For all the commentators who seek "simple answers" to a "simple question," than I say, we need another simpleton, like Bush again. Yep folks life is simple. Yep folks, nuanced thinking is too demanding for our "Wallmartian" mind set. Remember keep it simple, black/white, yes/no, to insure that non-simple sensibilites doesn't interfere with our gluttonous consumerism. Yep folks everyone in America is either a liberal or conservative. No need to bother to apply any sense of analysis. Just keep it simple!!

I can't believe that one of the bloggers said that CNN is promoting Hillary Clinton. I have written them several times asking why obama gets all of the good press and Senator Clinton gets all of the BAD press. Also I am tired of people saying that he may be the first BLACK president. Does no one besides me know that he is as much WHITE as BLACK. AT least we know that Senator Clinton is All woman so if she wins she will truly be the first WOMAN President. IF obama wins (heaven forbid) he will still be the first HALF black, HALF white president. HE is just as much the frosting in the oreo as he is the cookie…so lets quit giving him all of the press because he is supposedly black. White Mom, Black dad makes him a half black candidate.

Learn To Take a Joke, people!
ALl this was was One Man's anaysis on a joke list for christmas gifts. That's it! It's not a CNN Snub, it's not a political move, it's a joke!

The Political Ticker acts like a ticker from the old days, giving every little minute detail the AP, Reuters, CNN, etc. can dig up at the moment.

For Mike Halperin, you could have tried a bit harder. But otherwise, good attempt.

Now, what happened to laughter in this country? Is this the political base I have to vote with in the coming election, a bunch of humorless people who do nothing but browbeat and undermine the people they don't like?

I know you love the guy, but he's just a black muslim who can't buy the Jessie
Jackson image he admires so much.
Walt, Belton, TX

Dude you have got to be kidding me, hes not a muslim, and what does it matter that hes black. you're giving us a bad name b saying crap like that. I expect that much hate when libs talk about bush, but come on attack him on his policy, not his skin. Im not voting for him either, but thats because I feel he like hillary are socialists who will redistribute the wealth to all the victims. I think he wants amnesty for all the illegals, nope lost my vote there too, but this is the 21st century get over the fact that a black guy is running. He isnt the first and he wont be the last.

Senator Clinton is the most experienced among all candidates from both parties. The tasks ahead require a strong and powerful leader like Hillary. She has vision and ability to restore the economy, boldness to stand up for America in foreign policy, compassion for the underprivileged, enough sense to mantain social balance and family values. She will work hard with people from both parties to bring positive change in the way Washington governs. We need a strong, responsible person to be Commander in Chief. Hillary is.

Jennifer - it is you who needs to pay attention to the debates. And,you also need to read comments more throughly before you quote them. Obama on the debates reminds me on Steve Urkel next to Clinton. He isn't our fresh start and our voters need to face that. Voting for Obama is like assisting our country commit suicide.

People need to wake up the Obama's are playing the race card! No one really cares much him. The people who think he has a chance need to really think about this. He isn't ready and our country isn't ready. I'm not sure he will be ready in 8 or 12 years. He just doesnt have what it takes. Sad but true.

Dear Kristian,
I know you love the guy, but he's just a black muslim who can't buy the Jessie
Jackson image he admires so much. He was only elected Senator because he was the least worst! Except for Ronald Reagan, we've elected the least worst President for the last thirty years. That's the pity of the whole thing!

If Hillary, who needs a suit of armor, gets elected as CNN/Time wishes, then the voters will have gone into this election process wearing a set of blinders.

A person who is honest, has integrity, has good judgement, isn't plagued by scandals shouldn't need a suit of armor.

Seems Halperin thinks Clinton has a lot to hide. Not a very good recommendation.

Giuliani has taken the lead against Clinton in the latest national general election poll.

"I want clarity. I want honest. I want compassionate. I want smart AND wise."

You want Ron Paul. Look him up.

America is sick of a dozen long winded [so called experts ] trying to tell us who is the most qualified person to run this country. That was OK thirty years ago when pundits were much better qualified and more honorable then todays pundits whose major thoughts and objectives today are their future or future book writings. Todays population [contrary to the pundits opinion]are smarter and better educated in politics then the pundits want to admit.

Barack Obama

* Degree from Columbia University in International Relations
* Community organizer in the poorest part of Chicago (3 years)
* Civil rights attorney
* Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School
* First Black President of the Harvard Law Review
* Constitutional law Professor
* Illinois State Senator for 8 years, passing legislation creating healthcare for 150,000 citizens, political ethics reform, and the videotaping of interrogations to prevent coercion
* US Senator for 3 years, member Senate Foreign Relations Committee, authored or co-authored more beneficial bills than Hillary Clinton including lobbyist reforms
* Known and respected for working with Republicans to solve problems (not “fighting” them)
* An honest, positive force for true change in our government and our lives

Go Senator Obama - "A Change we can Believe in"
Senator Obama, is by far the best candidate that America has seen in quite some time. If these tough on "this" and tough on "that" candidates think that other countries respect them and are afraid of them - they are dreaming. Senator Obama is the clear choice for America to gain REAL respect again. Many of the other candidates are not just disliked they are HATED. Imagine electing a President that is HATED.

Senator Obama not only can work across political lines, also state lines and even national/international lines. The lack of ability to work with others creates so much baggage, that many of the candidates would not get to first base with other national leaders.

Now is not the time for us to take that type of RISK with our country so divided.

We have to be tough and respected - Senator Obama brings both of these qualities to the table!!

P.S. to the debate queen - it doesn't mean a thing to be great at debates if you don't believe in anything. Let the queen debate her heart out - I just want someone with conviction and principle and willing to work in the best interest of America!!

GA

I believe that Ms. Clinton has already gone into a shell. She takes only limited questioning from crowds or from the press while on the campaign trail. This is being noticed by voters who aren't going to hand the most powerful job in a democracy to someone who can't deal regularly with questions from citizens (or journalists).

What a sad commentary on our society when a Hillary Clinton can't answer a simple question honestly…and yet her supporters yell "go girl" - when she takes millions from the Chinese government….and her supporters yell "we need a female president" - she then pushes the teachings of Saul Alinsky (her mentor) of a socialist society full of government entitlement programs….aren't some of her supporters the least bit concerned that Saul Alinsky was a grassroots Marxist?? Anyone who supports her….ever….needs to really take a look at how easily you can be manipulated….

Rudy needs some ethics … From the Washington Post today ….

"critics describe a pattern in which capable appointees either quit or were pushed out, leaving the top levels of the Giuliani administration increasingly populated by friends and close associates. Some of the later appointees became shrouded in scandal, including Bernard B. Kerik, the former police commissioner indicted this month on 16 counts of corruption, mail and tax fraud, obstruction of justice, and lying to the government."

I thought that gray pant-suit Clinton was wearing at the last debate WAS her suit of armor!

Did Halperin give her her Christmas present really, really early?

Good Lord! I have no idea waht Hillary stands for, and I read her position papers. Have you read Obama's? If not, shame on you. They are clear, detailed, original, and well advised. His people are the best…the likes of Gore, Gen. Powell, Buffet and Gates. Did you hear his speech to the Google Company? The man knows his stuff. He has content and he is quick, but not slippery. He moves and acts like a leader. He HAS gravitas. That is why his support is going to grow and totally overwhelm Hillary's.

The American situation cannot bear more of the same "back and forth". We must regroup and move ahead.

A lot of people think she is the only alternative to Bush politics. They know what they don't want but don't realize that with her they are headed for something so close to it, you won't see the difference. If you go far enough left and far enough right, you wind up in the same place…chaos. I want clarity. I want honest. I want compassionate. I want smart AND wise.

Have you seen Obama's crowds? No racists, no Democrat party bosses, nothing is going to stop this movement. We are mixed. We are mighty. We WANT someone different. We want Obama for America.

Obama should be the democratic nominee. We'll see if the democrats want to win.

Could you folks at CNN please get serious about this campaign and stop reporting as if you were the National Enquirer or Fox News? It's sad that people actually come here and expect to get real information. This little news "blip" runs staunchly counter to any sort of news or analysis that the American people need right now. Get with the program and stop trying to be an entertainment source.

I am a resident of New York, and I find it fascinating that a lot of comments coming out of my home state are so "anti-Hillary" given the state's political blue background (not to mention her Senate status with regards to New York). I for one like it. I think we are becoming our own color on the election map. Makes sense, considering the events that have taken place in the last 6+ years (i.e. WTC and, more recently, the Iranian President himself). It's interesting to note that no candidate has taken that into account aside from Clinton, who seems to think we are already in her pocket. It's not over till it's over, right?

CNN don't you get it, people do not trust you anymore. So just give it up.

Barack Obama has pulled ahead of Hillary Clinton in Iowa (and is gaining on her in New Hampshire) because of his tremendous ability and his message. He, not Hillary, opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning. He has the wisdom we need. Despite Hillary's years in politics and her husband's connections, Barack has collected campaign contributions from more individuals than she has because he has the support of ordinary Americans. Hillary is ahead in fundraising only because, unlike Barack, she takes money from Washington lobbyists.

It is increasingly obvious to me that CNN does not intend in any way to provide unbiased reporting about the 2008 Election. After reading this article I plan to take CNN off of my Favorites bookmarks. I am an older woman who has observed many Presidential campaigns and I prefer journalists that tell the facts rather than acting as an advertisement for specific candidates. For some reason CNN wishes a contest between Senator Clinton and Former Mayor Guiliani. That is not my perference. I believe Senator Obama is my far the most hnoest and insightful candidate who actually cares about the planet and real human beings.

Articles like this one are the reason I stopped watching CNN…the incessant Hillary cheerleading is pathetic and sickening.
Thankfully the primary voters are starting to see through the BS.

Give me a break!

An 'analysis' requires actual analysis if anyone is to take it seriously.

Obama needs "majic fairy dust"?

This type of lightweight/horse race dribble from our punditcracy just further reiforces my view just how badly our Republic needs the vision, inspiration, and common sense of Senator Obama.

The Good Senator may not be a brilliant debater. But given his rhetorical skill was honed not in a courtroom(like the bulk of his peers) but in endeavors of conscience-community organizing- and endeavors of the mind-a constitutional law professor, what we get is thoughtfulness and throughness.

If 'experience' for a viewing audience of a debate(if one call them that) boils down to bullet-point, scripted, and vacuus answers than we are all truly doomed.

Scrap the System
Vote Obama

Halperin is offering bad advise. The only thing Hillary needs is to be more open and honest. Take a look at the most recent polls. We Dems are having trouble with her secrecy about her HillaryCare papers and her 2006 tax returns. That story about Vin Gupta is going to add to her 'covering up' the things that need to be out in the open. I am sure that telling us the truth will pay off and restablish trust in her, just like Obama told us the truth about his problems as a teen. If Hillary listens to Halperin and ignores the concerns of the voters, she will continue to slide in the polls and maybe come in third in Iowa. If she can't be straightforward and honest, I may very well vote for Barack Obama. Honesty is the best policy.

To Jillian Smith who says “Hillary is the smartest and most qualified candidate in either party. There are many people in this country, by the way, who have no idea what Obama stands for”

Hillary is so smart she failed her first bar exam! People who have no idea what Obama stands for are ignorant by their own lack of effort or intelligence. Unlike Hillary, Senator Obama is clear on every issue during every interview, at every town meeting and rally and in every debate. (He has won every debate so far.)

Sorry, that your favorite candidates are losing some popularity, if it weren't for cable TV promoting Obama,
Hillary Clinton and Guiliani none of them would be where they are in the polls. Besides the media, some people forgot Guiliani was a lier, cheat, general meanie of NYC, that Hillary
Clinton is known thoughout the world for being President Bill Clinton's wife, ex-First Lady, as senator of NY has done nothing to help the middle class working people, and now in her second term, has spent time voting for Bush's policies or just not present. Obama media created Harvard educated black man, seems like a white man, so liberals can vote for him safely and add they are not racist.

Hillary does NOT need a suit of armor. That is very bad advise. I think what Hillary really needs is to start being more honest. Many of us Dems are concerned with all of her secrecy about her HillaryCare papers and her 2006 tax returns. If she can't level with us now, how can she expect us to trust her when we are ready to vote? This election is not about 'experience', it is about integrity, good judgment and telling voters the truth. I know those attibutes describe Barack Obama, but can the same be said about Hillary?

Sorry Cheryl, but Obama's a loser too, and too many people hate the Clinton legacy of deceit, cheating and lies.

I am so tired of CNN promoting Hillary. I despise her. I am still waiting on her to answer simple questions. As voters, it's our right to know what a candidate will do for this country.
Please, Just say no to hillary.

Jillian Smith,

Those "who have no idea what Obama stands for" are just too lazy to go to his websites and read them.
obama.senate.gov
http://www.barackobama.com

If these people don't have a computer at home, they can use a computer at the public library.

Please, you can shove Hillary Clinton into a suit of armor but that will only make her less human than she already is. Why does CNN/Time continue to support her as the "most likely next president"? I think that some of your writers have been hitting the "magic fairy dust" a little too much lately.

Hey Jillian Smith…it's ironic how you say people have no idea what Obama stands for. Like Hillary Clinton doesn't change her opinion every five seconds (rolls eyes), I'm sure a lot of people have no idea where the heck she's coming from either!

CNN…The Clinton News Network is at it again…CNN has been banned in my house. We're sticking to MSNBC.

Want some facts?
http://www.factcheck.barackobama.com

By the way, power-hungry Hillary is losing and getting desperate.

The people will deliver Barack Obama to the White House!

OBAMA '08

OLIVIA, I can understand why your nephew would prefer not to "get into words with that woman". If the two of you are indicating that HRC is the smartest candidate—then this is why you definitely need not be challenged. You wouldn't understand the depth of Senator Obama looking at HRC—ESPECIALLY if that's what you've observed during the debate in its entirity. Listen to the platforms of all candidates—it may surprise you as well as give you a chance to teach others.

Once again cnn proves it's lack of any real substance, all speculation and opinion.

Congradulations on the steller reporting.

I really, truly doubt that the entire staff at TIME agreed with this article.

Also, can't you people take a flippin' joke once in a while? First the turkey debacle, and now this? Seriously, do you think Guliani needs a puppy, or Clinton needs armor? Lauch once in a while, it keeps you from looking like Duncan Hunter or Ron Paul.

Halperin does not know anything. What about needs and will get is a victory in Iowa. I am very happy to see Obama proving people like Halperin wrong every chance he gets.

Go Obama 08

Giuliani is pro gun control and will kiss anyone's ass to get elected. He was a lucky mayor of New York, but we can't afford to wish for a lucky President. He's not a keeper!

Hillary is the smartest and most qualified candidate in either party.

There are many people in this country, by the way, who have no idea what Obama stands for.

Obama is going to need alot more help other than fairy dust for the next debate. I have watched every debate. I have observed how he looks at Clinton. You know who he reminds me of??? Steve Urkel! my nephew said "I watched the last debate - Clinton has more balls then all those guys put together - I wouldn't want to get into words with that woman." He then went on the add that his father said she was the smartest candidate the democrats have.

Another "analysis" to make Clinton look good…

What a vile thing to say about Rudy. God knows what Giuliani would do to a poor puppy when he's not torturing 'potential' terrorist suspects.

It would be nice to see some actual political commentary and analysis on this site.

Mark Halperins political analysis is lazy. Perhaps he should do something other than read polls and declare them to be gospel.

For example, what about the fact that the Iowa caucuses are going to be held on January 3rd, right after the holidays when people won't yet have gotten back into the swing of things. This obviously hurts Hillary, whose support in Iowa is coming from a lot of first time caucus goers, and helps Edwards whose support is steep among those who caucused last time.

Thank you Mark Halperin for your weak analysis and thank you CNN for always putting the "Hillary Clinton Inevitable Winner" line before actual news or anything other than surface level poll numbers.

Rudy will need more then a puppy. He is a real nasty person who will pander his vote to anyone no matter what position he has to flip flop on. He already has all the qualifications for office. He is a liar and cheats on all his wives and takes credit for everything, just ask the NY firemen.

For leadership, experience is the best teacher! We had economic prosperity and the world respected us during the Clinton administration. Ever since Bush took the office, we have lost millions of jobs, respect in the world, the economy is in danger of overheating amid rising inflationary pressure, and we are facing a record trade and budget deficit. Most folks hate Americans — I don't know if you guys noticed that, but I visit foreign countries.

We need to regain what we have lost. Among presidential candidates, I really like Obama, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney, but I wish they had some experience, especially in foreign affairs and economy. I believe that Clinton is the best and most experienced candidate among both Republican & Democrat fields. Experience does count in this troubling economy.

Sorry, Mark, but We Americans will not vote another clinton to the White House. We are tired of corrupt, crooked, lying and untrustworthty politicians.
Please Americans, vote for anyone but hillary.

Here we go again!

CNN/TIME and its pundits insulting the electorate's intelligence on their stedfast support for Hillary keep talking about Hilary's inevitability and Obama needing a "magic fairy" to be successful quite to the contrary of what is happening on the ground in Iowa, New Hampshire and even the tightening poll numbers nationally. This is a shameless exercise.

Is this the best Mr. Halperin can do for Time Magazine? "Fairy dust" and "she's the most likely next President?"It's high time they get a new analyst. A 10 year old could have done better. Another reason why I don't buy Time anymore

Huckabee is just the flavor of the month and only in Iowa. Cash alone won't get him the presidential election. News is a business and "darkhorse" candidates make for interesting news. Huckabee doesn't stand a chance because, Liberals don't like him because of his views on abortion and gays and conservatives don't like him because he's as liberal as Hillary is when it comes to govt….so to reiterate, Huckabee is a deadend hitman for Guiliani trying to take out Romney and the "Huckster" is going nowhere.

Thanks for the absolutely asinine political analysis, CNN.

Hillary needs a soul, she and Obama need some real experience other than being bloviating Senators, and both of them need a miracle to win a general election in this country, which is not ready for a white woman or black man in the White House even if they _had_ the gravitas of real leaders.