on to talk about women's issues and the "impediments" we face, which is a pretty darn good way to play the gender card. i feel sorry for obama and edwards, they really don't have a chance on cnn. and harry from iowa's comments were absolutely right on the money especially regarding clinton's shot at health care.

The biggest looser coming out of this debate is CNN thanks to Wolf Blitzer. I've watched every single presidential debate and this is BY FAR the worst.

It's the most unprofessional & unorganized to date, THANKS of course to Wolf Blitzer. A moderator is supposed to be in charge in controlling the situation in the room (how ironic is that?) and Wolf did anything BUT. Allowing audiences to boo candidates while they're answering questions, him cutting the candidates off in the middle of their answers, not to mention he couldn't even conceal his biasness & let it splashed all over the TV screen, is just plain – what's the word? – EMBARRASSING!! It's supposed to be a PRESIDENTIAL debate, Jeopardy was a much better managed program.

A presidential debate in itself with 30 seconds to 1.5 minute answers has already become A BIG JOKE! But Wolf Blitzer took it to a whole new level last night, he successfully turned a PRESIDENTIAL debate into A 7 RING CIRCUS!! Congratulation CNN!!

I've been submitting this several times what a surprised that it's not showing up. What's a matter CNN? Can only give criticism but can't handle getting one?

Congress has an approval rating in the 20s which is even lower than Bush's. Explain to me then why most of the candidates we have to choose from for the next President of the U.S. comes from Congress. If this group of people is doing a lousy job now, what makes anyone think they'll do any better once they reach the White House?

Have you heard the one about CNN? They're a media conglomerate that is trying to hype, overexpose, and entertain the nation about a presidential race, desperately searching for a catchphrase or soundbite that will either elevate or eliminate a candidate. That's a pretty bad joke though, isn't it?

Blitzer is a sham. That was so embarrassing. He asked the two stupidest questions I've ever heard during a debate:

1) "Which is more important, national security or human rights?"

2) "Assume we cannot come up with comprehensive immigration reform, should we give illegal immigrants drivers liscences?"

And it was UNBELIEVABLE that he gave clinton a pass on her about-face. She comes off looking good because she decided to abandon what she truly believes in order to fall in line with polling. Absolutely pathetic. Obama on the other hand gets slammed for giving an honest answer. What has the media come to? The next 8 years will be more of the same unless Dems come to their senses.

Harry in Iowa: I completely agree with you – that is why I have chosen my candidate and he is NOT mainstream, but he WILL stand up to other candidates and their double-talk (hint: he has been excluded from debates since he stood up to Hillary). Alas, CNN and other networks to continue to be pawns in the clinton game of chess; we will never get to see a true debate and the media will choose our president FOR US.

That aside, these are pretty funny. Kudos to the poster who mentioned Kucinich's quote from last night (which has got to be one of the best ones yet).

Okay, Alex. The answer is "who are Joe Biden, Mike Huckabee and Mike Gravel?"

How about "Unknown Politicians for $400?

Please do not allow Wolf Blitzer to moderate another debate. He has been painfully bad in every debate he's done. I mean either let the people finish their sentences or just cut them off! As it was every single answer had Wolf himming and hawing in the background for the last 30 seconds.

Oh and I heartily agree with the outrage here about news networks anointing candidates for us long before the primaries. Its ridiculous. And CNN is especially bad. I mean two of their major analysts last night were former Clinton Advisors! It was shameful how so much of the post debate commentary focused on whether or not Hillary was back on her game. Literally Shameful! Like, as in, CNN should be issuing public apologies kind of shameful. What about Kucinich's strong performance? Or Bidens? They don't have a chance and its really not fair.

Top Ten? I only count Six.

Joe Biden's comment on Rudy Giuliani may be one for the ages. How true, how true....

I can't believe Biden is not higher in the polls. He would make a great President or VP or Secretary of State.

Joe Biden takes the cake. How in the world did Dennis get a wife like that???

She is half his age and twice his height.

Im sorry Wolf,your a nice guy but your in over your head as a moderator and your monotone has drove me crazy for years.Please retire!

Joe Biden wins hands down. It is about time someone exposed "The Hero of September 11th" as an emperor without any clothes.

Of course, we just elected one to the White House twice, so maybe that's what Americans want: another enigma.

Viewing the debate last night left me soure on all the candidates. Not one took the lead to describe how they would go about to correct the problems our county has. Team work is good and we all know the capitol and both houses need to work together, so tell us your steps or procedure to the solution we need!

Notice how these guys are telling you about the others and not themselves!

All losers.
My votes is for Hillary

Dennis Kucinich, wehn asked about his seeing a UFO: "And also, you have to keep in mind that Jimmy Carter saw a UFO, and also that more people in this country have seen UFOs than I think approve of George Bush's presidency."

Joe Biden – "Oh sorry, I actually answered the question." I am a republican and dont like the dems too much, but I will say that if Biden is elected at least I'll know where he stands and be entertained at the same time.

Zingers? First of all, who uses that word anymore? I thought I was reading an article dated in the 1980's and the debate candidates names were Reagan and Carter. Personally, I thought zingers were either a Little Debbies snack cake or perhaps a splinter faction of an extremist terrorist organization, but I digress. Who cares who made the best "zinger"? Anyone who can be swayed towards a candidate by a one sentence remark aimed at degrading another candidate shouldn't really be allowed to vote; but that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Am I missing something or should this article be renamed "Top 6 Debate Zingers?"

John Edwards on Hillary Rodham's licenses for illegals flip-flop:

"Unless I'm missing something, Senator Clinton said two different things in about two minutes," said former Sen. John Edwards.

The "democratic debate" at UNLV leaves no doubt about the agenda of CNN. The exclusion of any questions that challange these candidates supports the belief that you are not fair and balanced. What are you afraid of? Another question Hillary cannot answer? I will not watch CNN again as there is no substance!

Richardson "hey mexico provide jobs for your people." sad and funny at the same time.

And I thought Tim Russert was bad. Wolf made him look like Einstein. Total waste of time. Dont get me started on John and the brunette who's name escapes me. Questions from the audience were better than Wolf's weak questions and moderating.

I don't know why people think Hillary is experienced.

We know at least one job that Bill thinks an intern can do better than Hillary.

Bravo the Clinton News Network! Blitzer should work for the Clinton party. It's a shame to see how the other candidates had a few minutes to talk, and Clinton had the entire time. It was the The Clinton Show. You guys work so hard last night to make Obama and Edwards look bad, and repair Clinton image.

Ron Paul: "This idea of going and talking to attorneys totally baffles me. Why don't we just open up the Constitution and read it? You're not allowed to go to war without a declaration of war."

Rudy Giuliani – "We can't have universal health care because then Canadians would have no where to go for medical care."

Honorable Mention:

Mike Gravel to Hillary, "SHAME ON YOU".

"CNN", The "Clinton News Network", strikes out again. With Hollywood writers out on strike, who are the people writing the candidates' comedy zingers?

What do you expect from politicians? Intelligence.

I'm angry, just flat angry, these days. Almost a year away from the Presidential election, not even a single primary state vote cast, and with what might be the most critical time in our nations history on the line I'm constantly left with that crazy conspiracy theory feeling.

I hate that feeling! I want to believe that we still live in a democracy. I want to believe that we do make a difference. However for some reason I can't explain some force in the Universe, not us the average United States Citizen, has chosen Hiliary Clinton to be the Democratic nominee. BAH! I say.

I say this is an outrage against our democracy. We should demand that the DNC speak out against this insanity and put an end to the speculation that is framed in such a way that the race is made to appear over when it is not! The American people have not spoken and the new media DOES NOT speak for me. So I invite everyone to contact the DNC and speak out against this ludicrous practice of picking candidates behind closed doors. The 24 hour news networks are the work of the devil because they have to "manufacture" news in order to fill air time. Most of that time is flat RUBBISH! Enough! Barack Obama is eqaully qualified as any one else and nothing can prepare anyone for the job of President.

Hilary had 8 years and a direct shot at fixing health care in a time of peace and prosperity and failed completely and miserably. Ten years have past and Americans die each year from a health care system that is broken. Broken for the doctors and the patients. Personally I'm glad that Barack hasn't been inside the beltway very long. I lived in DC and the place is just caustic.

Bottom line: I hate polls – Statistics is a theoretical science based on assumptions.

I'm mad as h#ll that we tolerate this media cr@p.

and I'm sick of the status qou. We need a President who is going to lead our country and show the world the greatness that is the United States. If I see a Hilary Clinton Nomination I will just die that much more inside and give up for good because that will show me that we have no power, hope, or future; such that we are just slaves.

Hillarys husband worked the Republican playbook with supporting the first Bush pendence for illegally denying veterans benefits, well he was a playboy just like Newt...she should know.

Dennis Kucinich: "I didn't vote for the patriot act because I read it."

The Democratic candidates put on a feisty, exciting debate. It is good to see them mix it up. The attacks at Hillary started promptly but she was deft and swift at deflecting their barbs. She was well prepared for the task. It will take a lot more than was exhibited last night for her opponents to throw her off course.

Joe Biden = The Zing King

Wow CNN – Bravo. Not one zinger about Hillary! Between your ticker, last night's debate, and this zinger video ... you've REALLY changed your "Clinton News Network" image.

(eyes rolling)