CNN

Some people who have a speech problem tend to take their time when speaking. I not saying that Obama has a speech problem but I have noticed long before the debates started that he stutters from time to time when he tries to respond in a hurry in a little bit of time. I can only speak for myself I don't always have a quick ready answer before a question has been asked. In these debates they are expected to be quick with all the answers to questions and most of them really don't have anything to do with the issues. I don't like the same old rehearsed responses that a candidate uses in their stump speeches it plays out after a while. Debates are only a part of it anyway it is up to the voters to get the facts and not to rely on the candidates to speak truthfully about their competitors records.

Regarding the nastiness, Obama started it with the Hillary "being on the board of Walmart..." line.

But what tends to get lost in the post debate discussions, is substance. For example, Hillary had this to offer to a predominant Black – Obama supporting audience: The average income for African-Americans rose $7,900 under the Clinton years...and dropped $2,700 during the Bush years.

But Hillary is always there with the facts that says I've been there; this isn't rhetoric.

Talk all you want about the Clinton years, but they were good years for most Americans. Why would you be talking about a sweeping change across the board? Change from Bush...yes. Change from Clinton? Why.

In these debates, Obama tends to lose focus; tends to ramble and speak in broad generalities. He is about inspirational rhetoric. Hillary is about the nuts and bolts of managing and government. That comes through every time in these debates.

I think Obama started the "back and forth" argument to divert the whole debate away from his having to make a comment on real issues. If he can keep up the fueding, he does not have to explain his big "change." In other words, he is just "present" again. A senator that cannot take a stand on over 100 issues cannot run this country. He has yet to explain his change or tell us how he stands on anything other than the Clintons. He stammers every time he is ask to explain how he stands on real issues. He needs to run crying "They're picking on me again." I'm sure he will find someone to appear on t.v. asking everyone to not make him whine again. The Rep. will eat him alive!

So if he does nothing.... he is soft and should respond. If he responds.... he is whining or bitter. No win situation.

Hillary was being natural: Bold, calculating and aggressive but Obama showed that he is no different from the others.

He is just as slick as Hillary and very much the same Washington politician. His mask came off today. And whenever you talk policy like economy or health care, he is very vey very uninspiring.

Edwards did fine today.

Yeah, many people do hate Wal Mart. Do you watch the news, how little do they pay their employees, doing all they can do to be sure not to pay health insurance, limited benefits. Please read before you write.

This girl knows what she is doing ? Uh, she 60.

Obama was rude and nasty tonight. I am so dissapointed.

The Clintons started it period. You would defend yourself if they lied about you, too.

After coming here every day for the past few weeks, I've got to say that most of Hillary Clinton's supporters seem to be the most willfully blind people on the face of the planet.

Anyone following this election carefully and objectively for the past few months would know that the Clintons and their surrogates have continued to misquote Senator Obama and spread complete falsehoods about his record. That's not a matter of opinion or perception, that's a clear fact that is more than evident to anyone willing to do their research. Not to mention that the mudslinging first occurred two months ago when Clinton's associates started raising the issue of Obama's drug use as a teenager (something he's covered adequately in his books). There have been about three dozen blatant attacks on Obama from the Clinton camp, just in the last two months.

When Obama kept quiet, he was dismissed as being too weak and inexperienced. Now that he's countering the attacks, he's considered a whiner and a sore loser. Incredible.

Seriously, Clinton supporters need to get over their puppy love of Bill and his eight years as president and at least ATTEMPT to try and look at this campaign objectively. I'm completely embarrassed to be an American right now, and certainly disappointed in my fellow voters.

I think it was completely called for. In recent days the Clintons have showed their desparation by coming out with obnoxious statements and then ironically also becoming the victims in the process.

Hillary is running a typical so-called "republican dirty campaign" bickering and blittling the other candidates. Is her platform not strong enough that she needs to lower herself to such levels where she ATTACKS every chance she gets?

Is this the 'change' she referred to? She continually disenchants most decent people.

Why did Obama raise criticisms by the Clintons?

Why not? Americans are processing the impact of recent "do whatever to win" Clinton tactics. The first half of the debate demonstrated how costly it can be.

Clinton drew boos while Obama is trying hard to harness the better and best in us.

he said that he is not agreeing with Reagan policies.. He admires the way Reagan was able to bring those who were to the left to the middle and those in the middle to the right. He is just saying that the Democrats especial in this time of divisiveness should could employ the same fundamentals to promote change. Separate your feeling for Reagan and look at what he was able to do as far as getting the majority of the vote..there is something to be said about that and Barack touched on that..thats all. And tonight Barack showed that he can stand strong as apposed to appearing weak.

Obama is all talk and no knowledge. Tell him to stop with the huh, huh, .....learn a new word!! Or better yet, learn more about the subjects. God help us if you have to debate with McCain...........then I know we will be introuble.

He raised criticisms because it was time. But I want Obama to stick to the issues and talk about his policies, and not engage Hillary. She loves to fight, a fight juices her up; you can see it on her face. Barrack, go back to "Being Obama." He has my vote, and Edwards second. If Hillary wins the domination, I am voting republication.

if you throw dirt at someone...that someone is going to want to know why

We teach our children to stand up to the playground bully. Clinton and her surrogates (including the popular former president) have demonstrated the 'old way of doing politics' by taking every opportunity to discredit Obama.

The world has changed since the '90s and the Clinton adminstration of that time. What used to sit as inuendos for weeks via newspapers is broadcast immediately via cellphones all around the world.

It'a a world with greater reach and it requires more than bureaucratic experience to represent.

Inclusiveness. Some of us don't like to hear it, but it's the wave of the future.

Obama personifies it.

It is interesting to see everyone criticize Obama for defending himself. I have been wondering when he would. Bill Clinton is out of line with all of his dart-throwing and I think everyone is starting to see it. People have been wondering why Obama has not refuted some of his comments, and I, for one, am glad he spoke out about them.

As for the Clinton campaign, it is dirty–using Bill to do all the smearing so Hillary can try to keep smelling like a rose. She has extreme difficulty maintaining her composure as we have seen, so they are simply trying a new tactic. I will never vote for her. I would rather change my party affiliation. As for Bill, your terms are up.

Against the Bush/Clinton dynasty... I AM ready for change.

only thing obama has is some good one liners /biill & hill clinton did more for the poor people of this country than obama could do in a lifetime

This debate was not very good. Most of the time all the listeners heard was how poor the blacks were and how they got taken advantage of in the morgage companies. We have many topics much more important than how blacks are still dealing with poverty. Our nation is at war with people who can cross the border anytime they get ready to. We had a border agent killed over the weekend and there was not one candidate bringing up the topic. Healthcare is also important but again the subject went with how many blacks had healthcare. There was little mention on how to solve this problem. We are in 2007 but it sounded more like 1968. I thought obama was the most believeable tonight because he did not pander to the blacks. I thought the debate spokesman should have asked more questions that relate to the nation as a whole. I would love to see someone ask more specific questions. There was also too much time wasted with each candidate going on about things against each other.

You know Obama is doing well when the Clintonites are really REALLY angry.

I do agree that Obama invites a response/defense from Clinton by bringing up past decisions that she's made in an attempt to show contrast between her ways and his. Tonight Obama seemed to play the victim. He stumbled and paused many times. My respect for Obama has been dwindling in the past two weeks. Tonight's debate cemented my feelings. I think he's probably a great guy but I really don't want him as my President at this point. Nothing to do with race. All to do with the way he handled himself tonight & the way he's kept the Clinton/Obama feud burning recently.

Yes Hillary you are doing excellent, much better than the two components. You are the ONE who will drive America to sucess

There were many false accusations that needed to be put to bed this evening. Go Barack for standing up the Clinton machine and in turn standing up for the American voter and political system.

as americans lets look at the facts obama is a great leader i like john edwards
also i would love to see obama and john edwards running together john edwards is brillrant and obama.

Hillary is a Game player. It's hard to take Hilllarys and her off the wall smile. If she wins I may not vote for her.

It is unfair for either of the Clinton's to attack Obama's records when they are allowed to conceal much of their political careers behind document disclosure laws

Obviously, Hillary believe she is qualified to run the country because her husband is an ex-president. She has absolutely NO qualifications for such a job. When asked about her experience, she comes up with some of the lamest comments I have ever heard. That's because she has no experience. PERIOD..

the best thing i have seen all night is the entry above that says "NObama"!!!!!

LOVE IT.

Go hillary!...go edwards!....go mccain!....go guilani!....ANYONE other than Obama.

Hillary is a Game Player. Obama is honest and truthful ,perhaps too much.
Hillary has too much baggage. to get others working with her.

The American Public should take full responsibility for THEIR flip-flopping....supporting impeachment for a trumped up adultery charge that Republicans spent MILLIONS to expose, yet will NOT make enough noise for impeachment against a president that has violated a laundry list of constitutional and international laws.

WHAT are YOUR priorities, America?!

Sunny raises valid points.

Read (both the media....limited as it is in its coverage), pull voting records, pull public records and get informed!

Do not disservice yourself by making your decisions simply based on the pap of 'debates' and media coverage (remember...they're number 1 commitment is to themselves/their bottom line/their stockholders...oh...and their advertisers...readers/voters are last on the list....there is a lot of 'marketing' going on)

k

I think intelligent informed people agree that changing your mind after you have reviewed the results of a plan makes sense, we do it in business all the time. we look for results and make modifications as results dictate. That's not flip flopping. Another definition of not flip flopping is when your husband is just a victim of a right wing conspiracy and is not really having sex with an intern and then when he admits to the world that he did indeed have sex.....you just keep quiet and don't explain that you now have a different view of the facts....you just keep keeping quiet and let everyone else suffer from the effects of adultery and the destruction of a family unit

Does he forget what he said in Nevada? It seems he has amnesia! For God's sake Barack dont you remember praising the Republicans?!

"Ronald R":

Spoken like a true neo CON.

Ronald Reagan, to the learned, was the worst thing to happen to America since Richard Nixon, and republican politics has been on the downhill slide ever since.

Ronald Reagan was the one who championed de-regulation in earnest, the dismantling of all the safety net systems, was a proponent of corpporate welfare while the people go hungry, without adequate healthcare or social services.

The problem with you neo CONS is that is just what you are. Cons. Con artists. Liars. You follow the Friedman view of economics, which is unbridled corporatism. If you don't know what I am talking about, you certainly don't know what YOU are talking about. Do yourself a favor and read "The Shock Doctrine". Educate yourself about how your "saint Reagan" has contributed ACTIVELY to the decline of the American way of life.

It's absurd to suggest that Obama shouldn't respond. We already know their attacks will be replayed ad infinitum on the media in any event - he deserves to be heard to set the record straight.
Hillary's gotten a free ride from the media since new hampshire.

Barack is sooo whack!! I cannot believe he started he criticism.

Penny,
May I respectfully suggest you read a few articles from the Chicago Papers? Barrack is not the great devender of the poor he portends. I don't think he's bad, but growing up in Il. I know he's been playing bad polotics there to get where he is now. It's the way it works there.
No offence, truley

Bush's failed pilocy only exists in Clinton's inexperienced mind, the Dems run congress if they want to get out of Iraq, then get out!!!.........They could pass legistlation to cut, run and fail any day.........BUT THEY DON'T.....WHY IS THAT?...What a phnoey Clinton is!

The Clintons have been on Barack Obama's case for a while. There comes a point where you just get sick and tired of someone attacking you. Barack Obama has always tried to maintain dignity – above the fray. The media should stop being partisan. Bill should shut his mouth. He wants to get back into the White House. Who is running for President or is this a Co-Presidency.

It is always evident when a debate is on the Clinton News Network... I lost all my respect for CNN after the Las Vegas Debate a few months back... A Clinton presidency will only serve to deepen the enourmous partisan divide currently in our country. The Clinton Era has come to an end! It is time to change the way things are done in Washington and actually get something done. Fired Up! Ready To Go!

I was undecided between Hillary and Obama until I realized what she is all about. Down right dirty. Obama is what this country needs, a dedicated leader not a mud slinger!

barach is a smart guy and thank goodness he is able to debate. but he does not like being pinned down. he needs not to refute everything. before long people will wonder than what is he for? hillary is fact based. and she is on top of her game. talented and tenacious. we'll see what happens in south carolina.

Hillary: "You represented a slum lord"
Obabam: "My boss made me spend a total of 5 hours on an agreement between this slum lord and a church – NEXT QUESION?"
Hillary: "You voted present on this bill"
Obama: "I wrote and sponsered the bill – NEXT QUESTION"

Hillary: "uhh next question please"

GO BAMA

good debate on health on health. I think Barrak is a good guy with not enough experience. Hilary mops the floor with him , its over, somebody needs to call him on some of his votes, he whines but never really gives an answer. John Edwards is a fighter for the beliefs, I would like to hear more from him on his plan for the illegal immigrants.
Edwards seems like he could do the job, perhaps Clinton Edwards ticket? I think for healthcare and economy he would be a good fighter for us in the middel class.
Obama has no difenitive answer for bringing the troops, it might not be bad. They will learn more from military and CIA briefings closer to election I would guess.
I like both John and Obama on this answer. Hilary seems the most presidential on this issue, not sure why. I could vote for any of them on this issue. All good platforms on this war mess.
Hilary is beatin on Bush, GOOD GIRL

I think all you Hilliary Supporters are mad becasue Barack is hitting back and NOT keeping quiet!!! And not only is he hitting back he is exposing the OLD POLITICAL SPIN and DISTORTION that we are tired of in Washington and desperately want to get rid of! He is showing his intelligence and experience. And I think he is showing resilence and strength, and still manages to be positive and not negative. like Hiliary.

Imagine Hilliary twisting a 5 hour consulatncy with a church to slam Obama as having worked for a slum lord!!! Low low blow, I am surprised.

Ronald R. I agree with you wholeheartedly. In fact, I have a strong sense that if Clinton is elected as President, it will eventually lead to a revolution in this country.

How dare Obama criticize other candidates on health care after what he did to the health care system in Illinois? Hello news media - where have you been on this subject matter besides sticking with the "Good Ole Boys Club"? Get a little backbone and start reporting on some of this stuff or are you hoping the republicans can put Obama out with one punch in the general elections if you succeed to get Obama elected Democratic candidate? Hillary's doing a great job tonight!!!

Hillary amd Bill play dirty politics and they consistenty lie and twist the facts. I voted for Bill Clinton but I am so disappointed and angry with him for his deceitful behavior. Hillary is worse. There is a word for her that I won't use here. I agree that Bill Schneider is a Hillary cheerleader as is Wolf. He was like this in a previous debates. Barack Obama is absolutely right to defend these lies that Hillary continues to work in at each and every opportunity. I am surprised that she would go to the lengths she does when the truth is so easy for the public to either find or they already know the truth. I look forward to the day when Sen. Obama is President Obama!

Obama wins again on Health care spin from the Clinton machine. Just keeps making her look petty and foolish.

Hiliary clinton is a liar ,obama has a great healthcare plan she just love trying to pull him down because he is beating her .

I'm an avid Clinton supporter who rejoices in the difficult situation we have in the Democratic Party this year: three cpable, qualified candidates. Yet I, too, lament the fact that the media have chosen to stunt Edwards' campaign by not giving him the fair coverage he diserves. And I agree that Wolf Blitzer is doing an inadequate job as moderator. I wonder whether the exchanges among the candidates would be less vitriolic had they all been seated around a table as they were in the last debate. I think the lectern format fosters the needs the candidates have to ensure that their points are heard, but in a more confrontational setting.

Both Clinton and Obama are not fit run this country. Both are ignorant regarding the Reagan years, including BOLD faced lies and transparent ignorance regarding his record and the economic boom during the Reagan years. Obama's comments regarding her husband Bill are directly on the money, this women cannot run on her own, she is incompetent and ignorant, a deadly mix by any standard. The election of a Democrat in 2008 will likely lead to a Depression in this country based on what these people support. Their ideas on spending will backrupt this country. Clinton has been a Senator in NY for years and has not had any accomplishments her record is disgusting with her false promises and smoke and mirrors. She is a phoney ......and for all the Bush haters........KNOW THIS..........if by chance this women is elected........this country will be divided like it has never seen.......no consvative will ever believe a word she has to say and she will be a lame duck from day one........she is a piker compared to any Republican.

Did I hear Hillary say that she wouldn't leave 15,000,000 Americans behind without health care? Was she referring to the illegal aliens who are definitely not Americans?

Obama guily of a twatsy opening. He raised the issue (looks like strategy slip of trying to box Hiliary into 'lose if you respond...lose if you don't respond). He came off whiny.

Hiliary comes from committed wonk world...do not corner/try to box her...if I go down, I'll take you with me.

Bottom line, they both have critters in their closet (they're politicians...number one comittment is to themselves and their political future...voters are simply the vehicle!)

Also, Obama style reminds me of old campaign tapes/transcripts re: JFK ('great public presence/sneaky wrapped in 'camelot' with poor delivery on results').

Edwards is playing strong....seeing his strong trial experience/performance coming out...interesting how he is now 'zinging' both O & H.

k

I say it's time for a woman president!!

There wll never be an end to racism, if we continue asking for an african-american president. We need to look at all statistics available to us and analyse these seriously. What portion of the population are african-american? what portion or contribution do african-american make to the US economy? How will it help the entire america if if blacks keep asking for blacks, the problem still exist. We need to come together and build a United America. We respect the slavery past, but in this generation we need to come up with solutions to the problems instead of prolonging the problems, and that's what none of us are doing.

Ok, guys this is the end all on who you will vote for.

In the last debate, when they were asked what theyre weaknesses were, both hillary and edwards gave the typical answer that really wasnt a weakness while obama said he was a little disorganized. Do yall really want someone who is putting out this poll tested crap of someone who is real with the american people.

Obama wouldn't know the truth if it hit him in the face! And people defending Obama should be ashamed of yourselves. Hillary had to take it when at least 5 other people ganged up on her and then the moderators also picked on her just in case the other five couldn't handle it themselves. Hillary has more character than any of the other candidates combined. Give 'em Hell Hillary!!! P.S. You whiners expected Hillary to sit there and take it; payback is hell isn't it?

I'm an older woman, educated, and married—a member of that age group/gender "group" who supposedly and overwhelming supports Clinton. No thanks. I'd take Barack or Edwards over her anyday.

i stand for obama ,its time a african have a chance to run this country.

It's expected that there will be this back and forth with Obama and Hillary. John however, wil benefit greatly. On the other hand Obama is been tested by both Hillary and John and is showing real signs of weakness. It's going to be a fight for the S.C win for any of them. Remember voters it's just a debate and take careful notes on the issues spoken.

did she say that black people will have to pick cherry ?

Hillary is the clearest, most articulate, professional and presidential candidate on the stage. Obama is about posturing and projecting an image that he is presidential, but I honestly don't believe he is ready. Maybe next time.

This is for Obama: Why did you fake your injury when you were running against Bobby Rush

Because he knows it's the truth and sometimes thr truth hurts

challenge does not develop character, it reveals it...some very interesting things have been revealed about the clintons in the past few days, nothing good...

All Obama can say is "I did not support the war". Hello! This is the real world and there are other isssues! Dah!

Hillary TWICE booed tonight. Good to see. This debate is a waste so far because of the same old politics, compliments of the Clinton machine.

Why did you fake your injury when you were running against Bobby Rush

Perhaps the candidates should get their facts straight and not insult our intelligence. We read, we listen and we have a mind of our own. Maybe, if Senator Clinton wold drop the arrogance and stop the attack the issues may eventually be heard.

Hillary got booed by Obama fans because he is starting to rub off on them and so they are getting whiney too! Let's face it, he is not presidential material!!

Laurie, I couldn't have said it better myself. Hillary Clinton is the absolute worst candidate that has ever run for president, excluding Mike Huckabee.

Go Obama! Even though I'm an independent who will be voting for Ron Paul, I admire his challenging the Hill-Billy socialist lying machine.

Great debate. However, Hillary is coming off to me as politics as usual. Her body language is very NEGATIVE and not that of the cry baby in NH. She cannot have it both ways. John Edwards is the most presidential of them all!

ALL HILLARY IS DOING IS SLINGING MUD!! LOOKS LIKE OBAMA IS STILL STANDING!!!

EXACTLY!!!!!! And i wil state here clerly that I was originally supporting Hiilary, but the more she kept slinging mud, the more I realized that Obama is the true candidate of hope.

Seems I am unable to get accurate information posted on this site.

OBAMA IS STILL A FRESHMAN... CLINTON IS WELL SEASONED IN THIS..AND IT SHOWS.. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE REPUBLICANS WILL DO TO OBAMA IN THE GE IF HE GETS THE NOM "IF"...... CLINTON 08

poor little hillary clinton had to get her big ol' husband to step in and fight her battles for her, and step in he did, right to the tune of the republican karl rove spin machine...how's that beat for you bill? is daddy bush whispering in your ear some new pointers? if she can't handle obama on her own without shedding some well-placed new hampshire tears, and having her husband let loose the hounds, then how in the hell is going to handle being president? go running to her husband when things get tough? way to go hillary, you're setting a fine example for all of us women out in the real united states of america! tell, us, is this what you meant by your 35 years of experience? manipulating the truth to fit your neo-republican agenda?

i can see why they're afraid, after all, obama wants to shut down nafta and restore jobs in america...unfortunately, that would take a large chunk of the clinton's financial security away from them and they just can't that...the hill and bill show, welcome back to politics as usual, where the rich get richer, the lobbyists and corporations entrench america's soul even deeper and those in charge would just as soon see the middle class eliminated than working on any problems...

and could bill schneider be more of clinton lackey? sheesh, what happened to responsible, factual journalism?? edward r. murrow is probably spinning in his grave...

alright already, does no one understand about polotics in IL.? I grew up there, the only places worse are LA. and maybe Fl. move on, we get it Hilary. He's a typical Il. ppolitician.
I would like to hear from Mr. Edwards. Oh good, I'll be quiet and listen.

So, when Obama stands up for himself, he's whining? And when he lets the negative characterizations slide, he's not man enough? But, when Hillary gets teary-eyed, we all credit her with being sensitive. PLEASE! No wonder this country is back-sliding. The public only seems to pay attention to personality and over-simplified characterizations.

This debate tonight has made my selection for HILLARY 100%. Thank You CNN.

We'll see who's standing on Super Tuesday and what baby has been put to bed.

Speaking of which, Baby needs a nap or a change. Can't stand the heat, BO, stay out of the kitchen. Let the adults play politics.

Hillary is acting like a shrew

Clinton just got booed by the audience at the debate, Ha, Ha,. She knows she's lying, and turning as RED as a beet!!!

Watch her lose this debate!

Obama looks like a deer caught in car headlights.He comes across as a angry , ill-tempered , flip-flopper . very sad for democrats

Correction: "Obama changed his story about his critism of the Clintons. What the Clintons said was 100% accurate, and he accused them of telling lies.".

OUCH!!! Hiiliary just got booed by the crowd!!!!!!!! OUCH!!!!

Hillary sounds like a shrew

I can get a better rate from my bookie than 30%. Who are these guys kidding. 30% is out and out robbery.

Thank God for Edwards. I think Obama is great but he is having a terrible night. Hillary is such a liar and is sucessfully attacking him. She is just a horrible candidate and if she gets the democratic nod, I will vote Republican for teh first time in my 52 years.

BO should defend himself. The Clintons have played good cob/badcop without beingg called on it, times up! BO can't afford to be swiftboated.

...it's because Barack is a baby.

Clinton wins the back and forth, she mopped the floor with Barrack, he came across a little whiney. It's about time that slum lord story came out.
John Edwards is SO god. When did this happen and why aren't themedia let us know more about his issues instead of just that his wife is ill? Shame on the media, and now I have to re asses who I will vote for ....again. And isn't it nice to have an actual choice to make instead of just the lesser of evils?

First – I totally agree that Bill Schneider needs to stop being a Clinton cheerleader and give a more complete analysis. Maybe he's just too cynical. I like all 3 candidates, so I'd like to hear more about the others not just Clinton.

As for Barack opening the door...I'm actually glad he did. We keep saying we want politicians to be more forthcoming about their true feelings and show some honesty - well there you have it. I want someone who is going to challenge false attacks not cower like a shrinking violet. I don't call that being a baby – I call that having the courage to confront problems head on.

I think Obama was correct in raising the issue. Bill needs to stop the cuts with a small blade. What Hillary may not realize is McCain wins the Republican nonimation, he may get most of the independent vote and Hillary may kiss History goodbye! As i do not believe either party candidate can win without the independent vote.

Finally, the Clinton campaign seems to be indeed engaged on the polictics of distruction and not progressive politics. I persoanlly hate that.

ALL HILLARY IS DOING IS SLINGING MUD!! LOOKS LIKE OBAMA IS STILL STANDING!!!

The Clintons ARE lying. Just because Obama is voting to send money to the troops doesn't mean he's for the war. We're in the midst of the war, and there's no denying it. If Bush is president, we have to support our troops if we want any future at all. And please keep in mind that Hillary Clinton voted FOR the war to start.

For Sen Obama to not respont to the unfair barrage of liees by the Clintons would be tantamount to him admitting that the lies are actually true. He has to respond to Bill Clinto vigorously, and as if he was the one running for president since he is attacking Mr Obama as if he was the one running for president. Frankly, I'm surprised that Sen Obama has not pressed the the issue that it was Bill Clinton who initiated the attack on poor people, especially blacks and other minorities with his so-called "welfare reform" program.

We all know what CNN stands for Clinton News Network. From this conservative Republican... Obama is a real leader and he would be the toughest for McCain to beat. People will be sick of the Clintons after all this with Obama.

Obama has nothing to say for himself – he's an empty suit. Whine, whine, whine is all he does. He tries to make Hillary look bad so it will take the attention off him because he is inexperienced and has nothing to offer this country. I think he will need some of that stuff he depends on to get through life when this is over.

I am disappointed that Obama repeated past criticisms.... particularly since he claimed to move on. I felt that Hillary had no choice but to respond. Edwards is correct, the personal arguments between Barack and Hillary does NOTHING for the Black community. As an African American woman, I am not seeking for either of them to try to prove to me today if they are 'Black' enough. I am only interested in seeing a person, that has sound policy, rational capability of implementation and personal integrity to do what s/he says they will do.

True but, as a voter I am sick of the Clinton machine rolling all over Barack while he does not respond. Makes him look impotent and scared. He should stand up for himself, clear up the erroneous stuff being said, then go back to his message,.

I dont know why anything thinks obama is whining because hes getting picked on. Theres a difference between getting picked on and the Clintons presenting 'facts' about obama that arent true.

My question is the following: Say you're running a business and 5 years ago you implemented a new policy because at the time you thought it would be the best decision based upon the information you had at the time. Now, 5 years later, new information arises that suggests this was a bad policy. Therefore, you change the policy based upon the new info. Is this a bad thing? Is this flip-flopping? If it is, then sign me up for a candidate that flip flops because at least they are a fact based decision maker, and are willing to admit when they were wrong. That is a characteristic of strong leadership.

But I would be getting frustrated if I were Obama.
Bill Clinton needs to butt out and shut up.
Can you think of anything Michelle Obama said? Nah didn't thinks so.

Nicholas,

I'm sorry but he got her really GOOD on that "corporate lawyer," and sat on "Wal-Mart Board," and people HATE WALLY MART!!

leave bill alone, he's analyzing. love how edwards got the playground back on track.

Obama changed his story about his critism of the Clintons. What the Clinton Clinons said were 100% accurate and he accused both of them of lieing.

Wolf Blitzer is an AWFUL moderator – and this format that CNN is trying (i.e., allowing him to "selectively" decide when to interject with his "thank yous") is disturbing and is coming off biased in favor of Clinton. Incredibly disappointing.

I am watching this and am fuming that someone with his extremely low moderating skills was chosen to moderate this debate. Unbelievable . . .

Obama avoids the issues...all he wants to do is criticism instead of addressing issues. Hliaary was the only one that specifically addressed what she would do, and all people that would be protected. Hillary needs to raise criticism Obama. Just becuase he is african american does not make him qualified for this race. He has not been there for his people until he decided to run for the Presidency. Only two people are in this race for the democrats, and only tweo should be.

Obama is not mudslinging anyone at all. He is simply defending himself, as any person – not just a politician – would do.

Edwards nailed it by saying " These isn't doing anything for National Health Care Program.." Stop the childish bickering!!

Hillary is playing the same old spin game. She lost on the back and forth about Republicans and looked petty and stupid when she brought up the "slum-lord" comment. Just goes to show how Hill-Billy will do anything and say anything to get into office.

seemed to me that Barack slammed Clinton on it. that corporate lawyer for Wal-Mart jab was killer

it was part of the question.

Also, Barack Obama seems to be just another mud-slinging politician, which is contrary to his central message of reforming politics.

The only thing I've noticed about the debate is that Hillary's arse is twice as wide as the other two candidates' combined!

BARACK IS READY FOR THE CONFRONTATION. HE ALREADY KNOWS HER ARGUMENTS AND IS BAITING HER SO HE CAN SHOOT HER DOWN. HAS ANYONE EVER PLAYED CHESS.... BAIT THE ROOK AND TAKE THE QUEEN

He should have raised them!!! She and Bill continue to lie about what he said. You heard him say that he didn't say that they were good ideas, concerning Ronald Reagan, and she said that's what she implied. You can't imply something when the person who said it is telling you what they meant.

Bill, are you trying to give Hillary a pass just like Wolfe is doing. It's absurd. If she's big enough to run for President, she should be big enough to take the heat.

She's getting more time to talk than any of the candidates tonight!! She should be held to the same standards as the others.

Cream 'em Hill!!!! This girl knows what she's doing.

Clearly, she's the one that implied them at first. It also can't be denied that they would have had this feud eventually tonight. That mischievous Clinton absolutely can never be avoided.

Can we be a bit more unbiased? It seems like the comments are on-sided and heavily in favor of Clinton.

Absolutely true about Bill–his commentary is definitely PRO Hillary.
When did the media stop being biased?

it IS dirty politics, it is unfocused and irrelevant and Obama's only mistake is the one Shneider and a large (though not mayorital) portion of the Democratic party is making: minding Hillary Clinton and the poison her husband spews.

NObama.

I'm glad he raised the criticisms. It shows that he is not afraid to deal with allegations directly the Bill and Hillary have been attacking him with. He shouldn't run and hide but, stand and fight!

He wants a clean campaing and he was the first to get his hands dirty. Flip flop, flip flop.

Obama reminds me of John Mccain ....ther're picking on me...boooo hoooo

Barack lost his cool during that exchange about his Reagan comments. And he shot off the remark, Sometimes I don't know who I'm running against–in reference to President Bill Clinton's campaigning. This exchange did not reveal a good side to Barack Obama.

I do think Sen. Obama was trying to clarify some doubts.

Way to step in John Edwards. This type of "going back and forth" is not healthy for our Country. John Edwards, you are looking real good!!

Bill Schneider needs to be a more objective reporter, not a Hillary Cheerleader. He needs to provide a more comprehensive analysis of what is going on.

He opened the door, Bill, and she found her way in. She made a 1, 2 punch with the slum lord comment. That HURT Obama ! ! ! Now this is a real debate.

So Bill are you a Clinton backer or what?

whaa whaa whaa... I want my mommy... Barack is sooooo inexperienced that he does not even know when to shut UP.

I'm playing the world's smallest violin for Obama.