January 21, 2008
Posted: January 21st, 2008 08:12 PM ET

MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina (CNN) - Hillary Clinton is a "Where's the beef?" Democrat, and this is the beef. She got an economy issue of the bat. Americans have fond memories of the economy during the Clinton years - she'll try to capitalize on that.

– CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider

Filed under: Bill Schneider


Meadors   January 21st, 2008 10:08 pm ET

You know what I like about this debate? It's a fact that I will wake up tomorrow and have the opportunity to decide for myself who can best represent my passions for what is best for this country. I have watched the debate on the computer and went to check on a cake that was cooking . When I got back you were already telling the American people who is winning. I toured Cnn in Atlanta last Tuesday and it was interesting. I came away from that experience more convinced than ever that people are smart enough to decide for themselves and you are just part of the entertainment. Keep up the good work.

Kurt   January 21st, 2008 10:00 pm ET

How about a foreign policy of staying out of another governments internal affairs. And here is edwards saying how hes gonna save the planet

Keesha   January 21st, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Kurt,
You are absolutely correct. The Democrats should not invest a lot of time and money in Georgia. The Republican candidate candidate will win Georgia. However, I was disappointed when I could not get a Kerry/Edwards sign for my yard in 2004. So, I hope he or she will not ignore Georgia after he or she wins the Democratic nominee.

Kurt   January 21st, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Edwards just brought up a great point about competing in rural areas. Thats why dems lost the last 2 elections

Keesha   January 21st, 2008 9:47 pm ET

I was hoping that this debate would help me choose between the three candidates. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Where should I look for the candidates' view on issues that are important to me?

Kurt   January 21st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

You dems are shallow... Anyone but Bush and lets be socialists where we take money from them and give it to these people. Wake up and take the thumb out of your mouths. Why can't democrats who despise Bush see how viable a candidate Ron Paul Is? The only reason I can figure is that most democrats WANT the governments to solve their personal struggles either because they are LAZY or lack the character to do it themselves. I need a democrat whos knows Ron Pauls positions to explain to me why they wont vote for dr Paul? Someone step up to the plate.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Here we go.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

That was funny, but very much a race comment. If Hillary or John said something like that. The TV would have blown up

Kurt   January 21st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

That was a BS question to Barrack and disrespectful to hillary.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 9:27 pm ET

poor John

Em   January 21st, 2008 9:27 pm ET

I agree with Obama that we do not need to cover 12 million "illegal" immigrants before we cover our own Americans.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 9:26 pm ET

If you don't have time to read, how can you have time to run the country.

Kurt   January 21st, 2008 9:22 pm ET

The economy was great under clinton because of the rep house and jobs created easy and crooked credit and everyone was spending left and right, and everyone was lending money to people who were risky loaners Adults were not acting like adults planning for their kids future, not saving not having back up plans in case they lost there jobs, not saving, Its not your right to have a lifetime job and pension so now were in a hangover and it is NOT bushs fault.

Murry   January 21st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Hillary needs to stop taking credit for her husband's work. Her years as first lady does not count as 'experience'.

Kurt   January 21st, 2008 9:15 pm ET

who in the world wants 23+ years of Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton.

June Boucher   January 21st, 2008 9:13 pm ET

How can anyone say Obama is not anwering the questions? Maybe he doesn't have canned, polished and rehearsed respones...but isn't that refreshing? I am so sick of the power-players in the Democratic party continue to push the Bush-lite agenda. Go Obama, Go Edwards. Either one has my vote.

zb   January 21st, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Whoever the nominee is, I want to know how they are going to bring the party back together again to defeat the Republicans?

Jimmy   January 21st, 2008 9:10 pm ET

No one answered the question will they end or win the War.
Ron Paul has the answer we shouldnt have went their in the 1st place we are broke and cant afford our committments abroad. Bring the troops home. When are adults and politicians gonna to just say no or we made a mistake?

RON PAUL RISING PEOPLE How any adult with half a brain opposes Ron Paul baffles me. Unless you are a connected person who profits from all this madnesss

Tara   January 21st, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Thank you Kurt, as the wife of an Army soldier...this is something that she really diverts from.

Henry Sosa   January 21st, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Most of us Americans have forgotten how great was the economy under the Bill Clinton years, but continue to focus on the "unknown stain" on that famous blue dress.

Joan   January 21st, 2008 9:09 pm ET

McCain, who once famously clashed with Obama in the Senate on ethics reform, said though he respected him, the surging Democrat was too green to be commander in chief. "Senator Obama does not have the national security experience and background to lead this nation," McCain said.–HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!!!

Joan   January 21st, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani said that Obama was not ready to be president due to a lack of executive experience. He has never run a city, he has never run a state, never run a business" said Giuliani. AMEN AMEN AMEN—HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

Kurt in Luling TEXAS   January 21st, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Hillary
Would you end or win the war? She will not answer thAT QUESTION, Why?
because if she answers it truthfully she wont get elected. Why doesnt anyone call her out on that

Joan   January 21st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Obama is truly NOT READY for the presidency!!! Try back in about 5 years, Sonny!!

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Obama has just shown IGNORANCE about his competitor's plans. He should have done his reading.

Tara   January 21st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Ken,

There is a difference between speaking your views and opinions, supporting your spouse, and in bad mouthing another person. There is a way to let issues speak for themselves and not put personal attacks on the plate. Just because you were in the highest office in the land, that does not give you overreaching authority to say whatever you want.

Greg   January 21st, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Show of hands on this page:

Who is a shill for Hill, Barak or the GOP?

tom   January 21st, 2008 8:53 pm ET

tara-you got it right ny was ripe for the picking

Kurt in Luling TEXAS   January 21st, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Bill

Great comments
I voted for Clinton 2 times, and Bush last election because I couldnt stomach Kerry
But know I rescind my support for the Bush administration after learning from Ron Paul!!! And for the record I am mormon and a 20 yr active duty in the Army(retired)with 2 tours in Iraq. Ron Paul is the only answer

Verna   January 21st, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Is this how Hillary will debate foreign diplomats and heads of states of other countries?

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Hillary and Edwards have unmasked Obama as a flip-flopper. He got smacked!!! Watch his numbers plummet in the upcoming days!!

Tara   January 21st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

And what bills or laws does the First Lady pass? Uhhhh-none. The Clinton's had to move and buy a house in New York just so Mrs. Clinton could have a job. Why is she not an Arkansas Seantor, maybe because that would not have set her up for a Presidency run.

Richard   January 21st, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I agree or PRESENT. At least vote, for God's Sakes.

Rita Perea   January 21st, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Way to go John Edwards! Way to point out the error of Mr. Obama's ways with being irresponsible and not taking a stand on important legislation.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Obama is about to show his street smarts. It's coming out now. " I see your true colors, shing thru"

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Tera, Mrs. Obama has gotten up and given her veiws and many topics giving her views. Obama is going backwards. Present

tom   January 21st, 2008 8:47 pm ET

this is more like a slugfest between obama and clinton for the wwf. put forth the ideas and leave out the criticisms

kurt   January 21st, 2008 8:47 pm ET

The more our government spends the more we ALL lose our freedom. When are people going to except responsibility for good and bad decisions and do like I do WORK my butt off to make good on my mistakes. It is your RIGHT to be FREE. It is NOT your RIGHT to have the gov pay your bills and bail you out of tough situations.
If you dont have money to send your kids to college yet you drive a new car have a boat in the driveway live in a huge house etc etc whos fault is that. your child doesnt turn 18 in one day. People need to stop looking to the gov to solve our problems

Bill   January 21st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Lets hear about what these candidates are gonna do for our future.

Greg   January 21st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Edwards has a look on his face like "I may have to drop trou to get any face time here."

Bill   January 21st, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Where in the constitution does it say the government should provide health care to all our citizens?

Where in the constitution does it say the government will tell how businesses should run their business?

People are fully capable of solving their own problems. We need less government, not more.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Look at her. She is ready for him.

Greg   January 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

OOO snap

Verna   January 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Barack caught her on another misrepresentation. She takes no responsibility for that comment.

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:43 pm ET

What happened to sweet Obama? The crybaby's showing his true colors and getting desperate. Hillary's a true leader!! LOL Edwards just called on Obama that Obama voted to not limit CC charges. Go Hillary, Edwards!!!

Noli   January 21st, 2008 8:43 pm ET

What's new Hillary? Typically playing dirty politics. You cannot find any dirt enough on Obama so you spin the truth as we all expected you to do so. You would be fodder for the Republicans.

Bill   January 21st, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Wolf get a backbone. Shut them up when they get out of line.

Greg   January 21st, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Question for candidates

As leader of your party what will you do to marginalize the GOP into extinction.

Rita Perea   January 21st, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Thanks to Mr. Obama, I felt like I was watching "Kung Fu Fighting" tonight.
Shame on Wolf Blitzer for not sticking to the ground rules established.
Barack was permitted to allow his immaturity to show. He was disrespectful, spiteful and just downright mean. Is this the type of President that we want? I would think not.

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Hillary gives facts/figures/studies, Obama repeats exactly what she said and the goes on about moralistic speeches. His lack of substance is clear, particularly when he speaks after Hillary.

kurt   January 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Why should the government take my money and help people who cant pay their bills. When is this madness gonna stop

Tara   January 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

I would not let her anywhere near my home. All Mrs. Clinton talks about is what she has done. Does she have any plans to let Americans assist in their own assistance plans. One thing she has not done is gotten a Zoom treatment on her teeth.

Mike   January 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Hillary's comment about Renzo to Obama was way below the belt. That woman has no class. I have now made up my mind. Obama it is.

zb   January 21st, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Tara: If you spent time at his side dealing with patients, learning, being involved and in the operating room watching and learning the way she has I would rather have you do the surgery then somebody who never did anything.... zb

Bill   January 21st, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Isn't having a blackcaucus racist in itself and expecially on Dr. King's Day? Where are other races and nationalities represented. Blacks are not the only minorities but they are the only onse represented. I am a viatamese american and no one is talking about my people.

Also, why should we trust the goverment to stimulate the economy or provide healthcare. You know all those forms we have sign at the doctors office? Thank the goverment. You know all the tax code that no one canunderstand, thank the government. You know the laws that can't be enforced on criminals, thank the government. The lines at DMV, the government. All the extra fees on your phone bill, the goverment.

How much of your freedom do you want to give to the goverment?

Verna Sciscoe   January 21st, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Why she not done in the Senate already? Is it empty campaign words?

kurt   January 21st, 2008 8:36 pm ET

More of the same from the democrats
How the nanny governmet is gonna solve your own personal problems. All they will do is to raise your taxes to pay for the most popular problems that retain them their power. Get the government off our backs and repeal the 16th Amendment

Greg   January 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Gee, who do I vote for Lawyer 1 Lawyer 2 or Lawyer 3? I guess any is better than the current layabout in the White House.

Kevin in Oklahoma   January 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Obama can't answer any questions, without sounding like an idiot. I really don't understand what anyone sees in him. He can't speak without saying, "Uh...um...." at every single statement. He doesn't have the answers. Hillary Clinton is not only ready, she is proving herself time and time again! She is a true leader. No doubt about it.

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Three questions have been asked to Obama, he's said nothing but "bring people together" and that we need change. But he hasn't said exactly how he's gonna implement changes. He's empty, and clearly ignorant of the economy and of real issues. This dreamer needs to leave.

PJ, New York   January 21st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Obama is doing his share of mud slinging too. Obama started the mud slinging with the Walmart comment to her! Edwards and Obama are buddy-buddy once again tonight of course.... intimidated by the woman. Hilllary Clinton is still the strongest one up there right now though. Go Hillary!!

mpg   January 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Edwards really needs to let us chose between the two that actually have a chance. He is looking desparate

Tara   January 21st, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Hillary needs to keep her bad attitude in check, she seems like a disgruntle female. Wow-it's like seeing a spoiled child on stage. She should have let sleeping dogs lay with the previous Clinton era.

Edwards is a great candidate and deserves the respect of SC and the people of the US. He may not have the numbers to show support, but he at the very least deserves respect.

Also, you don't see Mrs. Obama giving public speeches with any opinions about Hillary Clinton. Former Pres. Clinton needs to leave well enough alone.

Kevin in Oklahoma   January 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Hillary Clinton kicks butt! She is really giving it to Barack Obama, and he can't take it. He can't take the heat. His true colors are really showing through! He's a big baby. People calling Hillary Clinton a cry baby…..sheesh. Barack Obama has her beat in that catagory.

Now, here, I must say that I really like what John Edwards is saying. Stop this personal squabbling! Get to the issues, and stop fighting each other!

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Here it comes Black and White. But yet CNN says this is not about race. Yeah right.

Debby   January 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Why can Obama not answer the questions?

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Obama started throwing mud, putting meaning in Hillary's words that are not there. However, it's not working. Hillary's smart, and if he throws mud at her, she will set him straight.

At this point, Edwards is irrelevant.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

She is mud-slinging just like he has been doing. It is not OK for Bill to defend her, but his wife can defend him. Come on now Obama. She's as tough as you think you are. She's ready tonight

adam   January 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Why do we as Americans allow bullying and squabbling in the race for the highest office of our country. I support barack, but John is showing he can take a moral highground and not act like a 10 year old.

Kevin in Oklahoma   January 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Hillary Clinton kicks ass! She is really giving it to Barack Obama, and he can't take it. He can't take the heat. His true colors are really showing through! He's a big baby. People calling Hillary Clinton a cry baby.....sheesh. Barack Obama has her beat in that catagory.

Now, here, I must say that I really like what John Edwards is saying. Stop this personal squabbling! Get to the issues, and stop fighting each other!

c. daly   January 21st, 2008 8:31 pm ET

I agree with Mary...CNN does not know how to run a debate...the clapping and cheering is ridiculous and it is not benefitting anyone.

kurt   January 21st, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Barrack just smoked Hillary, While Edwards sit there and pouts
Go Ron Paul HE DOESNT WANT TO GIVE PEOPLE 600. HE WANTS TO GET RID OF YOUR INCOME TAXES ALTOGETHER WAKE UP AMERICA NO ONE HAS THE SACK TO DO WHAT MR PAUL will do . This debate is the best ive seen yet.
Its on like donkey Kong

Patty   January 21st, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Good.

Greg   January 21st, 2008 8:30 pm ET

John what have you won for me lately.

Mary   January 21st, 2008 8:28 pm ET

The audience needs to be told to stop clapping and reacting to everything that is said, especially for Obama. This is absurd.

Kelly Ayers   January 21st, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Woah. Clinton is confident, but sadly once again she is mud-slinging and attacking character instead of sticking to issues. Edwards and Obama are trying to keep on task and she is busy with that sneaky, sly smirk. She is not fighting a clean battle. I feel that Edwards and Obama are doing well at being fair.

I am an Obama supporter, yet I feel Edwards is being ignored.

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:28 pm ET

LOL Looks like Obama is about to explode! LOL I hope he doesn't start crying because his buddies are going to have to come defend him.

American 1st   January 21st, 2008 8:28 pm ET

we're looking at the next president

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Why is it that just in the last few days. Obama is now talking about MLK. Until the last few days I wasn't even sure he knew he was black. But now that it matters, he claims to be a brother. And now he claims to come from the streets. We are not that stupid. He's an ASS, and it is starting to come out.

adam   January 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Is Hillary going to benefit from slandering barack?

james o   January 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

it s always what they are going to do , but when in office it s always nothing. working people, elderlys,and disables should all be able to get the tax break.then health insurance to the middle class which are not approve to get help from the government, but yet they can afford regular heatlth insurance

Nicholas   January 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Yes, Bill – She absolutely needs to capitalize on the economy issue. I don't think she has gone far enough in reminding people that "you were better off in the 90's" and she will move us FORWARD by looking back and implementing what WORKED then, to RESTORE what was lost. –Nicholas (Rocklin, CA)

Tara   January 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

ZB- so if my husband was a surgeon and I support him, does that make me viable to do his next brain surgery.

Verna Sciscoe   January 21st, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Its only anti-bush rhetoric and no real solutions.

Herb   January 21st, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Hillary is light years ahead of Obama in her knowledge of the economy, is totally specific in her ideas,a nd is presidentially strong in her delivery.

tcbh   January 21st, 2008 8:25 pm ET

She is brilliant and presidential

Verna Sciscoe   January 21st, 2008 8:25 pm ET

She is voicing noise, but no substance.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Go head Hillary. Set him straight

c. daly   January 21st, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Why doesn't CNN enforce a no applause rule at the debate?

Duop Chak, Colorado Springs, CO   January 21st, 2008 8:23 pm ET

She needs to propose her own ideas on economic not what her husband. has done. I'm now watching on CNN-live...I do really want to see her lay out her own ideas.

Nik T, Houston, TX   January 21st, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Obama and his alusions of grandeur only make him look like a novice. He clearly doesn't know how the economy works and the numbers that he pulled out of his arse are a product of a lazy proposal that shows nothing. Hillary once again shows her knowledge and understanding of the economy, she's informed and very willing to fix things. She has passion. Obama "The Crybaby" needs to stop dreaming, stop talking about unity when he's breaking up the party from within.

Jayson   January 21st, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Freezing the mortgage rates does nothing to address the fact that the government in large part influences what types of mortgages are available. It also does nothing to address the fact that lenders like Countrywide as recently as the last year were approving people for mortgages on 2nd homes when they were barely making payments on their first home.

Freezing the mortgages would be no better then Venezuela or Russia stepping in and forcing foreign oil companies to re-negotiate their holdings under duress. Unless the government wants to do something as assenine as insuing government loans there is no way in hell that the government can Constitution make all the current loans null and void. They can make all the hair brained promises they want but they can not and will not be able to deliver the "beef".

Of coure the fact of the matter is that if the government was run appropriately and thinks like steroid investigations were handled by an agency like the FDA or the FBI instead of Congress grandtanding and putting on a show in hopes of making it look like they were hard at work then maybe issues would be addressed in a timely manner instead of dragging on.

Mike T   January 21st, 2008 8:22 pm ET

Clinton did not inherit a deficit and turn it into a surplus. The Clintons inherited their good times and their huge budget surplus from 12 years of Republicans that went before them: Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. So let's give credit where it is due. I'm sick of the Clintons getting all the credit for something they had nothing to do with.

Ken Daniels   January 21st, 2008 8:22 pm ET

Why is it that Obama is able to talk more. And should he not be tlaking more about he can do, and not what Clinton can not do. There he goes again.

zb   January 21st, 2008 8:22 pm ET

Hillary was the heart, mind and soul behind the Clinton presidency. Anyone who thinks being at the right hand of the president isn't deeply involved in the presidency is foolish and naive. zb

Ray   January 21st, 2008 8:21 pm ET

to wow – I could have done w/o the Bush part..But yes to the Clinton's!

c. daly   January 21st, 2008 8:21 pm ET

Why doesn't CNN enforce a no applauce on the audience? Every other debate asks the audience to be quiet why not CNN?

Ray   January 21st, 2008 8:20 pm ET

She's the only one who can fix the economy. With or w/o Bill.

Don   January 21st, 2008 8:19 pm ET

She is talking issues that matter. She is very Presidental and has not resorted to attacks. Great Job Hillary so far.

wow   January 21st, 2008 8:18 pm ET

stop drinking the kool-aid. first lady does not equal president.
do we really want 20 years of bush-clinton?

John L   January 21st, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Is freezing mortgage interest rates for 5 years healthy for the economy? Is that even possible?

shaun   January 21st, 2008 8:15 pm ET

she had nothing to do with bill clintons presidency, so stop giving her credit for it.

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