CNN

I'll vote for an Obama/Edwards ticket. Nobody I know, including myself, would ever vote for a Clinton/Edwards ticket– and Edwards is a fool if he gets in bed with the devil (The Clintons). Not because we don't like Edwards– we like him. But because we loathe Hillary– and we'd never vote the Clintons back into the Whitehouse. Two families have been running this country for 24 years– The Bushes and The Clintons. It's time for a new family to enter the Whitehouse. No more status quo. It's time to take this country in a new direction and UNIFY ALL AMERICANS. Obama '08! That's the only way.

No one can agree on every issue. I think Edwards is more close to my hopes for the future. On the issues not personality. I am voting for Edwards. I have been and will keep reading and studying. I want to make an informed decision. We are in bad shape.

this sucks eggs

A Hillary nomination gives us four years of Romney or McCain. If you're a Republican, I certainly can understand why you're pulling for Hillary. If you're a Democrat, I am truly puzzled in light of every poll which shows Hillary to be the easiest Democrat to beat in the general election.

we had to deal with 8 years of the worst administration in modern history. now let the republicans deal with the clintons for 8 years. it cant get worst than bush's era????it is only fair.

PERFECT TEAM!!!!

HILLARY AND EDWARD (P/VP) OF USA

On a more direct note on the issues, someone above asks. "No one is talking about OUTSOURCING OUR AMERICAN JOBS.!!! What about that (?)" Here's answer...No one knows. Our entire economy is so invested in managed global capitalism (that's not neccessarily bad) that almost no one can think of a away to avoid outsourcing a lot of our old, industrial/manufacturing jobs without tanking the economic system that demands that we do. The only solution we can think of, protectionism and demanding higher standards in other countries to keep their costs up, will either blow up in our faces (protectionism) or make goods much more expense for us (higher standards). That is, of source, if other countries didn't simply refuse to raise their standards, which they would probably do.

Here my question: the policy for posting reads: "Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting." How is that so much clearly racist and sexist material makes to the comments site? Does inappropriate only mean sexually explicit? C'mon CNN, have some basic standards and exclude people who dmake disparaging sexist comments about Hillary Clinton and racist comments about Barack Obama.

If Hillary took Edwards in from the cold (poor dear) and made him VP, that would give my opinion of her a significant boost. From "meh" to "might actually vote for her with some enthusiasm".

Hillary Clinton was disgraceful during the debate. She would make a horrible president. As a white woman voter, I am put off by her. Obama won the debate for me.

I think Edwards teaming up with HRC on ANY thing would show him for the hypocrite he truly is. Remember that "status quo" speech? He took a right jab and HRC, and her supporters were all over this site calling Edwards everything but the Antichrist. Now, since Obama came out swinging after being backed into a corner defending all of the allegations HRC and Bill have taken at him, Edwards, who got 4% in Nevada and is no real threat, takes the "high road?" Puleeze! As far as debates go, Cheney cooked Edwards' grits in 2004, in case anybody forgot.

This country will never pull behind HRC in a general election. A lot of the Obama and Edwards supporters are voting anti-Hillary, so his going over to the dark side would show him to be a conniving charlatain.

As long as Obama's you know what is pointed to the ground and he's black, he will NEVER get a free ride from the press, white people, or his own people. The comments made about him by Bob Johnson, Andrew Young, and even our "distinguished former president" Bill Clinton is hitting below the belt-way below the belt. If Obama had not defended himself, the same HRC supporters that are calling him a whiner would be calling him a wimp. Obama can't win with some people, because, unlike other supporters, most of Obama's supporters are well-versed people who have done their research. I didn't have to research far-I remember the devisiveness and scandal the Clintons brought to the White House. Everyone here has convenient amnesia.

If Edwards keeps teaming up with HRC, he will prove to a lot of people that he is a slimeball that will say anything-and I mean ANYTHING-to get into that White House.

Obama 08!!!!!! On last night the debate we feel was incredible. Yes allowing their to really show who they are is what the American people needed to see. We are all human and it shouldn't be any different showing emotions just because you are running for President. So I feel that Obama held his ground and Hillary just reacted after the responses that was given....You know a lot of Americans have seen the worse of the Bush Administration and right now we should all be rallying for a change.
Sometimes experience is not always for the good of us......we need to evaluate what is good for the American people and Obama is the man that can make things happen.
We are in New Orleans and we want a President that will be concern about the citizens that are still here homeless, jobless and poor in education. We need a President that will work and lead this nation.
President Clinton was an awesome President and we will always remember that but Obama is the man for change....
Go OBAMA!!!!!
WE GOT YOU HERE IN NEW ORLEANS, LA

Edwards is "sitting on the fence" trying to decide who to be nice or nasty to. He wants in on whoever wins.

I just thought the explanation given by Obama on his vote on 30% interest rate was laughable and truly speaks of his lack of experience..its just scary I want a democrat to win and take the office next year and get the economy up..

Let me throw out a reason for voting for Edwards over the other two rock stars.
...We go to the convention, neither Obama or Clinton have enough delegates to seal the nomination . . . do you think that either one will concede to the other . . . not on your life. Delegates are only pledged to their respective candidate for the first round. . . In comes the third candidate, Edwards, and he wins because it will be a real brokered convention.
Maybe I'm dreaming, but boy would I love to see it come to that!!!!

Hillery's got my vote !!!

Ev en though I would like to see Hillary win the nomination, Edwards won this debate hands down. He would have been a major contender from the start if he wasn't playing suck up to Obama all along. This is the debate where John Edwards have finally found his voice.

It is now conclusive, Obama is better when a teleprompter is infront of him than on a debate stage.

All this talk about a Clinton/Edward ticket is stupid. Do anyone remember Edwards getting his but kicked by Dick Channey in 2004.

I am for Hillary. She will be a great president ! I like her because she is tough ! That should be the characteristic of a president. I trust her and I know she will do what she preached. Bill Clinton did an excellent job during his presidency, and I know she'll do a terrific job too !

This would be a great team. From my understanding while Bill was in office Hiliary was running the white house the whole time. Clinton/Edwards 2008 Wonderful!

The meeting means nothing. But sure both canidates are reaching out to Edwards, Edwards message is more complete, more about the change that is needed and more for the people of the country then either of the other two. They will all end up with about the same platform but Edwards is clearly the one more able to come to the table with real plans of change. My only problem with Mrs Clinton is that a ticket with her on the top invites the Republicans to campaign as the change of the norm canidates. Bush Clinton Bush – anyone else, is way to easy to sell in the fall. We need to becareful. She is a great canidate but this is bad timing. Maybe Edwards/Clinton or my favorite Edwards /Obama. Either ticket will win the Whitehouse, But Edwards / Obama represents a real change and a chance for the people to get the Whitehouse back on their side for the first time in 30 years.

Commenting on Ainslie Schmidt:

"... Senator Obama may have spent time boning up on who our enemies are. He also needs to know who our friends are."

It is very questionable to talk about countries as friends/enemies. People can be friends, but not countries. Countries have interests and collaborate if it seems advantageous. To me, the dilatoriness of Obama about that question seems not dull at all, just the opposite.
Even if you accept this terminology, do you think the US made that many real friends in the last years?

The I-have-ready.made-answers-to-all-questions habitus of Clinton is ridiculous, Obama seems a much more thoughtfull person. Sadly, I have to admit that Clinton is the better tactician and succeeds well in forcing Obama in the game of throwing mud.

Hey, how come no one has called on Obama for making his racist remarks such when he refered to Bill Clinton being the first black President and also a couple of time when he refered to Edwards as the white man? Hillary Clinton and John Edwards will not be able to get away with those kinds of statements.

Mike, Fort Washington felt that Bill Clinton damaged the country by lying about a woman and disgraced the oval office....which is of course not nearly as damaging as lying to the country about WMD and killing American soldiers in the process! W – has disgraced the oval office.

Clinton/Edwards 08!

I was disappointed with the cat and dog fight and was very pleased with Senator
Edwards. Hillary and Obama should stick to the real issues that affects working
people like me. Health care, economy, bringing our soldiers home and job in America. No one is talking about OUTSOURCING OUR AMERICAN JOBS.!!! What about that.

I think that Lou Dobbs from CNN, is being ridiculous by saying that he doesn't think that any candidate on either side are addressing the issues that confront America. That is obviously ridiculous! All of the candidates on both sides have been talking about the economy, jobs, education, health care, etc. How in the world can he say that they haven't been? He may not like what they have to say on the issues, but that is very different than saying that they haven't been talking about the issues, when the obviously have been. What in the world does he want them to say about the issues that they haven't been saying anyway? I wonder!

I think it is very clear that Hillary is the only candidate to bring on the best toward our economy and national security. No doubt. And I strongly encourage each of you to pay attention to Hillary's position on national healthcare. Obama stumbles more over this topic than others, but clearly stumbles when it comes to offering empirical evidence about his accomplishments, as well as, any sound plans to pursue a goal that is right for our country and as a world leader. Our nation is in trouble from the Bush administration, and Obama simply isn't experienced enough, or sharp enough to fix it. Its a shame. He simply is not ready. Hillary is more than ready. She has the experience and the moxy to put it to the table.

Here's a thought; if Hillary doesn't get the Dem ticket, I know thousands of folks who will overtly switch their ticket to John M. I'm one of them. Its about needing strength and experience that collectively can remedy the horrible position we're in.

Go Barack! Go John! The Dem's WINNING TICKET: OMABA /EDWARDS '08. Remember, in order to get the WH (BACK) you NEED to get 270. With any other ticket, you will lose the WH (for 8 YEARS, not 4, don't kid yourself), the senate (55-45, AGAIN!) and of course the Supreme Court (a Conservative court, nonetheless 7-2 yup, KIDDOS, it's gonna be 7-2! ) MARK MY WORDS. But the saddest part is gonna be that: YOU,as a voter, YOU could've CHANGE the (WASHINGTON'S) RULES once and for all but you decided that you were better than that. What a shame, what a shame…INDEED.

That's not truth Billy, did you watch the debate? Hillary started it with Obama's comment on Ron Reagan's administration. look, i am from the deep south, i don't care what you all say-my family and i are voting for Obama. i think he is honest and he is defending his record. No more vote for Washington Lobbyists and business as usual guys in Washington..

Obama/Bloomberg in '08

As a man, I am extremely proud of Hillary and her performance at the debate. Obama came charging at her without rhyme or reason, and like a true Amazon, Hillary counter-charged and prevailed. She held her head high on hostile (almost disrespectful!) territory. Obama got the beating last night and he needs to go quietly and lick his wounds. Edwards is only doing the right thing – rightly differing to the front-runner.

Obama will never get my vote..he is the worst of the worst

If Hillary win's the nonmination I and many others will vote for MCcain

Comments on this blog suggest that Hillary actually accomplished her GOAL:
Make Obama look and sound LIKE me (Hillary) so that everyone will turn out to HATE him just as they hate me (Hillary).

Next day: go out there are tell the world that Obama is equally as diversive.

Make Edwards look good in the debate, and then join forces with him AGAINST Obama after the debate. Does anyone recall the brief meeting between Clinton and Edwards after the debate?

Well, the Clintons have fooled you again, idiots!!! and you have indeed fallen for it!!!
Good luck because she cannot fool Independents and moderate Republicans, only dumb democrats! This is up to the Democrats to lose this race by putting Hillary out there!!!!

We just say GO HILLARY.......
The Big Test is for the last day on November.
Thanks Hillary for your effort .
God bless you.

Change is what we all need. Time of the old politic is over. We hear people today talking about experience here and there. We do not need people who built up their experience in the 90's but some people who come up with some fresh Ideas. The whole world is corrupted, especially the white house. Everyday we hear things happening in other countries, especially in Africa, a continent that has been bleeding God knows for how long and I am not sure how long more it will take until it dies. Letches (lobbyists) have been sucking the resources out it for how many years. Do you know why we don’t react ? Wars are caused there almost everyday by not only the Africans themselves but the people behind all these reasons Lobbyists, dictators, people who take power under coup d'etat etc…What kind of exemple are for this democratie we talk about when we welcome these murderers in our country as president of Nations after they have committed murders and genocides in their home country. People have the guts today to run for presidency in this country with the "Lobbyist experience". Taking money from Lobbyist is no different than participating to death a lot of innocent civilians in these poor countries. This world need a second chance to change. I would rather vote for Lou Dobb who keeps it real every day and tell these politicians the truth than wasting my time hearing what people like Bill-lary have to say. I Hope that John Edwards understands that there is no room for VP for him associating with Bill-lary. Then what change was he talking about ?? Maybe the change of mind ? After seeing that debate last night, I realized that Bill Cliton is actually doing all the work for his spouse and she is just the puppet waiting for him to tell her what to say.

Keep it real the media, you guys are doing a good job.

Peace to the world and end to corruption. Viva those all those who believe in change.

Obama is an engima....and he doesn't necessary tell the truth...as with Hillary, John and the other candidates he's got skeletons in his closet as well. Michelle sat cushioning on the board of Wal-Mart's largest supplier to the tune of $51 thousand...she only got this little gig only after Obama reached the senate...hmmm.........and what about that land deal with an indicted poltical fundraiser...

He needs to stop whining...when his wife tooks jabs at Hillary....remember the remark...if you can't run your house...how can you run the white house. Come on Michelle...you know...like all women and mothers know...when you brag on your hubby and your children..the pedestal always seem to topple. If Obama get the nomination...I'm sure the Republicans will test you...to see if you live in a glasshouse. I can hear the glass shattering...

I could see the stars in Obama eyes ....that magnificent speech became his drug of choice...and he was hooked on the applaud...and being embraced by people from all walks of life at the Dem convention... The man is a gifted orator...and it helps to have someone who really knows how to write a speech. This guy has not demonstrated any great accomplishments. Except a great slogan about change. Change is not a Plan....Hope is not a Plan. Check out his voting records in the US Senate ....he' is famous for his NV which he has accumulated lots of them...almost as many times on the uphill as he was in Illinois....come on Obama supporters....follow the yellow brick road ...lift up a stone or two... check out his records....

Obama started the "cat fight" and Hillary proved that she could take him on and spank him some. She really is a tougher candidate than you would think. I heard answers from her when everything from Obama's stuttering mouth didn't make any sense. It was as if he was trying to compose one of his "fairy tale" speeches that he has become so popular for. I am telling you people if you want to get the White House back to being Democratic, you must NOT vote for Obama. He is NOT electable! I am liking a Clinton/Edwards ticket or even a Edwards/Ticket.

Edwards is just playing politics – he is not attacking Hillary as much... he does not have his own side. He was siding with Obama when it appear Obama was going to win now he appears to be courting Hillary.

A vote for Edwards is a vote for himslef.. he is just in it for the political gain ... I will not waste my vote on a person who stands to gain politically .... I hope few people do also...

If Clinton wins the nomination Edwards would be the clear choice for VP- which is great. I hope that Obama would not be her VP only because it would be best for him to remain his own man and not be tainted by the inevitable problems and vitriol that will plague Hillary if she were to become president.

CLINTON/EDWARDS DREAM TEAM -- POWER COUPLE IN THE MAKING!

Edwards has clearly stated he will not be anyone's vice-president. But he will keep fighting against poverty and corporate control of our government, and by winning delegates in every state he is accumulating some power to make change.

I was really disappointed in H. Clinton. I thought she showed her true colors tonight. She is just obsessed with the negative game. She sounds like the present White House. I was strongly lóoking at both Clinton and Obama. But after the last debate, I feel H. Clinton is just another Washington Know it all. What a shame. What do I do now if she gets the nomination?

Disgusted Democrat,

Joe McCormack

How about an Obama/Bloomberg independent ticket should he not get the nomination?

Hillary is one strong woman and she will win!!!!! Obama does not have the experience and is using race to try to recoop strength. He needs to focus on his change and come up with a plan. Hillary has the experience and plan and her husband was one of the best presidents we had as far as economic growth goes. People need to remember that. Hillary was behind him and I think she is one smart lady!!!! She has my confidence and vote. Go Hillary!!!!!

If it's a Clinton's/John Edward ticket then Obama could run as a Independent. Republicans would win 2008 and the Independent Obama would win in 2012.

hrc supporters here sound like degenerates, some of the most vile and angry comments on here are being made by hrc supporters, obama supporters make way more sense, lord help us!

Make that EDWARDS/CLINTON '08!

I'd like a Clinton/Edwards ticket but it would be politically more sensible to get a someone from the midwest or Florida. Edwards is not going to be able to deliver Southern red states like NC, he wasn't able to in 04. I'd look at Ohio and Florida for VPs..

Well why don't you tell us what actually happened, since that's your job! Really, it was just that a meeting, nothing as crazy as a running mate deal, it's just too soon b/c really anytime Edwards double teams he is assumed to be a running mate or making a deal to be the running mate so this means really nothing,

Edwards is NOT a King/Queen maker, his numbers and support are so low, his leaving the race will make no difference, just like him.

I'd go for Billabama though.

the conversation probably went something like this

hillary "if you drop out i am finished"

edwards " i know, by the way , who does your hair?"

hillary " please john , the last time i was asked about my hair, i cried to get votes, do you really want that again?"

LISTEN. We democrats lost the last two elections. Clearly, we don't have the base we need to win without appealing to crossover repubs and independents. Is Hillary the candidate who can do that? I think not. She's virulently hated by the majority of conservatives and many on the left. You want another "almost" or a recount? Or do you want a post-partisan candidate who reaches out to those on the other side and represents a fresh start?

Hillary, how much of your vaunted "35 years of experience" did you come by the hard way, i.e., strictly on your own merits? None of it. Absolutely none of it. Not one iota.

Edwards, I've always thought you were a nice but ineffectual lightweight, and now I'm disgusted that you'd let yourself roll over for a sleazy insider like HRC.

He is a war monger who along except for taxes agrees with all of Bush's Policies.

John was wanting to know who did Hillary's hair........

Can't anyone just shake hands anymore, exchange a plesantry every now and then, tell a dirty inside joke or just laugh without the media making some sort of issue out of it.

Dirty laundry.... tube's full of it...

Did any one have a response to my 2:09 pm posting today? There was a typo error in there should have read "Everyone has to take paycuts AND lower price...

Like to hear your response

A depressed Michigander

Look ya'll. They are politicians. They are supposed to debate one another. Not play nicey, nice.

Edwards ganged up with Obama, against Hillary in New Hampshire. Now, in South Carolina he tended toward Hillary's positions. He is trying to stay above the fray.... not favoring any one candidate all the time. He's a smart man.

As for this "meeting." Bumping into someone back stage is not a "secret." Secret meetings happen in hotel rooms..... geesh.

Clinton / Obama as VP is an unbeatable choice for Democratic Nomination as Fiedel Castro expressed earlier.

This is the last stand for Edwards. As for Hillary she is always scheming – has lots of dirty tricks as does her husband. Obama needs to stay on point and hold his head up high. Being the person that Obama is I know he will.

To Wolf and Schneider All that is left for the two of you to do is to put on your cheerleading uniform for Hillary.

How is Mccain exactly like Bush

It would be great to see a web page that shows the actual positions for each candidate on all major and several minor issues in grid form. Have each candidate specifically address how they would correct the problem including how to pay for it when applicable. Next point out the differences, in addition to the potential pros and cons of each plan. It would certainly help us make a better informed choice on election day, while leaving the candidate's personalities out of the equation. Does anyone know of such a site?

January 22, 2008 2:20 pm ET

furion writes…..

Clinton\Edwards ticket would be a disaster for the democrats, black folks simply won't show up to the polls and the dems can't win it without us.

Furion – when did "black folks" show up in droves before and where were you when this country elected Bush for a preposterous second term?????

Hillary is a tactician who is trying to draw Obama into dirty partisan political spit fights. She is not genuine. Bill and Hillary are power hungry and only care to be in a position of power for their own sake. Obama/Edwards ticket would be a genuine effort of a President/VP that will care about uniting the people of America.

Time to wake and unite the USA...go Obama go!

Hillary won't choose Edwards as her VP. Too much has happened between the two. She won't make that mistake.

You can bet your money on Richardson being her VP. He's latino, has the experience and worked for Bill Clinto as a Secretary of State. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be her VP on the ticket.

How can any true Democrat or Independant say they would rather have McCain (LIL BUSH) over Clinton or Obama, is beyond me.

By the way, Independant means GOP in sheeps clothing. The Independant as it was initially brought about is history. The majority of Independants are Republicans united to screw with the Democratic Party, made possible by the outdated procedures we use in the party.

Attention everyone–John Edwards will not be on the ticket as VP. It's all or nothing for John Edwards this time, and he knows it.

Bottom line, we've had 8 years of a very partisan, fudging-the-truth president. Why would anyone think we need another polarizing figure like Hillary Clinton? Do her supporters actually think she can win in key states like Florida, Ohio or Pennsylvania? McCain will destroy her in a general election, even when many independents and Republicans are abandoning the Republican party.

Lighten up folks. Hillary will win, and she'll pick Obama as her running mate. She is far too intelligent not to understand the ramifications of not doing so, and besides, they are ideologically identifical (although they may differ on procedure and specific policy).

Edwards would make a great cabinet member. There is room for all three of them in the new administration.

Si Se Puede, Si Se Puede, Si Se Puede

Clinton/Obama

Why does Obama not just publsh his voting records for all to see if there are no issues. "Seems he doth protest too much." I am an Illinois resident and during his tenure as state senator cannot recall any splendid, original programs or services that he developed or ACTUALIZED. Just as it must be obvious that I am not backing Obama, also I am not a newsperson whose preference ought be a mystery. Through your selection of particular photos, incidents, comments it is very evident who Wolf and other pundits support. Irecall several weeks ago that Michelle Obama commented negatively about Hillary, but guess that just went away due to inappropriate perspectivesI. long for tthe moments with Tom Brokow who still can drive down the middle of the road and report who, what, where, when. You are right, i CAN JUST CHANGE CHANNELS.

I wish the Clinton vs. Obama business would stop; I'd much rather see the two of them together. Seeing Clinton and Edwards teaming up fudges my loyalties more towards Obama. The last thing I want to see is a trial lawyer given the white house; that'll really screw up health care.

"So, Senator Edwards, how would you like to be Vice-President of the United States...?"

I've been following this campaign since day "1". I honestly feel through observation that both Hillary , and Former President Clinton, have both chosen to attack Senator Obama by putting every dirty spin in whatever ever Barack has done or said after having won the primary in Iowa. The debate on Monday night may not have been that of the greatest taste, however I feel it was high time that Barack defend himself from Hillary , as well as from president Clinton. I too feel that Senator Obama has been campaigning against two individuals. For many many years, I have had great admiration for both Mr and Mrs Clinton, but having observed the dirty and low down tactics they both have used in attacking Senator Obama put a really bad taste in my mouth about the both of them. President Clinton did do many wonderful things to help African Americans durning his tenture, and I am sure, as well as myself and other African Americans are indeed grateful, but what President Clinton did for African Americans or any other american was exactly what he should have done. It was his job!! I am now being reminded by the media, as well as the Clintons what President Clinton has done for us as a people as though it has now become a quid pro quoe by voting for Senator Clinton. I'm a firm believer in what a person show one as a person, one must believe them, and Senator Clinton has shown me exactly how ugly she truely is. I wish both Hillary and President Clinton much Luck in winning "their" election for the presidency, but "they" will not be getting my vote. I'm not sure what Senator Clinton, and Mr Edwards were dicussing behind closed doors, but having observed the distasteful actions of Senator Clinton against Senator Obama has lead me to believe, what may have been said upon Senator's Clinton's behalf, was not a pretty picture. Thank You

It's about time that all the news channels give John Edwards some coverage. I am so sick of hearing about Hilary and Barack, like they were the only two running. We have alot of states left to vote, and believe me, after last nights debate, it only confirmed my feelings that John Edwards is the most true and viable candidate. He sticks to his message, he is honest and earnest in his speaking, not to mention passionate in his cause. Lets give him a break, I know he doesn't have the money behind him like Hilary and Barack, but he has a message that holds true to what this country wants in a president. I am ready to turn off the news when I hear the two democratic candidates mentioned all the time, and all of their disagreements magnified and concentrated on, when there is a third candidate there with a message that resonates with all of us in this country. Lets let it be heard, lets give him the time and quit concentrating on the slamming of political candidates, which only goes to show that the fight between them is mostly about themselves, not about what is good for the country. John Edwards has my vote!

Hillary Clinton needs to stop her mudslinging. Her constant attacks on Barack Obama have only served to make her look ridiculous and afraid of her opponent. Bill Clinton's attacks against Obama are also very un-presidential. The Clinton campaign should be afraid-they have certainly lost the vote of at least one highly educated female voter-me.

Edwards won't be Hillary's VP. Hillary already cut a deal with Richardson to be her VP if she wins the nomination. Do you think it was a coincidence that Richardson dropped out just before the Nevada caucus as to not split the Hispanic vote with Hillary and give Obama a popular vote victory?

John Edwards brings nothing to the bottom of the ticket. He did not carry one state for Kerry in 2004. So hopefully Hillary remembers this calculation. However, John Kerry would make an outstanding Attorney General in a Clinton administration. This is a job where he can make a huge difference.

It would hypocritical for John to team up with Hillary due to the fact that He has been her biggest critic this whole race. He has been more critical of her than Obama has. But Hillary needs to be smart about this, the only way she will keep the Democratic coalition together is to pick Obama as her VP.

IMHO, a Clinton/Obama ticket is unbeatable.......

If Hillary offers the VP slot to Obama, he should take it! The only thing that could prevent him would be his pride and ego. We would have an opportunity to have great, progressive leadership in the White House for up to 16 years. As a VP, Obama would get the one thing he lacks – executive experience.

I still think, however, that Bill Richardson and John Edwards are more likely VP picks for Hillary.

Edwards would be hypocritical teaming up with the "Status Quo."

Obama stutters because he's actually thinking of his answers. Clinton doesn't because her answers are pre-planned and robotic. Clinton will give talking points. Obama will give thoughtful answers. That's why he'd rather give you an explanation rather than driving one liners created by some political team in the back.

For those of you who support Hillary, good for you. She is a great politician. But hate yourselves dearly when she gets squashed by the Republicans and we get a total of 12-16 years of Republican rule.

I don't understand why America doesn't want to restore its standing in the world. The world is in love with Obama. The world thinks that with Obama as president, the world can say, "Wow the Americans are actually a progressive and thoughtful people!"

But we'll be stubborn again and get McCain in office. Good job America.

Obama 08.

Woody, here is what he did for the African American community: more African Americans were incarcerated under Bill Clinton; Bill Clinton devised the three strikes out plan; created NAFTA took away jobs for all, but hurt the poor and black communities harder; helped his wife redistrict Harlem to remove more African Americans to put his office.

This man left Arkansas in a drug ruin after his governorship, all the so-called jobs he created were not so because the economy was a rebound after the Bush,Sr era.
Bill Clinton and wife are very divisive.

Thirdly, the man was impeached and now we have a dishonored official wanting to be an ambassador along with BushSr. Clinton left the Israeli/Palestian debacle in a mess. Bush does not want nor care to fix his mess. We need change in America and there are far more better people than the Clinton/Bush charade we have been having for the last 20 years. Hillary Clinton talks of change, well why doesn't she allow new ideas from different people. First she lied to the American people stating that she had no interest in running for president. I hope the people in New York see right through them, they left Arkansas in a mess, she can't get attention in Chicago. Bill Clinton left his secret library in Arkansas as a thanks to people for helping him get out of the state. Why did he not make his home in Arkansas, guess he couldn't con the people any longer.
Now

lost my vote, a clinton/edwards team will corrupt the system more with status quo

Hillary and John both attended the Bilderberg Conference last year. (For those of you who don't know what it is, look it up.) Once you learn that, consider that three of the four top candidates for the Democratic nomination (Clinton, Edwards, and Richardson) all attended last year's meeting. In addition, note that the pundits were leaning towards Evan Bayh as Hillary's potential running mate – and he went to the meeting as well. Given the nature of the conference, it stands to reason that if she wins the nomination, Edwards WILL be her running mate, and the "plans" will be underway...

The critics has said that If Obama gets the nomination, the republicans are sure to lose because the republican has no good strategies to go against obama. Voting for clintons is a sure lose to the white house to the republicans.

Yes, I rather have a republican in the white house than the Clintons. they are liars.

Clinton\Edwards ticket would be a disaster for the democrats, black folks simply won't show up to the polls and the dems can't win it without us. A Clinton\Edwards ticket would look like the white folks ganged up on the black candidate and, as a result, the democrats put forth the status quo, more white folks. Kennedy and Emmanuel both know this and that's why they told Bubba to shut his fat redneck trap.

After watching the debate it showed how green Obama really is .He really needs to get alittle more experience under his belt .I think he's a great guy but it take more than that to run the Oval office .

Remember when she was saying that mud slinging was bad for the party. Who is doing the slinging now? I do hope she heard the crowd go to a very low boo when she brought up " working for the slum lord." I have a feeling she lost the black vote in his debate. Talking about health care is one thing and getting it passed is another. How many people will fall between the crack, it will happen and small business will not be able to afford this. It is easy to talk about it , doing it is another. Just use your judgement on placing your vote and people are not what they seem or are who they say they are.

Wow. That was the first Dem. debate I have seen...Hillary spends ALL of her time distorting the truth. Even today she has come out and distorted Obama's words again. Changed his campaign strategy? Frustrated by the losses? Hillary and Bill are attacking him every day, all day. He's just trying to be honest, and he's getting pounded by the establishment politicians.

I don't know who I'm voting for yet, but I know I'm not voting for Hillary. She is a pure politician. No matter what Obama says, she will spin it into something negative.

Please, please wake-up America...we do not need our last four presidents to look like this: Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton. What does that say about our country? It says we are in love with the wealthy establishment, easily fooled, and will continue down the path of divisive politics and get-nothing-done Washington. It is not moving forward.

My prayer for our country is that we vote for someone who is more concerned with hope than with doing whatever it takes to get elected.

As a retired special education teacher, I am horrified at the lack of literacy displayed by the bloggers on this issue. I have had severe and profoundly challanged students who have better command of the language process.

In regards to the issue at hand, Obama's purpose is to hand the White House to the Republicans. It would not surprise me if most of his fundiong came from Republican sources. Any way to find out?

Oh, leave it be! They worked together in the Senate (Edwards was very helpful to the Clintons during the impeachment process) and remain cordial despite currently being political opponents. It's what I would expect of grown ups. Nor do I think Edwards is interested in the No. 2 spot. People are reading too much into this.

There will never be a female president within the next 50-60 years. It is turning in to a Circus. The question still remains will there ever be a Black President within the next 50-60 years? If so he will be a Martyr. I always vote for the best canadiate. Unfortunately, Republicans always figure a way to pull things off. Buy way of push, pull or tow, or beg, borrow, steal. Politics is a tough racket. The democrats fight too much on issues that don't matter. It is more of an image than issues. Republicans focus on issues and once in office do nothing about them. I think it is a loose- loose situation all the way around. I will vote. I am Afro-American, and Obama will not get it because he is black, and Hillary will not get it becaue she is a former First lady and a Female. This Country needs a postive change and help. Right now I don't give a hoot of where it will come from.

Clinton/Edwards ticket is a dream team, their platform has a lot in common.

That makes perfect sense. Edwards is looking for a VP slot. Next week he will be having private meetings with Obama. The wheels have come of Edwards wagon and now he needs someone to glom onto. What a parasite.

I have been a lifelong Democrat but if Obama is anywhere on the ticket, the Republicans have my vote no matter who they nominate.

The topic: "After watching the three of us on stage tonight how could anyone be so foolish as to vote for a Republican?"

Three very good candidates. A tough choice though I'm still leaning toward Hillary.

No Obama on the ticket. Good luck getting the black vote in key states like PA, MI and OH. DEMOCRATES WILL NOT WIN WITHOUT THE BLACK VOTE.

CLINTON AND EDWARDS WOULD BE A GREAT TEAM.

Hillary could really improve her chances with Edwards as her VP. Really I'd rather have Edwards as President. He's the one with the great ideas - Clinton and Obama have just copied most of his stuff, except for the silly bickering. If the press would give him half the coverage that they continuously heap on Hillary and Barack, maybe more people would actually know that he has some super plans to change our county. But the press wants to determine who we vote for so they just broadcast what they want to. Edwards clearly had the upper hand in last night's debate but all the press is concentrating on today is the goofball arguing by Clinton and Obama (and, oh yes, Bill asleep at the MLK ceremony).

There were 3 people at the debate last night. All the media including fox , cnn, etc. Says there were only 2 people There were 3 and John Edwards won the debate. The media lacks alot of anything relating to news or media because, they are supposed to bring us news about what happened they just bring us WHAT THEY WANT not what makes a news worthy story. I hope John Edwards gets to be Vice President and then becomes President thats what I hope.

Maybe Hillary might have the political experience but, Obama has life's lessons – he can relate to hardship and the like of the human race. What does Hillary know about human "hardships"?

Have you people ever thought that the reason why both her and Bill Clinton are raking Obama thru mud? Because she will nominate her own husband to be her running mate and/or nominate him to a high ranking job in the White House IF she's elected President. (God forbid, I hope this doesn't happen).

As for John Edwards, he's a FOLLOWER. He played two sides. He should get the hell out of the race.

My husband and I miss Clinton years. Stock market was up,dollar was strong,gasoline was cheaper than a bottle of water. Go Hillary ,08!

Dear "Deta reid":

Your "January 22, 2008 1:00 pm ET" comments ("...it doesn't matter WHO'S ON TOP !!") were a little over the top...let's keep this blog clean...there are women and children reading this blog.

Obama is The candidate that speaks truth and embrace capitalism. That mandate on healthcare will not work. it will only give more money to the rich insurance company. SO WAKE UP Wake up Clinton and Edwards Supporters!!!

The moment that Edwards attack Clinton on that night in New Hampshire debate to push for the sympathy vote from the womens is the sign that Edwards has already side with the LYING, MUDSLING, DISHONEST clintons.

How many times does the Clintons have to stab your back to make you feel that they are no good for you or the country. Clintons give you empty promise. Clinton did not say how she will finance the health care and forcing everybody to pay for that stupid mandate coverage when not everybody can't afford it. What are you suppose to pay for insurance and NOT FEED OUR KIDS ??? Where is the logic in this?

Edwards, you are no good for the country because you say one thing that you fight for the poor and in the back you are stabbing the poor by joining the Clintons who associates themselves with the rich and the lobbyist. You are a wolf in the sheep skin.

Obama, Edwards ticket is only a dream. Mark my words, it will never happen. Edwards rather had Clinton as his boss than Obama.

Obama, I support you all the way to the end. I would rather have a Republican McCain in the white house than the Clintons. The Clintons are SICK!!!

Obama was the better debater last night in that he came across as more honest and sincere than HC or Edwards. Edwards is a huckster and HC feels it is her "right" as defined by her "status" to become president and apparently her husband believes in this "divine arrogant sense of self" also. I am sure this meeting was not by chance. We will shortly see the results of this meeting especially if Obama should win SC. The attacks from the Clinton's will start again probably more so than ever because Obama have the audacity to get in HC way on her march to her overblown sense of destiny.

Don't buy John Edwards's "this is my life long cause" garbage. He is in this for self-gratifying, self-serving reasons.

That was finally a fun debate. Did Obama really think that he can attack, and make false accusations about Hillary's comments on MLK and not get a reaction?
He has realized that this is a debate for pros, and when he came out with that silly on the Walmart board against Hillary – why was he oh so hurt when she duked right back at him? He has trouble defending his record, does not come clean with straight forward replies. He is dealing with a pro – and Hillary showed him that she is a master of the game.
Go Hillary!! She is a LEADER.

Vote for Lou Dobbs. He is the only one withl any sense.

Hillary talks about the vast amount of experience she has but all she really ever talks about is fighting healthcare battles for the past 36 years. What does give her the right to question others experience or the lack thereof when it was her husband that was the president and dealt with foreign policy.

I also have real issue with the universal healthcare she keeps running on. I have healthcare and yes my premiums are high, but do we really want the government mandating as Hillary said last night and imposing penalties on us if we don't buy into this healthcare? Doesn't the government have enough control over us that we now need to give them the right to tell us who we must use as our healthcare provider? She never does answer the question about how she intends to pay for all this "stuff" she wants to give away. Wonder why she never answers that? Do the American people really want to vote to have their taxes increased that heavily? I sure don't.

Hillary is our best chance for America. She will fight hard for us!

Hillary 08'

SOME REAL NEWS "Jane Roe" Endorses Ron Paul

Hillary told John "You thinkin what I'm thinkin"? And then they burst out laughing at what a desperado BO looked, whining and pointing his fingers when he didn't like what he was hearing...like the pouty school boy he is. If you want a good laugh, go to you tube and see what BO REALLY said about the single payer issue he so vehemently denied. Shows what a "BUSHY" clone he really is! He scares the living bejesus out of me and I can see that he'll bust out the race card whenever he wants to bring someone down. He says "she started it" but he always does..like last night. He is the emperor with no clothes...Jim Jones wannabe...

Clearly, it is only about POWER to the Clintons. As they have said many times, it's a game. There are 3 teams in this game. The press is one of them. Only it's a game with our lives. This whole process is disgusting.

Go EDWARDS....it's happening...hillary and obama , the two minority who are inexperienced at diplomacy, are "knocking each other out"

John Edwards has "class" ...John Edwards is the only candidate worthy of the White House....John Edwards has the strength of diplomacy to negotiate world peace...he is the ONLY choice for President.

Hillary is warmed has been... i am already sick of hillary and obama and their pettiness....Americans deserve the best leadership in the white house...JOHN EDWARDS!

Go John...God is with you!

"Secret Meeting" – CNN had this within minutes of it taking place, so exactly how secret could it be? Another example of the "professional reporting"; hasty, speculative – as breathily headlong as a high school freshman reporting live from the Prom. C'mon folks. You can do better than that.

Although it is pretty plain that Hilary is doing some delegate fishing. Edwards appears to be doing the sensible thing. When the lion and the crocodile fight over the kill, a smart jackal hangs back and waits until they're both too tired to defend it.

Mrs. Clinton, a "she" devil.

Obama/Edwards /08

Its obvious there's going to be a Hillary/Edwards..it was obvious from the debate where they both ganged up on Obama.

It's mind boggling how the Bush's and the Clinton's of this world keep power...how can 'change' be the slogan when you guys are clearly putting in a member of an old political family into the whitehouse...that's not change..that's more of the same.

I mean, I'm not supporting the lame 'change' slogan, just please, people like Hillary and Mitt Romney shouldn't be using it, period.

The questions asked by the moderators were out of line. No wonder they went off
on each other. They were not policy questions, but questions geared to bring a negative responce from one candidate to another. The qestion to Obama about
black president was out of line. Having said that Obama should have said he
hoped he would be considered Americas president after he was elected. But you
all had him so riled up his responses were defensive.

Hilary better start thinking of HILARY – OBAMA PRESIDENCIAL ticket to stand up to the challenge of Republican Macain – Ronmey ticket campain machine on 'FEAR'. While Obama should be humble enough to consider an opportunity to develope experience and build upon the youthful and black American pride political followership to a historic first African – American Vice president in preparations for a potenciail black American president.

I do believe that an Clinton- Edwards ticket would also be great for the country. Obama needs to start acting more like a statesman instead of acting like a community organizer. He is running against Hillary Clinton and not Bill Clinton.
It seems to me that everytime Obama is attacked he and his supporters always decry that they are being picked on. If Mr. Obama cannot stand the heat he is getting from Hillary , how then can he expect to take on the Republicans. Looks to me like he got away from his "new kind of politics" last night and looked just like every other politician. I am from Michigan and unfortunately when have seen the effects of a poor economy and it is going to take more than "hope" to solve these problems. I hope that we are not heading for another split Democratic Party, but lately it seems like some are trying to split the party. We need a candidate that can bring about change but also one that can provide results. That is why i am supporting Hillary Clinton. Like her or hate her I feel that she has the experience to get things done and knows how to take on the Republicans. I also support Edwards but I feel that his advisors and his decision to take matching funds allowed the Media to kick him aside.

This is a non-story. CNN is backtracking so fast they are falling all over themselves. The first time I saw this headline it said they held a "secret" meeting. Now it is a "private" meeting. then you read the article and basically they ran into each other by chance, said hello and tossed a couple of good-natured barbs at each other.

Note that the picture is of the two of them shaking hands outside of somewhere, but the story is about them meeting in the room outside the debate area. This is just irresponsible reporting, ended with "so what else was said"...

Maybe something is going on, but if so, report it when you know it for a fact. I didn;t think this was the National Enquirer

I did not know who I would be voting for, until last nights debate.
Hilary is showing her true self.........Obama, you have my vote.

I wonder if America is truly about diversity for all, it seems like we expolit diversity to serve the interests of the white majority..........and poor Obama has to stay in the middle so he won't be considered to black, this is the hardest thing a politician has ever had to do in our country, hands down....

I BELEIVE THE CLINTONS ARE PLAYING ANOTHER GAME BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM AT THE EXPENSE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE,USING YOU THE MEDIA IN THE MIDDLE OF EACH ROUND.IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT THE CLINTONS

Why would Clinton team up with Edwards for VP when it won't gain her a single southern state? I for one, didn't like the grandstanding on both her and Edwards' part in last night's debate on the issue of the "present" votes by Obama. They already knew what the story was behind it, and it wasn't scandalous or negligent on Obama's part as a legistor. In the face of a Clinton/Edwards ticket–I'd easily vote for McCain. And by the way CNN, I'm a Black female voter.

I support Obama and was very proud of his debate last night. He had to stand up to both Hillary and Bill's attacks even if it did get a little uncomfortable with the back and forth. No one likes to see that but she started it and he ahd to answer it. Where is BillBoy when you need him Hillary? Her anger and hatred came out full force and America got to see it.

Debating a woman on national TV is trickey business. Both Obama and Edwards are way more gentlemen than they have to be with Billary. We have two men who were very well taught by their mammas...a very polite black man and a son of the south. Kind of goes against their basic nature to get rough on her and you can tell they don't like it.

Obama and Edwards both have character and I believe are honest. I would hope Edwards will stay the course and not support Hillary regardless of how this turns out. I think he showed he can't/won't do that with his question of having lobbist in her office on day one. Hillary was waiving her hands in the air saying "I don't know...I just don't know". The national debt couldn't compare to what Bill and Hillary owe special interests. A very good moment for Edwards.

I did not appreciate the tone of last night's debate. To me, Edwards is one-note Johnny and an egotist. And to you people who are SO in love with Hillary and Edwards, may I ask that you examine both their voting records????? John Edwards is running on everything he voted against in his short and mostly abstent Congressional career. Hillary is a corporatist and not only voted for the Iraq war, but voted not too long ago to give Bush the power to go to war with Iran. Wake up you people!!

Obama is the change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you say, "I smell Clinton/Edwards Pres/V.P. ticket?
Edwards is a womanly kind of man anyway, and Clinton is a manly kind of woman anyway…should work out just fine for them…until they are beat by the Republican nominee.

How sad it is when grown men can't accept the fact that a woman is smarter and wiser than them....... Go Hillary.... And thank you on behalf of my granddaughters who might have a better chance in the world against these women haters.. sad

All 3 candidates were really sharp last night. Yes, I agree with most here that the bickering was a bit much and far reaching at times. The one unfortunate moment was when Clinton brought up the Rezko news as a reach and it looked desperate. Anyone who has read the articles about it (not the blogs) in the Chicago papers (look up articles by John Kaas and Lynn Sweet to start) knows that Obama purchased his home 16 months before Rezko was indicted. While I can understand that perhaps Obama should have had some sort of inside information on this guy prior to getting involved with him, it is abundantly clear that Obama didn't break any law. As for the Watergate scandal, well that's just a start to the multitude of issues in the Clinton closet. (there is plenty of ammo for the Repugs to spew in a general election campaign against Clinton)
In all, Edwards appeared to be the most poised and articulate throughout the debate. I would say that he has been most impressive overall throughout the debates in general. Realistically, he doesn't have a shot. There is no sign of an implosion by Clinton or Obama. They are the dominant players and will continue to be well after Feb 5th. It is becoming clearer that Hillary will win the nomination. I just pray that those of you that are voting for her will realize that you are not going to get Bill in office again. Plus, please understand that she doesn't have 35 years of experience nor does she have 16 years of experience as she aptly noted last night. She has 7 years of experience in getting things done in the US Senate. (although I would highly recommend looking up what she has in fact, accomplished during her tenure as Senator; not what she proposes but what she get's done)
Don't get be wrong, there is no doubt in my mind that she is brilliant and certainly able, however you must ask yourselves what is best for our country? Or, who really has the best chance of winning? If it's Clinton vs. McCain or Bloomberg(don't count him out yet) she will lose in the general election. I just hope that you can do as Mrs. Clinton asked last night and that is to "look to the future", and "vote for whom you feel is best suited to lead this country." The general election race is much closer than most people anticipate. It will not be a Dem landslide. Esp. if McCain or Guiliani are the Repub contenders.

edwards sometimes i think you are just as old time as hillary

big mistake buddy big mistake

go obama

go away john

The Dream Team would be Edwards/Obama or Obama/Edwards

it would be a huge missed oppurtunity if the democratic party does not see the value in a Clinton-Obama ticket. these two should make nice, because thats ticket that cant be beat.

I think Edwards wants to be someone's VP since the chances of his getting the democratic nomination appear slim

I found it quite amazing that nobody picked up on the fact that when Senator Clinton was asked about her husband's part in her campaign she quickly went back to her stock rant about her 35 years of..etc. etc.,and ignored the question.Much of her experience was gained as wife of the Govenor and President.If this is valid experience for the job as President,then I guess Laura Bush will probably turn up as a candidate in 8 years...my God.what a thought.

My comment is only to say that I believe that this presidential contest should not be about race. I just feel that it is now headed down that path and I feel that Obama put it there when he accused Mrs. Clinton of making a racist remark concerning her statement where she was praising King about his accomplishments on his fight for equality for all people and that the President was then able to put those accomplishments into law. That was fact, not a disparging comment in any way and was certainly not racial. It was at that point that Mrs. Clinton responded to Obamas charge of racism. Why would anyone want to go backwards instead of foreward. I can assure you that the Republicans will make enough statements that are anti-black, anti-woman, and anti-gay to cover those subjects alone without any help from the Democrats. I would like to see just one debate that issues and solutions were the only topics allowed and each canidate was not allowed to even mention the others name or anyone's name from the past. Then we could really see what they really would do in todays real life situations. We already know that they can attack each other. How, about it CNN? Would you be willing to set those ground rules and stick to them for the publics sake? It would be great to have a real debate on real issues and solutions.

How sweet it when the criminals, I mean politicians hold covert meetings. I hope you Hillary supporters get exactly what you want when she's elected......

I think the Democrats are ready to enter the 21st Century, Hillary. Go off to West Palm Beach and retire.

Obama lost the debate. I thought Hillary did extremely well as usual and I hope she gets the democratic nomination. She will be a fantastic president. I read that mark halperin said obama won the debate....I visited halperin's website and found the picture of his backside appropriate with his comments....

"Finally, there's always the prospect that Democrats just might do the energizing for the Republicans. Republican pollster and consultant Neil Newhouse notes that one path toward greater intensity is "running against a Democrat in the general election who generates real negative passion among Republicans." He adds: "Luckily, such a candidate exists: Hillary Clinton." She registers a whopping 87% unfavorable rating among the party faithful, he notes.

At the same time, a drawn-out and divisive primary fight between Sen. Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama still has the potential to disillusion and discourage some Democrats about their ultimate choice. "There's only one direction that Democratic enthusiasm can go, and that's down," Mr. Newhouse says."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120095622616304835.html

YES! A Clinton/Edwards ticket would be AMAZING for the country. Though I do like the sound of Clinton/Richardson. My dream for a long time was Clinton/Obama but after what we've seen, I doubt that will happen. Tis a shame because that would have almost guaranteed 16 years of a Democratic White House because after serving 8 years as VP there would be no reason to doubt Obama's experience.

John Edwards seems to be dancing to the tune of anyone her perceives will be the DEM Nominee. After Iowa, Obama came out as the front runner and Edwards immediately gravitated to Obama. Hillary afterwards wins New Hampshire and Nevada and it just happens that Edwards decides to be on her side. Funny Huh!!!!

So what? I don't see how this is newsworthy... This is like a gossip column – there's no substance at all in this article, just pundit speculation...

Maybe they were discussing Bill's favorite color...

Well, when Edwards suggested that he could win the south, that was similar to the good ol southern boy system.

It's probably making a mountain out of a mole hill guessing as to what was really discussed if anything. All three did a great job last night. And I'm glad Hillary fired back to Mr. Obama, Barack was forthright and spoke very well and Edwards was great. All in all, I thought it was a great debate.

I think Edwards could be a possitive asset as vice president to whoever becomes the Democratic nominee, Obama or Clinton. He was held by a short leash with Kerry and it was reported that Edwards asked Kerry to be more aggressive. Kerry miscalculated and he lost an election he could have won. Instead we ended up with another 4 years of limping around with one of the worst lack luster presidents ever.

Kerry's endorsement of Obama means nothing to me. And to the Obama supporters that think endorsements equal experience, they don't. They are two entirely different things.

And to the Hillary haters out there who would never vote for her, to each his own. But don't complain when the rich get richer and your insurance increases by 80% in the next 8 years. After all, you voted for it with your narrow minded reasoning.

John Edwards is irrelevant as the presidental choice, period. I don't know what everyone is talking about him potentially getting passed the big two, but I am telling you he has no chance to become president. The point is there is a reason he looked great in the debates, and when he made the comments about bickering, does anyone else remember who did that in an earlier debate it was Bill Richardson, what I am trying to say is that of course you can be seen as calm and civil when you are not being attacked. Since Obama and Clinton don't even care to argue with him, and make him look like the civil one it tells me that in their mind he is irrelevant, the reason also behind not attacking him is to see if he puts his eventual drop out weight behind either of the two. At this moment individual wise the two greatest endorsements are John Edwards, and Al Gore. Edwards will not win, and it is a joke for anyone to think he will make a comeback. Last night, I saw John Edwards gang up on Barack Obama with Hillary, and if they did converse secretly in the back it was probably of no relevance with the race. The VP position would not be discussed in something so miniscual and simple as the green room. Nevertheless what bothers me is that Edwards seems to be getting close to Clinton, much like he did to Barack after Iowa. He seems to be scouting the race and getting close to the leader to try to wrap up the VP nod, and last night leads me to believe he is out for himself by aligning himself to whoever is in the lead. That is sad, this guy is a snake and don't be fooled by the charm. As for Billary, shes a joke, she can cry and turn to Bill to make it all better, is this the leader you want? When our enemies get hostile with us will she turn to tears and then Bill to make it all better? I already see McCain and Romney salvating over the potential of facing Hillary. As a democrat I would much rather vote for a republican like McCain then her, if it is her against Romney, I'll vote Bloomberg.

Making news out of nothing at all!

How pathetic that they call this news and sell it?

More pathetic is how anyone buys this stuff called news!

I am disappointed with all forms of the media who are obviously biased with regard to the winner of last nights debate. You keep on making this a race between Hillary and Barack. Were you watching the same debate? I watched intently as Senator Edwards clearly showed the necessary compassion, calm intelligent responses, fortitude, and vigor that we need from the President of the United States. He clearly was the winner. Being part of the middle class, I felt that his message was clear and precise. While Hillary and Barach were quibling about he said, she said, Edwards stayed right on track telling the public what he would do as President. He's a classy person. This does not mean that I have made up my mind yet, I will wait to hear more, but I'm sick and tired of the media blowing Edwards off, as if he is a non- factor in this race. I believe he deserves more respect than that. I hope that the public can go beyond voting for a person solely because the person is black and so am I, or because she could be the first female President, and vote for the best person suited to be leader of the Free World.

It's about time Obama came out swinging. When you're fighting a two-headed monster (Hillary and Bill) you can't afford to hold back a punch. I loved it when he made reference to whom he was running against, Bill or Hillary. Keep up the fight Obama because one thing is certain, the Clinton's will.

The only people in here bashing Clinton are the fanatical Obama supporters that seem to not care about issues (seeing as how the man has never stated what he's going to do to change anything) and republicans.
This was not a "Secret" meeting. They were probably swaping punchlines about how poorly Obama did in the debate and thats it.

I now think CNN is funny and nothing more. Great comedy site guys! Ha Ha

It is obvious that Clinton and Edwards have joined forces with Edwards running as a vice president. His comments in previous debates were centered around Hilary but now they are centered around Obama.

Obama is letting HRC dictate the subject too much. In my opinion he should emphasize three things:

1. After S.C., he must turn the race debate into a debate about poverty. Hillary is killing him among poor whites, which is ironic with her ties to big business and special interest.

2. The Clintons take tens of millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia and UAE. (See today's Dick Morris column.) The idea of having a President in the pocket of foreign states, particularly in the Middle East, is a frightening fact that people need to know about and the Clintons need to explain.

3. Education. The economy is the issue of the day and will continue to be but education is the key to long term economic success.

As a lifelong Democrat, if Hillary wins the nomination, I'm voting for everything but President in 2008. The age of divisiveness needs to end and I will not support a continuation of it.

For all of you Clinton supporters, if she wins the nomination, you can go ahead and enjoy it, because it would last until next November when, once again, a non-Democrat will win the White House.

I have never been more disappointed in my party in my whole life. The Presidency was basically handed to us, yet Hillary thought it would be "fun" to start the attacks on fellow Democrats.

QUIT saying another 4 years of the Clintons! There is only one Clinton running for president. President Clinton is a spouse who is merely campaigning for his wife as other spouses do. He just knows how to compaign becaue he is experienced and as much as some of you haters do not want to admit it –he is likable and exceptionally clever and talented!

Clinton/Edwards as President/Vice President?? Now that's a winning ticket!!

From reading all these comments it is clear to me the American people really aren't that bright which answers the question of why we keep electing morons. Both parties are so entrenched in partisan politics that their mouths are no longer connected to their brains instead they are now connected to a different body part. Lou Dobbs for President!!

I would love to see a
CLINTON – EDWARDS ticket and then on to white house.

and it doesn't matter WHO'S ON TOP !!

love
deta

Former President Bill Clinton is a very likable guy. I voted for him. But what’s perplexing me is that he’s looked at as a President who’s done a lot for the African American community. I'm an African American male who can't specifically come up 3 things he's done for our community. Will someone please tell me “specifically” what he did for the African American community as President? Times were great during his tenure. The budget was balanced – but is this due, in large part, due to George Sr’s tax cut? What did he do?

Clinton-Edwards would be a fabulous ticket.

I'm hoping CNN or any other media outlet starts picking up some of the feedback, moderate dems/independents like myself are saying on these boards. I will not vote for Hilary, and this is a common theme we are hearing. She is too polarizing and nothing will change. We need Obama to win the nomination, and I would venture a guess that Edwards would be fine as well, but he should drop out and support Obama as that could be the deciding factor...

"i KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DISCUSSING HOW SAD AND HYPOCRITICAL OF EDWARDS TO PRETEND HE IS NOT FOR THE STATUS QUO WHEN WE ALL KNOW HE IS."

Edwards is such a phony he worked 20 years as a trial lawyer helping people who had been hurt by corporations. He's such a phony he created a poverty center. He's such a phony got the Patients Bill of Rights legislation passed out of the Senate. He's such a phony he has taken two tries to win the presidency (a lot of work) to talk about poverty (which wins few votes).

And to top it all, he's such a phony you can see that having grown up in the rural poverty-stricken South that he runs completely away from his background and ...

Well, you see, he's only taken different positions for one phase of his career - when he was a senator from NC he actually behaved like a senator from NC. Boo hoo!

John Edwards has more authenticity in his little finger than the other two put together.

Hillary claims to be Progressive. Who doesn't laugh when she says she's worked her whole career fighting poverty. I guess she did it as a corporate lawyer for the Rose law firm or sitting on the board of directors of WalMart.

Barack is Mr. Hot Air. He says he's going to Unite America when we know Republicans won't do that unless they're the ones doing the raping. He reaches out to Reagan Democrats, but doesn't say what he'll offer them. Meanwhile, he says he's Liberal or Progressive or whatever flavor is popular this month. You can't pin him down. He's like Jello.

Call Edwards a phony or a hypocrite if you want, but he's the one who has put it on the line to walk the walk.

she ask weather or not his wife had a spare tampon, get a life, report on the facts,
not the rumor mill.
homeless veteran.

How about an Obama / Chuck Hagel ticket. What do you guys think of that?

Obama showed that he does not have what it takes to be president. he even threw the first mud in the debate. and when he was called on it he started whining. he never answered the question why he voted present on over 100 bills. he has no record. he wants to straddle the fence. if he some how gets the nomanation the republicans will eat him alive. he has no record and he has no guts. he even praised regan who was the one that broke the unions. among other things. we need some one that can stand up for all americans. Hillary or Edwards.

I was seriously undecided before yesterdays debate, and as much as people are sour about the show down, I needed to see that. I needed to see some heart, and to be quite honest I saw it in HIllary.

I am a black man, extremely proud of Obama. Although it has been scarcely discussed he has opened the way and the realisation that black people can apply and be competitive for the top job. He is a great speaker and motivator, charismatic and very intelligent. Do I think he has what it takes, NO. At least not right now. I certainly believe he will be president one day, but not this time.

He is a great speaker and on numerous occassions after hearing speak I felt rejuvenated and fired up,...but to do what? I do know, because he doesnt say. Yes its great to want change, and make healthcare better, help our children through schools but tell me how, what are your plans, where are you going to get the money from?

If he cannot handle himself or recieve the taunt of Bill or anyone else. He definitely will not survive attacks against the republicans. In my view he is just not ready, and to be quite honest, I don't believe HE even knows what he stands for right now, and as usual is playing it safe.

Being President is a tough job, that requires difficult decisions, some of the decisions will be unpopular among the masses, but have to be made. I cannot see Obama doing that. Hillary would.

Also I lost an ounce of respect for Obama when he denied the praise he offered the Republicans and Reagan. If he stood his ground and stood by that statement as opposed to 'changing what he meant' by saying that. He would have had my vote. Instead, he further turns it around on Bill and Hill as something they construed. We have all seen that interview, so we know you said it and what you
meant.

Go Barack! Go John! The Dem's WINNING TICKET: OMABA /EDWARDS '08. Remember, in order to get the WH (BACK) you NEED to get 270. Any other ticket, you will lose the WH (for 8 YEARS, not 4, don't kid yourself), the senate (55-45, AGAIN!) and of course the Supreme Court (a Conservative court, nonetheless 7-2 yup, KIDDOS, it's gonna be 7-2! ) MARK MY WORDS. But the saddest part is gonna be that: YOU,as a voter, YOU could've CHANGE the (WASHINGTON'S) RULES once and for all but you decided that you were better than that. What a shame, what a shame...INDEED.

As a life-long Democrat...I will never vote for Clinton. The Clinton style of politics is an
example of everything that is wrong with this country. She has more in common with the Bush mentality of control then any candidate and, will never win in the general election. Wake up America....Obama is our only hope for change here and abroad.

Oooooo- a secret meeting that everyone knows about- Ooooo-what could it mean?

Hillary said last night that she has been dealing with international relations for the last 16 years- did she mean when she- I mean Bill, was President? Maybe John just wanted her to clarify that statement. You know the Clintons- make it up as you go along- just don't ask them the definition of the word "is"- they are kinda touchy about that.....

The democrats deserve to lose the White House again. You are all sheep. Just because you dislike Hillary, and beacuse Obama preaches like a holy man and can talk like an inspirational coach does NOT make him presidential material.

You all do not know anything about him. Just riding on the band wagon. Did you watch the debate? He was running for cover and trying to change the subject every time Hillary flug some dirt on him. He was running because as bad as it is to sling, it was truthful.

again us Veterans get the shaft. No mention about Veteran's issues. Nothing is said about our less than mediocre healthcare to start with. Doesn't seem like the rest of America cares either. Only when they want us to fight our wars. America with this Iraq War is comprised of Veterans more so than ever. Clinton throws us a bone in the Foreign Affairs Magazine Nov/Dec issue. But its a small bone. Also, our active duty members (most of them )fall below the poverty rate.

lol. OBAMA IS NOT HONEST!

Hillary just paid him 10 bucks for showing up for the debate. Money well earned John.

I was appalled at the attacks back and forth. US Citizens want to hear them discuss the issues not he said, she said comments. It was a waste of time. This is a serious election with many issues on the table. Let's get down to the facts and cut out the attacks. In the end, it will hurt the Democratic party.

I don't think Hilary will pick Edwards as her running mate – it didn't help Kerry and Kerry did not endorse him. I think Wesley Clark or Bill Richardson – maybe even Joe Biden. I am sure that Edwards will endorse Hilary if he drops out – his views are way more in line with her than Obama.

As sly as Edwards!

I really like Hillary and she has a terrific agenda and may provide great leadership. However, I doubt she will get anything done because some Democrats and almost all Republicans hate here. She may not be able to pass a single piece of legislature and we may have the same kind of governance as we had under Bush.

Bush may have had some good ideas but nothing materialised because he never had the confidence of fellow democrats following the 2000 election.

We hence should think about the personality and fit of the presidential candidate.

IL Chic January 22, 2008 12:44 pm ET

OBAMA for President!!!!!!!!

Pick the HONEST candidate and the ONLY candidate for REAL change!!!!!!!
_______________________________________________________________

He only seems honest because he doesnt answer questions to his record. He still hasnt explained why he voted "present" 130 times in the Illinois senate. As president you have to answer the tough questions.

The Clintons' are not going after John Edwards because they do not see him as a threat.I can guarantee that if he was doing as well as Obama the attacks would be heavy and hard!

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Afterall they have tried putting Hilary down on all sides,,trying to discredit her. This shows you this woman is human and all the political candidates should learn to extend some handshakes off the political arena.
Olutoks London

Slppery Sam you're awesome. I love your recollection of the conversation .

Go HILLARY GO!!!!

P.P.S. you're taking being uncomfortable and vulnerable about personal attacks and twisting it into a lack of strength in our country's leader. obama has no experience so wait until he's just like billary and then we vote for him? WHAT?

CNN you better post this, I got my eyes on you CNN

And while I'm on this, Wolf Blitzer.

hahahaha

If it so "secret meeting" how did you all get a picture of it...."Secret meetings" usually mean behind closed doors....My only thoughts were, so they are talking to each other...so what???? Why is everyone making so a big deal over it????? Can't 2 people talk without it being made into something that it might not be...WHO is ASSUMING that they are "plotting" something???? I think a big deal is being made out of NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hillary has what this country needs to make the necessary changes to get this country back on track. Obama is a nice man & speaks very well, with a nice ability to inspire people – a very nice asset for anyone to have; however, basing a decision on emotion, will bit you in the butt every time. Everybody talks about dishonesty – this is politics folks, even the most truest & purest stances, are not what they appear to be... I back the candidate who I think will make a difference & restructure our country for the better of all, and who has years of experience doing this. I want someone who will do what it takes to fight to the bitter end for the USA; and if it gets a little brutal in the process – it takes what it takes. Would not someone fight to the death for a family member? That is what I want to see in my president – Hillary is a fighter for the people, and I back her 100%, as do most I talk with – she will be our next President of the USA!!!! GO HILLARY - YOU ARE THE ONE WE NEED TO GO TO BAT FOR US & WHO WILL GET THINGS DONE.

I'm with you there J.C. I think we will se the begining of a strong 3rd party.

OBAMA for President!!!!!!!!

Pick the HONEST candidate and the ONLY candidate for REAL change!!!!!!!

I agree totally with Oliver 22Jan08. I am a moderate Democrat who would not vote for Hillary only because she is too polarizing. I feel that if she wins the nomination the independents or moderate dems may not support her in an election. I feel that there are a lot on Democrats in the party who do not want another four more years of the Clintons. It's time to move on.

The democrats should be worried if Clinton wins the nomination. I will only vote for Obama or Edwards if they get the nomination. If Hillary wins it, the dems lose and I will not vote for her.

I'm a canadian who was watching the debate last night with great interest. As I saw it, Obama clearly attacked Ms. Clinton first. Is it not fair for her to defend herself? Also, Obama needs to clarify his positions, he cannot fly under the radar because of the political hype he's receiving. As a citizen of Canada who has universal healthcare i would urge all americans to vote for a candidate that represents that ideal. Universal healthcare needs to be a requirement not a choice! Its barbaric that a great country like the US has people who cannot get the medical treatment they need!

Jgian January 22, 2008 7:57 am ET

It's time to take a strong look at John Edwards' positions and how he is the true advocate for working families. Obama and Clinton are just more of the same.

Jgian,

where have you been ? You put Barack Obama and Billary in one category ...?

Nothing against John Edwards although is giving up on his stand by having secret meetings with Billary – but the Royal Family is nothing like Obama !

Frank

Between Hillary and Obama , Hillary clearly won the debate. Obama was skirting around the issues once again,seems to be his nature. Obama will not and does not answer the questions ,no straight talk from him.
Obama rambles on about how Hillary and Edwards are falsely stating his record and is always trying to explain why he is right and they are wrong,will the press ever hold Obama's feet to the fire and ask him to PLEASE answer the questions or maybe if the press wants to continue the free pass they need to start asking Obama YES or NO questions. Maybe Obama can handle that.
We can all go on gov.com and check Obama and Clinton's record for ourselves. Out of the three in the debate Edwards came out on top this time. I am undecided at this time,although I have in the past voted Democrat but the Republicans are looking better every day. ALL BUT Rudy. No Rudy

At the end of the primaries...america would see how much dirt has been dug by clinton, obama & edwards on each other...At least 50% democrats will be demoralized by the time one nominee is crowned. look at the republicans, at least they are not tearing each other. hey dems, u r making life easier for the GOP to continue for another 4yrs.

I wonder what Washington D.C. pansuit shop Clinton gets her wonderful wardrobe from? They have such bright colors!

As a Democrate I was hoping for a Obama/Edwards Ticket. If Clinton and Edwards team up against Obama, and she wins the Democratic ticket. I will vote republican. I don't trust Hillary.

I have to agree Megan. However I do believe that the Democrats may come to realize in November that they just need to deal with it and just vote for the democratic nominee. We dont need another 4-8 years of a republican in office. We have seen how the last 8 years have gone.

People -

Is our country ready for a Clinton/Clinton joint presidency? Aren't you afraid that the first woman and first black on the ticket will give the country back to the Republicans? Race shouldn't be a factor in this day and age but I think it still is, unfortunately. The Republicans have almost single handedly brought down this great country of ours. The people of this country who elect the president have one shot and that's our vote. After the winner takes office it seems to be all over because we can't get them out for 8 years, no matter what they do. That's a long time and having said that I think it's very obvious "We, the people...." have very little say in running our country. Congress certainly doesn't pay any attention to us either. We need to take back what is ours.

Let's all continue watching debates and make up our own minds and not listen to the press as to who our next President should be. Most importantly, let's get out and vote. More people say they like John Edwards than are actually voting for him. John – go out and get your vote – work harder! Hillary and Barack need to stay on topic during the debates and get away from the personal attacks because we don't care about that. We want to know who can run this country and get us out of this mess.

Most people are missing the point about both Edwards and politics in general:

Edwards wants policy concessions...as the most progressive of the three...if he can get enough delegates to hold the balance of power at the convention...he can ask for that. If you watch him enough you'd notice that he is consistent on his policy and attacks either as appropriate, but with respect. The longer his message gets heard...the more likely this is. He would make a great VP for either candidate if he can't sneak inbetween them and with his campaign funding and media exposure problems...that is unlikely.

I think it should be clear for anyone who actually read his policies and watched him speak and debate that he truly believes that his message and policies is more important than him personally.

Secondly...most people in politics are friends off the stage except for the wing-nuts. I mean they have been travelling around for over a year now and are in the same party...it is a bit of a show and game to them...and they must get along on a certain level. You can make your sports analogies here, but I remember that when I was involved in politics in college that I found the guys in the other party to be more fun than my own and would often go out and party with them and have fun drunken debates. They never convereted me to the right at all and I didn't convert them, but people are more than their politics and there were some people in my party who were twits as people.

Edwards is clearly the most likeable person of the three and I don't know how either Obama or Clinton wouldn't chat with him after a tough debate. I debated in college and anyone who took them personally was considered a novice at best. Real politics is just the big game on a much larger stage.

BTW: Clinton taking Obama to the woodshed was a necessary evil. This was the first time anyone challenged him without him being able to fall back on cue cards. This was not the type of Republican Swift Boat attack that is sure to come for any candidate or the type of much tougher personal attack that will come up once it is the Presidential Republican vs. Democrat debates. The under-reported stuttering and stammering, with pauses, "uh"'s and the visibly shaken image Obama gave off even an hour after the big opening fight with Clinton was much more telling than anything else and remember that Nixon lost the debate to JFK because he looked nervous and shifty on TV and sweated too much. Obama is no JFK...at least not yet and his inexperience showed through....better now then later.

oy vulnerability on obama's side? yea, it's because he has to be reduced to the sort of dirty and AWFUL politics billary espouses. think before you all type your stupid remarks, what kind of character and person are you supporting? are you willing to support a wizened old dirty hag cause I mean, that's your choice right? every barb and taunt last night caused me to feel even more distressed about what is going on in this country.

god, it clearly was a bait on billary's part and obama, while he had to defend himself, is slowly going the way of washington politicians. it's a sad sad thing to see and what's even more sad to see is that he clearly does not want to take part in this kind of tawdry back and forth.

and honestly I'm this close on giving up on you dumbos. elect the clintons again, whatever. but just think when you do place that vote of the possibilities, of young people being inspired, of people from all over the country uniting and giving the Democrats a chance, of the world actually respecting us.

but you know what, whatever, I hope Mr. Obama leaves this arena and does his thing for Illinois and Congress and goes back to his gorgeous family and is happy. he at least deserves that and while I used to believe this country deserved it too, I'm not so sure about it now.

p.s. edwards is a phony but again, whatever

Your headline for this story was disingenuous. Using the word "secret" got everybody to read it and then there was nothing to it. If you had to run this story (which you didn't) the headline should have been: "Clinton and Edwards chat after debate." Of course, you would not have had as many takers but it would have been good journalism.

Now what will happen is every blogger in the world will pick up the headline and add "details" to the story. Other news media will pick those stories up and then Fox and CNN broadcasters will be doing a story on the backroom deal between Clinton and Edwards to cut Obama down to size or some other nonsense. Of course, everyone will cite everyone else and there won't be one shred of real reporting in the whole process.

Don't they teach Who, What, Where, When, Why and How in journalism school anymore?

Why is it during the other debates when it was more than obvious that Obama and Edwards sort of "teamed up" to attack Hillary it didn't matter. But when Obama is questioned about his voting patterns and other issues - it's all over the media and implyed that he's was picked on. Obama and Edwards really want us to believe they have "perfect" political records. When they get criticized and/or made to explain - they get defensive and resistent. I wish Obama would have been pressed to further explain his comments regarding Ronald Reagan. I'm 56, and I remember the Reagan administration and his "trickle-down economics." I also remember the Iran-Contra Affair. The Reagan Administration was found to have illegally sold arms to Iran to fund the Contras in Nicragua– which was outlawed by an act of Congress. Oh, but he couldn't remember approving it. And Obama praises him and puts done President Clinton. He'll never get my vote!

I thought John Edwards won the debate. He really wants to help the poor in this country, and make a difference that will turn this country around. I think he will make a great president.

Everyone here is the truth:

We are in this situation because during the Clinton administration (2nd term), Clinton repealed the banking laws that were put in place after the Great Depression to avoid the same issues happening ever again and not have another depression. This allowed the banks to get into the mess they are in now. If those laws were not repelled, then the banks could not have been in this situation. Deregulation during the Clinton administration could cause us to go into a deep recession and maybe even a depression if bad enough.

The law repealed was Glass-Stegall, this openned the door for Citigroup to have it large merger.

Hey guy who responded to me. Yes I am a very strong Christian and I never voted republican. Being a Christian doesn't mean being a fool. Throwing money at the poor and homeless isn't going to solve the problem. Did you really compare John Edwards to Jesus. I'm sure Jesus would not have spent $800 on two haircuts. Jesus also said that we have to work.

Also, after all the hoopla about how Hillary would be a divisive and polarizing figure, who will simply not be able to work with republicans, her senate record shows that she has been actively and successfully working across the aisle with Republicans in moving things forward, with a combination of toughness, firmness and diplomacy.

Her first election victory in NY could have been termed as a fluke but her RE-ELECTION from NY with an overwhelming majority, shows how much the people liked her way of functioning, regardless of the painting of a Hillary presence on the political front, as a "disaster".

So much for all the brouhaha about Hillary's polarizing influence !

It looks like CNN is very "interested" in pushing Madame Clinton to the Oval Office.
Why ?
Good journalism is practiced. It is not sufficient to simply say it.

H. Aguiar

If these two do run together Obama will run independent and the Democrats can kiss the independent vote goodbye. If you are democrat and are not voting for Obama, you are a fool and you are practically spoon-feeding the republicans another election. Can democrats learn from the past? Does not look like it as long as Hilary is leading the polls.

This is a sad day indeed, if the last hope, populist, champion of the poor goes the way of Darth Vader.

To accept any position from Clinton would be career suicide for Edwards. Hopefully, he's too smart for that.

I can't imagine anyone reading these blogs does not know that every campaign uses its operatives to get out their point of view. But what is said in the blogosphere has little impact on what happens in the voting booth. Some people will never vote for someone with the last name Clinton, there are others who would rather die than see a Black man in the White House. I think when all is said and done the GOP will win in November even with their weak candidates. There is too much hatred in the Democratic party right now to even fathom that they could come together in the end. That is the fairy tale.

Do you really think Clinton backers will get behind Obama if he is the nominee? Do you think that young voters and Independents who have been inspired by Obama's message will throw their collective support behind Clinton (or even show up at all for that matter)?Do you think Clinton or Obama would eat crow and give the keynote address at the other's nomination?

Both sides are now in too deep and no one is budging.
To think this election seemed like a slam dunk, if you will, for the Dems, but as the economy grows weeker, tensions in the middle east continue and Democratic candidates continue to highlight the weakness of each other, another 8 years of GOP rule might just happen.

This is a silly attempt to convince people they may be talking a combined ticket. John Edwards numbers are not strong enough to enhance Hillary's ticket and she is way to smart for that. Her running mate will be someone strong in their own right, they will bring something unique to the overall ticket. John is a nice guy but doesn't have any steam in this election.

You're all a bunch of morons for thinking this non-story means anything. The "source" himself said it was just smalltalk. It was a slow news day. They needed a headline and didn't care if it was misleading.

Last nights debate was nothing less than a preschoolers playground event. Is it toomuch for these people to act like adults and deal with these petty personal issues out of the public eye.

When are we going to get real reply's from these people. They are all artist at deflecting a question or the answer thereto. All of the canndiates refuse to speak in anything more than punch line rhetoric. As a concerned voter I would like to heear detailed answers to the questions most concerning me about our country. Its obvious why congress "Will Not" pass a balanced budget amendment....they'll never do it...they can't.....because then they will have to make hard fiscal choices the results of which will probably cost them politically.

Why are we even having a discussion regarding the imigration issue. If we are a nation of laws then let's enforce those laws.... "Congress will never do it" again due to the political cost. They are more concerned with their precious political carreers than with saving our country.

When are we going to hear a discussion about bring manufafcturing jobs and expertise back to America. That is how you sure up our country. At the end of World War II America was the envy of the world. We manufacturered high quality products and exported them around the world. Today....greedy politicians and unions leaders have all but destroyed our ability to produce anything in this country. DO you hear any conversation on this from the Republicans or Democrats..."NO". They are afraid to address the issue because they know it will be politically costly to suggest some of the realities. Instead, they continue to pit poor against rich an age old battle that emotionally gets everyone on their side. What they should be discussing is the fact that misguided goverment programs to a large extent are the probelm. Misguided tax policy, energy policy, education policies and much more. I am not certain but I believe the US is now 11th or 12th in the world in eduacation. We are grossly behind the Chinese in engineering students and the sciences. A fact that is already hurting us globally.

The bottom line ot all this is that to this voter it would seem that if we adopted policies that encouraged and developed a "renewed" manufacturing base in the United States for all levels and products that we would bring back the much needed revenue base our country needs to grow and become the envy of the world once again. Unions need to understand that they must make concessions if we are to comete in a global economy. I believe most americans are willing to do what it takes if these ego maniac politicians would simply move aside and let us work. Stop penalizing productivity....reward it.

I think the Obama before Iowa is totally different than what I see him today. The rock star status by the media and big endorsements are all going in his head. Hillary showed her body language when attacked. But, this guy thinks that everyone should listen to his golden statements as if he is the one who can authoritatively talk and not to be questioned on his records, and statements. Media should not give Hillary and Edwards meeting or Obama-Edwards meeting any big importance. But, if Obama's attitude is like "give me the nomination" without crtitsizing me, I would rather vote McCain than bringing this junior senator.

CLINTON/EDWARDS 08? This would be great......

Maybe Edwards will drop out and endorse her....

Hillary/Edwards sounds like Mondale/Ferrarro 2008. Another losing ticket. If Edwards the loser joins the "forces of status quo" then he is not only a loser he is a desperate hypocrite as well.

Plotting the demise of the Democratic party, no doubt. When are Democrats going to learn that nominating fanatic liberal Republican bashers is NOT going to win the White House? As a moderate Republican, I would seriously consider voting for Obama. At least he promises a breath of fresh air and the possibility of reaching across party lines. Clinton and Edwards offer nothing but the same old stale Democratic finger pointing, whining and devisive partisan politics. Democrats beware! I, and like-minded moderates and independents will NEVER vote for a Clinton/Edwards ticket.

I've just read the blog and frankly, there is nothing to this picture. What I would like to see is all the news organizations really take into account what matters to the American people and to start looking at everyone's records in an impartial way. The media is not supposed to have an opinion, unless it's in an editorial. It is supposed to report on the facts, so start digging into the facts. Also, the Democrats need to address specifically the issue of illegal immigration as it is a major problem and companies are getting away with disenfranchising it's own citizens. And yes, the CEOs are walking away with millions at the expense of workers and that has to change.

I realize there's tension between clinton and obama – rightfully so, its a heated contest and theres a lot at stake, but outside this race none of that needs to matter.

As an Obama supporter Id rather have Hillary as the VP than Edwards...and IF Clinton gets the NOM, i would feel 100% better knowing Obama was there to keep her in check. I would suspect, Clinton supporters would feel the same – considering their concern with Obama is his experience.

Clinton would bring her experience to the table – Obama would bring his hope and optimism, and together...real change will occur.

Frankly, im surprised more dem's dont see Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton as the best route. Edwards could become whatever Karl Rove is to dubya. All 3 can be in the white house...I dont see WHY we cant just look at the big picture, rather than whats 2 feet in front of us.

It is obvious that Edwards is running for VP. He would not even carry his own state, just like before.

"How do you spell Neanderthal?"

go and ask your 'Billary'...Hahaha!!

How exactly does this constitute a "secret" meeting?

To all you Obama supporters Politics is not a game it is deadly serious business, it is in fact War. There are only winners and losers.
If you think that the Republicans are going to play nice you are living in a dream world.
What happened on the debate last night is childs play to what the Republicans will do in the general election.
Hillary is correct when she said she has faced the Republican's wrath for the last 16 years and is still standing.
Obama is doing a lot of whinning against mild attacks on his record. What's he going to do, when the Republicans go after him full bore?
Hillary's mention, of the relationship between Obama and Rezko just scratched the suface. I guarrentee you that the Republians will be up every detail of that relationship, and to add fuel to the fire Rezko's corruption trial begins in February.

I think it was obvious these two are discussing a Pres/VP ticket idea. Whether they did that in this little discussion or whether they already are.

I think people saw Obama for who he really was in this debate. He took the first shot at Clinton last night and people thought he stooped to a dissapointing low. People thought he was better than this but it goes to show you he is no different than other Washington politicians. He has a great message but in his plans and policies I see no way he will bring change to this country.

Hillary/Edwards 08!

I think they are normal people who like to chat sometimes. Just because these people are competing with one another doesn't mean they all hate each other and can't be civil.

It's great that they met...I hope that Clinton spoke to Edwards about being Vice President....what a great team that would be. Atleast Edwards has truly done grassroots community work in impoverished areas and fought for civil rights issues just as he continues to do so today. Obama claims that title and he put all of 3 1/2 years as a lawyer working with churches in poor neighborhoods that does not give him bragging rights for doing grassroots work. I did more community work by the time I graduated high school, what an insult that is. He definitely didn't do any grassroots work for the poor growing up given he grew up in the land of paradise in Hawaii and went to private school. come on people look at the facts...Obama hasn't even done his justly duties as Senator of Illinois by voting "present" over 130 times on very important bills...hmmm, my guess is the people of Illinois voted him in there to represent them; guess what he can't vote "present" (or Maybe as that is what that vote reflects) regarding the vital issues this country is faced with.

My vote is Clinton/Edwards '08.....that is the team the United States of America needs and that will be a true winning team!

just another ploy by the media. plenty of stupid people that will belieave anything thats thrown out there

Hillary was promising the farm to Edwards if he will stay in the race, because if he leaves, Obama will win all of the anti-Clinton machine vote.

I don't know if it has been stated here yet since i didn't read through all the comments; what if after super tuesday, edwards decides to run with hilary as her VP?... that would be a great team

It will be sad to see the Republicans sweep the rug from under the Democratic Party's feet. Clinton and Obama are not warming up to us. They are fighting too much. Bill Clinton and Al Gore were united. That contributed to the Democratic victory

I think Obama has been successfully corralled as a 'Black' candidate, something he had been fending off till the Nevada Caucuses. Hillary and Bill have started poking holes into his record, something that his "dream run" till date had avoided tackling head-on with anyone....better now than the Republican machine doing it, after a potential nomination.

He will win in South Carolina (due to the overwhelmingly heavy black democratic presence there) and also because Edwards will siphon off enough white votes from Hillary to make sure that happens.

But the overwhelming withdrawal of the Hispanic group away from Obama, is a danger signal when it comes to HUGE delegate states like NJ, California, Texas etc., where they would play a "swing" role. Which is precisely why super tuesday will be a whole different ballgame. That is where Obama will find his waterloo. And if you read between the lines, that is the precise audience that Hillary was playing to, during yesterday's debate, while Obama was playing to the South Carolina audience, who will not be shaping the rest of the play.

Even though it may be romantic to consider a President/running mate combination when it comes to Hillary/Obama, it is solely General Elections calculations that will determine who the running mate would be. Blacks may form a significant portion of the DEMOCRATIC voting public in South Carolina but can they DELIVER the state in a general election ? Can a couple of other "republican" states be added into the "democratic" column, during the General Election battle ? If not, then who is best positioned to make that happen ? I doubt that is Mr.Obama, regardless of how romantic the VP pairing with Hillary sounds.

I think Hillary will probably pick a conservative democrat like Evan Bayh as her running mate after Obama drops out of the primaries, and Edwards in turn will be offered the position of Attorney General (since he has already gathered a significant number of delegates, without winning a single state !).

When it comes to the General Election, Hillary is battle tested and can out-general an Obama, just like he was out-generaled in Nevada, even with the culinary workers' endorsement. Do you think the efficient and well-oiled republican machine will not rip apart every single one of Obama's "present" votes, regardless of the complex reasoning behind them ? The "dirty tricks" email floating around, about Obama's supposedly muslim faith (even though he is a practicing Christian), is going to be like flower petals when compared to the A-bombs the republican "dirty tricks machinery" will drop on a potential Obama candidacy, come the general election. The republicans will obviously organize against Hillary and vote against her – but are any of us surprised by that ? Does the republican opposition to Hillary really even matter, since it is a given commodity against ANY democratic candidate ?

The debate last night made Clinton and Obama look pathetic. Kudos to John Edwards for trying to rise above and how happy am I to be on the other side?

Clinton/Edwards 08 sound good to me at least they can explain their agenda.B.O talk about change and doent back it up with and agenda.Clinton/Edwards 08 then in 8 years Edward/Obama!!!!!!!

I think Obama has been successfully corralled as a 'Black' candidate, something he had been fending off till the Nevada Caucuses. Hillary and Bill have started poking holes into his record, something that his "dream run" till date had avoided tackling head-on with anyone....better now than the Republican machine doing it, after a potential nomination.

He will win in South Carolina (due to the overwhelmingly heavy black democratic presence there) and also because Edwards will siphon off enough white votes from Hillary to make sure that happens.

But the overwhelming withdrawal of the Hispanic group away from Obama, is a danger signal when it comes to HUGE delegate states like NJ, California, Texas etc., where they would play a "swing" role. Which is precisely why super tuesday will be a whole different ballgame. That is where Obama will find his waterloo. And if you read between the lines, that is the precise audience that Hillary was playing to, during yesterday's debate, while Obama was playing to the South Carolina audience, who will not be shaping the rest of the play.

Even though it may be romantic to consider a President/running mate combination when it comes to Hillary/Obama, it is solely General Elections calculations that will determine who the running mate would be. Blacks may form a significant portion of the DEMOCRATIC voting public in South Carolina but can they DELIVER the state in a general election ? Can a couple of other "republican" states be added into the "democratic" column, during the General Election battle ? If not, then who is best positioned to make that happen ? I doubt that is Mr.Obama, regardless of how romantic the VP pairing with Hillary sounds.

I think Hillary will probably pick a conservative democrat like Evan Bayh as her running mate after Obama drops out of the primaries, and Edwards in turn will be offered the position of Attorney General (since he has already gathered a significant number of delegates, without winning a single state !).

When it comes to the General Election, Hillary is battle tested and can out-general an Obama, just like he was out-generaled in Nevada, even with the culinary workers' endorsement. Do you think the efficient and well-oiled republican machine will not rip apart every single one of Obama's "present" votes, regardless of the complex reasoning behind them ? The "dirty tricks" email floating around, about Obama's supposedly muslim faith (even though he is a practicing Christian), is going to be like flower petals when compared to the A-bombs the republican "dirty tricks machinery" will drop on a potential Obama candidacy, come the general election. The republicans will obviously organize against Hillary and vote against her – but are any of us surprised by that ?

Oh the GOP will be shaking in it's boots – NOT.

One ice queen supported by a guy who's already lost an election as a VP. Any corpse the GOP wheel out will beat that.

American's don't like losers or cold-hearted maidens... and in politics a double negative does not create a positive.

Let's face it- the Republicans don't want Hillary because they know she will stand her ground and be tougher than the nicey nice guys in the good old boys club. WE need that strength, fortitude, intelligence and committment to solve all the problems and challenges facing us.
Point for point Hillary won the debate, Edwards was second.
We need to elect the candidate with the best platform , the most skill ,and aclear vision of what needs to be done.
Hillary keeps my vote.

Dan: If you think Obama is going to change the direction of our country, I really feel sad for you. I do however know if Obama is the democrat nominee (which he won't be) I will NOT vote for him, nor will millions of other educated, responsible americans! GO HILLARY!

I was standing close to them while they were talking and overheard every word!

CLINTON: Are you guys going out for something to eat?

EDWARDS: No. I thought we would just go back to the room and chill out. Probably get some room service.

CLINTON: That sounds good to me. I think that is what we will do. My ride is here, so I will see you later.

EDWARDS: Bye

Come on people! Do you really think Clinton would offer Edwards a VP slot in a conversation in a non-secure Green Room? It was a non-story chat. That is all.

I think that this was a meeting in an effort to discuss the possibility of Edwards being her running mate. It's clear that she does not like Sen Obama and is not going to even consider him as a running mate. Sen. Obama would not be well served to even consider that option with all that's happen in the last couple of weeks. John Edwards would be on the losing end of that deal again if she picked him as a running mate.

hey guy from pittsburgh.....are you a christian??????? was jesus christ soft and a woman????? all jesus talked about was the homeless, poor & disinfranchised in the world. might you be one of those right wing psuedo christians, who could care less about the poor & pretend you espouse christian virtues? is that a yes? what a lame comment. your boy w is doing a great job with the economy. did you check the headlines today. i guess trickle down is now hot molten lava even for the poor, middle class & even you rich thoughtless right wingers. john edwards is a great, caring man & deserves to be the next president of the united states. ps: edwards has virtually won every single debate, especially in sc.

I am so disgusted with CNN and the rest of the media trying to make a "situation" for the Situation Room when there probably is none. Did anyone besides me notice the horrible camera angle shots when Hillary was speaking. I lost count of the times they showed a rear view of her! They didn't use the same camera angle on either of the two men. The media loves showing her in the most unflattering possible way so they can further "define" her using their bias.

Kerry endorsed Obama.

Edwards will probably endorse Hillary.

This is a complete non-story. They bumped into each other back stage... so what? How about you do some actual reporting!!! Find out what was discussed of substance, if anything. This is just rumor for the sake or rumor, and nothing more.

You people who are in love with Hillary, Don't you have natural senses that tell you when something doesn't feel right? If you don't then at least realize that this is America and we can't keep putting the same two families in the white house. It's just wrong. Not that we need another reason to Vote Obama, he just flat out deserves it.

I can't even imagine a Clinton/Edwards ticket....Edwards IMO doesn't want to be the second on the ticket...like he was in 2004...he is in it for the long haul........I think Hillary is "sizing him up" cause he will be the next target, in the next debate......or else she is "buttering" him up because she'd like to runaway with those delegates he is still collecting....it could be her security..in case there is no known candidate for the general by the time the convention rolls around.......

THIS IS POLITICS FOLKS, War if your a candidate, I don't think John Edwards would sell his ethics down the drain to come in second to either Clinton or Obama.

If he falls out after Feb, his endorsement would surely help either of the others, just as Bill Richards.

What some of you are doing is putting the horse before the buggy, mostly for biased opinions of your favorite candidate.

Of course John would take a swipe at a hometown favorite, because Clinton didn't have any traction, which boost his political points should it have been effective.

While Obama, fights the Clinton's machine, Bill & Hillary, spotlighting Baraks lack of experience, and Hillary's ties to big money gives Edwards a fast track, that is if Americans are paying attention to the issues.

Edwards has come out, with on the table challenges to the other candidates to stress their positions on Iraq, Lobbys, program projections for costs associated with them, and not one has responded with specifics, and I can only assume its because they are not willing to take the risk by coming out on the matt.

It could be a brilliant plan, or wishful thinking, but he didn't get here on his record either, so playing the trail lawyer just may be working.

Lonnie i couldn't agree more! This is just an attempt by CNN and the media to insinuate something more than what the little "meeting" really was. John and Hillary would not be good running mates.

I hate the way we elect candidates in our American political system. I say we put them all on a survivor episode, and elect them that way. Just imagine, we could wipe out deficits with the cost in phone call voting!

Hillary/Edwards 08' sounds wounderful.

John was asking Hillary for hair tips.

I am frustrated with your reporters' incredible mis-use of the english language.
Just now some woman on the tv mentioned how strong the PERSONAL attacks were at last nights debate. Could you get her to look up the word please? there were pretty strong COMMENTS about the others past (you worked for a slumlord; you worked for walmart) but they were not in any way personal (your mother dresses you funny. you stink). how do you miss this so often?
i know out schools are failing, but havent these reports been to college?
the use of myself, or I and she went to the debate. sigh.
of course obama missed a verb last night too. sigh.

I thought a Clinton-Obama ticket (Clinton Pres, Obama VP) would be an awesome pair but the way Obama has been acting – it's clear he is not ready for prime time. I'm not sure I could even support any ticket with Obama on it... he is clearly showing his inexperience and I don't want another 4 years of an administration with little to no experience but alot of rhetoric – I've had enough of the Bush rhetoric but little action, plan or experience in dealing with the issues of America. Obama needs to step off to the side and let the grown ups handle grown up politics. He's a light weight and it shows more and more each day.

A Clinton-Edwards ticket (Clinton Pres, Edwards VP) would be equally awesome and I could whole heartedly support this pairing.

Just maybe they think they did a good job against Sen Obama so Clinton and Edward they had to hold a "private meeting" afterward to compare note or talk about the next time

Shhh! Be quiet. I am trying to count how many times Obama said..... just let me finish, and...... that's not what I meant.... It's as fun as the Alberto Gonzales hearing!

This is an attempt to make news out of nothing. "Secret Meeting"? How secret can it be if it is on the CNN webpage? Come on.

This is a pernicious attempt at gossip mongering and everyone should resent it.

Wake Up, Democrats! Support the man with Integrity and Character and the Ability to Lead this Nation! John Edwards has shown that he is the Only Man capable of being President. Stop following the 'media darlings' ...the two worst candidates that the Media has chosen For You! Look at the Man with the Experience and Intelligence, a proven ability to Lead: John Edwards.

If Clinton and Edwards are forming up against Obama, they really need to watch their moves. There is no assurance that if Edwards were to drop and support Hillary that his people will back Hillary. If this is what is being manipulated it all could back fire in both of their faces. Plus I don't believe a Hillary/Edwards ticket would beat out the republicans. I believe the decision on who would run as the VP is made by the party and their decision is based on what is best for the party.

To all of you who are Obama supporters but who will vote for McCain (or other Repub.) if Obama doesn't get the nomination:

Do you have any interest in the issues or are you voting on personality? While Obama is the least progressive Democratic candidate, his stances on the issues are still very different from McCain's. Is your hatred for Hillary really that strong that you will turn your back on the millions of Americans who will be hurt by a McCain presidency???????

To Maxi:
First of all, her name is Hillary, not Hilary.
Obama is being intentionally thrown off of his game by the candidates who oppose him, in order to pull the wool over the American public's eyes. This is a slight of hand tactic to evade the issues, which is it could ever turn to that, then Obama would win hands down. That is precisely why Hillary and Bill are attacking him. Welcome to politics.

When the Clinton campaign pointed out that they actually won more delegates in Iowa than Edwards, they were ridiculed by the media and got no traction. When Obama made the same argument following his loss on Saturday in Nevada, it got front-page treatment.

By the way, I don’t recall anyone complaining that Michelle Obama is out there campaigning for her husband.

Fact is, it’s all slipping away from the Obama camp (I’d argue they never had it in the first place) and all they can do is watch — and complain. You can see it in his demeanor.

Well Dan..If you choose to do that then its YOUR fault if Republicans win. Grow Up!! We are one party and should vote for who ever wins. You dont hear Clinton supporters saying that.

I've been watching from Canada, and so don't have much invested.
My impartial view is:

Obama – for the first time seems a little rattled, and throughout the debate still talked in generalizations, but for the most part talked well. I enjoyed that he was able to get some jabs in to Hillary, although at times it came across as defensive. His 'inspirational message' is now not new, and seems a little used, especially when not backed up by much nitty-gritty.

Clinton – seemed to be on her game, and was to the point, decisive and eloquent. She seemed to be able to talk about the facts, as she saw them, while deflecting jabs that came her way. She also managed to inject some much needed passion into her responses. She seemed the most comfortable up there.

Edwards – at first seemed a little unsure, and over the course of the debate stuck firmly to his mantra 'the mill-workers son'. But it's now way over used, and drew laughter after about the twelfth time. He could have used the time to get into the details of his candidacy, which he failed to do. He did eventually manage to get stuck in, which was good to see, but his attempt to 'stay above the fray', made him seem reticent, and a little like he was out of his league.

Final Analysis – While a lot of folks might think that the spats where un-presidential, it's just part of debating. After all it's much better to have the candidates interact under pressure than have a safe sterile environment. Obama didn't do badly, but despite some booing Clinton came off the most in control, the most on message and (surprisingly) the most passionate. It was her night.

I don't support any of the three in particular. Of course I'm interested in the race purely because the world should not have to endure another Republican.

Once the primary's are over the best thing the Democrats can do (one-way or another), is put forward a Clinton/Obama ticket. It would unite the party... and win the Whitehouse.

I am not exactly sure what may have been discussed but I do know this: an Obama/ Edwards ticket will have my vote, any day of the week!

Kerry overshadowed Edwards when they ran together. Folks were not so much voting 'no' to Edwards but 'no' to Kerry. (...well, that's what directed my vote, anyway!)

I think if Obama and Edwards ran together, the people will put them in office so fast, our heads will spin. It's win/win for America! A President of Change, Intelligence and Inclusion and a Vice-President to keep us grounded in an Everyday-American Reality...

WIN/ WIN= Obama/ Edwards!

Nankurunaisa.

Isn't there a cutoff point, such as SC, where Edwards just needs to drop out since he is detracting from real issues....his main theme is poverty when is he is in the top 1%....isn't that pretty hypocritical??? What else are his "real issues"....besides his open refusal to talk to drug companies, and his combatant style from being a trial lawyer....isn't a denialist, combative president who we have already????

This political race has turned into a reality show like survivor. They will say what ever they have to to stay alive and try and to bury there apponent. They are real people but there story lines are just that. They will do and say what ever they have to to go on to the next round. " To move there tribe forward " They plot and sceem against each other but smile and be polite when they are face to face. Is that like being two faced? So many times they say stuff like we will either win the Iraq war or at least get our troops out. We know it can't be won. Why do they say stupid things like that? But in the end which one will lie there way to the top? I guess we will have to stay tuned in to find out . Just like that reality show. And yes, those reality shows are getting real old and boring.

Edwards needs to stay in the race. He is the best candidate for president and shows it every time that there is a debate. He needs to let Hillary and Obama fight it out and continue taking the high road and talk about the issues. He needs to be President not VP. I hope he continues fighting.

Edwards has levelled some pretty drastic and stark attacks on Obama. It didnt just start tonight. Lets face it. He demanded that Obama denounce those racist spanish ads in Nevada. Those ads had nothing to do with Edwards and only served to bring Clinton down. He had no motive to stand up for Hillary there. He has also made a point about healthcare, and beat Obama pretty hard about the non voting. This is a core issue. Calling somebody out about not voting is a fundamental act of an elected official. How does he honestly then 'kiss and make up' to become Obama's VP ? These were no small attacks. At one point, Edwards was trying to shove Clinton out of the race so it would be between himself and Obama for the 'change' vote. Now that every candidate has adopted change, including hillary, his only chance is to team up with Clinton . At this stage Edwards believes Clinton is going to take the nomination as we can see from the way Edwards is continuing to act.

What were thay talking about? Well, I guess the media is going to speculate and further add fuel to the fire in this democratic debate. Wolf Blitzer and comapny have been repeatly trying to turn up the heat on the so called race card and gender card by constantly speculating on what voters may or
may not be saying.

Here's a thought: how about some responsible reporting from the so called "best team" in journalism?

OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA NO ONE BUT OBAMA! We are going to have a black man for president one of these days. It may as well be now! I am white, live in GA and I think it's time we moved this country out of the dark ages. He has been the only viable black candidate we have had. Not Jessie Jackson, nor Al Sharpton, etc. could have ever been elected but this man can be elected and I think he will be elected and I think Obama and Edwards would be a dream team. I would like to see the inner city schools get the much needed attention they deserve. I would like to see black children grow up with all the opportunities given to others so they can get good jobs and stay out of prision so they can be fathers and husbands and good citizens. I think Obama can deliver and do every bit as good as Bilary and maybe better. We just have to give him that chance. Hilary isn't going to talk to our enemies. She said that. All of the European countries are hoping for an Obama win.

Why would anyone want to be a VP in a Clinton White House...even Biden acknowledged that there would be little to do... Bill will play a key "Cheney" like role...his involvement in this campaign demonstrates this..

If Hillary gets the nomination, I am officially going to vote for a Republican. Can't people recognize this? I will not be the only one. This will happen over and over again, until the Republicans get a landslide win in November. The only candidate they will not be able to fight is Obama! Vote for Obama, and the war will end. Otherwise, we are looking at another 8 years of warfare and recession!

what a cry baby obama is. what will he do when the reps through everything at him? seems he can't take the heat. sniffle sniffle... she destorted my record. what a joke. you go john and hilary.

Hillary= Palpatine

Edwards= Anakin (son of a mill worker)

Jason- SC Voter,

You do realize that every senate has their own way of doing things? In Illinois If you are at the vote the only way not to condemn a bill is by voting present of for it. If the bill has something you disagree with and needs modification you vote present, then when the bill doesn't pass it is not shot down and can be re-voted on after the alterations have been made... Please do some research before you post your ignorance...

Deja vu all over again? A JFK/LBJ-like epiphany re. prez/vp?

thought the debate got very heated, But did anyone see when Hillary
asked Obama why he voted present for a bill that originally can from him presented it? I now see why Obama states that she stretches the facts, also the voting record as she put is no different from hers. Why are all of them arguing since they all seem to have the same voting record. I see why the republicans don't have anything to say about the Democrats is because it seem that they can shoot themselves in the foot. I'm really disturbed about this Clinton and Edwards meeting, I see Edwards riding on any train right now that can get him closer to the White house. Edwards always talk about Obama and Hillary taking from Lobbyists but when asked about his, how he took Millions from people he said they don't expect anything in return but his help on bring us together.
I do appreciate Obama stating that no Politician hands are entirely clean so don't act like it is.

ewards & THE clintons are free to meet and talk >they meaning all THREE of them
because it took Three of them to argue with Obama's poticial views ...........
they dont want the public to hear about their wrongs ...you know what will
you should just ZIP IT..................and i cant believe edwards he is an a-wipe ganging up on Obama when Obama supports just
goes to show you how underhanded edwards & clintons are>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OBAMA 2008

Although I have been a Clinton supporter from day one, I originally felt that I could vote for Obama if he was the nominee. I now feel that he is more interested in re-starting the civil war than addressing the pressing issues of today. He has yet to answer any issue question put to him in the debates and I have yet to see him present any plan for solutions to the problems that Bush has created. He seems much more interested in attacking the Clintons, who have proven records on helping the black cause, than coming up with a viable plan to improve the lot of ALL Americans. The devisivness that he brings to the table will only give the Republicans the White House again in November. We need a President who can address all the serious issues of the economy, the war, equlity for all, regaining respect in the world, and be ready, willing and able to accomplish these goals instead of just voting "present". Can you imagine how we would fare in the world arena if all we do is say I am present. Our president needs to be a World Leader!

Dear John Edwards,

Please do not even consider dropping out of the race or even worse, endorsing Hillary Clinton. I voted for you in the 04 primaries and was saddened that it was a Kerry/Edwards ticket and not an Edwards/Kerry ticket however I still backed Kerry/Edwards.

You are the most qualified to take this country in a new direction, to bring about change, and to fight for every American, more importantly those who need help the most. You have stood up to big corporations and not backed down; you are the one who can take on the challenges our country faces. The problem is that the media and the debates put all their focus on Obama and Clinton because of the “drama” and forget about you. I think folks really need to think about who can win in November. I do not think its Hillary and I do not think its Obama. It’s not because of gender or race. I truly believe that you are the one who can win, and the one who can unite both parties and the independent voters. Though I am a woman from the northeast Hillary is not who I would support in the Super Tuesday primaries.

Voters should not let the “drama” and the media determine who they should vote for. It’s great to see a woman and an African American; this progress in a country that should be more progressive than it “claims” to be. It’s a sad case to see the stage of the Republican debates…white as Ivory soap. Though I admire Hillary and Barack, I just do not believe they are the right choice for the Democrat party. We CANNOT afford to have another Republican in office.

All registered voters need to get out and vote in the primaries and vote for the person they truly believe can beat any Republican or even Independent candidate (if Bloomberg decides to run) in November. I believe “again” it is you.

Warm Regards,
Char

"The truth is there are two hundred white women sexually assaulted in America by black and Latino males for every one minority woman assaulted by whites." –Hillary Clinton, 1994

You folks make it sound like something sinister is going on. It was a chance meeting. All the greenrooms are right there. Don't make this into some big conspiracy.

All Edwards ever does is talk about the homeless and poor. He is just so soft it's uncomfortable. If he was to win I think we could consider him the first woman president.

Wake up people... Bill Clinton is up to his old tricks. Remember, he was impeached for lying. And he is doing it again.

Am I going to go back to my Grandparents days and vote for a Democrat in
the Presidental race?
I really haven't made up my mind. I have voted in every election since turning 21,
50 years ago. I have always voted Republican.
On the Republican side I think McCain is a little too old, so it has to be Mitt Romney.
My choice will be between Romney, Clinton and Obama.
Senator Clinton is probably my choice because she has former President
Bill Clinton at her back. I think that Bill Clinton was an excellent President.
If the final choice is between these three, I will probably not make a choice until
I enter the voting booth on election day.

I don't think any of the candidates are truly qualified to be President.

The only clear choice for the Democratic nomination is Obama. The others relfect the nepotism of American politics that will simply not go away. Obama will be the only one that the Republicans will not know how to fight come November. So yes... if you are one to perpetuate dynasties, imperialism, American hegemony over third world nations, then by all means, vote for Clinton, Edwards, or Mccain. However, if you want to seriously end the bloodshed, tyranny, and nepotism that plagues our American politics, then vote for Obama – who to me, is the clear choice!

She was asking Edwards how does he stay prettier than her.

It was easy for John Edwards to take the "high road" last night – he has nothing to lose. I think it's pathetic the way he positioned himself as above the back and forth that went on between Clinton and Obama. If his positions had been misrepresented the way that Obama's have the past few weeks he would have been doing the same thing. Good for Obama for standing his ground and correcting the record. There is no doubt in my mind that Obama is the candidate that has the greatest chance of creating a bridge across party lines to get something done differently in Washington. In my view, Edwards is playing both sides of the fence and trying to gleen whatever power he can from his position as the underdog and potential "kingmaker".

We all know that Obama, Clinton and Edwards are very similarly minded when it comes to actual policy. Obama is the visionary who inspires us (or at least me) to want to do more in this world to make it a better place.

Hillary won't choose Obama for VP because she doesn't want to be upstaged her entire presdency. Obama or Clinton would be smart to choose John Edwards if he doesn't get the nomination.

Go Edwards

Bill CLINTON TOLD THE TRUTH ABOUT OBAMA AND NOW HE IS CRYING BECAUSE HE IS LOSING!!

Ignore both Clintons and the real race rises effortlessly for the good of the people.

I was a Clinton supporter up until now. Bill Clinton's ego has gotten in the way of his wife's campaign and he has hurt her by thinking that his rock star appearance will win her votes. His negativity has turned off black supporters as well as whites. I think Hillary needs to send him packing and focus on the specifics as she was doing until he came in and messed things up. Additionally, Hillary is always attacked for her husband's mistakes, past and present. As for Barack, he started the fight yesterday and got hit back by both Edwards and Hillary. He didn't answer the question that was asked. He needs to be held accountable for his votes and he needs to be more specific. He really is inexperienced. We have a Massachusetts governor who won this past election because he was black and articulate – basically like Obama, all fluff and no substance. I give Edwards my vote and people should vote the person and not worry about the general election. Also, the media has no right to push candidates to try to drop out of races so early on as they were trying to do with Mitt and John Edwards. The people should vote their conscience and not be persuaded by polls or the hype. Speaking of the media, don't have a debate when all the candidates are not given equal opportunity and time to speak. Take a note too, Obama – stop controlling the microphone. I've watched every debate and you have an ego too. Too bad, we had some great candidates who already dropped out.

Edwards don't do it. Siding with the "status quo" only hurts your chances to become president. Or does Edwards want to become President? Come it be that he is looking for another VP nod? If Hillary promised him a VP nod, she will not deliver. Hillary will not pick a one-term senator who has been her most vocal attacker in the debates up until now to be her running mate, especially seeing how Kerry/Edwards lost in 2004.

HILLARY!!!!!!!
I'm so tired of Obama not answering the questions!
He stumbles on his words – unless of course he's giving one his flowery speeches.
But, there's more to a president than being a good speaker.
He was the one who started the "attacks" last night.
Clinton had the first question, but did not include any specific attacks against either candidate. It was Obama who started it.
And in my opinion it backfired on him.
Hillary & Edwards both held their own.
Obama said nothing last night – just dodged bullets.
I was so sick of hearing him say nothing. He rides the fence.
That's not what I want in my next president.
GO HILLARY!!!!!
and take Edwards with you – great combo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Why is everyone getting so upset about the democrats debate? The republicans had it out in their last debate, I mean they dissed the hell out of Romney, so what about that. I mean they went personal after him.

Billary is too divisive to be a president. Her equivalent, but on the Republicans side, is Bush. Nobody needs that. Edwards is a nice guy but he is trying to make points of the competition between Obama and Hillary. If I got his message right, up to this debate, he would never gang up with Hillary but I was a little surprised he joined her in attaching Obama last night.

Perhaps she went to congratulate Edwards. He was clearly the winner of last night's debate. He rose above the fray and was finally on message. If he had campaigned like that the entire time, his poll numbers would be much higher.

I think the debate hurt Obama. He still seems compassionate and caring, but he floundered quite a bit and looked out of his element when the heat was turned up. We saw both good and bad sides of Hillary last night, but nothing that surprised anyone. We know that she can be competent, inspiring and, when need be, defensive and dirty. I see that some commenters seem to think Obama performed well, but I think viewers saw a vulnerability last night that he normally tries to hide.

Who cares!! and why all of this speculation on what was discussed? For all we know they exchanged recipes, and that's their business. It's not like all press was quickly rushed out of the green room in order for them to have a private pow wow. CNN, you are getting desperate for strories within this race and are truely missing the bigger picture.
- Yes, it's a tight race between Dem's right now and it has nothing to do with RACE or SEX
- Focusing on the back and forth jabs between Obama and Clinton is good TV, but does nothing for helping america see where each stands on how they are going to fix this wonderful country of ours that has been disgraced by the current regime.
- It's even crazier in the GOP race, where Ron Paul has captured 6 pledged delegates to Rudy's whopping 1 pledge.

As a 30 year old male Independent from Washington State, I expect more from you CNN. I expect real news, FACTS and TRUTH, not the conjecture and spin that you guys use to make sexy television. I almost feel like Bill O'Reilly is helping you guys write this nonsense.

Please use some common sense and share the news and facts of this election and quit pandering to this countries obsession of train wreck reporting and high school he-said she-said nonsense. It's tired

I watched the CNN SC debates last night. I must say that if you were looking for an intellectual discussion on solutions for the problems facing Americans today you would not find them from either Clinton or Obama.

I was disturbed by the lack of self control from both of these candidates. Do we realy want either of these two loose cannons in the White House?

Thank God for John Edwards. He was the voice of reason in the midst of the school yard taunts. In days like these... We need John Edwards.

OMG THEY'RE HAVING AN AFFAIR!

No srsly though, if I see a Clinton/Edwards ticket I'm voting for Mccain. I'm a Republican considering voting for Obama in November. I would like to see a non-white as president in my lifetime...and it's great that Obama past his skin color outshines Clinton and Edwards in every level. Just listen to the debates...Clinton uses her husband to attack Obama and pretends to be an angel and Edwards uses this "Hey, vote for me I will walk old ladies across the street" theme. Obama keeps it straight to the point, and only attacks when he has to defend himself. Clinton needs to stand on her own instead of riding on her husbands tail coat, lol.

Hillary will say and do anything to get elected.

Clinton / Edwards – A winning ticket!

if you keep doing the same-ole, same-ole you keep getting the same-ole same-ole

say no to dynasty!

ABC ABC anyone but CLINg-0Ns

I am a registered Democrat and I am honored to vote for Hillary. Obama is just a

good orator but flip flops on his voting record and issues. He started this low dirty

clash. Hillary has every right to defend herself and his record. Obama will win SC

but get trounced on Super Tues. It's obivious she is the better candidate. period !

CNN has gotten absolutely disgusting in its portayal of Obama as the victim in everything. Suddenly now Edwards and Clinton are in some secret plot, but when Edwards and Obama tag teamed Hillary, nary an eyebrow was raised.

To think that any of these candidates have any love for the other is stupid. Edwards tried to knock out Hillary by teaming with Barack. That didn't work, now he's on to trying to knock out Barack, plain and simple.

I wasn't very proud of any of the candidates last night, but it had to happen because the media has given Barack a free pass on everything. When his records and positions were called into question, in front of a national audience thank goodness, he fell apart completely. It didn't even seem he knew where he stood. And when all else fails, he reverted back to "I opposed this war from the beginning and I'm gonna bring change." Please, as been said before, where's the beef.

Ever notice how he does the best job of saying somebody's distroting his record or what he said, but in that explanation he never explains himself. I'm tired of him saying everyone's lying but never saying what the lie supposedly is.

CCN pundits were not very happy with Obama performance last night so now they are trying to create a conspiracy theory here. That's ludicrous!
What about instead of creating this type of theories they start focusing in the big issues, scrutinizing all the candidates and left the personality and celebrity contest coverages behind???

The media wants to make something from nothing.

MY GUESS: "JOHN, LET'S EXPOSE OBAMA FOR THE UNQUALIFED FRAUD HE TRULY IS. WE'LL TAG TEAM HIM AND THEN I WILL OFFER YOU A CABINET LEVEL POSITION, OR EVEN VP, ONCE I WIN THE NOMINATION."

If Edwards joins Hillary, he goes against his message and campaign just for political gain. There is fundamentally something wrong with that.

The Hillary/Edward ticket is NOT happening. They do not like each other. They really don't like each other. No way is this happening. I can see Obama/Edwards ticket more likely than Hillary/Edwards. This is another ploy to increase public interest and curiosity.

put the DOWN the crown billary!

do something noble for once...... make a change in your own history

Hillary Obama Ticket would get my republican vote. THAT ticket = needed change and we get experienced Bill as icing on the cake.

Edwards for Billary's Veep? Well that is the only way I would consider rooting for Billary, I like Edwards but he doesn't appear to have the support. And Edwards does speak some of the help the poor language that Billary pays lip service to. This could be a winning ticket for Billary.

The democratic establishment talk a progressive game in the beginning. But when it actually appears that a black might winthe democratic nomination it's a different story. They try to change the game. Edwards for all his populism talk just another corporate shill just like Hillary. I'm sure there was some seedy deal in the works to stop Obama. So the democrat party should just dispense with the excuses and admit that they have become less progressive not more. And that attitude reflects in the voters that vote for Hillary Clinton.

my sources tell me they were discussing the weather and American Idol. Edwards believes Simon Cowell is being nicer, but Hillary thinks he's just as mean as ever.

YOu have it all wrong he wants to be Attorney General. FYI the Clintons want someone who will tow the line or else you get your knees capped. Edwards would be making a deal with the devil.

I guess she is paying him off for ganging up with her to attack Obama. The clinton's are the master of schemes and Edward is falling for it. After finishing last in Nevada with just 5% of vote, he is simply running for a VP now and that explains why is all suddenly playing nice with Hilary. Hopefully Edward is not stupid enough to believe she'll pick him as her VP.

Is Anyone even voting for Edwards...has he won a state yet...how many delegates does he have....so to say Vice President ....I think the american people will sayis to say ...here we go all over again.

Please, it was obvious that the "Breck Girl" John Edwards was angling for a VP slot during the debate. He's figured out that in the long run, the liberal media will shill for and make sure the Clintin(s) are the nominies and that it's too soon for a Woman and an African American to be on the same ticket.

Why is it when Hillary responds to a serious question the CNN camera crew pans to her backside or some other odd angle? Is this your subtle move to distract us from listening to her comments? The women of America are watching you CNN.

God Bless Hillary and Edwards, I just pray that if one of them gets the party nomination that they will join forces and make a change.

I am so sick and tired of this cat fight. It is very beneath a Presidential candidate. An attack against another candidate is nothing more than that. Do you really think that you are unifying anyone?

I was very active the the democratic party, but I plan on sitting this one out. Reading about this puts me in a very bad and depressed mood. I talked to some republicans friends of mine and they said they are elated over what is going on in the democratic party because it is helping them sooooo much. Way to go democrats! You are cutting our own throats.

They probably discussed how Obama was being rude and selfish in the debate by tripling the amount of time allotted to him and how he was bullying the moderators.

They probably discussed that Obama's con-artist speeches and rhetoric have them both fed up and that they must unite before he takes advantage of the uneducated and uninformed people.

They probably discussed how Obama's voting record and what he has said are in such stark contract to each other they don't understand why he's attempting to lie about that.

They probably discussed how unprofessionaly he behaved during the debate.

I really don't like this guy Barack. He is so dishonest I find it discouraging he would be still in the race.

My candidate is already gone, so
here is some perspective.

Hillary is unelectable is a general election.
If she is the nominee Nader will run and I will be voting for him.

Obama seems like he'd make a fine president, but I
honestly do not think he'll win a general election.
I would certainly vote for him, but I don't think he'd win

The republicans really fear Edwards.
When his numbers were better then attacked him every day.
Once his numbers dipped they laid off, but Edwards is the one they
fear the most and the most likely to win in November.

THANKS CNN ....[ Coverage ]

Very Poor Moderation Wolfe! Though I realize an open debate was you purpose,
it got out of control. Certainly not balanced coverage in my opinion. Two of the candidates were permitted to debate,spar,acuse,and even point fingers. Your
co workers nor You were fair to John Edwards. As a native S.Carolinian he has
a knowledge base and opinion too.

Why no questions addressed to him?
Why the lack of time alloted him? He inquired openly early on.

CNN stop trying to ignite rumors

We all know at the end of the day Hillary will choose Barack Obama as the running mate.

CLINTON OBAMA 08 IS THE UNBEATABLE TICKET
this will be history making
1st woman and 1st african american to hold the highest office in the land.
and Barack Obama can be the president in 2016 after all the experience he will gain from been the VP. he will be a great president in 2016

Rhoda–

If the "Clintons" were in office, then Hillary has already served two terms and thus her candidacy now would be unconstitutional. This underscores my above point. They are running as "co-presidents" and this whole thing is ridiculous. Check urself, you and the rest of her supporters are once again being snowed by the Clintons. This woman cannot serve as president by herself. She needs her husband to hold her hand and walk her through it and I'm supposed to be excited as a woman. Give me a break, "This whole thing is the biggest fairytale I've ever heard." (hehe)

Perhaps they discussed the fact that Obama is running ads on CNN, eventhough all democratic candidates had signed an early state pledge prohibiting to campaign in states that did not adhere to the DNC calendar. This pledge included many things, including TV in those States. Clearly, CNN does reach people in Florida. Both, Edwards and Clinton adhered to the pledge and were perhaps upset, that Obama did not.

HRC will be the Democratic Nominee.. While at the same time dividing the Democratic Party.. John Edwards is not making a deal with her.. That's not what he's about. Let me be clear.. I'm not a Hillary fan.. The Clintons have so much dirt and muck over them. They will totally change the trajectory in politics.. For the better. Because people of America will wake up from their self-impossed coma and listen to all the scandal and back-door deals coming out of the new/old Clinton Administration and will be sicken..

Here we go again..

Just look at how many Clinton die-hard supporters jumped ship.. Even in the first 4-yrs of Bill's administration. Dirty-dirty-dirty..

This election will be based on the vote: "Lesser of Two Evils".. Unless we get a third party candidate.. That's what I'm hoping for. I love John Edward, Joe Biden and Barack Obama.. It's too bad none of them will get their shot at the White House..

In response to John – of course Hillary is not mentioning Michelle Obama – Michelle has done nothing wrong and acts like an adult at all times. The role of a candidate's spouse is to meet people, explain their spouse's positions and encourage participation. Can you imagine if Michelle Obama or Elizabeth Edwards acted like Bill Clinton – getting into shouting matches, lecturing, making snide innuendoes and wagging their fingers in reporters faces? Bill Clinton is behaving like a spoiled brat – or a "sports dad" yelling and screaming from the sidelines. It is deplorable – especially for a former President. What a disgrace. As others have said – his behavior alone will keep me from voting for Hillary Clinton if she gets the nomination. (I never would have said this a few months ago). I don't want to see that man (Bill) anywhere near the White House ever again.

And please, John Edwards, don't sell out to the dark side...........

Who gives a crap who met who...ALL the candidates Dems and Repubs are NOT talking about the issues...health care, immigration, the economy...It will be hard to support any of them, BUT I WILL NOT vote for somone because their BLACK. This counrty has gone to hell...where do we turn?? Ron Paul??? The middle class is suffering and we keep cutting from the bottom...not from the top where all the profits go....The american worker is punished while the CEO's and such are left to ruin this counrty wake up America.

From all we know of "the Clinton's", a backroom meeting with Edwards could not have been that innocent.

Also related to the debate–I felt the question to Obama related to Bill Clinton being the first black president was designed to assist Hilary Clinton.

Secondly, I'm wondering why democratic debates do not include discussions on "illegal immigration"? Certainly, there's a great effect on our economy, social services, etc. It's right up there as a hot topic for the republican debates; thus, I'm wondering if it is avoided as CNN seems to lean toward democratic candidates and in particular "Clinton".

From all we know of "the Clinton's", a backroom meeting with Edwards could not have been that innocent.

Also related to the debate–I felt the question to Obama related to Bill Clinton being the first black president was designed to assist Hilary Clinton.

Secondly, I'm wondering why democratic debates do not include discussions on "illegal immigration"? Certainly, there's a great effect on our economy, social services, etc. It's right up there as a hot topic for the republican debates; thus, I'm wondering if it is avoided as CNN seems to lean toward democratic candidates and in particular "Clinton".

Somehow I knew the Hillary-Haters would be out in force today.If She had stumbled half as much as Obama,the press would have eaten her alive.To say that this was a fair forum,is saying race doesn't matter.Where is the White caucus debate?How dare you call racist to anyone not backing Obama!If he can't honestly answer a question and think on his ffeet without rambling, broken,disjointed,meaningless ramblings in "fair" venue,then he stands no chance in the general election against the Republican hate machine.And the Hillary backers should back off of the hate-filled spiteful rhetoric also.With Biden out of the race,I fear for the Democrats chances.We had best pull together,or it's four more years of corporate hand outs!And this has shown me that racism is alive and well in America.Now we have sexism as well.Wonderful.

I can't imagine how much of your soul is for sale when you sling dirt at one another and then smile in each other's faces afterwards. I am an independent who tends to vote Democratic. I can't imagine what PURE entertainment this must be to those who'll vote Republican no matter who the candidates are.

Hillary: No matter what small reward you get from all this won't fix what's hurting you. If you're the nominee, I'd really hate to see you get slaughtered by the Republicans... and that's what's coming. Please don't make the rest of the country live through your private life again. It's not our affair and there are larger issues to deal with.

Bill – you're a heck of campaigner.

Obama: Ok Sir, speak a little faster and bounce back a little sharper on the issues. Yes, we heard all the barbs. We read W.E.B. DuBois and Dr. Lois Benjamin so ... expect the low blows and don't get tangled up in things that don't matter. We know you've got in in you. BRING IT. Keep daring to dream.

Edwards: You are pretty shrewd aren't you? Thanks for all the honesty, and not being "more of the same." Tell us how we'll survive after you slay all the rich dragons. We are definitely listening.

I'd love Hillary and Edwards to work together.

I saw the debate yesterday and Obama was very petty and simply lying. Simply lying. How he could do that is beyond me. He is a bully and intimidating.

His "let me finish" to the moderator was rude, unprofessional and selfish.

Hillary can't be VP, she would grab too much attention.

Obama just needs to say he's not going to tolerate any more of the baiting from the Clintons, keep his message of hope and transcendency in the forefront, and run the kind of campaign he always wanted no matter the polls. Speak on for Hope! This country needs inspiration, aspiration, and the admiration of our peers once again! ({crf: REBROCK})

to bad he got pulled in..... although he did shine at moments

still ABC ABC just say no to dyNASTY!

Last nights debate was very interesting, due to the fact that most of it centered around "he said" "she said" very little centered around the real issues that face the USA and the world. They all keep talking about what they are going to do for all of us but when it gets down to the "botton line" they really don't give us a straight answer as to how they will do all they say they will do. All three of them need to focus on the "big picture" and not on who said what. We are are smart enough to figure out who said what to who...now we need to find out from the candidates how they are going to do all they say they are going to do so each voter can make up their own minds. At this point, I think Obama would make the best President. Hillary is too set in her ways to change for the better.

Maybe they were talking about how to get Obama out!
They have been unknowingly taped talking about how to get Dennis Kuchinch out before. I thougt it was pretty disgusting when I watched that! They claim to be his friends. People dont believe the HYPE! Its entertaining but not what WE THE PEOPLE NEED. Give us a real DEBATE!

Hillary Clinton mis-represents her experience and is running on her husband's record (she brought up the good economy in the '90s when SHE WAS NOT PRESIDENT) in an effort to remind people of that which she was neither directly, nor indirectly responsible for–and folks are falling for it. This is no victory for feminism. She can't campaign without her husband attacking her opponent?

Imagine if any of the men did that. If Elizabeth Edwards or Michelle Obama went around attacking Hillary (and they'd win hands down on family values alone). Everyone would question John or Barack's true leadership capabilities. But no one question's Hillary's! The Clintons back in office would simply unite the Republicans against her, anger the Democrats who don't like her and don't want to see us living under a dynasty. She's too divisive and we've seen what leadership is like when half the country is against you (George W. Bush anyone?).

I can see into the future of another Clinton white house, and the inevitable Congressional investigations about the role that Bill is playing and is it even legal and yada, yada, yada. I am not convinced that she is capable of leading this nation all on her own and if you are, vote for her, but be honest with yourself and if you're not then you need to take another look at the other candidates.

Hey Oliver – learn how to spell...

An Educated Democrat

Obama will be the best President ever.....

They simply talk backstage, at a debate, and all the sudden they're plotting and exchanging plans to take over the world? I think the media is once again fishing for something that's not there. OMG Barack's 10th cousin twice removed is Dick Cheney- does that mean they are devising ways to destroy Earth? Please people don't read in to this kind of crap too much.

she is an idiot for what she is doing she should have been plying nice and so should obama they could have had the other as vp

Hillary won the debate,Obama started the fight.
She explains what and how she will do it,
Obama just says change how will he change?
no explanition of how.I remember when the Clintons were
in office when they left, the country was in the BLACK.
nuff said.

yes john If Clinton wins, it's political gridlock and old ghosts

and THAT's really scary!

billary if you do TRUly care about this country, put the crown down! look at all the good MLK did without beign elected to public office even once!
you have had your day now go awy!

to bill: if you really want to do some good after your presidentcy go back to your charity work. PUT the CROWN DOwn!

this message brough to you by an independant/democratic voter who has thirty-SIX years of experience (not yet voting repub.) BUT, ABC ABC anyone but CLing-ons!!!

Hillary and Edwards are head and shoulders above Obama on substance, knowledge and understanding of the issues. Just look at Obama's reponse when he tried to defend why he didn't vote on a bill to limit credit card interest rates to 30%. His lack of logic on this issue was mind-boggling! There is no word other than "dumb" to describe his response. Viewers who were listening knew it, and, judging by the stunned looks on Edwards and Hillary's faces, they picked up on it instantly. Thank God, Edwards called him on it. This is for sure one time his contrived explanations for why he didn't vote on a measure, caught up with him big time. Hillary was right when she commented that it was difficult to have a meaningful debate with him because he never takes responsibility for his voting record.

As for Clinton's and Edwards' "private" post debate meeting, don't read too much into it. They most likely congratulated each other (as is expected) and talked a bit about the debate. If they wanted to "gang up" on Obama or plan some underhanded strategy to "get him", they would not be seen meeting backstage.

GO CLINTON & EDWARDS! TONIGHT YOU MORE THAN PROVED THAT YOU'RE UP TO THE JOB!! GOD SPEED TO BOTH OF YOU!

Wait a minute now. I'm leaning towards Obama, however Hills is not a bad person. I think Obama, Edwards, or Clinton would make a great president. Leaps & bounds above what we have currently. We need to fight our prejudices & keep race & sex out of this election. We also need to let our candidates know that we will not tolerate bickering & child's play as they exhibited last night. Based on that concept Edwards won last nights debate as he was able to keep to the issues much better than 5yr olds Clinton & Obama.

Wow, I'm really starting to hate CNN.

First the "Black women must vote sex or race headline" and now pouncing on the smallest backstage banter between candidates. Mr. Edwards, in the past, has publicly said he has more in common with Mr. Obama—and he does.

I will be surprised if Mr. Edwards joins up with Clinton. I do think the time is right for him to drop out, however.

He should drop out and endorse Obama. Any vice-president of Hillary will take a backseat to Bill. So, if Edwards is doing this just to get a vice-president nod, he would have a better chance at actually being a vice president with Obama.

Anyway, hurrah for sensationalist journalism.

Obama is teflon–nothing sticks to him and the media seems to be in love with him, probably because the pundents can continue to make news out of him as long as he is in the race. He gives a great speech, but I have yet to hear any substance. Edwards and Clinton are the only two Dems who actually present substantive material about the economy, recesson, the Iraq War, and middle class needs such as Universal Health Care, jobs, and wages.

Don't give up on John Edwards yet. Its not over yet

WELL HOW ABOUT EDWARDS AND CLINTON BEATING UP ON POOR OLD
OBAMA.NOW IS THAT A CRYING SHAME . AND WHEN OBAMA AND EDWARDS
BEAT UP ON HILLARY THATS OK,RIGHT. SO WATCH WHAT YOU WISH FOR AS YOU MAY GET IT..........

Can you say Vice President Edwards ?

Pathetic! I am a woman! I am a black man! I am a white man! What none of them are is qualified to have the job. A vote for these losers is a vote for the end of times.

Hillary and Bill are not being truthful in their attacks on Obama, which speaks for itself.
Hillary should realize that without all of the Democratic party behind her, SHE WILL LOSE the general election. Why not simply point out their differences, as they actually exist, instead of misrepresenting Obama's positions? As Edwards pointed out last night, they need to realize that this is not about them personally.
Unfortunately, it just shows that the Clintons will do anything and say anything to get elected, it's really that simple, and even if she is victorious in terms of becoming her party's nominee, she will lose a good chunk of her own party in the general election, and I don't see too many Republicans voting for her...

Tell me why the media thinks this debate was fun. It's very sad to see Bill and Hillary using the old time dirty political attacks.Obviously the country needs someone in that Presidential office that will be honest with the citizens.If one looks at Baracks Illinois record,it is exemplory.That present vote is a condition to avoid a bill going thru that is flawed or unconstitutional.When or if it is reworked it may be presented again.We have to do our homework. What experience does anyone of these candidates have for what is about to happen with the economy. This,boils down to which nominee will be honest with us,get the best people to level the economy and move us forward in our relations with the world.Barack ,has a difficult road ahead,but I pray truth will prevail.

Why does the media consistently frame this as a two person race? The coverage has been shameful. (Just look at the top of this page....the headline and the picture...all Clinton/Obama.) Admittedly John Edwards is lagging in all the polls, but given the fact that the media has all but ignored him.....how could he not be? After all, it's all about "the buzz" that is created by the press. This is especially true for someone like Mr. Edwards who doesn't have the Obama/Clinton big money machine backing him up.
I suspect that the "corporate greed' that Mr. Edwards has the guts to address might have something to do with it. Last time I checked the media would clearly fit in this category.

oh Hector, some people just don't like the lady. has nothing to do with GOP or dems. that is a puppet show for us. but most of us sit and watch it and take sides. they are the same. just depends if you want to drive off the cliff at 70 mph or 40 mph. that's where they both are leading us. and we only think are votes count for something.

I smell a running mate offer to Edwards....and the smell is pretty strong..!!!

Edwards is probably doing what lawyers do by negotiating a vice-president spot on the ticket. They are trying to find a way to stop the momentum of Barack Obama. I will only vote for Hillary if Barack is on the ticket, if he isn't I will take a second look ( for the first time in my life) at the republican candidate! Hillary has turned me off so and not even Edwards on the ticket will bring me back!!! Dirty politics turn me off and I don't reward this type of behavior by given them me special vote! I will give an anti-vote instead on principle!

the debate that wolf blitzer narrated was a farce. it was too obvious that he favored obama. the time he allowed each candidate was so lop sided. I personally dont care who wins this election as any candidate is better than geo. w. bush but fair is fair

Billary experience in State Legislature: zero
Edwards experience in State Legislature: zero
Obama experience in State Legislature: Illinois 1997-2004

Barack explained how Illinois Senate votes work, Billary and Edwards have no clue and it's not the same as federal level. Barack should have asked them how did they vote in their states' legislature...Billary and Edwards wouldn't have been able to answer. At least Barack understands individual states' rights. Edwards and Billary would have the federal run EVERYTHING if it were up to them.

Billary started the heated accusations right off the bat instead of intelligently answering the question given her. And later she couldn't give Edwards a yes or no answer...doing her usual sidestep. Her new name: Billary Bush Clinton

We are a nation of many many races ,get over yourself people ...... the job needs to go to best candidate to fix the mess Bush has put us in! .We need to look forward ,This talk of change is nothing without action,past present and future! Hillary Clinton hands down, can make the changes for all people ! for all races ,leaving know one out of our basic rights to health care , as Americans we should care as deeply as Hillary on this matter,.. Leave know one behind.

Maybe they were discussing the racist remarks made to Edwards by Obama. Obama patted John on the back and said, "You can have the white male vote." What if that was turned with Edwards saying Barack could have the black male vote? I bet the press would be hitting that hard. I am sure I am not the only one who noticed how Obama's uniter speech changed in front of his black audience. Shame.

This incredibly vicious acrimony among the Democratic candidates, and among the Democratic party (potential) voters, is a disaster. Divide and rule is the law of Conquests. The Democrats are so divided, they are making a Conquest for the Republicans. Yes, the Republicans are bickering among themselves. But have you noticed how cool, calm and collected Mitt Romney looks in his campaign commercials? He seems to be looking down on all this chaos from that proverbial "shining city on the hill." He's even claiming to be the candidate of change (I haven't heard one idea out of his mouth that distinguishes him from GW Bush and his heritage – establishment conservativism).

Nevertheless, Democrats beware. The shining city on the hill is a lot more attractive than the slime pit the Democrats have fallen into. Whatever the dismal record of the present administration, Democrats beware: The Empire strikes back.

They are allow to talk!

Hillary is a very adept debater. She knows how to avoid a question and shift a discussion so she doesn't have to address a weakness. As Obama pointed out, this is a continuation of the same old politics.

Most of us don't trust politicians or the system. Hillary won't change that. These three candidates are all very similar when it comes to policy. This primary should really be about two questions:

1. Who can best unite the country to get her/his policy goals accomplished? The obvious answer here is "Not Hillary." Republicans hate her. Republicans in Congress who want to get re-elected will not alienate their base by supporting her. Whether this is unfair or the product of her actions, it is a fact.

2. Who can you trust? Again, Hillary is the establishment candidate who does not believe in transparency. Her failed attempt at national health care was all behind closed doors. She has failed to release the papers from her husband's presidency. She does not disclose the sources of her campaign donations (mostly coming from special interests).

John,
this is right Hillary is not mentioning Obama's wife. She is not attacking personally Obama. Hilary has the class, dignity, not him.
He is like this bitting small dog...... does not leave people alone. Bite, hit, attack. Scream, whine, changing turns . Kind of boring as of now.
He is not good under pressure, if president, the pressure must be even more than this. What then? He will hide in his office whining that other country leader did not do what he meant, well not that but this – and he will come out just to make some personal comments?

I am sorry, I got upset, I did not appreciate at all this lame "joke".... it was really no joke at all, it was bad remark trying to pretend to be a joke.

Yes, Hillary will make great president.

come on, we're not dumb. there was more than just "light chatter".

My decision is for Hillary. And my hope is to see a Hillary as President and Obama for VP and Edwards appointed to a key postion in the presidential cabinet. But now, I am wondering if we are seeing a contentous Obama who is getting more and more insecure. This view of his being insecure and saying such things as "being up against both Clintons" (paraphrased) and trying make her sounds as thought she favors Regan-like republican agenda's, creates an insecure looking and sunding Obama. This takes away from his ability to uphold any meaningful leadership in any sitaution. I hope that all strong democratic candidates 'chill' and uphold a greater vision how to postiviely win votes rather than engage in fear-based mud slinging. We Americans know better than to give range to this negativety at this point in our governements history. There is too much is as stake. We need solid leadership we can trust.

I have watched all three democratic debates in '08 and so far have gone from republican, admittedly mostly out of ignorance, to huge Edwards supporter. He has earned my vote and I have signed up on his website to join his campaign and spread the word about him. It is a shame that more people haven't given him a chance. He shows an amazing amount of passion and to me displays the most willingness to fight for not only change, but improvement for America as a whole!

It is a shame when our former President of United States continues to miss leads the American people. He acts as if he can not understand how someone can support something or someone he or she is against. I know many of Americans who were against some of his actions in the Whitehouse but they continue to support him or it like tell your daughter. You are against her getting pregnant and when she does you want support her. This is why Senator Obama continues to support the “troops” by funding the war he was against it in the fist place.

No Sir, you should give him a break.

I think John is really setting his sights on become the Vice President if Hillary is chosen as the Democratic Nominee. I think if Obama is selected that John should be given the opportunity to have the VP job, but I think Obama would really select Hillary because he too can benefit from some of Bill's legacy.

Let's come together for a common cause...

PEACE/LOVE '08

I'm amazed, nobody knows what happened in that meeting. Nobody even knows that it was a meeting & already you're off with the conspiracy theories.
People need a grip. You complain about CNN, and you should, but then you're hooked on every little thing they write about.
Silly, silly people

Johnny is just covering all his bases and trying to make sure everyone knows he is available as a bed warmer after the prom dance is over.

Clinton is the big winner monday night.
Wolf Blitser was the big lousser.

Finally a debate that had some substance to it. The later portion was great. I loved hearing about strategies. Could we get more questions about the economy? Living in Michigan we have been in a recession now for 2 years. I can't image it getting worse. Our company has lost 4 major customers and a decrease in sales by 33% last year ouch! We are not the big three or one of their suppliers. Just a family business that is trying to keep it all together.

Once again thanks for a debate that was worth watching. Lori

As far as votes go the best choice for VICE president would be Richardson ... from a western state, Hispanic and experienced in Foreign matters (in the Clinton 1 administration). But will that happen? Clinton/Obama still looks the best to me. I don't think Edwards stands a chance at either.

Teaming up with hillary clinton, for John Edwards, or anyone else, will be political suicide. I really hate to say it but hillary just may, unbelieveably to me, win the nomination. What people need to realize, and realize right now before its to late, is that clinton has less than a snowballs chance of winning the general election. Nominating her will be the HUGEST mistake democrats can make. Democrats seem to be banking on the fact that Bush has messed things up so badly that they are guaranteed a victory in November and THAT is a HUGE mistake in judgement. Bush isn't running this time. Any of the republican candidates beats hillary in the general election hands down. If every single registered democrat were to show up and vote for clinton in the general election, she STILL loses. Independants will go republican or just stay home. Factor in the almost assured candidacy of independant or third party candidate that wil recieve votes that would have, in most cases, otherwise gone democrat, and its death for the dems if hillary is indeed the nominee. Wake up dems, you are about to shoot yourselves in the foot. With Edwards all but out of the race Obama is your only shot (and best choice) for the White House.

Hillary and Edwards teaming up...this is the way to sink the boat. Somehow I have the feeling that we Democrats will find a way again to lose White House. Remember, Obama has to play nice because Billary is a fellow Democrat and because she is a woman (and in case you did not notice – she is married to Bill Clinton). The Republican can't wait to shred her and her husband to pieces and she will not even have the full Democratic support. Did this Duo not have had already a shot at Health Care ? How did that go ?

Our family – as Democrats – would vote AGAINST Billary Clinton and rather see a Republican who can stand on his own two feet than continue the line of Royal Families in the United States of America. Now, if Bloomberg would run, that would be great news in case Billary would be the Democratic Candidate. That would save us from having to vote for the Republicans.

If we would pass on Barack Obama, we deserve to hit rock bottom. The Democratic Party would be broken – The Barack Obama supporters will not just fall in line with the Billaries, I think. You can't go from inspiration to 'back to the future' – no way.

OBAMA 08 !

Frank & Family

Hillary has the experience and the know how.
Obama has the talk, the retoric and the bully pulpit.
Edwards has the spirit and soul.

SHADY!

Barak Obama states he runs an honest campaign and that the American people should be told the truth. I agree that we should be told the truth. Why then did he start personal attacks in the debate, when he stated it's a candidate's real record and their lifelong service that counts. If he thinks he is the candidate of change, we don't need someone who changes his views and positions nor who just shows up for votes and says present, because he thinks the vote doesn't mean anything for the benefit of the people. When he attacks someone's record, he should be sure his is clean. Yes, he says he opposed the war from the start, but he was not there to cast a vote. If he were able to vote, would he have voted present. We need a President who acts not just one who tells people what he thinks will get him votes. Hillary will work for all people to make their lives better and fight for them as she has done in the past.

the Clintons are so scary–if Barack is not nominated I will vote for anyone but Hillary–and I am supposedly part of "her demographic". She has a huge machine behind her and that is hard for anyone to beat.

In Nevada, I think that lots of illegals joined the caucuses–I don't think that they check anything: you just have to state you are a citizen to register to vote (and what is breaking one more law when you are already living outside of the law?).
How else could Hillary have won? Bet lots of baksheesh changed hands.

Wonderful: meeting between an egregiously stupid populist and a tendentious, fatuous, plangent oaf.

Hillary will ruin our country. End of story.

At least I don't have to worry about her winning in November....never gonna happen!

If you can't handle what others are saying about you – how will you handle the pressures of the presidency? You go Hillary stay focused and listen to your heart. Stay true to your hard working values, love of family, and love of country. We need to keep the American people first and bring our country back. We need our democracy and our constitution put back in place. It is more than a piece of paper as our present presidents seems to think.

Sounds like another episode of "Lets Make a Deal". No wonder I'm voting Buggs Bunny this year. Of course it could be a confab to get the next script straight before the next debase, er debate.

Much ado about Reagan. The debate put me solidly behind Barack Obama for two reasons.
1. Clinton had passed out fliers scaring people into thinking Obama was going to impose a 1 trillion dollar tax on "hard working Americans." Apparently, Clinton is opposed to an increase in Social Security tax on wages over $97,000 (about 6% of the population makes over that amount). Hillary apparently thinks that the middle class can fund SS from 100% of their wages while those that make more can fund SS on just 50%, 20% or .5% of their total income. The burden is on the middle class.
2. Hillary wants to mandate (or force) everyone to pay for health care. The thinking is that will drive the price down. What incentive is there for insurance companies to lower the price is everyone is force to buy it? Further, Obama would have kids going to college stay on their parent’s health care. Hillary would have kids after they turn age 18 (whether in college or not) buy their own. Their parents would still likely have to continue to pay for a family plan, but insurance companies would benefit with another paying customer at age 18.
For all her talk about how families are struggling with gas, education, heating, and food costs, she wants to add a mandatory health cost too. Let's get costs down before we mandate health coverage.
Forget taxes. We now have to pay more in car, home and health insurance with little to show for it other than the peace of mind against the "what if" that may never happen.

If you can't handle what others are saying about you – how will you handle the pressures of the presidency? You go Hillary stay focused and listen to your heart. Stay true to your hard working values, love of family, and love of country. We need to keep the American people first and bring our country back. We need our democracy and our constitution put back in place. It is more than a piece of paper as our present presidents seems to think.

This is a sign that the Clinton's are feeling the defeat in the horizon and will do anything to prevent it. Unfortunately, they won't be able to change the course of the history. America won't send back a former president to the White House.

Did anyone notice that it was Obama who cast the first stone when he attacked Clinton for being a corporate lawyer for Walmart?

Did anyone also notice that Obama's answer to every question had zingers aimed at Clinton?

Yet when Edwards took Obama to task about his voting record and the issue on lobbyists, he himself said "no one is clean on the issue"

To think that he runs an immaculate campaign is truly a "fairy tale"

Why, oh Why – Does no one ever ask any of the candidates what they would do in the fight with Al Quaeda?

The fight with Al Quaeda is the most important single issue in the U.S today – and all you hear is: When would we get out of Iraq? I want to get out of Iraq, but that won't solve the principal issue.

I asked that of a caller for Obama, whom I like by the way, and she had no answer – her supervisor had no answer, and she could find nothing on his website.

Do you hear me Wolf?

Watching the debate last evening was not only informative but also entertaining. Can we say…"Put your dukes up.” I have been a long standing Republican and prior to the debate I was considering supporting Obama. Watching Clinton and Edwards was particularly enlightening. I have always had a problem with trusting Clinton, but Edwards brings something fresh. I think a Clinton/Edwards ticket would be a winner and great for our country; they might actually get something done when in office! The two balance and complement each other. Hillary needs the likeability that Edwards brings to the table, and Edwards needs the experience that Clinton offers.

Roxane
Phoenix

In response to Hectoracuna, there are a lot of us who are simply independent (including myself – a former Democrat) who are sick of the nonsensical fighting and lack of integrity politicians like Newt Gingrich or the Clintons represent. Obama is the breathe of fresh air we've been waiting for.

To John, are you kidding me? Obama shouldn't bring up Bill because Hillary isn't bringing up Michelle? Has Michelle been running around like a desperate lunatic lying left and right to prop up her spouse? I think not. Even the most biased Hillary supporter can admit that Bill has gone way beyond what an ex-President should do even if he is the spouse of a candidate.

To Namata, Obama has shown on more than one occassion he most certainly can take the heat. He took on both Hillary and Edwards and made them look pathetic. Did you hear the applause for his responses. By far the most filled with integrity, logic and rational thinking. Best line was "I don't know who I'm running against" to sufficiently convey the absurd manner in which Bill has been conducting himself of late.

And a warning to all you Dems – I voted for Bill Clinton twice, Al Gore and John Kerry. EAch time I was humiliated as I saw the Dems nominate folks who were either mediocre at best or complete losers and I voted for them only because the GOP amazingly managed to nominate someone even worst (do you have any idea how disheartening it is to always vote the "lesser of two evils"). If the Dems screw this up (which of course they will because that's what the stupid party does each and every time – resulting in my defection to becoming an independent), I will HAPPILY vote for John McCain, the next favored son of the rational independent non-lemming minded electorate.

namata, my apologies. that comment was meant for John. Don't you love the irony of my post? LOL!

Obama did a great Job ysterday! He is right! He must be doing good that both of them were fighting against Obama. Edwards will go with whoever he thinks will win the nomination. The past two debates I watched Edwards was on Obama side because he clrealy thought Obama will win. And, yesterday all of a sudden he became Hillary supporter? And they had a private meeting? It is too much of a coincidence, don't you think?

people try to analyze way too much. Just wait and see..., maybe it was just friendly chat?
She can talk to anyone she wants to.

Don't fold to the political machine!

I can't believe voters are buying this "stand by your record" argument the Clintons are floating out there.

Is it because there is more of a record for Obama since he has been elected to more than one political office as opposed to Clinton's 1?

And why is no one questioning Hillary's refusal to address her vote for the Iraq war? She still has not taken a stand for her vote for that.

Edwards, don't fall for the Clinton machine! She will change nothing! The country will be as polarized as it is now under Bush, just in the opposite direction!

I WANT EVERY ONE TO TAKE A MINUTE AND THINK OF WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEED. WE ALL AGREE THAT THE 8YEARS OF REPUBLICAN SET OUR COUNTRY 20YEARS BACKWARDS. THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES ALL HAVE THE SAME IDEAS FOR OUR COUNTRY. BUT MY QUESTION TO YOU WILL BE, WHO IS THE BEST TO HAVE IT DONE. WHICH OF THIS CANDIDATE WILL BRING DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN TOGETHER TO VOTE ON WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEED. WE'VE SEEN DEBATES AFTER DEBATES. ON THE CAMPAIGN TRALL. WHO IS THE CANDIDATE TO UNITE THIS COUNTRY. THINK ABOUT IT.

namata, Michelle was never the President of the US. The dynamics are completely different. Think before you type.

HILLARY CLINTON ALL THE WAY!!!!!!! At least she got tough skin. Obama needs to be accountable for his record everyone else has to....why does he think that this does'nt apply to him....and what happened to calling a truce!! Obama is the one who brought this on by critizing Bill Clinton....I haven't heard Hillary make any kind of remarks about Obama's wife....keep it on the issues...that's what i want to know about....IF HE CAN'T STAND THE HEAT GET THE --OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!!!!!!

Does Sen. Obama really expect the American public to believe that we or the other presidential candidates do not understand the voting process in the Illinois senate?

If given the choices of:

Yes
No
Present X 130 times

I think we can all know what "present" means. You can't up your mind. I guess his spin doctors weren't available before he cast his vote

The Clintons are as bad as Bush when it comes to the truth. I'm a Dem that wouldn't vote for her if she was running against Satan. She will win the nomination though and the democrat party will look pathetic and inept as they lose another national election.

Lucas, SC: Thank you so much for enlightening all of us stupid stooges to the true political climate in the country. So typical of Obama people.

On CNN's homepage, the Ticker "tickler" say "secret" meeting. What sensationalism.

Watching through the entire debate, it was fascinating to see who was articulate, concise in delivery, who stumbled, and who tried to use some pretty words to impress their audience. I initially liked Obama in the early stages of this campaign; I still like Edwards; but there was no contest in that Hilary outstyled, outfact'd, out delivered the other two.

What I don't see clearly, is the fact that the spouses of Edwards and Obama can go about the country bad-mouthing Bill Clinton and Hilary, and everyone is up in arms; but "anything" and "everything" Bill Clinton says is the topic of the day on all the airwaves; prime time tv and the newspapers. There's a problem here. Is the right to free speech just reserved for the wives of the candidates but not the husband of a candidate ?. Shucks, here I thought our former President should certainly be given the same "freedom of speech" rights that other citizens are given. Its quite clear that there is a double standard here – now we're giving privilege to gender, and race isn't even in the froe.

Don't forget to give the Republicans lots of air time when their new ads against the Clintons start airing. With the Republican background of corruption and indictments and sex offenses and fraud – be sure and bring up Monika in every ad – for that will surely rev up the Republican voters. What a farce this road to the Presidency has gotten to be. Thank you G.W. and your cronies of the last 8 years.

namata
Did you watch the same debate I watched? Barack was asked a specific question about an attack that Hillary charged against him–saying that he couldn't account for a spending package. He was asked what he had to say about that. So, what was he supposed to say? He said that it wasn't true.

If there's anyone to blame for last night's back and forth, it was the moderators. They're the ones who ask the questions. Why was Barack asked if he thought Bill Clinton was the first Black president? What a ridiculous question. He did great on that answer by the way, first being serious then ending it with humor.

Wolf Blitzer did a terrible job of controling the candidates. He had no control over what went on.

Barack Obama is biracial, which is no big deal. However, it rubs me a little wrong that throughout the whole debate, every issue that touched on race, there was never any mention of his mother, who was white, and her family, who raised him. I understand the symantics of culture but I think it's a little sketchy to not address this dichotomy when gunning for the African American vote. It shouldn't matter what his heritage is, and he is an African American, but I think if I were his family (on his mother's side), I would feel a little disavowed for political gain.

This is not about issues. This is about personalities. The real gun and butter politicians as exit the stage. We running on who you like into you home daily. The contest in between john and obama. Hillary might have a grasp for policy, But I really don't like her.If you don't like a person, it hard to see how that person can motivate you. I get strange vibes from this person.She is not the person I want to lead this party or country. This is just nepotism or the part of Bill and DLC and to a certain degree the American public. First There Was BUsh 1, then there was Bill , THEN THERE WAS BUSH 2. This is 20(TWENTY) years of two familys
holding the white house. Is this a war between THE HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS(BUSHES AND CLINTONS). Neither family cares about the America publics. Its all about them.

Cool! Hillary/Edwards, I like it. Obama is self-destructing, if he gets anymore Republican he really will have to change parties.

YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND WE ALL SHOULD IF WE DON'T THEN WE SHOULD NOT SAY A WORD ABOUT THE ELECTION. THE ONE BIG THING I DON'T AGREE WITH IS THE ELECTORIAL VOTE'S ,THIS COUNTRY IS RUN BY THE PEOPLE OR I THOUGHT IT WAS UNTIL THESE LAST 8 YEARS.IT SHOULD BE WHO EVER GET'S THE MOST VOTES THEN YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN THAT'S WHO THEY WANT AND EVERYONE SHOULD ABIDE BY IT.THAT IS THE TRUE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE BUT IT CERTAINLY DOESN'T WORK THAT AWAY DOES IT.I'M SURE THAT IS WHY ALOT OF PEOPLE DON'T BOTHER TO VOTE .WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE JUST SIMPLEY LOST OUR CREIDITABLE AS A NATION AND IT'S ALL ABOUT (MONEY)(MONEY) PEOPLE THERE IS SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY OR ANYWAY ELSE AND THAT IS (GOD) AND WE WILL ALL HAVE TO DEAL WITH HIM ONE DAY EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US MAY HE HAVE MERCY ON ALL OF US .CAUSE WE SURE DON/T HAVE IT ON EACH OTHER.

so the fact that hillary was a walmart lawyer fighting the union doesn't tell her supporter that she's a CROOK??

john January 22, 2008 10:07 am ET

Hillary will make a great president. I am man and I cant stand the pressure that she was in debating this two men. She is brilliant and she overcame the wave. I hope Hillary can use the slogan LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE. and Obama should not mention about Bill clinton. Hillary is not mentioning Michelle.

This is the prime example of what is wrong with America. John is a prime example of ignorance in motion. Johnny is Michelle a former president. Johnny is Michelle lying about Hillary. Johnny did you finish high school?

Clinton has a right and an obligation to defend herself. Obama jabs and then whines when he gets hit back. he's not mature enough to be president.

So, what I am hearing is that Barack shouldn't attack the Clinton's eventhough Bill has been attacking him from the start. I don't see Michelle doing this, that is why Hillary can't bring her up, because she hasn't stooped to their level. For anyone who thinks Hillary is an innocent in this, wake up! While Bill defames Barack, she sits back and tries to look innocent. It is part of their campaign. Now, all those who can't see this seem to think Barack can't debate the issues. If this campaign were truly about this issues, Barack wins hands down. Hillary thinks we can turn back the clock to Bill's administration and all will take care of itself but she needs to know the world has changed. Because of this, we need a candidate for CHANGE. Barack has my vote!

Apparently this was a not so secret meeting. Why do we all have such knee-jerk reactions to these CNN articles designed to fan the flames of just about everything negative?

I would LOVE to see a Clinton/Obama Ticket. If Edwards were to win the nomination then I don't know what I will do unless Michael Bloomberg jumps in the race.

I believe that Hillary/Edwards would make a GREAT political ticket that I would stand with.

I am a republican and the only Dem. candidate I would consider voting for is Obama. He seems like he has real convictions and tries not to play the "game" that the Clintons (and lets face it both of them are running). Why does Bill get so much face time? How about what Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Edwards has to say? Why when the Clintons get a question they don't like they say they are done talking about that and no one pushes them on anything? That just leaves more questions. What about Sen. Clinton's voting record? What legislation has she sponsored?

Namata,

He's explained his voting record! It is not his fault that others do not understand the legislative process in Illinois. It is also not his fault that his quotes have been taken out of context for political gain (e.g. his "single payer" comment, which he clarified, and the Regan comments).

He did call a truce, but does that mean he should just be a whipping boy? I'm afraid the same people calling him "dirty" for defending himself would call him "inexperienced" and unable to take the dirt thrown from the Republican party if he were to not defend himself. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Be objective.

I didn't see much substance in what Obama was saying. There's really no clear plan as far as I am concerned. Everyone is talking about blacks & whites. I am Asian. What about the Latinos? We are one of the fastest growing population and if you are going to ask me, I'm not looking for a black or woman president. I just want one that will bring about change with a lot of experience. Hillary fits the bill for me bec she has seen a lot through the years.
Obama just sprouted out of nowhere and I don't think he can take the heat. Nothing is off limits when it comes to elections. So if someone brings up your voting record, that's something as a voter, I want to know. Have dignity to admit if you voted and regretted your vote later on. Everyone makes mistakes. All of them play dirty politics when they can and Obama surely is not different from any of them. The problem I have with him is that he's all RHETORIC. He stumbled a lot with his answers and I didn't see a strong person up there in the debate. John Edwards seem better than him in the debate. COme on, lets not make this about race or gender. Just bec someone is the same race/gender doesn't mean that's the main factor.

Agree with Hector on some points...
The republicants are enjoying this, why shouldn't they. I don't know why people believe that we should fight this nasty to make our nominee tougher to go against the republicans. Nonsense! The real winner of last night's debate was...John McCain. His name came up from the debaters too many times in my opinion. I did not like the debate. No substance about the real issues. The same rhetoric on minor differences.

Let's be honest, the Hillary camp started all this. After Iowa, everybody knew they had no choice but go nasty. Little by little, it went personal. This works for them. Barack is no longer the stay above the negative candidate. They got him where they wanted him. His appeal (at least to me) is diminishing. That is not say I am moving toward Clinton but he needs to go positive again. At this point, I might just stay home on February 5th, this is too negative. Stay on the issues. What the hell is Howard Dean, Ted Kennedy and Co doing? Can somebody lock Bill Clinton up? He is going to cost the democrat the general election regardless of who emerges from the nasty cage fight.

Once again, Hillary proves not only can she stand with the big boys, she knocks them out of the box. I was so impressed when she responded to the question about health care. I see a woman who had the foresight 10 years ago to try to tackle the problem that this country faces with the health care crisis. The only thing better that Hillary in the White House, is Bill right by her side to advise her. Maybe if King George had a mentor, we would not face the problems we face today. Smart girls Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama, being from Chicago, ought to have bigger (you know what). But the reality is that he's nothing more than a stuffed suit. Start grilling him on anything, and he immediately begins to whine about race, Billy boy, or whatever is convenient. I know you idealistc progressives like this smooth talking bag of wind, but how can anybody see this person on the world's stage? Wake up!

I used to have much respect for John Edwards, but it is gone now. Anyone who would sell out to Billary absolutely does not have my vote. He was chummy also in Nevada. Billary's tactics are to try to get Obama sidetracted and I'm GLAD he stood up to her bullcrap last night.The only one splitting the Democratic Party in half is Billary. That's what she wants and figures all the women will pull for her. Notice she keeps talking about women voters...but Obama talks about ALL voters. I'm also glad the Chairman of the Board Billary...buddy to China....of Wally World...home to poor wages, next to nothing healthcare...lawsuit heaven finally came out in public. Billary needs to go back to Arkansas and have parties with the Waltons instead of messing up this country...oh wait...Wally World has done that already. Why do you think the Clintons were so gung ho to get China's open trade...supply Wally World.

And we DON'T need government telling us we HAVE to buy insurance...the only people that helps is the drug and insurance companies. They're pulliing for Billary because then they'd have even more money and profits than they had before. The Republicans will certainly slaughter Billary's or Edwards' plans!

I am more impressed with Obama than ever before. Even people in the room watching with me who had planned to vote Republican are now leaning more to Obama. The only hope for America and someone to stand up to Republicans in the general election is Obama. The Republicans will destroy Billary if she is on the ticket. If Billary promised Edwards a VP spot...he'll look pretty bad losing again.

There is a big difference between a spouse advocating on behalf of a candidate and an ex-president lying on the campaign trail. Of couse, Bill Clinton has lied to us before, so we shouldn't be surprised. Obama did the right thing standing up to the Clinton machine last night. John Kerry faced the same nonsense from the Bush campaign in 2004 and he never responded aggressively enough.

As republican supporter, I have to say the prospects of a Hillary / Edwards ticket make for a perfect shoe-in for a republican candidate, especially if Rudy Giuliani wins Florida, NJ, NY and California as expected. If that happens, it will be a Rudy vs. Hillary 2008 as long expected. As for Barack Obama, he has cross-over appeal, but more importantly, he is not despised my millions, as Clinton is, even among Democrats who are now supporting Obama overwhelmingly. I would much rather have a progressive, exciting democrat president than a polorazing Hillary any day of the week. That is why Obama can win...and if he does, not too many people will be that upset. If Clinton wins, it's political gridlock and old ghosts.

Just like Obama stated, which of the Clintons is he running against. Bill Clinton developed a relationship in the black community, Bill Clinton did more for women than she did. Bill Clinton brought more money to her campaign than she did.

At least Obama is his own man standing on his own credentials and achievements and may I say ,putting a major scare into the Clintons. At least to the point were back room politics with Edwards is now occurring. She is scared and Bill will be out acting like Karl Rowe all this week. Sad, very sad in deed. Her answers are always these over compensating long responses to the questions and Obama's are thoughtful much more direct and to the point. I want a person of action, not an another Kerry-like over-the-head word thrower saying much about nothing. Hiliary will not get ONE republican or independant working on behalf of what is needed to get us out of this moral, financial, war, oil, global warming, 9 Trillion debt, no insurance, world recession, low value job, immigration, mess given us by this current president and congress. I for one can not stand another 4 to 8 years of congressional deadlock.

This should really come as no surprise. Edwards is far and away the most progressive, with the most detailed policy plans, and the best able to bring about change (because he has elaborated on how to do it and has a strategy that will work). Clinton, however, is second in terms of progressive policy proposals. She has some beefy stuff there, and is aggressive and tough–necessary in a president who must constantly wrangle with Congress, whichever party is in control. Obama, despite all his rhetoric and (alleged) public speaking skills, has a rather timid agenda. It compromises on things like health care, the environment and economic justice from the start, which will be further compromise in the constant back-and-forth between both parties and branches of government. Furthermore, he's capitalized on all these loopholes like not accepting money from FEDERAL lobbyists, while accepting money from state lobbyists. John Edwards takes money from neither and Hillary Clinton takes money from both, but at least she has the integrity to be honest about it. The Democratic Party and America cannot afford a president who whaffles on such important issues as these from the get-go. We can't blow this historic opportunity for change on someone with half-hearted proposals.

Let's face it...it's business. Edwards knows he's taking votes away from Clinton, not Obama. That's his leverage with her. He also knows that if he were to offer his support to Obama, that would give Obama the edge over Clinton...hmmm, we know (and he knows) he hasn't won a primary. Edwards is staying in for a VP slot. I thought it was laughable and insulting my intelligence when he said he's NOT running for himself but For all of us poor sad folk. He's bored, has enough money, want power and would be willing to take a second slot, heck, VP's job is to attend funerals. They are out of the loop totally. Give me a break. They all run for President for their own egos,power and/or pocketbooks. Clintons who were getting gov. paychecks have made over $35 million from speeches and have all travel paid for since leaving office. Cushy huh?

Presidents can take us to war, and really everything else has got to go through the Congress. If they really care for us, they'd want to remain senators and congressmen and women...not that they don't have their own agendas either. It used to be public service now it's self-service.

So Edwards will wait it out, then play his card. The people that continue to support him are basically helping him get the VP slot...and he'll be happy with that...it's business people.

If you haven't noticed, Barack IS taking the heat and taking it very well I might add. We cannot continue to be fooled by the Clintons calculated politics. Barack was more than willing to defend his record that Hillary seemed to cherry pick. Also, the Reagan comment has been taken to the extreme. I think we all understand what Barack was getting at. After all it seems as if the Clintons are the true admirers of Reagan after Tom Brokaw exposed their deep admiration on "Meet the Press" over the weekend. Let's get our facts straight!

All I can say is that Barack should be happy they are giving him such a hard time......Hillary knows who her REAL competition is.

BARACK 08' HANDS DOWN!

People please have the common sense to know that the media is trying to spin a story that may not even be there. It's all about ratings for these people. How some of you saw Edwards as "attacking" Obama and not Hillary, didn't watch the same debate. Edwards first of all was not "attacking" he was asking legitimate questions of Obama about his positions. That is what these debates are about. The media won't ask the tough questions of Obama so it was up to Edwards and even Hillary. Obama had a hard time answering the questions, he was really good at side stepping the questions and steering his answer to another subject. If you are truly objective, you would see that.

By far one of the best debates in a long long time.

I'm still undecided on Hillary/Obama – but from last night's debate, it appears as though Obama can't seem to take the heat when he's called upon to do so.

It's your voting record Sen. Obama – be able to justify it and defend it. Otherwise, bow out gracefully while you still can.

john you are naive....hillary has nothing to gain by mentioning michelle.....like she gets anything like the notice bill does.....

speaking of slogans....hillary is full of them....... "Ready on day one" what does that mean? ready for what ? ready in what way? demonstrated how? that's opinion folks, one of those "repeat as necessary to become true (doesn't make it so).... just using psycho-gaming......

here's another one: "35 years of experience" as what? not in elected office.... as first lady to a govenor.... first lady to a president.... corporate lawyer.....political activist....which of those produced real change???? is thirty five a magic number? why didn't she include her high school / college years 'years of experience'? to quote her husband "Gimme a BREAK!"

BILLARY quit your CROWiN' ...... thru a ring in the nose the dems you're towin'

this whole dynasty thing ....... it's the biggest fairy tale of them all
only the evil queen lives happily ever after!

Michelle is not an ex president. Don't be stupid.

Oh yes im sorry.

Clinton meeting with Edwards.
You know what i think- Obama Edwards 08.
Edwards should drop and just say he'll be obama's vp
that way obama would get all the Edwards votes too.
and if you look at the numbers, i know hillary has it close running with two candidates ( i mean with Bill) but she wont have a chance fighting a pair.

Edwards was silly, snaky and very forceful ...Even so he was saying good stuff but his foundation is weak something is clearly missing under the heels of Edwards. I can not put it in words but it's obvious. Either Hillary or Edwards can overcome the Republican in November. Hillary needs to be broken and learn true wisdom that make one a true leader. Obama appears to be more honest. I am not White American or African American . This is my opinion. As a citizen of the United States and as a NPA ...I will not ever vote for Edwards or Clinton. America is very emotional!

Thanks Democrats for reminding me over the past few weeks that while I am a staunch liberal, I would never call myself a democrat. Just as petty and partisan as the Republicans. It shouldn't amaze me that Dems like Rovian tactics as long as it isn't the Repubicans that do it.

Hillary, don't mind Barack's sour attitude – he's just mad becasue he got beat up by a girl. Good luck in S.C. on saturday – I've already voted for you in New York, via absentee ballot!

HATE all you want Hillary will be the next president of this great country.

So if you hate her that much please leave the country when she wins.

Here a re the realy issues.
If health care does not mean much to you. Please Vote Barack.
If you loved your life during Regan era. Please Vote Barack.
If the GOP agenda has favored you in the last 7 years. Please Vote Barack.
If you any of the GOP nominee to win. Please Vote Barack.

The world will be a better place if she wins. The world needs a strong mother right now and she can fill that role.

Lastly, I have girls and I want them to grow up knowing they can be the leader of the free world.

If you don't love your daughter Vote Barack Obama.

Post-debate meeting? Likely, since both are lawyers, they were sharing tips on where they could find a mutual victim who's blood they could drain. Have you noticed that both love to be in front of the cameras but not mirrors? Hmmm?

Edwards and Clinton are free to meet and talk as they like. They are after all in the same party. No matter what was discussed it will ultimately come down to the voters as to who they want to see represent the Democratic party. From last night, it was clear that the bickering and dislike took on a totally different level. It was sad to see them going at it like that, but I thought when under pressure, all candidates had a good response. I am an Independent voter and after last night I am leaning towards Obama because he showed poise and sophistication and was clear on HIS vision for America - not anyone else's.

LOL...you people are SUCKERS who believe that all the political fighting is anything more than on the court trash talkin'...it's part of the sport.
It's a competition and nobody is there to LOSE.

But, ALL the candidates know...off the court they are Democrats and have to deal with the bigger issues...TOGETHER!
So, they shake hands and move on.

Obama and Clinton chat all the time...they laugh together...they give props on good jabs.

Don't be sucked into thinking these people despise each other...it's just part of the game.

The media uses all the horrific terms...compared to the trash my friends and family talk...that debate looked like a church service.

This is to "hectoracuna"

Its not the people spliting up the democratic party its the candidates and yes i am refering to Hillary. She and has been getting her hubby to make constanly make up bull crap to politcally hurt another candidate. In this case Obama.

And the Republicans aren't in some scheme to mess up the democratic party, either. It just seems that way cause Obama is appealing to independents and republicans cause he seems like a good candidate no matter what party.

"There is no liberal America. There is no conservative America. There is the United States of America."

Obama 08
Vote for Change

John-

Michelle also isn't a former President who is doing most of hte mudslinging on behalf of her spouse, either. And Bill knows he is still a media darling (even though i think that ship is slowly slipping away from him).

I think Obama had every right to mention Bill, John. He was being attacked numerous times in three weeks by Bill. Bill doesn't want his spotlight to go away...he is desperate to remain the favorite in the eyes of the Democratic party, even if that means pushing away allies like Kennedy and Rahm.

But I want to see Obama and Hillary's campaign, not the Bill and hillary show. It was interesting last night when she said "That was not OUR intent' in regards to false criticism on Obama.

I agree with hectoracuna. Too much hatred and too much mind-reading of the candidate's. Too much media coverage and too much campaigning, It is all
too much too much. The representative's advice to Bill Clinton to "chill" is appropriate for everyone, including the media.
Intelligent dissent is good for a democracy.
Disagreement for the sake of being disagreeable is not.

Bill is a powerful political tool. Not unlike Oprah Winfrey.

Obama learn to take the heat man!!! Be accountable for you voting record. What were you expecting when you entered the race to the White House??? Your voting record is part of this whole process – THAT IS YOUR RECORD. I thought you called for truce last week and I did not expect the idea of false hopes and fairy tale to enter the debate – is that truce?? Why did you start the attack last night?? She is not going to roll over!! That's why they ganged up on you. Please DON'T LET US DOWN. Defend your record and hold your own. BTW stop this Reagan crap -it is starting to bite you. THERE IS A FAT CHANCE THAT YOU CAN BE THE TICKET OR WILL BE ON THE TICKET.

YOURS – UNDECIDED

john,
Michelle is not a popular former president.... no comparison....

two whites against one black...now that's a fair fight!!

I can't wait until Super Tuesday! I am so looking forward to seeing how a bigger sampling of the country is going to vote, on the Democratic side!

If the media would stop sensationalizing everything, and looking for any scrap of dirt they can possibly find during this campaign, American voters might actually get a clear view of the candidates and their position on issues. But no....the MEDIA in America has decided that its the top dog of this country...it rules...it decides what Americans should and can see and hear, and to H _ _ _ with what Americans really want. And Americans, if you STOP BUYING THE MEDIA's JUNK PRESS, they just might stop publishing it. duh............

John, Hillary isn't mentioning Michelle but I can assure you that if Obama was essentially running on Michelle's record instead of his own, and Michelle was using her superstar status as a former president to consistently and repeatedly attack Hillary then she'd be getting quite a few mentions from Hillary.

"Well, sometimes I can't tell who I'm running against." Best line of the campaign so far.

And to Hector – I am a dedicated member of the Party and I support Obama. Because I am true to the principles of the Party, I would not, under any circumstances, vote for Hillary. If she is our nominee, then I stay home. I refuse to sell my soul simply because the Democratic electorate was fooled into nominating the status quo candidate, when the very essence of the party mandates change from the oh-so-awful status quo.

Its pretty clear what will happen...Edwards is miffed that Kerry endorsed Obama over him, so to spite Obama and Kerry, Edwards will be willing to throw all his support behind Hillary, even be her slave, err VP. What a chump.

I think "A voter in time's" comment is the most likely topic of that discussion. So far it has seemed to me that either Barak or Edwards would back each other should either drop out.

IMO, Edwards should drop out asap and throw his support behind Obama. Edwards should also be Obama's VP.

And Michelle is not out there trashing Hillary like Bill is trashing Obama. Can't she fight her own fights. If she keeps acting like she did last night she will lose the general for sure.

Common guys, Obama is a good guy, but I must be honest if he needs other candidates to be honest, he too have to be honest to the American people when challenged on his record or on what he said than simply telling us that it is not true.

He too throws a lot of mud at both Clinton and Edwards. It is only when it is thrown at him that he acts like a victim and the press make it an issue. The other two candidates are also victim of his mudsling.

I think the three candidates could make a good President...Especially we are in a situation that it is anything but GOP.

Also I still believe that Hillary has the details of what she wants to do as a President and thats a great asset to the American people.

Go Hillary '08!

How can anyone with one grain of common sense compare Michelle Obama to Bill Clinton??? News Break: Bill Clinton was President of the United States for 8 years! a former president with rgace and honor does to act like Bill has been acting.

Ooops I forgot he does not have either. He lied under oath and "He did not have relations with that woman in the white house!"

Note to shaun:
Before you are disembowled by the posters here, please note that caveman attitudes are no longer in style. Women don't need men, we just keep them around to amuse us. Men, on the other hand, need women each and every minute of their lives. Ask any husband, they will tell you.

Hilary needs to stop picking on Obama. She just over analyzes what he says and then feels stupid when he corrects her. Personally, I think shes just in this for the power. After what Bill Clinton had done to her no wonder she would seek power over him. And for all you who think electing her in electing Bill Clinton your wrong. She is going to do everything opposite of what he says just so she can feel she overpowers him.

Bill Clinton gave us all of us great years in the 90's as for asthe economy, but he also gave is some troubled yrs with scandals, rt. wing conspiracy and such. Have we forgotten that a top Clinton aide and close personal friend to Hillary killed himself because of his knowledge of some things in the white house. Everytime something came up with the Clinton's they blamed it on the rt. wing conspiracy that attacked Bill. Now to Hillary, if you say that you are a person that is ready for day one why then did you cried when you were challenged, what will she do when the presidents of Iran, Iraq, Russia and Korea when the say I they willn't corporate with you. I never thought I would see the day that a female who is also a minority would stoop to such a low to attacked another minority, when thay both have accomplished so much, it's degrading to say the least. I am an African – American female ( dble minority ) well educated and I am supporting Obama.
I like his fresh ideas his desire for inclussion not seperation, there is no way that Hillary will be able to accomplish much we almost every Republicians can not stand her. It will be dread- lock in Washington nothing will come to pass, they will recieve their salaries and we the united states of america many will contiune to go hungry, without health insuranceor dental insurance, homeless still homeless
min. wage still below inflation. It's time out for dynasty in the white house. We will get 8 years of clinton's, then we will get 8 yrs of Jed Bush, come on America lets
press towards greatestness in God we trust, where in this country you can climb to any height you can image where every person is free where all those that hungar are feed if you need to be clothed you are and you have access to the best medical care in the world. One human for Obama 08

Common peeps, it doesnt say what they were talking about. He could have been running to Mcdonalds and asking her if she wanted fries with her cheeseburger.

Billary will lose in a Reagen-esqe type landslide to McCain and we all know it. She is divisive, mean spirited and simply too unlikeable to be elected. Moderate Democrats who would support Obama in the general election will vote for McCain instead.

Clinton/Edwards would make a good ticket! But I would perfer Clinton/Richardson!

something smells......

wow. if this keeps up not only will bill clinton be the first black president but the first female president as well.......

and only the second president to serve a third term.....

billary put that Crown DOWN....

edwards turncoat politcing is showing.....

cling-ons are taking dems to the laundry.... we are all in the spin cycle now

ABC ABC ,.... just say no to dynasty

ANyone but cling-ons........

Hillary will becmome the 44th United States President. This race is over friends.

Hillary will be a great Us President, If I could vote I will Vote for her!
As Shaun wrote before, you get 2 president for the price of one, that is Hillary and bill ( buy one and get one Free..., )

I would not expect John Edwards to support the Clintons at any stage in the Democratic nomination process. John will stay around until super Tuesday. The race is still too close too call.

Oh dear. Was that like the very first one where Obama and Edwards ganged up on Hillary trying to knock her out of the debate. The MSM is so so obvious in their head up their butt support of Obama. Their corporate masters have told them they have to support Obama. Since they want a republican president Obama is the only candidate that will give it to them.

Why is this news, sounds like Big Brother watching and telling? Why does it have to be reported, how many times did they go to the bathroom? Did they talk to someone on the way out? Can't they just talk? Who said they cannot talk to each other for any reason at all?

Obama people can feel free to vote Republican. They are Reagan fans.

Ever since Edwards' campaign shifted into attack dog mode, it's been pretty clear that he's lining himself up to be the #2 man on the ticket with whoever gets the nomination. Watching him tiptoe between Clinton and Obama while throwing grenades at each has been interesting.

Hillary is proving more and more as we go along on these heated debates how strong she is. She is the one to get us out of this mess our country is in. Obama is just a "speaker". Obama sings his song but I have no faith that he can handle this big job that lies ahead of getting our country back on track and the economy back and the middle class back from proverty. I think Hillary has the knowledge to do this. Maybe John Edwards would make a good VP.

On issue after issue, Clinton gave the most substantive answer indicative of her preparedness to face challenges that our great country is in. Edwards also came across as very presidential but Obama was at times appeared tentative in his responses.

On February 5, I am now certain on whom to cast my vote.

Hillary won the debate hands down. Obama seemed fumbled on his responses and often there were long pauses as if he didnt know what he was saying. He has never given a detailed plan in his answers like Hillary does. She WILL be the Democratic Nominee so go ahead and get yourselves prepared Obama camp, come join the "Dark Side" as some of you like to call it, LOL!!!!!

Hillary for President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's difficult to read into anything, but one would have to believe that Edwards would lend his support to Clinton (even though he has been siding with Obama's message of change) if he drops out because they both share common ground on health care and pretty much the economy – the two biggest election issues. I can see Edwards as Hillary's VP – they both draw the working vote. The debate showed serious flaws in Obama's campaign and is own personality as he was seen visibly frustrated with Clinton, who appeared very staunch, firm, confident and presidential. She will be hard to beat after securing a majority of delegates on Super Tuesday.

John might ask her to be the Veep.

Hillary Just attacked and attacked during the debate, did not address issues.

This is a Joke! Dems are loosing its base, as a result of the attacks.

Hillary boasted a 75000 dollar increase in eight years for black. that increase was less than a thousand a year. That amount did not keep up with inflation.

Dean taking sides in his comments on CNN with Hillary

He says, If it is a Tie She may have to go longer to win". (no consideration for the other candidates)

Dem party is split. Is Dean is OK with this?

GOP is LOL about the Dems.

GOP 2008

For the first time since JFK, a large portion of the Dem party may sway Ind. Or GOP.

Obama shot her down on all issues. What was her solution "make everyone choose a Government mandated healthcare"

Obama offers a better plan.

Many people believe in prayer as their form of healthcare. Edward and Hillary plan will not recognize it as a healthcare. Just give a religious exemption saying (no healthcare). People have had great success relying on the teaching of Christ Jesus. Material medical is respected for its efforts to help humanity. However, people have had great success in Spiritual medical healthcare. It should be the individual choice. I thought that was slogan for Dems. "Choice"

Sounds like the insurance and pharmaceutical are driving the mandate and lack of recognition issue.

I am Sure prayer is not a threat to the industry profit.

Obama lowers rates, but leaves the course of treatment in the hands of the patient, not a big government mandate.

He's hoping to arrange a Clinton/Edwards ticket...A wise decision on his part. Remember, South Carolina is something, but it's not nearly as important as California and New York where Clinton has double digit leads.

Hillary '08

I think Edwards was just speaking was he felt during the debate. He had a problem with Obama's "present" votes, so he stated it.

Funny how "pile on Hillary" is regarded as OK, but not any other combination.

John is Obama's only hope at beating Hillary. But like Hillary, John only cares about his own legacy.

Hillary has the experience working with people and government and the Republicans. Obama has no experience and is going to "wing" it when he gets into the seat. Is that what we really want? I'd say Hillary/Edwards would be an excellent ticket!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obama couldn't answer a question last night because he doesn't know what he's going to say. All he could do is interrupt the others and be defensive. Stick to what matters...answering the questions at hand with poise instead of taking another stab.

John Edwards is probably trying to get Hillary to offer him the Vice Presidency and be her running mate if he agrees to give his delegates to her. The reason Edwards has not made a dent in the primaries is not because the stars of OBama and Clinton are shining so brightly. It's because the voters see thru Edwards for the true opportunist and slick empty suit that he is. Of all the candidates running in either party he has the least experience and he is the reason John Kerry lost in 2004.

Obama wins SC 46%-39% Hillary......John 11%

shaun, don't take it out on hillary because you still live in your mom's basement and she does your laundry for you. do not fear the power of a strong, intelligent, and proven woman. she is the right choice and now is the right time.

Oh, I'm sure it was just one big conspiracy. She was just..... He was just...... They were....... I do not believe it could ever be because they might find something to share about their experience of running for office. No, that would be admitting they were ordinary people. Let's listen to the ranters, here they come.....

I sure hope that John back Obama. I like John and Obama equally.

Hillary will make a great president. I am man and I cant stand the pressure that she was in debating this two men. She is brilliant and she overcame the wave. I hope Hillary can use the slogan LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE. and Obama should not mention about Bill clinton. Hillary is not mentioning Michelle.

Based on the debate, I would guess that Edwards wants the number two spot and thinks he'll be best placed to get it by supporting Hillary. Nothing subtle about what he did last night.

Hillary will make a great president. I am man and I cant the pressure that she was in debating this two men. She is brilliant and she overcame the wave. I hpe Hillary can use the slogan LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE.

Additionally, if John Edwards was going to throw his support to anyone, it would be Barack, not Hillary. His viewpoints and life experience are more like Baracks. So I don't think he was or would ever discuss such things with her.

I quite agree with the above comments. Hillary might just have lost a lot of her credibility by having Bill campaign for her so strongly. Who is the Candidate? BIll or Hillary? All the 'strong' women of politics have ascended to the heights they did solely on their own merits. Maggie Thatcher didn't have her husband running around bashing the other candidates on her behalf. That raises doubts as to her resourcefulness, strength and resolve, sense of fairness and independence.
I think this is the worst thing they could have done. I like Bill but kinda lost faith in him and they might be losing a lot of votes. It smacks of a 'cut-throat, desperado' kind of thing. Are they themselves so doubtful of her abilities that they need to send in the artillery? They raise questions that feel she might not be 'strong' enough on her own to fill the shoes of President. To quote Shakespeare, "something is rotten in the state if Denmark" .

"You'll get two for the price of one if Hillary is elected president."

Bill Clinton was one of the greatest presidents of all times. People outside of United States have great admiration for him. America was greatly admired, but that has changed. Thanks to George Bush!

Hillary clearly won the debate. It's about time Someone held Obama to his record, his past statements & voting record, something the media's clearly dropped the ball on.

If O'bama wins the Democratic nomination, get ready for another another 4 more years w a Republican President, because the very efficient & ruthless Republican political machine will simply tear O'bama to shreds.. he just doesn't have the experience or record to win.

So for all of you naive, over emotional, O'bama supporters, Get Real ....& realize this isn't a popularity contest, this is a fight for the White House & the next 4 years.
Don't blow it by backing a loser.

I agree with both of the above comments rom Jennifer, Oklahoma and shaun. She showed how dependent she is on her husband and I think that will be her demise as she needs to get rid of his influence and campaign on her own merits. Unfortunately she also showed how she can talk on and on (like her husband) and not say very much as well as become picky and down nasty (which can be good, but doesn't look good for her to be doing this).

What happened is that both Clinton and Edwards tore the scab of the wound of a record that is Senator Obama and showed as litigators that it is he Obama who is the political operative in the game espousing fine lofty words but with a record that shows no true political courage and only politics as usual as a strength like the current goof in the WH. You could see it on Edwards face, why would you vote Present more than 100 times and the hypocrisy that he uses their votes which they had they courage to vote on in context of the time.....and Obama mis represented Rezko 5 hours and a career and a 300,000 discount on a house and the Present votes while a small amount of his votes were because of IL he was alone on many of those controversial votes like stiff penalties for young blacks in the justice system...

I believe the 90 day freeze on foreclosure that Senator Clinton suggest is a good one..lets get through the severe weather and take a breath……..before these sharks move in on the over extended. Hey Dems is it possible to discuss the rest of the country now and not just the needs of the Black community the rest of us also need Change.

shaun January 22, 2008 1:01 am ET

"Hillary's just proving that a woman can do nothing without a man doing it for her"

How do you spell Neanderthal?

We can sum up the Democrats as follows:

Edwards is the boy crying wolf. Big bad Corporate America is the root of all evil, and he will punish them. While this plays well to the ignorant, Corporate America is primarily owned by pension funds, who in turn are funded by working America. So his arguements are illogical at best.

Hillary has NO experience. She "went to the mat" on health care during Bill's first term and never got up. She went from "First advisor" to "First Lady" to :"First Victim", etc. She has NO sound policy. Mandated health care coverage is also illogical. John Doe can't afford health insurance so Hillary wants to fine him? Give us a break. This lady is mentally challenged.

Obama is a faster political learner than Hillary, but he also has NO sound policies. His underlying campaign is Rodney Kings "why can't we all just get along" line. Sounds nice but as we all can see by the wanton display of ignoring reality last night, no one in Washington gets along with anyone.

Although McCain isn't my first choice, he seems to be the only one with policies that make more sense than the others (although they are all wrong on energy) and can truely work across the polical divide that has now become our nation's capital.

Hillary is quilty by association. Bill damage the country by lying to a grand jury. He disgraced the oval office my having sexual relations with that women and the American people do not want to be remind of that again.

I don't want Hillary to get near the White House, not even as VP. We would need 24 hour security so she doesn't steal stuff.

What was discussed at the meeting....hmm let me Guess. Edwards drops out after SC, supports clinton and becomes her VP candidate. Poor Obama. Seems like everybody is out to get him. I wonder why. Seems like being an honest politician is a liability.

I'm guessing that the see Obama breaking from the pack and they are plotting the hurdles to put in his way.

Obviously he was asking to be her VP in the General Election. We all know Hillary is #1 and will get the nomination. Obama has no chance in the General Election and everyone knows that. Edwards knows he has no chance and this is the last chance he has at the nomination, so he was asking Hillary about being VP. Go Hillary!!! Most experienced and ready to be President on day 1!!!

How about a Clinton/Clinton ticket? Hillary is constantly saying she's been fighting the GOP for 16 years. I thought Bill Clinton was the president for 8 years not her. If she wins, does anyone really think that Bill won't be in the Oval office?

Hmm. "Stay in the race long enough to split the vote with Obama and then I'll make you my VP" perhaps?

Hillary is a fighter! Just like no one wants a lawyer 'till you need one, people are hesitant to go with Hillary because she is tough. Obama's message of hope might resonate, but it is one dimensional and will fail in the grit of a real national campaign. I want a candidate who will "go to the mat" for me and my concerns. Hillary is that candidate.

Give 'em Hill!

As much as I think Edwards stood apart from the fray of the night, it doesn't take a genius to figure that when two parties are busy firing at one another, taking the higher ground is pretty simplistic strategy. To me, I think everyone's criticism of Obama's sophomoric unease in debates can be very readily compared to that of Hillary's when she started out in the eye of public service...it's the system that grinds you down and hardens you to the fact that you are submitting to taking low blows through your spouse instead of playing it straight. I don't blame him for being uncomfortable hitting back when it goes against his core ideology of transcendence of hope. He is truly bearing up against the "machine" of 24/7 scrutiny,parsing of semantics, and grueling campaign tours that politics has become in the 21st century... I wonder if FDR, JFK or even Lincoln himself would have been elected in this day, in this way. But it all comes down to the fact that, really, all three of these candidates are far more intelligent and capable (despite their detailed plans and the differences of each) of running the country than Bush or the Republicans have been. So Hillary and Bill need to cut the crap out of their campaign and let Hillary and her record in the Senate speak for itself. Edwards needs to continue his message of steering the conversation back to the issues and clarifying his attributes ....while Obama just needs to say he's not going to tolerate any more of the baiting from the Clintons, keep his message of hope and transcendency in the forefront, and run the kind of campaign he always wanted no matter the polls. Speak on for Hope! This country needs inspiration, aspiration, and the admiration of our peers once again!

Edwards and Clinton were great in the debate. They want the basic same thing and I believe there is room for them to work together. Clinton/ Edwards ticket is a possibility.

I am a woman and a die hard true blue Democrat and Hillary Clinton does not get my vote under any circumstances. If she gets the party nomination than my party has forget how powerful a force she is in mobilizing the Republicans. I will right in a candidate or abstain all together. her performance last night was politics as usual and she showed her divisiveness and her shrillness. Please do not assume since I am a woman Hilary you get my vote I like an Obama with Edwards as VP ticket myself.

Edwards is in the position of Queen-maker due to the complex delegate counting process that determines the Democratic nominee.

Guess Edwards is betting on who will be the nominee after Super Tuesday.

Go Hillary, leave politics to the adults and the sandbox to the kiddies.

If you were to believe Hillary's press and her outrageous boasts, she was the driving force in Bill's 8 years... I think the only thing she drove, other than that disaster health plan, was her husband's private parts into an intern's mouth... She's more flip-floppy than Romney and McCain together. D.

Heads up to the Edwards campaign, many who might take a second look at you will look away if you don't come out and disavow any connection to Hillary Clinton.
If you are the "change" candidate, as you claim, backroom deals with Clinton just won't cut it and make you look disingenuous.

Sorry, that doesn't make sense, it would be Clinton/Edwards 08, not Hillary/Edwards 08.

I'm not surprised they met after the debate, they probly met before the debate to. They seemed pretty in tune during the whole thing... Hillary/Edwards '08? I think that may be the case.

Hillary – Edwards ticket! I could live with that quiet happily!

Wow! Now there's a "worthless" statement if ever I've heard one – "Hillary's proving that a woman can do nothing without a man doing it for her".

I think all candidates should devote more time to developing a comprehensive plan for re-vamping the educational system in America. It's clearly lacking.

Oh the haters are at it again! I find it amusing that at the end of the Primaries half these hate-filled bloggers will be without their candidate. If you think Mrs. Clinton is an "idiot" or "Hitlery", or if Obama is a "jerk" or "not black enough", what will you do if your candidate doesn't win the nomination? Not vote for the other Democrat in the general election? Vote for the Republican? Who's the idiot THEN? If you can't have intelligent discourse, why bother with posting your hate-filled petty opinion. Please, go back to beating your wife, or kids, or just beating-off. The Democratic party doesn't need you.

Or are just a Republican spreading the usual conservative vile? Oooh how clever of you, posting crap about Obama or Hillary just split the party? Real genius folks.

Don't get caught up in a conservative hate mongering ploy! We need a united party. Stop listening to the cable news pundits, it benefits them to turn non-issues into controversy. And we all eat it up!

Gee, I wonder if this post will actually make it through the CNN sensors? Not having much luck, guess they don't like criticism of their punditry? Or perhaps they don't like Mexican bloggerss??? Naaaah

I don't Know how anyone can say Clinton or Obama won the debate all they did is argue like three year olds. I for one am sick of that crap.

I love the way people disrespect Hillary. I guess people think its ok because she is a women. Its Sad!

David Schuster on "Morning Joe" just said that Obama and Edwards are friends and get along well. Clinton probably went to Edwards green room to get this report and the implication that she and Edwards are good pals.

Hillary is the far better choice on every issue. I thought she won the debate hands down. Obama throws the dirt but can't take the heat.

Obama is all rhetoric with no meaning and no real answers. Vote for Hillary..

Obviously, they were discussing what John would say if he decides to drop out the race. Is he going to tell his supporters to support Hillary or to support Obama

Obama2008!

If the race is realy matter, all past and presidents were or are white, America is one, why is it a problem to see any other races ule the country before we fall into another sort of lunetic debate between gender which see to stink pretty much as a diversion.....

Wow, Shaun....you're really letting your misogynist side shine through. Generally, people who attack others as worthless have fears that they themselves are worthless. That added to the fact that you believe women cannot do anything without the help of a man....therapy maybe?

Quit being so negative!
Hillary has more experience than both Obama and Edwards.
Obam will be a great president in the future, but he needs more experience.
The Presidency of the United States isn't just a job one "waddles" into on Day 1.

This woman, Hillary, is strong, sharp, passionate, hard-working, driven and dedicated. With a man or without, she is head and shoulders above the rest.
Do you really believe that a woman of her character (OR ANY WOMAN for that matter) "can do nothing without a man"?

Which are you: Provincial or just plain stupid?

Wondered what it was about.

Senator Clinton was just pandering. She keeps using MLK reference like she knows the struggle. I was waiting for her to use her southern twang. This is one plastic woman who can not answer a straight question. I think Obama used words to the effect towards her that she goes after the “uneducated voters”. He right but what the Clinton war machine did not factor in was that * years when Mr. Clinton left office not everybody has computers and internet and was only force to watch CNN. Today is different and the Clinton’s can’t combat that so they smear the other candidates. Obama look good and said nothing at the end and Edwards will soon be out of money. No Winners not even Wolfe

A Clinton/Edwards ticket would be unstoppable.

shaun January 22, 2008 1:01 am ET :
Your comments are misogynistic and offensive and should be condemned by CNN and removed.

It looks to me like Edwards is trying to join up with Clinton, maybe he thinks he can be her VP. Edwards spent most of his time during the debate attacking Obama, and had little to say to Clinton. I am disappointed in John, I thought he was a better man than to turn to the dark side.

Edwards as Hillary's VP? Always the bridesmaid never the bride huh? I noticed
the two of them teamed up on Barack last night and though what it was
about. Sometimes we sell our souls to the devil.

For the first time in Europe, we are able to follow each days yours Primaries Elections. It’s the sign of change and hope after we have seen the Bush family succession with its horror lot and Bill Clinton President stories. Do you have idea these last years have been into the people mind and this all around the world ?
You have been betray, redicule, yours sons are in war, medias talk about recession in your country… America, what’s happening to you?
Barack Obama is a very great chance for you and your country. Don’t lose it. Iowa, you have the respect of many people in Europe for your vote.

HILLARY WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT SO GET OVER YOURSELVES AN OBAMA WILL BE VICE PRESIDENT SHE IS WINNING EVERYWHERE ELSE EXCEPT WITH THE GOP AN BLACK FOLKS IN SC RIGHT NOW UMMMMMMMMM GO FIGURE LOL GO GET USE TO 8 YEARS OF THE POWER OF THE CLINTONS AND WHEN YO POCKET BOOK SWELLS YOU CAN SAY I TOLD YOU SO DUM DUMS AN THEN JUMP OFF A BRIDGE .. LOL YOU SICKEN ME... DEM WANNA BE

The two of them were just deciding which of them will be Obama's VP running mate...

Only they, and a fly on the wall knows.

It's time to take a strong look at John Edwards' positions and how he is the true advocate for working families. Obama and Clinton are just more of the same. Edwards is the one who initiated the "green collar" issues, stands up for labor unions who built this country by beating out the sweat shop owners – remember the NY garmet workers fire – It was union that put a stop to this kind of abuse.

We need John Edwards on the side of working class families.

Edwards last Gasp

Hillary thought she was in Nevada

Obama 08

Saturday S.C. can vote for a gov. that crosses party lines.

Hillary, was l like puppet, following Obama on all point.

edwards quited down, because his vote as senator was terrible
Bush VP took him to task on the not being pressent in the senate 90% of the time
Thats why he is a former not current senator. Last Gasp

The expressed attack by hillary / Looked like Howard dean is going to spit the party

Many are going to go indi. or GOP.

Edwards is the sleeper will split vote with hillary.

Obama 08

Not exactly Yalta or Potsdam with those two morons.....

John Edwards was right when he said that he would make the best candidate for the Democratic Party. I have spoke to many people, as I own my own business, and alot have said that if Hillary or Obama become the candidate they will vote Republican if the candidate is John McCain.

Hillary will not settle for VP. If by some chance Obama manages to win the DEM nomination (let's hope he doesn't), it will not be an Obama/Clinton ticket.

Of course if Obama does win the DEM nomination, it's all over for the Democrats. A vote for Obama is sealing the deal for a Republican victory in November. Obama will NEVER win the general election. Once again he was backed in a corner last night at the debate on the real issues. He was asked several questions and he never gives a direct answer. All we hear is hope/change/unity, etc. BLAH BLAH BLAH Without his pre-written speech, Obama is clueless on the issues. Also, the personal attack he started on Hillary Clinton was ridiculous! He keeps whining about Bill Clinton, boo hoo. If he can't deal with Bill Clinton's comments (someone in his own party), I can't wait to see what the Republican's do/say to him if he should happen to make it to the general election. The Republican's will eat him alive! They won't be as nice to him as Bill Clinton has been.

Unfortunately, Mr. Obama was squirming at the debate, and he should have been. 131 votes of "present"? His justification was not convincing, and it showed him as someone willing to talk and walk on both sidesof an issue. Sorry, this is not consensus building.

Both of them really have a reason to be scared of Obama. Obama is a very strong and formidiable candidate and they both know this. Wow after the debate, Obama could really win this thing...I'm really praying for the guy.

Edwards will make a great VP.

Go Hillary.

wow no comments?
Must be shaking this up...and the Obama supportes appear to be scared.
Don't be...this is Politics at it's best

I think it's pretty obvious what was discussed. Hillary wants Edwards to join her in attacking Obama. In return a promise for either a running mate or cabinet position I'm sure.

Beg, borrow or steal the Clinton's will stop at nothing to gain power. The Clinton's are taking a page from George Bush's book and are doing what's right for them not what's right for the nation.

Edwards = phoney oppurtunist

As a native North Carolinian, my dream ticket from the beginning has been for Hillary and Edwards to be running mates. Although if Hillary doesn't ask Barack the black community may be upset. She should then consider another prominent black representative. I am personally for DC's female representative. I think she is amazing albeit a bit vocal.

Probably Edwards is offered Attorney General position if he drops out so that Hillary can get majority of the white votes.

I enjoyed the debate. I have a lot of respect for the Clinton's and have always admired Hillary, but after last night watching her debate with Senator Obama, I recognized that Washington has reduced her to a kind of politician that just say's what she thinks people want too hear. I support Senator Obama for varies reasons and I think that African Americans should not forget that just a 100 years ago American leaders allowed slavery and the killing, linching and destroying of black families of which have a traumatic impact on us today. This is why we have a hard time establishing ourselves in our communities. It was also against the law for an African American to be educated, but now to have an African American running for president, too me I think it will help all African American to deal with this ghost of slavery that still affecting us till this day. I'm proud that Senator Obama is running and I think that God Almighty is sending a message to all Americans. The message is that he created all people and no one race or gender will not be the ones ruling and messing up peoples life, because of wanting power and money.
Study history and you will see that the good will always eventually win over the bad.
Love will always win over hatred and caring will always win over selfishness.
Senator Obama might not win, but the message has been sent.
That message is that no leader should never or ever under estimate the purity of the human spirit that God put into all people.

My second guess is that Edwards and Clinton are discussing winning the nomination and running as a prez vp ticket.

My first guess is that they were equally annoyed with Obama's rationale for not voting on a 30% interest rate freeze.

Sure 30% is too high, that's a no brainer, but I'm failing to see the difference between 29 and 30% because anyone who pays that much interest on anything has either money to spare or no money at all.

Obama's refusal to vote for the 30% freeze becaue the number is too high only makes sense if there is another bill immediately behind that, ready for vote that freezes interests rates in the 15-19% range.

Obama made little sense on that issue that affects all of us-and due to the demographics of the room, it was impossible for either Edwards or Clinton to really call Obama on his mess because they both would have been booed off the stage.

This should have been a real easy night for Obama, but instead he whined.

Next time he should just cry. I'd at least appreciate the candor.

I'm sure Edwards and Clinton were just chatting. NO ONE can say they are teaming-up because Edwards & Obama piled on Hillary last year-so it's safe to say that Edwards can't be trusted....his performances always depends on the polls...

He already lost us one election

could this mean john going to back hillary ?

An offer to be her V.P. running mate...

it would be an unbeatable ticket... Obama would be swept off the table...

A point for all the Obama supporters – he has been just as nasty as the Clintons in some of his campaigning either through surrogates or others means – just witness the TV ad (sponsored by Obama's stooges in the Culinary Workers Union) aired in Nevada that targeted Latinos.

The ironic thing is that Obama has had a relatively easy ride not only from the press but from the Clintons themselves. If he thinks it is bad now then it is nothing compared to the barrage of mud-slinging that the Republicans will indulge in if he is the candidate. It is also why the Republican press are deliberately playing up his chances as they feel that Obama will wilt under a relentless onslaught by their gutter operators such Limbaugh.

As the old saying says – if you can't stand the heart get out of the kitchen.

As to the VP nominee – I believe that a Clinton/Obama ticket would trounce any Republican ticket. But unless there is a swift change of tack by both candidates I can't see that happening – going by last night's debate that possibility seems even more remote.

It seems clear to me that Edwards is now running for VP and almost certainly as part of a Clinton ticket. He knows he is unlikely to be selected by Obama as it would mean the democratic slate only had 10 years senatorial experience between them. That possibility has been somewhat confirmed by recent events with Edwards supporters in Nevada transferring to Clinton and Edwards himself attacking Obama for the first time in the campaign.

If Obama wins he has to go for an experienced VP nominee – Bill Richardson being the prime candidate – he ticks all the right boxes when it comes to experience, personality and background – a vote-winner when it comes to the Latino vote. the ironic thing is if Clinton wins and cannot stand the thought of Obama as VP then Richardson should be her choice too!!

Seems like you're making a mountain out of a molehill here.

BRAVO CNN! THIS BY ALL MEASURE THE VERY BEST PROJECTION OF POSITIONS AND INSIGHTS INTO THE QUALITY OF THE CANDIDATES AND THE POSITIONS THEY REPRESENT! GREAT! THANKS! T&C KAVUNEDUS

This is a disgusting way of changing the direction of your opinions without actually agree with its spirit. They want to change the fight into a racial one which is disappointing for both of them Hil and Edwards.

Why don't you get a moderator who can control the debates??? Wolf would say "limit your answer to 30 seconds"....the candidates would take 2-5 minutes and Wolf would say nothing.
Why not have a cut-off switch on each of their mikes. When the time to answer the question is ended, cut off the mike to that candidate. I finally turned to another channel because it was boring to hear Hillary and Barack argue back and forth and still NEVER answered the question. Do the candidates even know how to answer a question with 'yes' or 'no'??????? BORING DEBATE!!!!!!!

Oh please, is this what you call journalism? Your headline implies that it was a "meeting" when in fact they just ran into each other and had a brief chat. And then since you had absolutely nothing of value to say, you end with totally unsubstantiated speculation that something of note might have been discussed. Your pitiful story just reported than the opposite was true.

Get a real job the both of you.

Obama showed his true colors tonight.. Promise them anything but give them a no experience handsome guy that has the ability to speak well!!! Hillary got te best of him!!! Na na na the Clintons are picking on me.. His stuttering was too much!! Hillary is the best!!! She has her ducks in a row and is ready to probably be the best President we ever had!! GO HILLARY......

IM SICK AND TIRED OF HILLARY AND OBAMA'S MUD SLINGING..IT'S TIME CNN FOCUSED ON JOHN EDWARDS. JOHN EDWARDS SHOWED GREAT RESTRAINT AT THIS LAST DEBATE, HE WAS THE REAL LEADER, AND CNN NEEDS TO GIVE HIM EQUAL TIME. AMERICANS WANT TO HEAR WHAT JOHN EDWARDS HAS TO SAY..

I bet they were both telling each other, "We should drop our attempts at the White House and support Ron Paul!"

With all the love between Hillary and Obama, could they possibly run together..?

Will Edwards be the requested running mate of Hillary..?

Will Bill be the first male first lady..? how will he handle it...?

Will Bill request a personal Intern...?

edwards did well tonight but he is still the stepchild. hillary can back off obama now because every one has a better picture of this man even though the brothers in sc will still vote for him whether he is qualified or not. and by the way if he is feeling the heat from bill and hillary then he should get out of the kitchen.

All of the people in the room with me watching the debate were frustrated by Wolf Blitzer's inability to control the debate. Obama took the control away from Wolf Blitzer and ran the debate. Please total the number of minutes each of the candidates spoke and let them be more evenly split in the next debate.

My question for Sen. Obama.
Please, Wolf Blitzer, refer back to the first debate when Senator Obama was unable to answer the simple question to name three countries that were the United States' most dependable allies. His first answer was not a country. It was a continent, Europe. His second answer was a country, Japan. He was unable to come up with two other countries, and I personally think it's very important for a President to be clear on who our friends are. If Senator Obama doesn't know the difference between a continent and a country, he could have at least have named Australia which is both a continent and a country and which has fought not face to face, but side by side with the United States in World War 1, World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Senator Obama may have spent time boning up on who our enemies are. He also needs to know who our friends are.

Clinton/Edwards '08? That would make Hillary a little more palatable to Independents and Republicans. Hillary '08 is a tough sell to many, if not most, I's and R's. She is and always will be a lightning rod to those voters.

A thank you to CNN Television for making it possible for the American people to listen to the current candidates in a substantive way.

I have never e-mailed, written, or phoned any public persons or programs of any kind, but I want to say an enthusiastic thank you for bringing the presidential candidates to the public in a meaningful way. Wolf Blitzer has presented "debates" that were fairly natural, relatively relaxed in their setting and candidates were given an actual opportunity to voice their opinion. I am truly grateful!.

Those 20 and 30-second spots, that are hugely expensive in taxpayer dollars, are nothing but advertisements that tell no one anything meaningful and moreover are frequently misleading. There is no opportunity to question the idiotic statements and many of those spots are utterly meaningless. The public needs to know more about the candidates altogether! Thank you so very much. We may not share the same political premises, but you have been a very big help in remedying a singular, destabilizing problem! Thanks again.

Maggie Richards

When will somebody challage Hillary on her so called 35 years of experience?

She has admitted tonite that she is counting from the time she graduated from Yale Law School. All lawyers who are in public life or who work for public entities have this expereience. Where does this make her more qualified then John Edwards or any other candidate who has been out of law school for a period of time.

Tack on to Obama's experience his time teaching Constitutional Law in Chicago. Or his time organizing in the streets of Chicago.

From what I saw of the debate in South Carolina Monday evening, the candidates were so busy throwing mud at each other it was easy to forget they were there to debate the issues facing voters.

I want to know if I will ever get to see a politcal debate where the participants do not throw mud. It is disgusting and undignifies the political process. Why can't candidates evers just debate what their positions on the issues are? Why do they have to always cheapen the process by accusing each other of doing what they themselves have more than likely been doing?

I would like to hear an honest answer to thse questions from the candidates for both parties. I bet none of them can or will answer them honestly.

It's easy for me to see why there is so much apathy in people. Most of my friends just say "who cares. It doesn't matter any way."

That's sad!

John Edwards endorses Obama and will push him past Clinton

They were all strong. My prediction: it will be Clinton vs Romney, forcing Blomberg to run as an Independent, which will siphon off Republicans more than Democrats, thereby making Hillary Clinton the first female president of the United States.

Clinton: I'm gonna make an offer you can't refuse
Edwards: Vice?

I think so

That's what I want to know, too! What was that conversation in the private room about, hmmm? I don't mean anything untoward. I mean CLINTON-EDWARDS 2008. So excellent. And you know, that dog'd hunt.

Clinton and Edward should come out clean on whatever they discussed after the debate.

Hopefully a Clinton-Edwards ticket!

I think it would be more fun to let people use their imaginations than to actually know what they talked about....

So let your *hopefully* outrageous prevarications fly!

Isn't that coincidental? As my husband and I watched the debate we both began to quickly realize John Edwards could barely be heard with his head so far up Clinton's behind.. So he has given up on being president and has decided to cut his losses and try to KISS UP to Mrs. Clinton in hopes of becoming VICE President? Hmmm, and although I'm still on the fence about OBAMA, it was obvious that John Edwards took every opportunity to agree with Mrs. Clinton on every topic.... I guess the good ole boy or I should I say girl network is in full force. And for John and Hllary to insinuate that Obama isn't trully a demoncrat because he isn't in favor of universal health care (which includes illegal aliens) is abysmal.. I know that if Ican't afford health care, I certainly don't want to pay a fine because I can't afford the cost. Isn't that just a new way of saying health care TAX.... ? I'm not sure that Obama will get my vote but I think that John Edwards is definitely not a choice for us. And Hillary what is all this about 35 years of experience? What experience? you have been senator for how many years? Don't you mean BILL's experience? were you there with him for all of those international, foreign affairs meeting and votes and issues. Are you trying to convince the American public that you were really the President all those years? Was Bill just a "beard" for you running office. No wonder you didn't care who he slept with, if you were already running the country. I would have kept quiet too, if I was the most powerful woman in the world and he was just the face and hands that did what I told him to do. Wow, great training on your part. Look out, John Edwards wants to take Bill's place as your boy Friday. NO wonder our country is going to the dogs or should I say illegal aliens!!!

Would be a good move on both parties part to work together now, and then again on super tuesday

hmmm....

Please John Edwards..don't lower yourself to Hillary's level...her perfomance in last night's debate showed she lacked basic team building skills. She would be a disaster for our country. We need a team builder..I'm so tired of hearing we have to fight this..fight that..look where all that fighting has gotten us....Whatever deal she is offering you..don't take it. She is a liar and a fraud.

I've been looking forward to hearing the debate in SC but turned it off after Clinton repeatedly attacked Obama and tried to get him off message. She is a shrew, in my opinion, and at 60 she represents the old regime. Her HUSBAND was president, and pillow talk or not HE was the one in charge of the country. Please, enough with the Bush Clinton Bush and NO Clinton. If Hillary is on the ticket as the nominee the Democrats will NOT win the election. As a democrat I will not support her and if the DNC backs her we WILL lose the election to whoever the Republicans put up. The FUTURE is with Obama and I think an Obama/Edwards ticket will be unbeatable by the Republicans and will appeal to the base and to Independents.

Obama is realistic on healthcare, the war in Iraq, and most of all, Obama gives us hope that America is finally over the race issue. What renewed standing the US will have if a Black American, who truly represents all that America can be is President! Once he is president perhaps we can put aside the hyphenations used to describe Americans of anything but Anglo descent! We are all just Americans and he will bring that to pass. Truly, the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. will have been realized more fully if this happens.

ah nothing better than a conspiracy theory at its fullest... give me a break. Hillary/Edwards08

It is good for the two candidates to talk. This is a healthy way of dealing with family matters.

However, I think with Barack Obama being exposed as a hyprocrite whose only motive is to get elected as the first African-American at any cost, it is necessary for both Hillary and John to nail this fake and bluff of a magnitude i have never seen before in the history of american politics.

Hillary will win and she will become the first woman president with a convincing win in November.

Hillar is the only one who seems to be authoritative on all issues affecting the american people. Edwards will make a good VP.

I'm liking the sounding of team Hillary-Edwards to be honest. They look like they'd work well with each other. Obama comes across as too immature to work properly with either of them!

I hope they discussed business. Edwards looked good this evening – especially compared to an abysmal performance by Obama. Hillary and John might do well together.

Why, Vice President Edwards of course.

Whatever CNN. You guys are full of it. Quit making stuff up.

Edwards will take away Clinton's votes in SC. But if he drops out, most of the labor votes, white votes will go for Clinton.

Everyone is ticked off by nasty, arrogant, cocky Obama supporters. They are breaking the party with their hatred.

I think Hillary is scared that Edwards will run with Obama and she wanted to talk to him about running with her. But I think Edwards knows that if Clinton gets the nomination that the Republicans will win because the Clintons are too divisive and that is not what America needs! Edwards is too smart to attach himself to the apron strings of Billary!

This is obvious collaboration. They both teamed up obama in the debate and now there is evidence of collaboration. Obama is a lone wolf in this game, he threatens their esatblishment.

perhaps a deal? Edwards agrees to stay in and split the anti-Hillary vote, and then Hillary picks him for VP?

If Edwards did not lend credibility and weight to Senator Kerry's presidential nomination in 2004, I don't believe Senator Obama or Clinton should consider him this time around as a potential running mate.....I'd like to see an OBAMA/RICHARDSON ticket.....both high minded individuals that would be able to steer away from the bipartisanship of Washington today. OBAMA 2008!!!!!

With Hillary Clinto9n in the room , you can bet it was about something dishonest , or underhanded in some way , because thats what she is about.

Edwards might concede early to strike a deal with Hillary for a possible Veep race.

That's what I see.

Edwards is evidently losing his ground in the primaries.

But the sure way for Dems to beat the GOP and regain the White House is an Obama-Clinton ticket.

Bill Clinton may apply his peace negotiation experience in the Mideast to patch things up.

Bill is one of the great US presidents, but I doubt if Hillary can still do the same. I'm sure with Obama.

SO I GUESS BILL CLINTON CAN SLING MUD AND OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO DEFEND HIS RECORD. COME ON PEOPLE. YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU ARE IN A RACE, YOU NEED TO DEFEND UNTRUTHS SO PEOPLE VOTE FOR OR AGAINST YOU BASED ON THE FACTS. YOU PEOPLE ARE SO "IN LOVE" WITH THE CLINTONS THAT YOU BELIEVE ANYTHING THEY SAY. OBAMA HAS A RIGHT TO DEFEND BILL CLINTON'S NONSENSE. WHY? BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT DEMOCRATS ARE TERRIFIED OF THE "CLINTON MACHINE." GUESS WHAT, THEY CAN BE TAKEN DOWN.

THAT'S WHY I WOULD VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN BEFORE HILLARY BECAUSE I KNOW REPUBLICANS WON'T BE AFRAID TO TAKE ON THE "CLINTON MACHINE."

Mr. Edwards wants to be Mrs. Clinton's VP.

Exactly the kind of scheming the country does not need, Honesty needs to be built into politics in the u.S. You don't see Obama holding secret meeting behind others backs.

I am sure more dirty strategies were being discussed by Hillary. Or she was paying him off for his performance. who knows...but I am sure it wasn't pretty.

CLinton/Edwards sounds good,After the still no answers from obama .

Previously, I had been leaning towards Senator Clinton, but not after tonight! She seemed way too divisive and spiteful in tonight's debate. Meanwhile, Obama and Edwards seemed more like what our country needs at this point in time.

Still deciding between Obama and Edwards. Both are very tempting to me after tonight's debate.

Latina in Florida

As a reporter, your job is to find out and tell us! Thank you.

Wow... That's all I can say...wow! I've been a Clinton supporter since way before Day 1. About three weeks ago I began to feel a little uneasy about my unquestioning allegiance. The recent Obama/Clinton sparring turned up the heat. Tonight I watched my first televised debate. I came away thinking, I like Edwards. I still want Hilary Clinton to be the next president, but I really do like Edwards.

Duhhhh! Clinton sees that her negative attacks on Obama are back firing and shes trying to play nicey-nicey with Edwards. She saw how Edwards wiped the floor with her and he could become the "king maker" at the end of the day. Edwards, don't fall for it, you would be making a deal with the devil!!! She knows an Obama/Edwards ticket would be unstopable. If you became her VP candidate the Reps would win the election (Dems wont vote for Billary much less Reps of Indis). And anyway you know you wouldnt truely be her VP, Bill would be!

Obama/Edwards 08

IF THERE IS AN HILLARY:EDWARDS TICKET, THIS WOULD POSIBALLY RUN BLACKS AND PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW TO NOT VOTE BECAUSE OF THE WAY MS. CLINTON HAS CAMPAINED. THEY MIGHT EVEN VOTE FOR MIKE BLOOMBERG.

Couple this news with the inordinate number of hits Edwards seemed to be taking at Obama all night, and I'd wonder what exactly the deal between the two entails...

Here is a some light of the evidence that Clinton and Edwards had a deal. Let Edward take some delegates and at the end he will be king maker for Clinton. Edwards ride on Clinton , Edward ticket as VP.

Edwards is not very presidential this way. What happens to his belief in fighting for the poor? We know that Clintons are for the Rich corporate and lobbyist.
Edwards are giving the voters his lip service and no real fight. Here is the really Edwards true color..... Edwards is another lip service candidate.

.Hillary Clinton is not Bill Clinton..So just because he did some good things for the country, don't think that she has to do the same...oh, my fault, if Hillary's president I guess Bill is president too...

how pathetic

Hillary's just proving that a woman can do nothing without a man doing it for her

worthless

Clinton and Obama both are reaching out to Edwards becasue they both realize that Edwards will be the king maker. If Edwards fails to win the party vote then who ever Edwards falls in line with will win the party. I'm sure that both Clinton and Obama are offering to put Edwards issues poverty and the middle class at the top of there adjenda or even offering him a VP position to gain his support.

But be carefull, because while Clinton and Obama are fighting each other Edwards has a real chance to slide past both of them and win the party and the white house. Just stay tuned America!

Ex President Bill Clinton is getting too emotionally involved in the bid to get his wife to the White house. He is a stateman and a high ranking democrat. The way he is going now how will he enhance the democratic chances at the election in november if Hillary Clinton does not pick the party nomination.

Probably- Clinton saying to Edwards – when you questioned Obama did you see how he came after you, now you know how it feels to be me. And you thought you were friends, hehehe.

ok maybe thats not really what she said, but I AM.

Republicans come and take next presidency and another 4 years. What else when members of a family are fighting?

i KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DISCUSSING HOW SAD AND HYPOCRITICAL OF EDWARDS TO PRETEND HE IS NOT FOR THE STATUS QUO WHEN WE ALL KNOW HE IS. bOTTOM LINE HE WAS TALKING ABOUT BECOMING HER VP. ALSO HOW CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT 2 AMERICAS WHEN YOU OWN YOUR OWN AMERICA JERK

Hopefully she and he could form Clinton/Edwards. First Lady/Son of the South sounds good to me. Make her a Queen, because Edwards is already Prince Charming.

Maybe it isn't uncommon for the candidates to run into each other backstage and chat for a while. But the timing in the race makes me wonder - especially with Edwards's positions in polls lately. I have no reason to think this other than my own suspicion, but could it be Hillary asked Edwards if he would drop out, throw his support behind her, and he would get the vice president nomination once again? Again, I obviously have no real reason to believe that is what happened.

HILLARY/EDWARDS for 2008! Can this be the realization of a DREAM TEAM!

Hillary will make a great VP! Don't let the meeting's significance fool anyone.

Kerry needs to talk to the Cat Hater tonight because Obama Scored big time.

Now THIS is fantastic news.