CNN

I just finished watching the entire debate on CNN. It just completely p@#$ed me off how lousy a moderator Wolf Blitzer was. JOHN EDWARDS DID NOT GET THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME AS BARACK OR HILLARY!!!!!! Obama just seemed to be rambling on and Blitzer allowed it, and Hillary's performance wasn't much better either. Even with as little time as he was given, the choice was ABSOLUTELY clear: John Edwards looked like a President, the other two looked like condescending,slick politicians satisfying enormous egos. GO JOHN GO!!!!!!

John Edwards had the stature and no nonsense stance to be our next president. His policies are spot on and I believed him. If he had been at the top of the dem ticket last time instead of Kerry, we would have been spared the last four years of Bush.

Also....strong candidates need a strong moderator!!!!

Except for the childish bickering, I thought this was one of the best Democratic debates to date! Edwards made me remember there are 3 front-runners in this Presidential race and made several strong points, especially on Healthcare and stressing his commitment to the plight of the poor. I thought Hillary was strong, as usual....what kind of attitude should the (possible) first female president of America present...weakness & subservience to her male counterparts? PLEEAAASSSE!! They were all right on bashing the B-man on his failings and I appreciated her specific outline for Healthcare reform and her plan to begin troop withdrawal from Iraq. Things still may change by then, but she's put something specific out there for the public to judge her by. It's time for that from them all! Obama seemed to strain with responses tonight, not usual for him, as he was on the defensive alot taking some valid, (and some meaningless straw-splitting), heat from the competition. But this is to be expected for whoever wins the Presidency and gives some idea of how Obama, and the other candidates may respond when receiving such treatment from within the American Congress and World Leaders, and most importantly, we the American public. Overall, a great deal of revelations into the candidates personalities was displayed tonight.
That's a win for the voters, who need as much insight into the candidates positions and personalities to cast as informed a vote as possible. Well done to all! Happy King Day to all "DreamKeepers"! RIP MLK!!:)

Edwards looked very good tonight.

Bottom line is:
Hillary and Bill Clinton wants to stay in power and build a dynasty for another 8 years! wait a minute I did the math wrong-its for 16 more years.

I think that if CNN wants to hold a non-biased, objective debate, that they need to allow Senator Edwards an equal amount of air-time. He's a viable candidate – if he weren't, CNN wouldn't have invited him to the debate. Why invite him and not allow him the same opportunity to convey his message?

Furthermore, I think Mr. Blitzer, as moderator, needs to have a better grasp of control over the debate and actually attempt to civilize the debate. These constant personal attacks among the candidates is becoming tiresome and may ultimately dissuade Democrats (including myself) from voting for them. I wish that these candidates would have Bill Richardson's poise and civility.

a vote for Obama is a vote for MCain. I'm moving to Switzerland.

Barack had to answer all the lies Hillary has been stating about him and he did. Edwards did a good job too. Hillary looked the most desperate in the debate. It's unfortunatee that Hillary & Bill Clinton thought they had to tear down Barack to win. Hillary has lost my vote even if Barack loses to her eventually. I did not like her Carl Rove tactics to win at any cost....shame. If she is the nominee in the general election and Barack is not on the ticket...I will vote for any independent party candidate. Shame on Hillary & Bill Clinton for bringing the primary to this level between herself and Barack. The first time a white woman and a black man is running for President should never be lowered to this level. I live in Georgia and I know a lot of minorities throughout the USA saw this debate. Even if Hillary is the Democratic nominee, she lost a lot of minorities vote in all 50 states.

John Edwards is back in the game. He won the debate and has more substance than the other two!

Hillary Clinton is just a bad version of Bill Clinton

Hilary is the only one who has done her homework.

The comment by the KIRO Radio Host thinks that Hillary has more delegate votes and Wolf Blitzer has his head somewhere else. Hey, it is all about delegates! Obama got more delegates in Nevada. Obama has more delegates overall, so far.

Stick to the issues.

Thank GOD for John Edwards. I was becoming sick of Obama and Clinton bickering like 2 school children. It is quite apparent they both have some underlying "beef" but who cares? I want to know your stand on the issues. Clinton suckered Obama in the entire night to defend his record. Obama did that poorly but objecting to everything that was pointed out! Right now, I really see my vote going to John Edwards. He has been the only clear and concise candidate in the debate tonight. He gave straight forward answers and REALISTIC answers. Obama would be great for Black America but not this time around.

I have met and questioned all the Democratic candidates and can and will support whoever gets the nomination. I realize that Clinton is following time honored advice in going after the person who is in the lead but I think she could do it in a way that examines the issues rather than the personal attacks. She and Bill may gain some points but will lose respect.

The only candidate to win a a Red State was Senator John Edwards. Senator Clinton and Senator Obama won in Blue States. If Senator Edwards can carry North & South Carolina, the Democrats can win the White House. The other two candidates may not be able to carry sufficient Red States for the Democrats to regain the White House. Senator Edwards is the ONLY candidate who can carry a majority of the South, to win the White House. Clinton and Obama have already divided the Democratic Party with their fighting. The only candidate that can unite the party and win Red States is Edwards which is only way to WIN the White House.

Thanks

Obama's rambling should have been cut. Wolf should have ended it. John Edwards was clearly not given equal time. Yet, I believe him to be the winner of the debate. CNN encouraged the battle between Clinton and Obama with the petty questions asked. Poor performance by CNN.

Overall impression… Obama is not ready. Hillary has a plan. Edwards is the only one who can beat John McCain.

You cannot rate Edwards chances on Nevada. What a fiasco! No one knew what they were doing. The voters had no idea what the prupose of a caucus was. The caucus captains for the Democratic Party were obviously supporting Clinton. We were not allowed to display signs for Edwards while Clinton had a separate space with signs galore set up as a hospitality suite! When Obama's supporters put up signs, they were afraid to say anything because of the race issue while Edwards' signs had to remain on the floor under the bleachers. We were supposed to have 15 minutes to try to encourage voters to support our selected candidate and they did not allow this. A clear violation of caucus standards.
It is wonderful to see Edwards coming out so strong tonight. Americans need someone of this caliber to finally represent us.

Edwards is RIGHT ON TRACK! While the others fight and nit-pick at each other over nothing, Edwards makes the real issues the country faces, like poverty, health care, the economy and the war his focus in the debate. That shows as president he will keep his eye on the important problems of Americans.

John Edwards has a good message that needs to be heard. Thank God we were able to hear him tonight. If I were able to vote tonight, Edwards or Clinton would get my vote. Obama is too green. I'd love for him to get more experience in foreign affairs and allow voters to reconsider him in the future.

There's no question Edwards is back on the map after this debate. What he needs to do is continue asserting his position with the clarity and conciseness he did tonight.

CNN is unquestionably marginalizing Edwards and this is unacceptable and clear to viewers that Clinton and Obama are the network's favored candidates.

CNN let Clinton and Obama go on far to long with their mud slinging.

After tonight, voters know Edwards is fighting for the middle class, wants to lift up low-income families and is against big money/corporate interests. After tonight, voters can clearly see his agenda has been consistent and Obama is ONLY about political answers and NEVER speaks consistently from the heart.

I hope Edwards keeps up tonight’s momentum.

Hiba

People who listen will recognize that among these candidates, John Edwards is the most earnest, honest, and serious candidate. If the American public can hear the three candidates in fairness and not just make it look like hillary and barak are running, the public will see how smart Edwards is and give him that rightful change to lead this nation. People who vote along loyalty to sex and race will sadly be dissappointed. Edwards must be on the ticket in November or else the democrats lose. JOHN EDWARDS is the best candidate for our next President!

Obama's rambling should have been cut. Wolf should have ended it. John Edwards was clearly not given equal time. Yet, I believe him to be the winner of the debate. CNN encouraged the battle between Clinton and Obama with the petty questions asked. Poor performance by CNN.

Overall impression... Obama is not ready. Hillary has a plan. Edwards is the only one who can beat John McCain.

John Edwards is definitely the person who has come out the winner tonight in my eyes. I'd want him in my corner every time. I would like to hear more discussion of what is specifically needed in education. Let's go John, your the closest to Kennedy I've seen. And I loved Kennedy

John Edwards should stay in this sfight for as long as he can. He is the adult who stands between two squabbling children who never answer questions because they are too busy hurling insults at each other. John Edwards on the other hand stays on topic, admits mistakes, and is able to maintaain the moral high ground at the same time.

If these primaries are to select the best candidates for President, let John Edwards be heard and send the children in their corners.

Sen. Edwards comes across as the most passionate and sincere of all democratic candidates when addressing the issues of poverty. Specifically, his desire is to eliminate poverty.
The solutions to any problem has to start with the vision. To me, eliminating poverty is a goal. I have not heard any candidate-specifically Edwards, describe the "vision" of what a poverty free democracy would look like. Only when this is addressed can we even start to discuss the viabilty of acheiving such a wondrous goal.

Respectfully,
Dennis

I've been rooting for Edwards for months before the primaries. As a member of the beleagured middle class, I think his message is right on the mark. Why aren't more people listening to him? I'm totally baffled. Even now, CNN is acting like Edwards wasn't even there.

I like Edwards.. but if he wants to be president, I need to see that he can be more aggressive, not just standing there. The republicans will eat him alive.

Looks to me like Edwards won all aspects of the debate. He might not be the best primary candidate, but he is clearly the best general election Democrat.

Edwards has done a great job tonight but I am faithfully to Obama. John actually said something other than "my parents worked in the mill" and "I don't take money from Lobbyist".

WTG John!!

He is the ONLY candidate who speaks to issues that affect the low and middle income americans AND is the ONLY candidate that will fight big business.

What a great ticket: Clinton/Edwards 2008! That will stop the Republicans and we can take back our country and end the war, fix the economy and tackle health care and immigration. Then, perhaps we can earn back some of the respect we have lost from the rest of the world.

I agree wholeheartedly that this definitely puts Edwards back in the game. The back and forth squabbling of Hillary and Obama, frankly makes me shudder and I believe is one of the reasons so many people have turned away from the democratic party in general. Thank God for John Edwards and I pray that he still has a shot at the nomination. He showed class, candor and character tonight, amidst the mayhem of two adults acting like preschoolers. Remember, after all, this is a presidential debate people! Act like presidential material.

African Americans are vital to this debate and to this country... The "Welfare Queen" image was on created by Ronald Reagan.... Paul, you've been duped by the Republicans.

Edwars is the only one who has an answer for the questions. The other two don't have an answer of their own.

If this is about issues, there's no question Edwards should be the nominee (particularly if Democrats wake up and think about NOVEMBER and not the feel-good media story), so hopefully Schneider is right on this. Clinton, the former young Republican, and Obama, he who is too young in terms of political experience, are grabbing the spotlight because the media loves a good race/gender tilt (see Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill, OJ/Nicole, and other previous ratings-getters...).

If there is change possible, from this debate so far, John Edwards has more to offer and I believe him........

I respect Wolf but I think that Anderson Cooper asked better questions and was more fair. The American people want to hear from John Edwards and not just back and forth between Hilary and Obama. Please give us real answers. If they do not answer the questions then ask it again.

Why have they not mentioned the border. A border agent was killed over the weekend and there is no word from these three.

My money's on Obama but, in truth, they all are doing pretty well. The big problem is that` there is really not that much distance between their respective positions. I think it's going to boil down to more of a beauty contest than anything else. And, yes, they all got a bit pissy at times but, hell, it's campaign and the stakes are huge.

Looks like WWF with 3 players in the ring.............strange kind of tag team wrestling...........who will win? Wolf is the ref..........control the ring!

I think CNN is NOT being very fair to Senator Edwards. Personally, I'm not an Edwards supporter; however, I've noticed that he is not getting a fair amount of talk time nor camera time.

Taniya

Edwards, in talking about economic benefits to blacks, sounds like the most socialist candidate we've had in a long time. For the party base, he's holding on as the candidate of the leftists even while Barak and Hillary are moving toward the middle.

NH proved that polls no longer count!

John Edwards looks and talks like a president. He is definitley the front runner tonight-Good luck John-we need you as our leader! Looking forward to you coming to Florida!

America needs to choose their next president caarefully. Experience counts...
I vote for a Hillary/John ticket....either way.........john is looking good tonight.

With all the fighting and mudslinging going on tonight, Edwards may have breathed new life into his cmpaign. Personally, I'm tired of the entire process. Seems these campaigns start the morning after the election, and we can't catch a break.

Who cares who the so-called underdog is?...Edwards has too much to say and offer to the American people to be labeled as thisand pushed out because of our superficial way of forming our incoming president. He has every right to keep fighting and I only admire him more because of what he stands for. Love Elizabeth, too.

Anne Marie,

Obama doesn't rattle. He gives deep and thought to his answers because he is being SINCERE. Something that most women, including Hillary Clnton, are not familiar with. So I don't balme you for your mischaracterization of him.

You should try putting your cultural bias' aside, and learn to listen to what the man is saying....You might learn something?

As of now your attitude is in the minority!

Go John, Go! Let them bicker on who's ice cream is better!

i dont think edward is coming or going anywhere.he has lost his momentum right from iowa.look at nevada he got his butt kicked like he said.he only got 4% of the vote.if iam edwards i would step down and endorse one of the candidates.and obviously the winning candidate who is none else but obama.he look so angry when tackling questions.we cant trust him as the president.he is scary.

i dont think edward is coming or going anywhere.he has lost his momentum right from iowa.look at nevada he got his butt kicked like he said.he only got 4% of the vote.if iam edwards i would step down and endorse one of the candidates.and obviously the winning candidate who is none else but obama.he look so angry when tackling questions.we cant trust him as the president.he is scary.

Hillary started out defending herself, as anyone should be entitled to do!! I know, Marcia Clark, hysterical. She's smart.... period.

THE SOUTH LOVES YOU JOHN!!!

Did Hillary & Barack kiss and make up during the break?

how many times has Obama said "hillary's right, etc......"

What does this debate teach you, CNN?? We need more coverage on John Edwards! Please do it.

Edwards is a FONY JACK, looking to hump the American people!

The 1st half winner is.....John Edwards.

Edwards kept his cool all evening and had some of the best policy arguments. Clinton and Obama were off key and then got too mushy in the sit-down portion of the debate. Edwards should gain some mileage from this debate. Perhaos the Richardson supporters will consider his candidacy more now.

I am sick of hearing about the "African-American" Get on with the "real" issues.
I know more single "white" mothers trying to work 2 jobs to keep the children fed, while "african-american" women are collecting welfare. This is TRUE!! I see it every day. Obama can't even give a straight answer to a question- he beats around the bush. Looks to me like Edwards is the "smart" one here. The other two are "picking" back and forth. What a joke this is.

only if the map you are referring to is designed to highlight a socialist regime. John Edwards actually said that the government should match the savings of low income families. ugh. we are already a hand-out, not hand-up, society. and he wants to make it worse?

Edwards looks like a President! Would make a great Cabinet member for Hillary!

I need to take a better look at Edwards will anyone else fight as hard for the working nation?

I wish Obama would answer a question without asking another or making a statement.

Robert in Ohio, are you a Republican? Because you sure sound like one. Hilary and Obama are taking up valuable time and not talking about real issues. They are acting like children, i wouldn't want one of them running the country. Edwards has CLASS

This is not a fair debate. This should be called the HIlary and Obama hour. The same questions, and the same amount of time should be given to all the canidates. It just seems to go back and forth between Hillary and Obama. Their should be no rebuttal until the end and they should have five to seven minutes. Is it any wonder that Joe Biden was not heard by the American people. We want actual answers to the questions not a political speech.

what he just said about single mothers is sooooooo true and happens daily and people need to wake up!!!!!

so far so good John Edwards,you really don't need to say anything with these two arguing. You are right on target with your views and all of the actions you will take as president, you speak for all of us that are living in poverty especially here in SC. I can't wait to vote Saturday. I have been a supporter of yours since the beginning of this race and tonight you have proved why. YOU GO JOHN ! Hello to Elizabeth.

Interesting, during the timed debate, my boyfriend and I took the times each candidate was given before they were initially prodded to stop talking and when they actually did. Here are the results for the totals:

Edwards
Blitzer told him to stop at 8minutes and 50seconds and he stopped after 14minutes and five seconds.
Clinton
Blitzer told her to stop at 16minutes and 35seconds and she stopped after 17 minutes and 75seconds.
Obama
Blitzer told him to stop at 18minutes and 35 seconds and he stopped after 21minutes and 50seconds.

Edwards isn't getting a chance but he is still dominating the debate.

How much more lame can Obama get with his comment regarding Edwards.

People..over 70% of African-Americans are middle class and above. I am a black physician and I am tired of the white candidates..and the white media describe my race as impoverished on Dr. Martin Luther King holiday. You are insulting..and racist.

i agree Elmar. She absolutely know what she is talking about. I am not sure the others do.

Sen. Edwards has caught my mind,i have been undecisive.I like what i hear about him.

I had not made up my mind until tonight. Starting tomorrow I will begin contacting all of my friends (black, white, old, and young) to ask them to please vote for John Edwards.

Class act!!!!

Clinton is not one to lead American from old Washington political. The leader to international respect and smart ledership is Obama. My vote is for Obama the new light of American. Just listen to his ideals and leadership.

president obama! the man who is and the man to be.he will win in sc with a landslide.hill is just bickering trying to undermine obamas candidacy by her baseless attacks instead of dealing with the policy issues.my advice to john is that he should humble himself and accept defeat.he is sweating too much trying to make a point.and he makes the point based on what the others are saying.poor john.

Edwards in 08 is the only way to go. I don't trust Obama or Hillary..

John Edwards is the only candidate that has consistently stayed on message. I believe he is the only one who can bring meaningful change because big business will not be able to buy him off. He really does care about the country and the people who are struggling to maintain the American dream!

Love John Edwards straight foreword no mumble jumble

We need a President who is going STRAIGHT FOREWORD

NOT NIT PICKING THROUGH A BUROCRACY WHO DOES
NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT AMERICANS STAND FOR.

HE IS PROVING HIS ABILITY WITH PATIENCE
WHILE LISTENING TO THE OTHER TWO PECKING AT
ONE ANOTHER AND WASTING TIME ON THE PODIUMS.
TENACITY IS A GREAT VIRTUE AND EDWARDS HAS IT.
HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY
NOT THE CORPORATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN STRANGLING
AMERICANS.

YOU NEED TO LET HIM SPEAK MORE THAN HE HAS BEEN ALLOWED
SO EVERYONE CAN LEARN ABOUT THIS HONEST
AND FORTHCOMING CARING PERSON WHO WOULD MAKE A
GREAT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
A CARING PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE NOT
HAD IN A LONG TIME.

Hey Dana,

All of your college friends must be bigots, if they re willing to vote republican just because a woman or African-American makes it to the ballot. How sad?

John Edwards has convinced me again, yet too many people like this back and forth backstabbing and name-calling between Clinton & Obama, THE PROBLEM is that people do not really want to hear or deal with the truth, which is what John Edwards is speaking about....WAKE UP PEOPLE ......Edwards is our only true choice and best choice to get our country back !!!!!

This is exactly what is wrong with out political system...Three canidates from the same party are acting like they are from opposing parties. Imagine any of these three trying to get something done with the Republican party in Washington. John is the most likable and calm demeanored canidate this evening.

WTG John!

Is Bill Schneider on break?

I hear a lot about american politics from the democrats and republicans. What abour real foreign politics of the US? I know it is not of interest inside the US, but the US is also the most important nation in the world, special for us in europe. What about foreign politics? Senator Rodham Clinton gave a statement in her speach on october 31, 2006 (Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's Remarks to the Council on Foreign Relaitions). What about all the other candidats? Thanks.
Elmar form Germany.

WHAT ARE HIS POINTS??????????????????????????????????????

WHY ARE YOU GIVING US WHETHER HE'S GONNA BE BACK ON THE MAP OR NOT SPECULATION?????????????????????

Edwards is clear and succinct. Obama is rattling on and on.

Edwards is looking better and better.

shame she is woman. she would definitely win. even women don't like her.
like she should be home. why waste such a brilling mind? regardless of her gender..

The corporate media is at again. They marginalized Kucinich at the debates he was allowed to attend even though he had the clearest ideas. Edwards has the best thought out policies of the remeaining candidates; but Wolf lets the other two jabber on about very little of substance.

I don't count out Edwards but I do believe, Obama and Edwards would make a good team...and speaking from a woman's point of view, Hillary is too power hungry...she makes me cringe. It wouldn't matter who was the President, Obama and Edwards would make a good team for the nation.

My, but Hillary is showing a nasty side! Can we live with four years of this?

Actually, I understand Barack's "present" votes. Would it be better to vote "no" to a bill you basically support because of a single provision that you strongly object to? If you did, wouldn't it be hard to explain your vote? If the bill failed and was rewritten, wouldn't you be accused of voting "no" before you voted "yes"? And if you voted "yes," wouldn't you be allowing a good bill to be harmed by a bad provision? Better to have it lose by a narrow margin and go back to committee to be fixed! I wish the Congress would operate like the Illinois legislature.

Edwards gave Barack a great opportunity to clarify this. Too bad he didn't respond adequately.

Even Edwards can't keep a straight face when he says "In my presidency..."
No chance.

Somebody please tell Wolfe Blitzer that if an Illegal gets sick and needs medical attention, we should put them on a Med-Flight to the nearest Mexican border town hospital and send the bill the Mexican Government for the service.

An average life flight is $6000. Multiply that by 12,000,000 and that could be a whole lot of revenue for our country, in lieu of them sucking up precious ER time needed for tax paying citizens.

I really hope the folks at CNN read these commentaries...
I was so proud of all of our Democratic candidates in the past debates... now I'm really concerned that we will all lose after tonite. Now we have to live through a week of every talking head recapping and replaying this junk. I understand Obama is angry and should be but everytime he answers he invokes Hillary's name. Then she has to answer... ad nauseum. I just hope that Edwards wins SC. AND why did they (CNN) decide that this particular forum was the one to have a no-rules and no time-limit debate? They didn't do this sort of thing in New Hampshire! Did they think that the predominately African American audience or the sponsoring Congressional Black Caucus would be more tolerant of a sloppy, mismanaged, and unfair 'debate' ?

Both Clinton and Obama have used Edwards' superior (and earlier developed)policies to build their own when they finally got around to addressing an issue. They have both obviously fallen into the awful, awful politics of personality that the media (CNN included – especially on the "race" issue) has pushed down our throats, deciding for all of us that the Democratic nomination was practically decided after ONE primary and TWO caucuses. We hope this public spectacle shows everyone which candidate spends time looking for answers to the people's problems and which ones spend time looking at themselves in the mirror or reading about what somebody else says about them.
Edwards in 08
from North Carolina

I am a 27 year old black female from SC and up until tonight I was deciding between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Then the debate started and I got sick of the petty squabbling between the two of them and started thinking about Edwards... But then he and Hillary began double teaming Obama and it getting to be ridiculous. I have at least 50 co-workers (all black females24-35) at my home watching the debate and we have all decided to vote undecided on Jan 26 because it seems all 3 candidates have forgotten whats important and I promise you it's not making the other look bad. What if more people took the stance we have chosen and decide to vote undecided....just something to think about!!

Hey Wolf, WHAT RULES?!?

John Edwards is the clear choice to clean up the Bush Mess! Go John! You have got my vote here in South Carolina!

None of the three candidates have stated how / who will pay for the Universal Health Care. The country already has universal health care form Americans 65 and older it is called medicare. That system will be broke within 30 years. As anyone knows who pays the medicare tax it is quite expensive. Your reporters or correspondents need to ask each candidate how they plan to pay for thier plans/ with a trillion dollar defecit; Also will Hillary clinton's plan involve the US. Goverment paying for all health care costs? Americans are already taxed enoiugh. Even though I am a democrat . I am paying over 30% of my income in federal state and local taxes, and cannot afford any additional tax burdens. All the candidates need to have a honest discussion on this crlitical policy; and tell the American people how they plan to pay for health care for over 250 million people.

Thanks

The moderator needs to take control of this debate. Its ridiculous, 2 grown folks bickering like high schoolers

I agree with Kaye,...it's difficult for Obama to adress the issues without being pulled back down by both Clinton's with their personal attacks. It is both disstracting to the public's ability to make honest assessments and choices and unfair to the democratic process.

Please stop the nonsense of Obama and Hillary! I have lost respect for both and for goodness sake give Edwards equal time. He appears to be the most emotionally stable.

It is obvious that Edwards is turning from ganging up on Hillary and moved on to Obama. SC is his last stand and he needs to take votes from Obama.

This may be the wrong blog for this comment, but once Wolf finally ended his stating of the rules it has turned into a good debate. Complements to CNN for the best debate of the season. Thanks. Gary, Waterloo, IA

Finally Edwards is getting the spotlight he deserves. We need change in this country

Yes, Nich...Blitzer is killing me! He should be fair!

Edwards is coming to the forefront, how refreshing

saturday I vote, as do many of my neighbors in this usual republic state. That said, I recently decided to give my vote to Hillary instead of Edwards. I like Edwards, but Hillary has the experience in particular with foriegn policy. It will take someone with her expertise, contacts and experience to do damage control on how overseas nations view america.

Well said Dorothy!

Hillary is was set back on her toes a few time by Obama and it was needed. Edwards is okay, but one debate is not going to win me over. He didn't have to deal with what Obama had to from the Clintons...yet. After tonight the Clintons are going to start on Edwards. Edwards is doing well because the Clintons don't see him as a real threat.

i am saying that you have worked out a plan or the debt is foregiven, but you will have to pay income tax on the foregiven amount...i don't think that is fair .....you will just have another dept to pay....thanks

Hillary was given 30 seconds....she just took 5 minutes! Blitzer has zero control...but it almost looks like it is intentional. Edwards tried to run for President 4 years ago and wound up running as Kerry's VP. It looks like he has either been promised that by Bill C. or that it is already the agreement between he and Hillary. This has been anything but a debate, and Anderson Cooper and Tim Russert were far better moderators!

Why are you people excluding John Edwards? 30 seconds is 30 seconds!!!! Give me a break! You all are so sure in your minds that there are only 2 candidates that you keep ignoring John. He, Is, after all the best qualified to help the people who need help. Let us hear what we know he stands for. Get over it, again, there are 3 candidates not 2.

h

The more they brag the less credible they are. Who cares if Billary went to Iraq three times? Focus on the future!

Hillary is looking like a mud slinger tonight. Obama is holding his own and taking a stance. I like that he thinks outside the box and opens up discussion on every issue, and I am not a Democrat. Obama is a thinker, he gets you to listen to his ideas and that is why it takes him forever to answer a question. That is actually a strength. Edwards is covertly siding with Obama tonight. Perhaps Edwards is deciding who he may form a union with if he does not win the nomination? Hillary sounds like a rehearsed politician...blah, blah, blah...This is the best reality TV.

Edwards favors single-payer health care. Get the pharmaceuticals and private insurance carriers out of dictating our health care system.

Poor babys...Hillary, Barack, John, there is not a snowballs chance in.... for one of these sickos to become president. If it should happen, say a prayer that during the swearing in ceremony on Jan 20, 2008 is the day the emd comes. It will be our only salvation.

It could get Edwards back on track because he has changed his position from attacking Hillary clinton with baseless acusation, but has focused on questioning Obamas voting record in the state senate. He has not done any damage to Hillary clinton with previous attacks, so now he is focus on taking a shot at Obama, and I feel is working.

Edwards needs and deserves equal time both in this debate and by the media. If more people could actually hear him speak, they would see how motivated and inspirational he truly is. He has a plan. He knows how to work for the American people and he obviously has a presidential demeanor – unlike the other two! Yeah for John Edwards!! He has my vote!

she knows exactly what she is talking about . she knows the battle(s). she already knows how the bureaucracy works and how HARD change . It starts with economy and she has it!!!! Again, poor Obama.

John Edwards is liked by many of my fellow college students over the two other argumentative candidates. If Senator Clinton or Obama win the democratic nomination, many democrats will vote republican and the democratic party will have made the biggest mistake in the parties' history. The two frontrunners of the party are simply not electable. I plead with the broadcasting corporations to give an electable candidate (JOHN EDWARDS) a chance to TALK!!

These aren't pot shots. They are breaking each other down. do it!

It's not too late for Edwards.

Remember that we still have Super Tuesday coming up with a gazillion votes up for grabs.

He's the only one who is actually answering the question without having o have a go at the other candidates.

GO JOHNNY GO!!!

There she goes again. STOP IT HILLARY

When are we going to address the fact that we have spent 100+billion dollars on the war and yet we have done little to rebuild this nation from Katrina, our nation is in ruins and the international opinion of our country is in dire distress, when will we begin to discuss this?

Senator Clinton: Blah Blah Blah. economy. Blah Blah Blah healthcare. Blah Blah Blah he's pciking on me. Blah Blah Blah.

If I were Edwards communications person I would put a new poster out right away. It would be Edwards in the middle with Hillary on one side and Barack on the other, both screaming. He justs stands there smiling with his arms folded across his chest with the slogan "Need I say more?"

I still think it is time for Barrack to address all the negative misinformation the Clintons have put out him. I wish Michelle Obama would have taken them on though so Barack can stay above the fray.

I feel the politicians are mistaking our concern with the economy, as being the usual complaints. To me the real problem is how big money is warping our democracy by replacing "money power" as the main power, rather then respect for the "collective sovereign citizens judgment" as the ultimate seat of power. In our current government's actions I see government for the corporations who are heavy donors rather then government being by and for the (average joe) people. I see this as the problem that must be answered first superseding all others except the frauds in vote tabulating; or our Democratic experiment has ended. Edwards is the only one who talks about this as being a problem, however I am not convinced that he would be able to save our nation, but at least he recognizes the risks involved.

At this point I would love to hear them tell the voters what they can do for Americans rather than what the others won't do. Tell me why I should vote for you, not why I shouldn't vote for the other.

Time them and have a bell ring when their time is up, microphones get turned off.

Amen! Jen

This is the only time Obama can defend himself against allegations. Alot of you seem to want him to take the beating from the Clintons. He is sticking to the point by setting Hillary straight, because she downs him during every question. This is the best I have seen him do. I thought he was a little soft and it concerned me. Now I feel sure. I do wish I could see Edwards more though, he is my second option. He (Edwards) doesn't sound as angry and I appreciate it.

John Edwards is the best candidate from either party.

I am tired of the democratic debates focusing on Hillary and Obama and their differences.....Let John Edwards be heard.....This is something that is not being done in the democratic debates or in the news media - all you hear is Hillary and Obama - give John Edwards a chance and he will win states....it is a given that when voters who do not know what the candidates are all about go to the polls they will vote for a name they have heard every time they turn on the news. Give John Edwards the same coverage and time on the news and debates as Hillary and Obama.

I like Edward better than Obama.

Let me start I have not voted since Algore was running. In the beginning of this election season I have found interest to vote. Now I'm getting discourage because we have 2 candidates that wants to stand up there and go back and forth bickering about some crap I don' t even care about. tell them to get to the issues that are more important, this is not about what they did 100 years ago this about what they can do for the future of this country. I have 3 kids coming up in this day and age and I want to know with them in the white house will I be able to provide for them as a parent suppose to. George Bush era is killing me. And one more point I have upmost respect for Bill Clinton but his time up and Hillary needs to tell Bill to stay home.

Mr. Schneider-

As a 20-year-old female of the voting population, born and raised in the city of Chicago, and of Panamanian and Filipino descent, I'm weighing in.

In response to the quarreling that occurred (and may continue to occur during the debate) between Obama and Clinton is really the type of thing that can damage them both in the eyes of voters who have not yet been swayed. With that said, I would like to mention that I find it extremely disappointing that Senator Clinton's constant irrelevant and false claims against Obama are in fact affecting the opinions of voters who hear them. I find the masses to be easily swayed by language that is powerful and alarming, and Obama has a right to snap back and clarify the sound bites that the Clintons seem to ignorantly misunderstand, and use to skew his character. I'm quite surprised that he gave in so deeply to the heat; he tends to seem very calm and collected.

Nonetheless, Clinton and Edwards seem to be ganging up on him, and the only person being negatively affected overall is Obama. He seems to be losing his concentration because he's consistently defending himself.

GREAT TV though. More entertaining than the Giants/Packers playoffs game yesterday. AWESOME.

I want to hear more from Edwards. Clinton is spending too much time attacking Obama, and Obama just keeps babbling.

Hopefully this country will get sick of watching Hillary and Barack with their attack dogs out, and turn to the real winner–John Edwards. Go John!

PS: WOLF.....please give edwards equal time.....this is unfair.

Edwards is far and away the best candidate. Of the three, I'd want him fighting for me.

No kidding, if there was ever an illustration of the media's ignoring John's important candidacy, this is it. Thirty minutes into the debate they finally let him speak and he burns the other two candidates unbelievably, then continues to prove he has the best ideas for America. The middle class will never have a more committee advocate in the White House.

This is becoming too painful to watch! Sen. Edwards is the only candidate who is effectively communicating his position on key issues, while maintaining his integrity by staying out of the petty bickering. Go Edwards!

The IQ of any of these debaters is greater than the Iq of all of the Repubs put together! Now that I am done being snarky- Edwards seems to have the most logical handle on the facts and the real solutions. Consider this-insurance companies have billions of dollars at stake and probably millions of stockholders and surely tens of thousands of employees whose investments and jobs will be at stake if national healthcare is implemented. They comprise a formidible opponent of any change in the system. Only Edwards is admitting to facing off against them. Hillary and Oback are talking about working with the special interests. As John says-to think the insurance companies will cooperate in their own downfall is folly. Barack has a commercial out that says if we want to change we have to change Washington, can't be serious if he isn't willing to go against those interests that provide most of the campaign money to out politicians. The logic is inescapable, even though I am torn between Hillary and Oback as the candidate that I would like to most see as president. Obviously it is not related to who is the most intelligent. Maybe I should be for Edwards.

Edwards can make up real ground if this trend continues.. Barack "John has been honest"... does this imply something different from him and Hillary???

Edwards is poised, in control and performing better than the other two combined.

poor obama does not have a clue.............

Edwards is a good man!! His heart is in the right place....

He & Hillary do seem to be tag teaming!!

Edwards seems to be the authority on Universal Healthcare among these candidates.

The Clinton strategy is to mischaracterize Obama's positions and fire so many accusations at him that he stays busy explaining why what she said is false and has no time to answer questions and run his campaign. Edwards strategy is to "build" upon what the other two candidates have said. He always says he wants to go "further" than they did. He loves to act like the nice guy when they are in a back and forth, but he loves to attack them when he can get in a quick shot. This dynamic is ridiculous and unhealthy. I feel physically sick.

John Edwards is the only one acting presidential tonight. Go John!!!

I think we as voters need to focus on the real issues at hand, Im tired of hearing how the first black man could be elected president or the first woman can be elected as president.
My fear is that voters will vote for the FIRST and not for the best person to lead this country. I hope that people will take the time to thoroughly think of how each candidate plans to lead all americans before they cast their precious vote!

This is a good debate on the main issue of the day. The Economy.

Agreed, Edwards is going to come out the best choice, if the debate keeps on going on like this. Obama and Hillary are being stupid. Still it seems the public loves Obama . CNN seems to not like Edwards and like Obama.

Amazing how the they all say how they voted... or could not vote... just voted presented...

Not one of the 3 indicated they they represent a people who voice they
are articulating in the way they vote.

I am guessing that all the wonderful people of IL were just present and did
not have a vote or opinion on the matters at hand.

And

The same for the people of NY and South Caroline.

If their voices were not heard and acted on before why would you believe
any of the 3 would do differently in DC?

And so the game continues.

You are exactly right Bill, Edwards is making impressive responses. Edwards could remain silent tonight and win this debate. The squabble between Hillary and Obama is really turning me off. I may even take a second look at Edwards

Yes BK, Edwards is back in the race, but I think he will split the votes. He is doing well. I like his honesty saying "none of the three plans cover that"

EDWARDS IS the geniune deal and he has got the intelligence and MOST importantly aftter the debaucle of putting up with John Kerry....he is fed up as are most americans in this country!

WE have to insist that the media begin to give edwards equal time.....democracy is in jeopardy when as soon as edwards began openly criticizing corporations his message began to loose air time. lets bring edwards back. the rest of these jokers want to be President for "other" reasons...and I for one–am sick of it.

Undecided until tonight....i'm now pushing for Edwards...God bless the underdog!

Edwards has always been the candidate with the best plans and the first plans. Billary and Obama have both copied his plans and his talking points. This man is running for President because he cares about the people of this country. It is such a shame that he gets ignored by the media.

Boy, this is REALLY like a sports bowl (i.e. Ballot Bowl 2008). I think that maybe it's more like a boxing match! Hillary punches, Obama punches and a count starts! Go Hillary! Show these guys that women can stand up for themselves and play their "political" game or boxing match as well as they can! You go, girl! Remember, black men got the right to vote before white women ever did! Now, it's womens' turn to go first!

I am sick of the Clinton lies, mis-statements, innuendos and back-stabbing politics. This only helps the Republicans and destroys the Democratic Party. As of tomorrow I am writing every Democratic Senator to ask them to use their influence to put an end to this or if the Clintons will not stop, I hope the Senators will withdraw support for Hillary Clinton.
Any one running for the Presidency has the ability to put an end to such ugly politics, it is clear Hillary Clinton approves such lies, or they would not have continued for so long.
As of tomorrow I am resigning as a 45 year Democrat and will join the "Lou Dobbs Independents". I have had a gut full of this garbage!

How the heck are any of these three going to team up to form a strong ticket if they fight like this?

I'd like to see John Edwards get a much-needed bump in both news coverage and voter polling. I'm basing that statement on the John Edwards I came to know in the last presidential election. I found him an articulate, passionate candidate four years ago. Has he changed so much? How? Any thoughts from Democrats or independents on why JE is performing so poorly in the primaries?

I wish I could hear more from John Edwards – I also would like Wolf to do a better job of keeping the candidates on track with the questions asked – I want to know all that I can about the candidates on issues that face the middle class and senior citizens.

Hillary 08 Edward VP, right on!!!!

This debate is more exciting than last night football playoff game between N.Y. Giants and Green Bay Packards.

Obama talks about a plan but I don't see the details and WHO is paying......

edwards is the only one looking presdential

This is a brilliant strategy by Edwards. Shrug off the nonsense and handle the real issues. He may garner my vote.

Hey John, I'm in California, will my vote count? I'd like both Clinton and Obama to tell me face to face what they plan to do to help my family. My husband and I have a sub-prime mortgage and a college student who will not have health care through my employer when he turns 23 in March
stop the mud slinging and get to the issues.

How can we get a topic talked about during a debate? We on the MS Gulf Coast and all affected by Hurricane katrina are getting killed by the high insurance rates!! Like the mortgage crisis, many families are losing or trying to sell their homes because the insurance rates are so high many can no longer afford the notes!! I am a new homeowner that no insurance company like State Farm, All State, and Nationwide would write a policy for after Katrina. In the past year I have watched my homeowners rate go from $4800 on a $272,000 home to over $7100...so not only did they not pay policy owners after Hurricane Katrina, but now they are making more $$ by sticking it to the new homeowner or the homeowner that had to buy a new home because their other home was destroyed by Katrina...I worry for our country that just as we have been treated here on the MS Gulf Coast by the insurance companies, other areas that could be hit by a disaster could go through the same nightmare we have if some kind of insurance reform isn't made!!

Bill,
Edwards sounds like a mature grown-up in this debate.
I know that attacks had to come up , especially in this close,close elections.

This back and forth thrust and parry is good in fencing but doesn't go towards discussing solutions.
Clinton and Obama had better be looking at John McCain.
Moderates and Independents are locked out of the political parties and they ARE HUNTING FOR A CANDIDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kentaurei

The MODERATOR is doing a "crappy job".

This does NOT happen on MSNBC. Why does Wolf let them fight? Ask them questions and make them answer.

STOP THIS CHILDISH FIGHTING.

Gooooooooooo Edwards. He alone is acting Presidential and in control.

I've been looking for the reason to get behind Edwards. If he, dare I say it, be the one to focus on issues and not personalities, he comes out of this smelling like roses and gets much needed support.

I support Obama, but Jhon won the debate.
good luck
Obama

The last volley of words Edwards had with Obama helpped to put things back on track. I think this debate might have been better if there were a few more controls.

I would like to see Edwards win this state and make it a 3 way race to Super Tuesday.

The debate has left – once again – John Edwards out entirely. I think that CNN is prejudiced against John Edwards and I would like to know why?? Too much time is being spent on the Hillary-Obama attacks and if this is the direction that the media wants to take, I think the DNC needs to file a complaint against the media for tying to contol the outcome of this election without having the guts to take other candidates seriously. It makes me want to go Republican...

Edwards is making good points. Hillary talks to much and is too rhetorical. Obama is a great speaker and would be a great presidential candidate too. Maybe Barack and Edwards should run together.

Can't we all just try and get along? That being said, There is still Iraq, China, all of the middle east, and spending money HERE in the US to fight AIDS and other illnesses that Americans can't afford meds for. America First, the rest of the world second.

Wolf
Please give equal time

Yes, but who is INITIATING the squabbles? I am a registered Republican, and consequently unbiased while watching this debate.....but it is so obvious to me which candidate is doing the most mudslinging. Obama has to constantly come to his own defense (which makes him unable to address the real issues), because SHE is relentlessly and unprofessionally constantly on his case!

the two front runners!? its like watching girls bicker over homecoming queen! lets make way for the guy who actually cares about the issues!

Specificity candidates! Edwards is showing a great ability to zero in, and address an issue.

Hillary 08 Edwards V.P.

As soon as the mud starts flying, it's like a snow, er, mudball. You can't stop it. The best thing any of them can do is to not dignify such attacks with a response ... take the high road, just once, take the high road.

I hope this helped Edwards, we need him at the convention with delegats.

I know it looks like Obama is attacking her, but what else is he to do? Continue to let her lie? He has to let he and the country know what the truth is.

Amy - you are on Target!!!

I WANT a plan......I want someone who understands the target of the president's leadership and can tackle what we need ........... a LEADER

Why does CNN let wolf moderate these things? He is absolutly the worst moderator we have seen–and we have watched them all. It so obvious that he is a Hillary supporter that it is sad. Does he know how to say stop? Hillary gets at least 3to 1 time that barak does and about 10 to 1 Edwards. I would throw something at the TV except its my tv!!
CNN get a moderator!!!
Let Edwards talk!!!

Regarding the prior comment, "CNN doesn't want Edwards in the running." Perhaps the woman vs. black man story line is so easy they don't want to have to think about publicizing that Edwards has a plan and is willing to fight for someone beyond the special interests.

The so-called debate has gone on for 45 minutes and I've actually turned off the station twice. This is not a debate this is an oppportunity for Senator Obama to show his teeth to Senator Clinton for past grievances and for the two of them to have the argument face-to-face that they've been leading up to all week. They should do this on their own time.

Meanwhile John Edwards is looking really good. Bottom-line... it's time for the moderator to moderate. Except that announcing the 'no rules' format, CNN is probably reaping exactly what they wanted – a Jerry Springer show in prime time.

Tedious to the n'th degree. Get on with it.

this is exactly why the republicans will win! Where is the what are u going to do for us ? Most Americans have no clue or done care about these little you said she said! Edwards looks more presidential ? Wow

preditory/paydaydayloans if lenders work out a payoff they will get a 1099 form IRS is this Fair.....thanks

the voters DO NOT NEED YOU OPINION ON WHO'S GONNA WIN OR LOSE OF GAIN OR ANYTHING!!!! WE WANT TO KNOW WHO HAS WHAT PLAN ON WHAT ISSUE, FOR GOODNESS SAKE, GET IT????????????????????????????????

Hillary tries to act like she was the first with the universal health care plan. Let's be for real.

Clinton attacks Obama, Obama speaks in generalities, Edwards is the only one saying anything of substance.

Agreed. And Edwards is doing it again–being thoughtful and energetic outside of the Clinton-Obama fight.

It's pretty cool that he's confronted Obama on his "present" (not yes or no) votes just minutes ago...

This bickering is going to divide the party and make people not want to vote at all – leaving the way for the Republicans. Clinton started the attacks and she needs to put a stop to it. Edwards is really the only one who is actually concerned about "us."

Obama and Clinton have had their time to throw childish insults back and forth. Now it's time to shut up and get to the real issues.

Yes Edwards looks good – but I think it's a little too late.

Hillary and Barack are not demonstrating they know how to initiate / maintain change even before the election.

I had hoped to go to bed at 9:00, but I thought that the debate would keep me up. So far, I won't have to miss any sleep. This back-and-forth is ridiculous.

As I watch this debate I am embarrassed for the democratic party. I'm reminded of the ugliness, I too quickly forgot, of the Clintons. Hillary looks like a pit bull and this election has not brought out Bill's "better side" – yuck! ...at this moment, I am not inspired – just embarrassed for the democrats and seriously considering the integrity of a man named John McCain. Let's hope this primary gets back to inspiration and hope and away from this Clinton mud slinging!

...your right, John Edwards looks to be back in the game!

Showing up and voting records with concise judgment needs to be recognized as a true virtue of a leader.

Oh; I agree. Edwards is in this for the long haul.

sad thing we aren't smart enough in this country to get focused on what really matters.

Edwards looks more presidential than the two teenagers who are in a personality conflict. I just made my decision.

this just might make me rethink voting for Obama for someone else.

Neither Edwards or Clinton was ever in a State Legislature.

HIT THAT ONE RIGHT ON THE HEAD!

I agree. Edwards seems to be the one who is making important points, while Hillary and Barach seem more concerned with the campaign. Edwards has always been appealing for not being bought by the corporate interests. It seems if you really want to change the way things work in Washington – vote for Edwards.

John Edwards is the only candidate the is presenting a plan to accomplish what he is proposing, and remarkably, is able to get that point across in between the continous bickering between Sens. Clinton and Obama.

This bickering will make me vote for a Republican.
They are making George Bush look good–at least his bumbling made you laugh. This is like a playground!

Sounds like Edwards is getting into the brawl as well- and is not listening to the other candidates as much as the other two.

This is fun!

Edwards has to be LOVING this!! Nobody is listening to BO or HC anymore.

As a black man I feel very offended by remarks by Sen. Hillary Clinton aided and abetted by Bill Clinton.
I am now convinced that Clinton will be losing her support base from Black Americans and I will ensure that our students in colleges and universities around the nation throw their support for Sen. Obama.

here goes your hopeful. Democrats are shooting themselves in foot. McCain can cut through this like butter.

bill you are correct, Edwards is a good man

I THINK JOHN EDWARDS IS COMING OUT OF THIS LOOKING MORE PRESIDENTIAL THAN EITHER OF HIS TWO RIVALS. ALSO HILARY CLINTON IS DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO LOSING BLACK SUPPORT PERMANENTLY.

Well, I certainly hope that you are correct, Mr. Schneider. I want to see Sen. Edwards gain some ground. Edwards is the man I would like to vote for in the presidential elections.

Looks like Hillary and Edward have decided to tag-team Barack all of a sudden.

I love seeing Edwards attack either of the front runners. The straight answers Hillary is asking for are the ones I'd like to see come from her. Obama's vote record does not seem particularly relevant to me, or anybody else's in that case. I expect Edward to hit hard on the bickering that, frankly, is neither Barack's nor Hillary's fault.

Clinton Edwards 2008

When prospective presidents fight on each other records its a waste of their time and the time of the viewers. If they have to fight then they should fight on HOW THEY CAN SOLVE PROBLEMS, on the policy themselves..

Edwards is talking smart, respectfully and makes perfect sense!!

O no. He is getting in there. Not very smart.

Edwards is the only one talking about a specific plan. He's also the only one willing to fight the large corporate interests, insurance companies, oil companies, etc.

Time to boot out the Haliburton opportunists and remind the eight figure insurance executives they can't buy everything.

Edwards looking really good tonight!!!

so much for the future of this country!

I think Hillary is just trying to point out that Obama has pulled the wool over people's eyes with his ideology, but in reality, he has no plan, he waffles, he's indecisive and doesn't appear with his defensiveness to have what it takes to be the president and really know how to lead this nation back into better economic times. She's just pointing out his lack of experience and real know-how....

Obama & Clinton sound like a couple of children with their he said she said. One of the worse debates I've ever watched. Wolf Blitzer should be banned from moderating b/c he does nothing to help matters.

So this has been fun. But, it is time to get back to the real stuff.

Edwards is getting in the dog fight

Edwards IS an underdog. The other two know it, and they don't feel threatened by him. That's why they're marginalizing him. But unfortunately for Obama and Clinton, it's making them look bad.

Why aren't the Clinton's making their income tax return available?

Barack is back peddeling

John Edwards is definitely representing himself well considering the nonsense between Obama and Clinton. Hillary seems to be hitting low which seems unnecessary because when she talks about the issues she shines.

Hillary and Barak are involved in "he said, she said", and are losing sight of the question at hand

I agree with Bill absolutely; Edwards is making the other two look like whiny schoolkids.

Sorry but I am from NC and John Edwards is the furthest on my mind. If anyone is really going to vote for him, I do not agree and I feel sorry for them. HE has done nothing for NC.

Hillary – is tearing them up!

I feel the Mr. Obama is not being truethfull the the American public ,and if he continues to get angery on the air when he is in debate he is going to lose.

I am not going to Vote for a person that is going to start a fiight so that Mrs. Clinton will get angry too.

It is so sad that he started to mud sling right off the bat..I looked at what mr.Obama has done ,and that is nothing.

thank you

jIM

It looks like Hillary and Barack will tear each other up and allow Edwards to pull more voters his way.

Straight answers are needed by all the candidates and America needs help not more lies gee we've had enough pain from George W. Bush for generations to come. Obama looks like policy debates really upset him. Edwards does seem to be leveling the field for the poor and working class. We just need to project a stronger democratic view.

After watching this debate–I'm wondering what Michael Bloomberg is doing!

Edwards seems more focused than the other two. He came here with a plan to concentrate on policy. As long as he does not get stuck in the back and forth game he should do fine.

Great performance by Edwards compared to Hillary and Obama.

Why is Hillary talking about Obama's records in the past when she has no record of anything to show that is good for America...HIllary knows she can get beat by him and she gets upset and start on him instead of giving us the vision that they want to do to fix America.

I believe Hilary hinted at it best when she said that Obama always attacks the Clinton's but when he is attacked he turns to the audience and says that he wants a hands off campaign. Does he think that the President won't be attacked by the media and republican party? Does he think that he can attack his fellow candidates and not be attacked back? Welcome to real life politics Senator Obama.

I love seeing Edwards attack either of the front runners. The straight answers Hillary is asking for are the ones I'd like to see come from her. Obama's vote record does not seem particularly relevant to me, or anybody else's in that case. I expect Edward to hit hard on the bickering that, frankly, is neither Barack's nor Hillary's fault.

Sen. Obama voted 133 times 'present' in Illinois. That is wishy-washy.

Mr. Blitzer – please take control of this debate. Follow the lead of Anderson Cooper from a previous debate (Youtube?).

I love Obama, but can't stand the mudslinging that he's engaged in. He is better than this! Voters don't care about political in-fights. That does not affect our lives in any way.

Hillary is acting like the bitter mean girl in high school! Anyone remember "Election" with Reese Witherspoon?

Obama and Clinton are fighting big time and voters are getting turned off; I wouldn't be suprised if Edwards soars in the polls and gets the nomination now. This is just giving more ammunition to other parties and its just not great for either party. I really believe that the Democrats lost the election at 7:28 PM when the fighting began.

I think it is time for Barack Obama answered all the allegations by the Clintons.

I live in Canada....so I won't be voting but i love watching on t.v Clinton and Obama duking it out but I don't like it politicaly.

edwards won already

The back and forth between Obama and Clinton is embarrassing. Edwards is the only real candidate in the debate.

Edwards is the only one debating the ISSUES! Go John!!

Get John more TV time...God knows he needs the exposure, Obama and Hildog are everywhere in the news......John deserves more coverage

I absolutely agree. This exchange between Obama and Clinton is unbecoming to both candidates. Edwards, on the other hand, is dealing with the important issues and handling himself in a more presidential manner.

You guys are not treating Jonn Edwards likes he's also running

Let the two of them go at it – at least they are being HONEST about how they feel rather than hiding it behind false words...

I am tired of the dancing - ANSWER the questions??

You are doing what all the pundits do – when Hillary is intentionally misleading, even lying, and Barack tries to set the record straight, you blame him as well as her. This is why she and Bill are doing this – they get away with it whether Barack responds or not. If he does, you characterize him as though he is like them. He is clearly not! It's obvious that he's honest, decent, sincere, and has no hidden agenda.

Wolf should change the format to 5-7 min responses, but give Edwards equal time. The 90-seconds soundbite crap is useless for political debate of any type. Give democracy a chance CNN.

I am glad the candidates are ignoring the time limits, but upset Edwards is not getting his fair time again.

I think you will see Edwards start to make a huge move forward

Obama has a lot of "uh's" and doesn't sound presidential to me. He sounds defensive. Hillary is confident.

It seemed like Obama saying that he felt bad for Edwards was a bit of a shot at him...a little passive-aggressive.

Hillary and Obama need to call it quits on this! This squabbling is crazy and distracting! STICK TO THE ISSUES!!

it sure could! I'm getting so tired of the bickering that Edwards is looking like the best choice.

Can someone put John Edwards in the middle so at least he might be on camera?

I agree. Watching Hillary and Obama go back and forth is irritating.

Wow, can this get any worse?

He's the only one who seems to really care about the American people.

I think the debate demonstrates that CNN doesn't want Edwards in the running.

Edwards is making great use of the time he gets, and he's definitely going to have a good number of seconds of true responses in the highlight reel full of bickering.

I wish they can talk about the issues....Edwards is going to be the winner

media squabbles...............talk is cheap.....................

They are getting petty now

the big 2 are shooting themselves in the feet.

love John tonight!

John Edwards has the best plans and the most passion of any of the candidates... he should be leading the field

Who is Edwards?!?

CNN is making this debate primarily for Obama and Hilary. They should have put Edwards in the middle

Maybe the reform in bankruptcy laws has led us this this current mess by making banks feel more secure in making subprime loans

John Edwards' progressive ideas are right for America now. The mainstream media has overly focused on Obama/Clinton. Go John!

Yes...Edwards may be the public choice.

So, far I think Edwards is winning just for trying to answer the questions. Clinton and Obama need to leave the personal stuff alone and out of this debate.

Edwards makes more sense than the two of them together.

Edwards seems like the best canidate to me. I think Robert in OH is completely wrong!

its about time they cut through the rhetoric and get to the difference betwen the candidates. it is time to fight and it is good for the american people to see this. this is politics,

Hillary just took a low blow and the audience booed her. That'll teach her. Instead of making others look negative, make yourself look possitive!

Finally see a reason for him being there.

John Edwards.. is only one i believe Dr King would have approved of on this day

Edwards is talking about ISSUES and Hillary and Obama sling mud at each other!

I agree, good job edwards.

I agree that Edwards is taking the high road and looks more presidential. But I think Obama has to respond to the vicious attacks leveled by Clinton. She spins and distorts – she's so deceitful!

Why is it that Obama just keeps attacking Hillary? It seems that he refuses to stay on the topic at hand.
Stop the verbal attacks and lets talk about the REAL issues.

Edwards just has to sit back and he'll have won this debate

thats not going to be good for hillary

Wolf,

Please keep the questions unbaised.

Thank you,

John

Edwards alone....looks and sounds Presidential. I do not like what Hillary and Barak are doing.

Stupid Wolff Blitzer should let Edwards speak more.

I think the debate just emphasizes that Edwards is not in the running.

Edwards makes more sense then the two of them together!

why do people turn elections into boxing matches

Edwards NEEEEEEDS to win SC!!!!! GO JOHNNY!!!!

This isn't good for the democrats no matter which candidate you support, unless you are for Edwards. To say that neither Hillary or Obama looks presidential is being generous.

Hillary is clearly showing the depth and breadth of her intellect over Obama – she is specific and clear while all he does is talk in grandiose terms with large platitudes.

Nice – Edwards just called Obama on some false statement.

I strongly agree. After seeing Senator Edwards several times up here in NH, he is the most committed to change and helping our country repair and heal itself.

i would agree but hes not getting the face time

YES!! He has a full plan... very well thought out - what about an Edwards, Obama ticket?

Here's the problem-so many arrows being fired between the three, what is the public to believe? Give them all lie detector tests. Betcha they all fail!!

yah I was just joking with my mom that Edwards could win this, but now its not so much of a joke. These two are fighting and John Edwards is making points. But now Hilary's pulling her I'm a woman and i can take this stuff. Ok, so what? Give us your points not your excuses!

Edwards IS the underdog. Look at the Nevada primary.

yeah...maybe Edwards might out 10% of the vote

Edwards is committed to people of middle and lower income.

Absolutely. Although I am currently a Clinton supporter, I am open-minded enough to leave my vote options open to the candidate who will do the most to help ME and others like me.

i don't like this debate format, it's letting the candidates talk and talk and never answer the question. i mean hillary is now talking about taking heat, who cares? why don't we talk about something that people actually care about.

Edwards is looking good, Hillary should shut up. They let her talk too long.
Obama, just be honest.

go john go!!

I dont' think so...he sounds like a little child whinning cause he wants more attention...

He shouldn't be there, look at the Nevada numbers, obviously this has become a two person race.

Makes Edwards look like an underdog, too, which is usually well received.

Edwards just gets in the way, lets see the two front runners duke it out!