why are they ganging up on obama

that comment will hurt her

good. she's taking votes out of context.

She hit him where it hurt, hes a grown man, he can take it. Shes only dishing out what is the truth.

People want to hear about how the problems can be fixed, not who voted for obscure bills in the past.

I don't know about the audience in the hall but those "present" votes were not explained well by Obama. It remains a problem for him.

I think maybe I'll show up to vote in the California primary and I'll vote PRESENT for Barack Obama. I think he'll understand.

She took it one step too far, and the audience just gave her the brushback pitch. Maybe they will keep that in mind and stick to the issues.

Look at mostly who is the audience

so what. If Obama can't take the heat of Mr & Mrs Clinton, how can this boy think he's got the thick skin to run against the Republicans. Get real.

John Edwards just supported Senator Clinton's comments. Senator Obama's fluff is beginning to shed.

Well anyone who thinks voting "Present" is a good use of taxpayer dollars is OK, I have some beach front property in Arizona I can sell you….

Clinton is Corrupt. quit blocking my comments CNN. or you are just admitting that you support her!!!!

She deserves those boos because like her or not, she's not playing presidentially. She's playing as if she is careless about how she appears, and that she is over-confident that she's already got this election in the bag. Her cockiness is really sickening.

and edwards took issue with it too just now!

Barack is talking in circles….he needs to get his act together.

I agree Bill, I'm embarassed watching these 2, and now Edwards is attacking Obama.
CNN-keep the debate on subject,

Obama is really , really angry and desperate.obama grow up baby , remember Republicans will eat you up.

I think Sen. Clinton was trying to paint Sen. Obama voting records and wqs turned down by viewers.

and yet Edwards agreed with her — you can't have it both ways Obama. If you can dish it out — you have to learn to take it.

No she's not. She is asking for accountability and the Media is not doing their jobs.

Yes, Barrack just needs to focus on not getting sucked in… if he gets sucked into throwing mud — he will look petty and he doesnt have the political experience to go one on one with the Clintons… he just has to be quiet… and offer solutions - like Edwards.

I think Clinton has done a really good job for our country, but she does not belong as the leader of the free world. It just means more of the status of where we have been forever.

She's also getting into Senate rules, which leaves most of us out of the context of the debate.

Obviously the audience is getting tired of her shrilling whining.

bill, i have to say while there is a lull - you do one heck of a job - i love watching you. i voted for obama already absentee in california. i am a 60 yr. old white woman in los angeles. thank you for your great on and off camera reporting.

I agree about that Joe. Maybe this will be a wake up call for her to knock it off and stick to her own policies.

Getting boos is not what you want in this debate. She and Barack are take votes away from themselves instead of gaining them like debates are intended for.

Truth hurts Baby BO. We'll see if she gets booed by an audience that is not overwhelmingly black.

Yeah Hillary's statement was exaggerated and not particularly relevant to current challenges in our country.

Hillary must change her strategy she sounds like a school-yard bully.

BULL… Hillary is the one answering truthfully! Obama is the one dancing around each question… Hillary tells it like it is! GO HILLARY!

It may hurt her, but I'm FROM Illinois and DID follow his votes in the Illinois senate. Hillary may be getting nasty, but she's RIGHT.

Why doesnt someone ask them why they think government has to be in everyones lives? Other than protecting the country from foreign threats, what good has the government done for anyone?

Of course its beginning to backfire. Nobody is watching the debate to hear these candidates attack each other. We are watching this debate to determine which candidate has the best ideas, strongest leadership skills, and strength to get things done for the country. Clinton and Obama are giving the Republicans fodder to attack them (which ever one wins the nomination) in the general election.

I agree. Regardless of the issue, the mud slinging has to stop from both parties. It's not a productive tactic. It's disappointing quite frankly.

of course..Its all Obama's supporters. Why ant she bring up his background. Again, HE AND HIS SUPPORTERS think he is untouchable??

it's an important point. and while i was hem-hawing between obama and hillary, i've never heard a worse answer and am watching a quickly-sinking obama ship.

she talking out her barack side

HILLARY IS RIGHT. Did you just watch the last 10 minutes of this debate?!?!? Barack won't answer or explain ANYTHING!!!

Hillary is correct about Obama's record and I'm glad to see Edwards jump in and support her and confront Obama.

I disagree Bill

"Obama doesn't take responsibility for his votes" THATS TRUE HE DOES NOT… OBAMA SEEM TO ME THAT HE CAN ONLY DISH OUT CRITICISM BUT CANT TAKE IT.. CLINTON 08

Obama is getting it from both sides and responding well. His defenses of his voting history are solid and make John and Hillary look petty

I am a Hillary Clinton voter, but I must admit Edward's is winning the debate. He is really impressing me. I will still vote for Hillary Clinton. Edwards for a cabinet position.

I left the debate because it is not about issues. Obama dove right in whining about Bill yada yada. Then it became back and forth between two. Obama gave one jab and then Hillary gave one. I rather vote for Edward over Obama.

BOOOs what else do you expect. It is south carolina.

It's evidence that this is a rough game but it has to be to get to the truth! Buck up, boys! Hillary can take it. The nominee will get worse from the Republicans and the President will get worse still from Putin!

Obama is doing fine. He has to fight back, albeit respectfully, or the rest of America will think the others win.

Sad state of affairs . . .

yes it's interesting that she got the boos…and she deserved it. because she had a chance to move on, and she baited it again. edwards almost had him tho…and he does have 'an answer for everything'…isn't that what we want? answers?

She just proved why she is not worth being there!!!

Ooops….I wasn't 'present' for that one??

I am paying for a poltician to take action not just show up to work. His voiting record is essential to my vote. I want to ensure my taxes are being used effectively. Not wastefully.

Politics… no matter how good intentioned someone is about making it a civil campaign… their is always someone else who will lower their standards to win.

But at least when she's talking about the issues, she seems to have a plan or at least be able to speak knowledgably about those issues. Obama talks so much about what he wants to do, but doesn't seem to be able to provide any plan to get it done. He's able to draw people in through his idealism, but he has yet to back it up with HOW he'd do it…..

It's going to be very difficult for Hillary Clinton to unite the Democratic Party in a year that should definitely be a great ones for the Democratic Party. If she keeps this up, she's opening the door for a McCain presidency.

Obama is struggling whenever the questions go beyond his canned responses.
Go Hillary. She has the skill, smarts, balance and maturity!

Hillary is seen as a regular washington politician

Obama..Like Hillary said, Did not answer the question. Boo all you want. She was right!

if obama isn't careful he may well get a similar response.

Clinton is the one who must grow up……maybe she'll try crying again!!!

GET HER BARACK….Nail her for the typical inside Washington Politician she is.

A vote for her is a vote to move backwards…to more of the same.

the clintons are a machine with a built in guarantee that 40% of population will not vote for them. i used to love bill. now i see what a bully he is and how entitled they think hillary is to be prez. i don't think so - does living in the same house as an accountant make me an accountant? she really is a phoney.

The more time candidates spend discrediting each other, the less time they spend selling themselves. It's a shame that such bickering makes lesser, quieter candidates look better by default.

So voting "present" was a political strategy? I thought Obama was "above politics as usual"….

I thought the point was for the American People to hear their opinions on what matters to us. Instead, it's a verbal boxing match! Where's the ropes? Someone should get Edward's a chair.

Does anyone else get the impression that Edwards is allying himself with Obama moreso than in weeks past?

She should have avoided superlatives like "never takes responsibility"… She should know better. Poor arguments - poor president.

Hilary is doing a great job.  She is winning this regardless of the few boos by Obama supporters.

Obama dodged the question "resent" question. Proves Hilary's point.

I don't like this bickering one bit. We look like a bunch of childish republicans.

boohhs but true!

I withdraw my comment

I am surprised at the boos I feel that Obama is show his lack of experience through his responses.

I think those "boos" are very telltale of how the votes in South Carolina are going to be cast.

There's a big surprise. And yet all she kept emphasizing on Meet the Press was "putting quotes in context."

I love it that everyone is seeing Hillary with her claws out. Maybe it will make them think twice before making her the candidate of choice…

They are all democracts, why are all their plans different?

She took boos because she directly attacked Obama's character. Not his stance on policy. She tried to strongarm him and it backfired. I am glad she regained her composure though. If she wins and loses control in the White House, World War III could start.

Everyone watching this needs to understand you will not get complete answers at these debates, go to the candidates websites and look it up. If you need more info, call the campaigns directly.

Clinton did indeed draw boos initially, followed by appluase when Edwards and Clinton continuted to probe why Obama did not take a position of up or down on his voting records. Her point still stands, however.

Correction:
I think Sen. Clinton was trying to paint Sen. Obama voting records and was turned down by viewers.

Obama is definitely flustered and faltering. Not acting presidential at all. Hillary's my girl, but Edwards is very impressive tonight, too! Barack needs to rethink a few things, I think

I think that the bickering between the two is hard to watch but she did have a point…and Edwards followed it up with a great comeback…you either vote yay or nay…
I think Edwards is looking great here due to the fighting between the two top candidates…I am still undecided - a loyal clinton supporter, fired up by Baracks speech but liking Edwards calm cool demeanor!
He's doing great tonight

Oooo… Edwards just leveled a charge at Hillary.

Obama rattles on with his same non-substance remarks. It's good he referred to being like Ronald Regan recently. Regan had to be propped up with advisers and we don't need that again, not at this point in time.

Obama dodged the "present" question. Proves Hilary's point.

edwards would be great vp for hillary
clinton/edwards 2008

Edwards has to do in this debate and in this primary. He is the only one that can win in november.

I see a predominently black audience cheering a black candidate as if this is a sports contest. The long term backlash can be more serious than short term political ponts if this turns into a black man and a white woman spatting. That is an ugly scenario

Clinton sounds like angry old woman!

Hillary hurt herself with that exchange. Obama is responding well to the Clinton attacks.

I wish somebody would bring up the issue of outsourcing American jobs.
Time to penalize companies that are doing this by taking away any tax breaks they may have.

Edwards was right in nailing Obama for doing exactly what he criticizes Clinton for doing… taking single votes out of context and trying to damage her because of them. He's a south side Chicago politician, and he knows how to play dirty, and does. I don't mind that. What I mind is that he wants to pretend is the Messiah in this election, when in fact he's a political attack dog.

Give me a break - Obama is faltering, he cannot take the heat,,,,

"In order for a plan to be universal it needs to cover everyone." Edwards does get to the heart of it.

Side note… Clinton has to stop smiling when they attack her…makes it look like she enjoys this game…which is cute to political geeks like me, but isn't very appealing to people trying to feed their kids and pay the rent at the same time.

Wheres the questions on GLOBAL WARMING!!!! all these issues don't matter if we dont' have an earth left to stand on!

Hillary can take the heat, tho! It's ok to get booed. Point is , she can handle it. Obama is acting very snippety and childish. He can't take the heat!

I don't she's taken Obama out of context, I think obama is not straightfoward

Regardless of the system, take a stand and vote, thats what you are there for.

I may just have to vote for Edwards instead of Clinton.

Vonna–I totally agree with you!

Bill:

If the Dems keep this up, we Republicans will not have much of a challenge in November. These Gents and Lady are committing suicide, partycide.

HV

Hillary is going way off base and her quest for power is showing her true colors. If she gets the nomination over Obama and then wins the White House we are in for a whole lot more trouble from the Clintons than can possibly be imagined.

Rather than criticize….does anyone know what a "present" vote means?

Finally! A site where I can find every thought that pops into Bill Schneider's head!

When it comes to real issues - and not garbage tidbits from the past - Obama does quite well. I am not convinced on how to vote - but I see the Clinton political machine hurting the entire election.

i totally agree clinton/edwards

NOBAMA!!!

If democrats always push for equality and they believe in Darwin and not God, why dont they just let survival of the fittest work out the healthcare and poverty problems.

The fighting between Billary and Blacoma just show what we could look forward to if either one was elected! It is all about them, not the country or its people.

This guy Obama is a showman and THAT IS IT!! He cannot give a factual response to all his "present" votes in Illinois. The guy is a fake and if he is the nominee, or worse President, we are in more trouble than we are now. The man has NO SUBSTANCE WHATSOEVER!

Obama/Edwards

I also think Barak is not speaking very clearly, and is a little bit flustered.

Obama is appearing to be be bitter and is trying to play victim. I think, on issues, Hillary's responses are better.
Edwards is benefiting from the bickering

bill clinton used to rattle on and on and on and on

Thank goodness….

she deserves the boos!!

Hilary deserved every boo she received. I am sick and tired of her inability to tell the truth and play fair. She had been my second choice if Obama did not get the nomination NOT ANY MORE. I'll vote for Obama all the way and even against her if it comes to that. Enough is enough. What a waste this evening. She is pathetic.

Remeber people… NO ONE can give absolute details about their planes for the economy, crime, healthcare… they are only ideas. Cause it is a whole nother ball game paying for them and passing them through legislation.

Obama needs to explain his positions in a clear and precise manner. He speaks so well, why can't he take responsibility. This is an Obama supporter typing here. He will not win this election if he does not take responsibilty for his actions and explains his reasoning behind past decisions. Shame on you Obama.

How hard is it for people to understand the well-reported tactic of participants in the illinois legislature of voting "present" on a bill in order to negiotiate and improve it?

You're beating a dead horse, here…..

I hope this does not "hurt her feelings". I would not want to see that fake crying again. You can only go to that well so many times before it runs dry.

you should be responsible for how you vote, or in Obama's case if you vote.

Clinton and Obama are embarrassing, not only to themselves, but to Americans in general. How sad.

Obama got away all these days without anybody questioning him on hard facts because his speech engine. He never ever presents his plans or ideas to complete. He tries to avoid the facts and hide them in his nice talk. I don't need any nice talk. …

What started as boos for Hillary became a very weak moment for Obama. Edwards really highlighted the need to vote. I don't buy Obama's explanation for the present votes. He is not a good leader.

Obama is in his own league when given speeches but he is out of his league in debates.

This it not the time for dems to try and beat up on each other

4 years ago we had to sell our second car……….now we worry about keeping our house(that has been in family for 50+ years ) so we can pay for our health ins……..850……a month just for me………

at least our daughters are out of college and on their own with wonderful jobs…..but we at 60 are going down hill………..self employed……

jk

Barack Obama is having a real problem articulating how is he going to do things exactly. On every issues, either on health care, or the economic stimulus package. He is just going on and on and on, but I'm not grasping anything on anything he is saying. Political rethoric I assume.

Clinton and Edwards are attacking Obama in what are clearly tactics founded in fear and intimidation. They are more focused on trying to trash him than presenting any vote-worthy new ideas. Enough with this negativity! Take your positions, support them, and win votes that way! Stop trying to steal votes by making fictitious statements about Obama. Barack owns up to everything he has done and has run a clean campaign. Clinton and Edwards should do the same.

Obama's mouth keeps going but he's not really saying anything. Obama's numbers have to be dropping. Just like the market will tomorrow.

Clinton made a point on health care - that is a place she has been before.

This is an interesting debate in part because this is starting to expose the underbelly of being a political "servant". They all have to in part sell their soul in order to get what they want for the greater good. This is exposing that truth hopefully not to the detriment of the Democratic party because they have the progressive nerve to allow this exposure.

HILLARY IS RIGHT!! Obama needs to take responsibility and start explaining himself. All he does is stand there whining about Bill and Hillary and then stuttering everytime he has to answer something.

He can only speak eloquently when he has a prepared speech, when he actually has to answer things on the stop, he can't beat Hillary. That's a fact.

HILLARY '08

Hillary/Edwards is definitely a losing ticket. If Hillary thinks this is bad, when the republicans come around she will be crushed.

These are the types of debates that make me want to slide to the right…

How can people not see that Hillary is clearly the most qualified? Clinton/Edwards all the way!!

well a few boos don't show or prove anything.. Hillary is a strong candidate… If this boy Obama can't defend himself..well he can't be a president…

I agrree that Obama keeps going around and around and does not give a direct answer since he may not have the answers. But I'm turned off by the fact that they can't just answer the questions without attacking the other candicates. It is unnecessary to do that. Just answer the questions and stick to the issues!

Hilllary and Obama need to drop out, both are showing their true sides, it is all about them not the country.

Why don't we make people show proof they have insurance before they can get a cable TV box, or sign up for digital cable or Direct TV. $75 to $90 a month is a start. Also, why would someone without insurance have a top of the line cell phone with unlimited text messaging. Not affordable can, in some cases not all, means choices are made not to buy insurance.

Everything that comes out of this woman's mouth makes me roll my eyes. I don't believe a word she says. Just like her husband, who seems to be running again…

Obama makes John Kerry's flip-flops look like sandals. All sizzle and no sausage Barack Hussein

I personally thought that Barack's response made sense. He didn't want to vote yes for a bill that wasn't going to do what it was intended to do, but he didn't want to kill it because there was still HOPE that it could be fixed and MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Obama doesnt dodge the present, he explained that the laws were inadequate in one way or another that presented a predicament foor him to vote on, a legal contention were his words…

If Hillary Clinton wins the presidency she will make Richard Nixon and George Bush
look like the most honest leaders we ever had when compared with her.

Once again she is playing the part of a hypocrite. How many times has she missed votes of any nature because she is too busy on the campaign trail? The constant inability of some politicians to responsibly represent their constituents by being present to vote for or against bills and also know what their voting for further highlights the need for a Constitutional ammendment of sorts to address the problem. No longer should politicians be entitled to get elected and then haphazardly represent their constituents as long as it suits their own personal ambitions and their personal schedules.

I agree Vandiver… On Clintons point on universal healthcare… Will never happen. Canadians pay out of their noses in Payroll Taxes for there universal healthcare.

Clinton has to be so careful on how she attacks Obama, it could be perceived negatively. She cannot join Edwards and gang up on him. When Edwards and Obama ganged up on her before N.H. it worked in Hillary's favor. If she does it here against Obama it will work in his favor. (Not that I'm saying that would be a bad thing

I wish that our Democratic candidates would refrain from the attack strategies they are using during the Primary part of the campaign for President. They sound to me like an unhappily married couple arguing.

I agree that Edwards is benefiting from the Clinton/Obama crying.

Edwards is doing a great job of exposing Obama's lack of experience.

Universal healthcare is a politically correct term for communist or socialized healthcare. It is what it IS! We are not a communist country!

Senator Obama seems to struggle to come up with the right words, seems calculated to me.

They have agreed to gang up on B.O. He needs to slow down and just pick one to attack back.

I FEEL THAT HILARY CLINTON AND JOHN EDWARDS RESORTED TO NAME CALLING. THEY ALSO ARE GANGING UP ON BARACK.!!! THEY ARE ACTING CHILDISH BECAUSE BARACK IS A STRONG CANIDATE. HILARY IS A WEAK CANIDATE AND SO IS JOHN EDWARDS…

I think Hillary should start taking responsibility for her remarks and get her husband out of the spotlight. She is riding piggyback on her status of First Lady instead of on her own. Neither of the others is using their spouses in that manner. Sure she can't help she was the First Lady, but still she can run on her own because she wants to be "in charge" but President Clinton should not be running around like a "loose cannon."

Hillary better be careful. Her questioning of Barack's record and position changes is getting repetitive and tiring. (I'm refering to the current debate on health care.) But I'm glad that Hillary and John Edwards are for UNIVERSAL healthcare.

NObama = No Chance

Hillary is a real bully. She needs some boos.

They are sure helping Edwards with all that "slinging poo"

Oh come on he explained his "present" votes perfectly well. In Illinois you can vote present if you generally like a bill but are hesitant to vote a "yes" because of one or two things (most likely pork added by corrupt politicians aka Bride to Nowhere) contained in it. Do people really think that Illinois' political system is set up to where you can vote "present" just to prove you were present?!? Hillary and, to a lesser extent, Edwards can shut up and get off their high horses.

Maybe he should cry like she did. It seems like you can do that when the stress becomes to much and you want a boost in votes.

Hill has lost votes!

You know these two need to grow up. All they can talk about is what they have done, nothing about what they are REALLY going to do once they are in office, and promise to keep their promise and things that they talk about now to us. If not then once they are in office resign their office. Most of us are tired of them only stating what they think we want to hear, then for get us once in office. Mr. Clinton should but out of all this, because it is now making me wonder if he is this involved, just really who will be running the white house if she gets picked

To have Mrs. Clinton running this country ,would bbe like having a "nagging wife"
in the white house

I think Obama is the EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES with attitude! YUCK- next I think Hilary and Edwards rocks- too bad they wouldn't join forces. Obamas finger goes up and shakes too much and he doesn't listen and just shhakes his head. Obama you are a fake!

The problem with the "boos" is that the people there don,t know what a "present" means. Clinton hit the nail on the head!

People boo when they feel threatened of the truth! Hillary keep standing up and never back down lead the way for all equality and take a stand for all of us without crawdadding like the rest of them filling us with false hope again! Take a Bow!!!!!d

Dear Milo Hou:

They are "ganging up" on Obama because he's the frontrunner in South Carolina according the polls.

it is about time for clinton to get boos bill should get one too when he speaks anywhere

Clinton is very nasty. She seems angry with all men. I wish she would just answer the questions and say where she stands. I am a black woman and will not be voting for Hilary Clinton.

Obama has been on the defense all night. He is thin skinned and cannot take any criticism.

Sixty-days! Get real….does she know the logistics of getting those troops out. How long does she think it will take to get just one Brigade back?

i was booing her at home too!

I'm emigrating. Johnny Depp has it right.

You guys are only saying that Hillary sounds better because she is so eloquent, but remember you can be eloquent without making a lot of sense.

Obama is getting slammed by Clinton. It's getting nasty - not helping anyone, BUT he isn't providing any answers. Making smug comments like, "I don't know which of you I'm running against anymore." just shows his character. I haven't heard one answer that lets me know more about his plans for being president - only what he hates about Clinton.

She's crying about regrettable votes… hows that war authorization goin for her?

I've asked her for two things (I'm a NY'er)… I asked for mental health parity, and asked her to consult with the AMA before taking a position on medical marijuana… she did neither, but she did find the time to thank me for supporting her (I don't) and asking me for money.

The reality for her is that she is running on experience… but if we look back, from the patriot act to the war authorization… her lack of introducing any meaningful legislation… at best my experience with her as a senator has been negative.

So… yes, I'm convinced that I don't really know about Obama… but I'm not so sure that I'm ready to elect the president based on a "devil you know" mentality.

WHY DID THEY GANG UP ON BARACK????
THEY ARE WEAK!!!
I THINK THEY PLANNED TO GANG UP ON HIM B/C HE IS A STRONG CANIDATE AND THEY KNOW HE WOULD WIN

Am I the only one who sees that Rob from Albuquerque called Sen Obama a boy???!!! This is the kind of attitude that needs to be squashed in this country. Last time I looked, Sen. Obama appears to be a a grown man, not a boy.

That's what I LIKE about Obama. He's not the best public speaker, he always stutters. He doesn't give a 'false' image of being the uptight conniving fake liars that many of these canidates are.

Clinton just needs to fake some more tears and all will be forgotten. What a con artist. Like husband like wife.

I agree with VA. Also Obama is not prepared and is not doing well. Edwards is on tonight. This is interesting but I wish CNN would keep them on task.

Eventually we will have a Democratic candidate and we must all drop our petty differences in this media-driven charade and get that candidate elected and into the White House. If it's Obama, it's Obama. If it's Clinton, it's Clinton. Can you all handle it? Let's get going and get our man or woman elected.

Hillary has been consistent with her programs and her budget in every debate and interview and I have watched them all. As a black female voter Obama is not the person I want for president
Martin Luther King did not say vote for someone becasue of the color of their skin he said make your decision based upon their character and their deeds.
Hillary is doing a great job tonight not backing down and pushing Obama to show himself a debate is not Obama best style because here he can not give a motivational speech to make you feel good
Gina

Oh Barack, just slap her already!

"so what. If Obama can't take the heat of Mr & Mrs Clinton, how can this boy think he's got the thick skin to run against the Republicans. Get real."

I can't believe you just called Obama "boy."

way to take us back.

…p.s.

i'm a 19 year old first time voter.

i can't wait.

Hey, I guess it is "beat up on Obama" during the Black Caucus Debate.

To have Mrs. Clinton running this country ,would be like having a "nagging wife"
in the white house

Lets face it. Hillary is showing just what type of person she is. It would be nice to have a women president one day, but she is not the right one for the job. If she wins the candidacy we will see the same old political scene that we had for the Bill Clinton years and the Republicans will be thrilled to do it all over again!

Of course Brack is going to stutter, he is not a corrupt politician, however it does not mean he is not strong and knowledgable. Hilary is cut throat and why she did not run last term, beats me. Barack is really trying to d the right thing.

I feel that Hillary's attacks on Senator Obama are going to hurt her rather than help. Her remarks are getting a tad bit out of hand. It just shows how desperate she is getting.

Makes for interesting TV. All nonsense aside, as I sit and watch I can't help but be proud that we can sit and watch a White male, Black Male and a Women debate for a chance to run this great country.

Obama seems to be aware of the logistics of getting Brigades out!

Waoo, do we want such a bully in such an office? I tis embarrasing to listen to HILLARY's comment, and lies, and lies and 35 years of experience.

she and Edwards paired up tonight, that will hurt them in the next voting rounds..

I'll vote republican before I vote for Hillary.

clinton suck booooooooooo her OBAMA 08

At least this is lively. Barack is calmly talking about logisical issues and solutions.

Finally we're hearing the basic question that needs an answer… Where's the beef?

I think that Hillary is rather shrill and I'm not a fan of endless political families… But she's got my vote. I favor competence over nice sounding fluff.

I did not intend, nor do I believe my comments to be immoderate

Senator Obama didn't win any points with me when he statedt that Senator Clinton was on the board of Walmart; I just hope that both candidates focus on the issues and the dire state the nation is in and what do they plan to do about it, they ought to stop these personal attacks.

I am so tired of Obama and Clinton fighting like two children. Let's get down to what they each will DO for us as a whole. I don't feel secure with either one of them right now. They both need to grow up and get down to the issues of the day, such as the building homeless and jobless people. They need to talk about the Iraq issues. Instead of sending money over there to build up so that they can blow it, we need to be helping OUR JOBLESS AND HOMELESS over here. THEY ALSO NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE IN A RECESSION AND STOP TALKING AROUND THE ISSUE. WHAT DO THEY PLAN TO DO ABOUT THIS MESS THAT BUSH HAS GOTTEN THIS COUNTRY INTO. GROW UP BOTH OF YOU!

They need to focus on the issues - not each other - what they would do- and be detailed and to the point -
All 3 talk in circles - for that matter both sides: Dems/Reps-
I am tired of hearing a moment of I will change things, I wont tell you how - but let me tell you how bad the my fellow candidate's ideas are.
Maybe I get a Bloomberg Sticker Made!!

Rob…watch the 'boy' comments.

She should not be allowed to play such nasty politics, is is shameful for women.

I'm only 17 and i'll be 18 by this election, so i'm voting this year… And if you ask me, hillary is making more sense… Obama is stuttering, and taking WAY too long to answer questions… He really needs to get his act together, and stop beating around the bush…

I'm hoping that they get past the petty arguments. Our party can't take too much of it. All this is going to come back on whoever gets the nomination.

Hillary LIES. LIES, LIES, LIES. She's scared, and she's playing "in it to win it" and such a character is completely undeserving of representing the American public; I don't like the games she plays, and I find everything that comes out of her mouth to be yet another way to manipulate the American people.

For the record, I'm not anti-Hillary. However, I have yet to see her say something genuine.

From the back camera, Hill has a donkey donk!!!

It i time for Obama to finally get what he deserves. He expects to ride through this campaign without anyone landing a glove on him. Go for it Hillary! You should have done it back in October.

Its about time that Obama has to take responsibility for his no content campaign.

Obama's present votes are clearly part of his representation of the people of Illinois. THey require that vote when the representative cannot fully support the entire bill that is put forward. WHy does this remain an issue?

Hillary is definitely the smartest one on the stage, the only one that has really done the homework and the only one with plans that will work and are funded. It is very easy to make flowery, appealing statements but backing them up is where the rubber meets the road.

People really need to check Hillary's record. She and Bill are liars and corrupt.

Robert in Albuquerque,

Boy??? Why do we always have to resort to thsi?

This discussion about votes is completely taken out of context. "Present" in the context of the Illinois legislature does not mean anything like what Sen. Clinton is implying. Moreover, this is an issue that takes the viewer into the arcane rules of legislative procedures…does this really move the debate further along? No. So let's stop patronizing the voters. Remember, the Republicans are salivating over the thought of a Clinton candidacy.

Face it… A woman will not win this, Obama the minority will not win…. Lets hear it for the all American Red Neck!

It appears that Edwards is siding with Hillary to position himself as her running mate!!

Are they going the give Edwards a chance. NO ONE want to see a grudge fight!!!

Obama seems to be man of words…I hope he is man of actions….!

Come on. Come on. She's telling it straight. She's forcing O bama to address his vague ness on his economy policy, and his waffling answers on his 100 "PRESENT" votes in the Illinois State Legislature.

It's ASHAME Hillary is up to the same OLD WASHINTON GAME. ATTACK to make someone else look bad. Just state your positions and STOP the Politics of personal destruction. This is the same GAME BUSH played. Hillary didn't start this mud slinging until she lost in Iowa and started crying.

It is inconceivable to think a Senator, congressional representative or legislator does not take a position on issue on any issue unless it is a conflict of interest. He cannot defend that any person that does is a bit naive.

i dont think they are ganging up on Obama i just think for once someone is asking him the tough questions. they are getting results to prove he is not expierenced enough to be President.

One thing is… All three of the candidates are US Senators.

Senator Clinton, Obama & Edwards… and if you're going to refer to them as Barack, Hillary or John, keep it consistent & spell the names RIGHT. Geez!

And by the way, whomever commented "Well, look who's in the audience"… What do you mean by that? I'm pretty sure it's the most diverse audience anyones ever seen at a presidential debate… dummy.

hey, let's look at it this way. essentially hillary voted "present" way more times than barack. think about it - 8 of her supposed "35 years of experience" consisted of her being "present" in the white house while bill was doing the work. her most significant contribution (other than picking out the theme for the white house Christmas decorations and entertaining visitors) was trying to reform health care and that one fell through. i would like her to explain what she did throughout her "35 years of experience" before she questions the records of others. i'm an ex-supporter of hillary and it was her circular arguing (i.e. bashing bush, and as of late, obama instead of talking about what she would do) and the fact that she needs to rely on bill so much that turned me off. oh yes, and her campaign is very self-centered. if you read newsweek you will know what i'm talking about if you compare the covers from the last two weeks.

Obama answered the "present" question. He explained what "present" meant according the rules of the IL senate. Obama is answering the questions…unfortunately there are no simplistic answers. I would hope that Obama would surround himself w/ wise advisers (as would any other president)… to help him steer his agenda through….

i think its time that obama starts standing up for his voting record if he cant be counted on while a senator, where will he stand as president. i want to know before i vote not after

Hillary got booed because she is slinging mud like her husband. She needs to just share her ideas and leave the mud slinging alone. I don't see Barrack's wife doing what Bill is doing.

I am a conservative Republican listening to debates this evening……would never vote for a guy like Edward's …..but tonight I like the way he and Clinton are ganging up on OB

Partisanship aside, it makes me nervous when politicians begin to name call and finger point. It is a schoolyard tactic used by bullies to avoid the real issues. A smoke sceen of sorts to keep our minds off the real issues, or lack there of.

This Bill and Hill show is really Hil-arious. The republicans can't wait for Hillary.

Would one of these presidential candidates please tell me if my single, 27-year old daughter who waits tables at a restaurant chain will get health coverage under their proposed health care plan? She earns too much salary and is not a parent so she does not qualify for Medi-Cal insurance in CA. I work for the State of CA health department and I know there is not one clinic that she can access for health care.

How did Senator Obama decide that "25″-year olds and under could be covered under their parents health plan? Yes, as a government employee, my health care co-payments have risen. I wouldn't mind the increase if I knew my daughter, and so many others in this same position would be covered.

Hillary should have mentioned that Obama has missed 16% of his Senate votes in less than half a term.

If he wants people to take him seriously, he also needs to stop circling back all his answers to "we need to change things in Washington." Yes, Barack, we all know this. What SPECIFICALLY are you going to change?

This is why I cannot see myself supporting him, for either the Democratic nomination or even the presidency itself.

Clinton looks desperate to me.. as an independent Voter I think Obama looks like a more thoughtful candidate. Clinton looks calculating and Edwards well tired old politician who says he is for the poor but owns the biggest and more lavished home in NC.

Where's Kucinich?

Unfortunately Barack is not a great debator, but he will still stands for what is right and smart enough to lead this country in the right direction.

Hilary is just like her husband. They will never tell the truth.

Clinton and Edwards must have decided to kick OB's butt tonight….I love it…first time I am impressed with Edwards.

I am glad Obama is getting smacked around…hopefully people will see he has no business running this country

I hate to see the Democrats "eating their own." It will not help in the election. Stick to issues. Stick to truth. Edwards is coming off really well.

wc I agree with you about the "boy" comment about Senator Obama. I am not surprised and it only goes to show the kind of disrespect that even President Clinton and Senator Clinto both have been showing Senator Obama.

Hillary represents the Washington Establishment She is the Problem, not The CHANGE!!! Go Barrick

I can't stand to watch these debates any more! It certainly does not help to clarilfy any issues. It seems to me that previous votes in congress which get called to the table in a debate bog issues down and a debate is not the appropriate forum for that issue due to time and a need toeducate the audience of all the details on which each candidate used to determine their stand on the issue. The debate just looks like and sounds like mud slinging (causing the 1st candidate to clarify and explain) which defeats the purpose of the debate. It becomes kids doing 'he said she said' and takes the focus off topic. It seems to me that Hillary will start this going all the time and Barack needs to explain himself and it goes into the toilet from there. I'm really sick of this and will not longer watch a debate. If the moderator refuses to require that behavior to stay off the stage, and stick to topic they are a waste of time and money. I really believe Barack would like to be above all this crap but can't keep from defending himself. They sound like bad kids who need a parent to step in. HELP!! I can't watch it any more. I believ