After listening to CNN for several days and both democratic candidates it just amazes me that so many people are screaming Obama our man of change. Since he has little background of accomplishments he is riding off of this cliche. It tickles me also that the young are supporting him as if they are the same generation when in fact he is closer to Hillary's age that the youth of today. Hillary has 35 years of experience that she brings to the table while Obama spouts what he will do in the future. (And thats not even clear.) For those of you who are interested in education and the welfare of children……. Look at what Hillary's already done and not what Obama says in his speeches that he is going to do. Works will always speak louder than cheap talk. Come on people, get off the band wagon and think for yourselves about what and who the two candidates are really all about.

Lisa
NC

An historica moment. I am recording it for my grandchildren. The will look back with wonder at what the big deal is. I will remond them that in 2007 we chose between a black man and a woman. Hopefully they will ask what took so long.

The backing of Ted Kennedy, give me a break ! I think thats the LAUGH of the year.

Would Blitzer have the nerve to ask Hillary if she and all politicians would be included in her so called national health plan. If it's good enough for us why not for them?
When is someone out there going to muster up enough nerve to approach her on this. It's time they all are included in these supposedly good plans.

To: just reading here
Thanks, I like your comment/question. In fact, I've had to question myself and why I have such a strong negative reaction to Mrs. Clinton.

First, my opinions about Clinton have nothing to do with Obama and vice versa. If Clinton or Obama were running against "Candidate X", my feelings would be the same.

I have wanted to embrace Clinton, or at least feel ambivalent, but the more I learn, remember and research, the more impossible that becomes. It has nothing to do with my being a woman, it has to do with my intense discomfort with the unending scandals, investigations, questionable dealings and serious contradictions, not to mention manipulative campaign tactics. I am not comfortable, though, being a woman and a mother of 2 daughters, with the idea of having a female president because she married into the head of the pack. I don't like that message for the girls of this country. I regret that Mrs. Clinton cannot stand on being where she is by her own, individual merits. I am not comfortable that she was grandfathered into politics, which gave her enormous advantages over others with better records and judgment and cleaner histories and much harder work. Clinton is a consummate politician, but she is not a leader and she is not someone I would want my daughters to look up to, because I don't think personal success at any cost is right or commendable. Her good works can't be discounted, but I am discouraged that they are cloaked around the sense that she would drop them if they were not politically valuable.

On top of that, there is a gut reaction which is entirely unscientific, and possibly entirely unfair, but its there. Her body language, gestures, what she says and how she says them just reek of plasticity and self-interest. I cannot shake the sense, when I take into account Clinton's actions with her words, tactics and history, I see someone who is focused on her empowerment and victory, not the empowerment and victory of the country.

There are so many significant red flags and questions that just leave me with a very bad feeling, and that feeling is mistrust. No, I cannot prove that any of the myriad investigations or charges are actually, definitely true, but I have enough discomfort to have a large amount of doubt. I could not imagine hiring her as my lawyer. I don't trust her and I find it hard to believe that anyone who is surrounded by such unending scandals, suspicious characters, criminals and resistance to transparency does not have something very serious to hide. Yes I could be wrong.

I don't like the sense that every move seems so tactical, but if that were the only problem I would be less bothered by it. I never gave her move to NY much thought until this year when I realized its number of delegates. No one mentions that she's from Illinois, not NY.

She reminds me of high school bullying. I don't believe that any of the extremely bigoted, unethical outbursts from her campaign *or* what the media latched onto as a result of her actions or campaign were random or "mistakes". I don't believe that at all and whether I am right or wrong, I cannot consider voting for anyone who is so purposely destructive. I might have more tolerance for it if her record or experience were not only genuine but credible. I don't find that they are anything but, at best, on par with Mr. Obama's. Therefore, integrity and personality do play a part.

I am disappointed that Obama has become more adversarial, but he didn't have a choice. I listen and compare carefully, and there is a difference between determined competitiveness and dirty tricks. It is hard for honorable individuals to compete and win against those who are not, because they make their own rules. That's wrong.

Just a few thoughts.

Americans please THINK.

If you own a company that's facing bankruptcy who would you hire to turn things around.
Americans are already UNITED, you live together, work together, worship together and your children go to school together!
As for HOPE – if you care to ask people from third world countries what you have right now is their HOPE.
As for dirty politics please! Dirty politics is in Pakistan and Kenya – what you have here is again what most countries die for.

WAKE UP & THINK ,you are already living the dreams that most others aspire to.

YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT MUST BE SMART THIS TIME FOR GOD'S SAKE OR THE WHOLE WORLD WILL FINALLY LOSE WHAT'S LEFT OF THE RESPECT THEY HAVE FOR YOU.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Would someone please ask Obama what he meany by saying the following AND I QUOTE::"My father, when he came here, He didn't look like he steped off the Mayflower." This sounds like reverse racisim if you ask me! Is there a problem with how my ancestors looked who were on the Mayflower? I think Obama is playing the RACE CARD quite well if you ask me!

Obama is it…

I am voting for Hillary. If she loses democratic primary, will vote for McCain. Tough world out there, we need someone with experience.

The media finally got what it wanted! CNN and every other "news" outlet has wanted a show down between Hillary and Barack since this thing started. By giving 95% of their coverage to Hillary and Barack the essentially decided who our choices could be.

Now our BEST candidate, John Edwards, has left the race. Shame on CNN and the rest of the media. I will still vote John Edwards on Super Tuesday and I know that many of my fellow John Edwards supporters will still vote for him as well. By the way, all you Obama supporters who are pressuring us to switch our allegiance to him are causing us Edwards supporters to feel like you are vultures circleing above. Because of that most of us are still voting for Edwards or are going to vote for Clinton.

Hillary!! Hillary!! You go Girl!!!

It is time to stop talking about race in this election; however, when every poll reports election results by race, gender, and age demographics, race will continue to be reported as an issue. Obama and his campaign managers have been guilty of playing the race card every time they accuse someone else of doing so. They are keeping the race issue at the front of peoples' minds by constantly leveling charges at others. Those accusations are a form of playing the race card — and they do it all the time. That is just fact.

I want to hear about issues. I want clear answers to questions about the economy, healthcare, and education. Hillary Clinton has those answers. She has been constant in her positions, and she talks from experience. She has worked for "us" at all stages of her political life — in Arkansas and the US Senate.

Obama is working hard to court politicans for endorsements, but at what cost. What promises is he making? Caroline K. S. and Teddy K. did not endorse Obama because of his stance on issues and his platform. Caroline endorsed him because of his popularity with her children, and Teddy followed suit.

The mayor of L.A.'s endorsement of Hillary has more weight with me. He made his decision after carefully considering each candidate and their abilities to lead this nation, and he found Obama lacking. I too want to know that my president is ready to step into a challenging domestic and international role — Hillary is ready. She has my vote..

Hillary divides her own party, she can never unite this nation. The Republicans and Independents dislike her so much, I don't see how she stands a prayer of accomplishing anything, Day 1 or Day 100. It's also possible that her as the nominee will be a catalyst to motivate a listless Republican base into voting action.

I think she's a dangerous, irresponsible choice, but more than that, I think she's more of the same…Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton…where's the change exactly?

Hillary divides her own party, she can never unite this nation. The Republicans and Independents dislike her so much, I don't see how she stands a prayer of accomplishing anything, Day 1 or Day 100. It's also possible that her as the nominee will be a catalyst to motivate a listless Republican base into voting action.

I think she's a dangerous, irresponsible choice, but more than that, I think she's more of the same…Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton…where's the change exactly?

is CNN going to mention the anti war rally in LA?

A.N.S.W.E.R. LA* will also be directing their anti-war ire outside of the Kodak between 5pm and 7pm. A press release rallying attendee explains, "There Won't Be A Candidate In That Theater Who Will Really End The War, But That's What The People Want–And We Intend To Do It." The website also argues, "The debate is being sponsored by CNN and the L.A. Times, the same corporate media outlets that continually refuse to cover the anti-war struggle."

if we do not get hillary the white house will be republican…………………………………….

With regards to Wal-Mart….. Clinton focused on getting Wal-Mart to advance women in the workplace. In case you didn't notice, that is also a serious 'workers' issue. She was focused on getting them to take a more environmentally sound business policy, even back then. Please before you snark about Clinton and her connection to Wal-Mart, present Michelle Obama's connection at the same time or else you just look silly.

I am so glad that Hillary Clinton has proved her record. I certainly hope that she can make the ultimate bringback to the United States. With the country in such turmoil we need to look to a strong woman with experience that has been there and done it already and proved her accomplishments with 35 year of experience. Barack Obama should not use Oprah Winfrey's celebrity status just because she is the wealthiest woman in America to help him get ahead. She isn't going to be using her money to help us get out of the deficit we are facing and she can't help him run our country. Change is good- give the woman a chance to make the difference. She is a strong, capable and smart woman. I remember when we had jobs, and America had money. Apparently Republicans can't seem to get it right for the last eight years.

No TEARS HILLARY PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Hope + Legitimate Legislator = CHANGE."

Funny you bring that up, since Hillary has actually had LESS experience as an elected official compared to Barack. Her bill for healthcare reform failed miserably, and there are really no other accomplishments or highlights to her brief work as a Senator.

You're right in that Hope alone does nothing. But Obama is very suitable to the job, and unlike Hillary is able to reach across the aisle and get things done.

HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT……..BARAK WHO????? BARAK KENNEDY MAYBE? BARAK LUTHER KING MAYBE? BARAK WHOEVER I GET INSPIRATION FROM OBHAMA. WHO IS THIS GUY? ACTOR? IMPERSONATOR…NOT ORIGINAL, NOT ORIGINAL…..VOTE HILARY THE ONLY CANDIDATE WHO IS REAL!!!! AND KNOWS WHO SHE HIS, AND A PROVEN RECORD.
WHO WILL YOU BE TONITE BARAK….BARAK REAGAN MAYBE OR BARAK EDWARDS? REMEMBER DR. JEKYLL AND HIDE WERE MEN OF CHANGE.

Hillary and her hubby don't inspire hope to me. Both of them believe in

the same politics of government for those rich enough to pay for it.

She has taken more money from lobbyists than ANY other candidate.

Do the names Johnny Cheng and Norman Shu mean anything to you?

Dirty money is part of the system Hillary Clinton defends. She's a BIG

part of that Washington establishment we all hate. We need change

from all of that…not more of the same. Obama means CHANGE and

HOPE…not her.

What is the New York Times talking about with Hillary Clinton involved with buying uranium in 2005 from the Russians illegally and getting 31 millions dollars for her part?

well since the difference in the issues currently officially favored by the candidates is so finite you could split a hair on it's edge this debate is going to come down to.

Appeals to hispanics
Appeals to white males

Because if any candidate wins both of them on tuesday on wednesday they'll be spinning their opponnent as unviable in a general election.

Clinton desperately needs to pull edwards white male voters as does obama. Likewise this is obama's chance to make inroads with latino's.

The challenge how does one appeal to latino's and white males in the same debate.

This election is now officially about electability sans policy differences. It's do we want to run washington experience vs someone who can motivate the people in pursuit of what is largely the same agenda. If either looks vulnerable and weak in an important population segment their electability quotient will suffer.

Ironically absent the war position of McCain and his comments on judges last night he'ld probably be right at home in this debate as well. Isn't it funny how in a change election three of the front runners are largely carbon copies of each other on the issues.

I want to here in the debate when the DNC will announce they can not constitusionally disallow american votes for any state in this free UNITED states. Not campaigning penalizing the canadates, but removing the electorial votes penalizes the people and is most likely illegal.
CNN STOP calling Hillary Clinton the "former first lady", as to minimize her role in american politics, she a standing US Senator…Nice try though, we see what CNN is trying to do. Unless to make is fair you start calling Obama former Chicago activist and state senator.
Next title will be President Hillary Clinton, I hope you do not slant that title..

CNN's election coverage is so biased for Obama I can no longer watch it. You have a responsiblity to report the news in an honest and responsible manner. I think it will backfire because there are lots of Hillary supporters like me who will work harder to make sure she gets the nomination.

Correction: " Don't let HIS charisma fool you".

i think hillary clinton will make a better president than obama, her record is better than obama been in the white house and she know what goes on in the white house who what andwho not, oboma have been in the the senator for 2 years and only been there for 18 month to me he only ran for senator to run for election. i am black i wanted to let you know. i know hillary can produced because the thing she did for my city.

Why is my comment still in moderation for over 2 hours..???

January 31, 2008 4:32 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Keep your eyes open America. Hillary vs. Obama one on on. He will have no where to hide tonight, and no pretty speeches to fall back on. Tonight, Hillary will show she is the only candidate for President of the United States,
If Obama plays nice, he may still get a shot as her Vice-President. If he plays hardball, he will get his butt handed to him in a brown paper bag.

Hillary 08

****** Hey MARY ONARI S. HUNT

Check the poll results for Florida The early ballots where cast mostly For Hillary True. It was name recogition . Now that people can compare Hillary to Barack they chose Barack… They shouldn't have started back up with there old lying tricks
Experience at dirty politics

To Senator Oblahblah

Please, I have plenty of "Inspiration" and "Hope" in my life – my parents were immigrants to this country and I don't need this chap telling me about hope – I have it when I got to bed, before he came along, and I'll have it when I wake up after he is done running for president.

I need a President that can make the hope that I have translate into legislation – Enter Hillary Clinton, the only candidate who has the political prowess to do this.

Hope does not end the Mortgage crisis.
Hope does not end the lack of Healthcare.
Hope does not end the suffering economy.

Hope + Hope = Hope^2 or more hope.

Hope + Legitimate Legislator = CHANGE.

CNN is one of the most biased cable networks. It continuously shows
Barak Obama photos and continuously talks about him. Stop right now.
I do not ever intend to watch or listen to CNN for this promotion of
Barak Obama and the unfairness of the whole situation.

are there any sites where we can watch the debate live via internet?? i am overseas and just want to know if i can catch later tonight..

I don't understand why most all the Hillary supporters have to down Barack AND vice versa. The comments here, in the media, everywhere…they all seem to insinuate that to support one means you do NOT support the other. What are all the democratic supporters of Hillary going to do when Barack wins (…or vice versa)?

Just because I support Obama (and I DO) does not mean I think Hillary is a no-good unqualified calculating witch.

What's wrong with you people?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama will prove he's the president tonight, just you wait…

vote obama

Obama should talk/explain more about issues like:-

Education [affordable College education]

Health Care

about the war in Iraq [should stress about his judgment]

Electability :- Hillary has a lot of negative effect and in some instance many people hate her fair or unfair. She will unite the Republicans and Republicans will vote against her. During the election both [Republicans and Democrats] will have about 49 % from each side, if Democrats want to win they need independent and republican–Obama is the person who can do that.

Hillary need to disclose her record which is kept from public. She need to show Americans that she is going to run open government.

She is not available to Press. We all know what Bush did. He had very few press conference. This should not happen when the next president hold the office in 2009.

These are some of the talking point that Obama need to focus on
Samuel T.

OBAMA CONTINUES TO BE THREAT TO NATIONAL MATURITY
___________________________________________________________

Feather weight, amature political rookie obama continues his crusade to help the neo cons win the white house.

Big ego and little experience Obama should have waited a few years.

WHAT DO YOU GET IF YOU MIX OBAMA AND OUR NATION?

AN OBAMANATION!

VOTE TO WIN BACK OUR DEAR WHITE HOUSE VOTE HILLARY

Is this an aristocracy or a democracy?

Why should we allow two families to control the white house for more than a quarter of a century?

It's been Bush-Clinton-Bush for 20 years now!
We don't need this to continue for 24 or 28 years.

The Clintons had their turn. Give us a break.

It's time for some new blood. It's time for Obama!

YOU BETTER CHANGE YOUR NAME TO OBAMA'S POLITICAL TICKER NOT CNN POLITICAL TICKER.

The Obama supporters say Hillary won in Michigan because she was the only one on the ballot, not so in Florida. all of their names were on the ballot and Obama ran ads in Florida and still loss. The nominee must win Florida, California, and New York and a few other states to be President, These are crucial states and Obama has already lost one and the others most likely on Tuesday.

En California, VIVA HILLARY!

I guess people who believe in Obama believe in fantasy land! He's just another smooth talking politician. Let's ask him how he could afford to live in the house he currently owns for 1.6m when even his real estate agent said he couldn't afford it. Oh that's right Mrs. Rescko bought the lot next to him for 650k on the same day. I have nothing to do with Rescko I'm an agent of change "wink wink"…

I hope both candidates stick to the issue answers. However I am baffled at how most candidates fail to build on the near exact questions that they are asked!!

With the exception of Mike Huckabee no other candidate has shown good debate skills!

Any we don't have a Parliamentary system with Prime Ministers Question Time (Thursday afternoons in the UK) therefore the debates are really not a very relevant criteria nor accurate method to try and measure the candidates’ abilities.

Barack — Hire Mike Huckabee as a debate coach but even if you don't you've had my vote since the DNC Convention in 2004!

Go Barack '08

As Obama is stating NO to AMERICA and YES to AFRICA, he does not even exist in my intentions.

To all of those who has been mocking Senator Clinton's visit to Florida, if the result were on Senator Obama's favor will he still dismiss Florida's primary as a beauty contest?

CNN POLITICAL TICKER IS BIAS TO SEN. CLINTON WE SHOULD TELL THE TRUTH AND FACTS SO AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL NOT BE FOOLED CHOOSING THER RIGHT AND BEST CANDIDATE.

McCain or Romney + Condi will smoke Hillary and whomever!

ABC '08

FJ —I'd like to hear NO QUESTIONS about Bill Clinton…he's not running.
CNN should take heed of the backlash that will come if they can't give the voting public a fair debate format to witness tonight.

WORD-UP:

Barack Obama Does Not Need To Be Dictated To!

The press and local media keep stressing that Barack Obama has to be more specific with his position on issues!

I dare say, that Barack Obama, like Hillary Clinton, are both Lawyers. They know when it is crucial to reveal the evidence or substance for their case, to convince the Judge or Jury.

So stop trying to DICTATE to Barack Obama how he should sell himself in this competition!

Derryck.
NYC.

Obama is the truth

Folks,

I have been a Democrat for 12 years and usually vote the party line, but if the ticket is Hillary v/s McCain, the GOP has my vote. If the ticket is Hillary v/s Huckabee, I'll cringe and cast my vote for Huckabee, because he sent me a real Christmas greeting. It's Obama all the way; I don't trust Hillary–those tears were as fake as the right-wing conspiracy against her husband.

Do we really want a bi-family legacy?

Bush–4
Clinton-8
W. Bush–8
Clinton? 4-8

That's 28 years! No–time for a change.

Will someone kindly list the things Hillary has said about Obama that are not true? One thing about Obama that came to light today — that was NOT said by Hillary, is the story by Jonathan Tilove in Newhouse News Service that says Obama speaks in code to certain cultural gatherings, particularly emphasizing his often use of the name "Pookie."

I really hope we can make it through this debate without too much ugliness. Regardless of my negative feelings towards Clinton, I still would rather see her at the white house than McCain or Romney. Let's hear about your platforms, where you agree and where you differ, so we can make the best decision for the Democratic Party. Please!!!

OBAMA 2008

It is painfully obvious that you people at CNN will slant the news any way you can to help get Obama the nomination. You even go so far as to print more pro Obama posts to your blogs to convince people that the majority of Americans are supporting him. It's pathetic and you are no better than Fox News.

America needs to be reminded that it was Clinton lies that caused Bill Clinton to be impeached and give us 8 ruinous years of George W. Bush. Try and triangulate that one.

Bill…Ya Right!! CNN and Obama are in this together.

Go Hillary!!!!

Why do I support Hillary instead of Obama?

Do not get me wrong I love Obama he is highly politically astute and very charismatic in the extreme. I mean the way he has captured the imagination of so many like a rock star, everybody loves Obama. But America needs experienced leadership now after the Bush fiasco, leadership with more than charisma, and or magnificent oral skills.

Yet our country is dealing with very serious issues, issues that deserve our full attentions and indeed urgent attention. Hillary currently has the most aggressive and indebt proposals and plans to deal with these major issues. Obama’s record on these issues is somewhat vague at best, while Hillary's plans have details Obama’s offer the talking point memo for the Democratic Party. To be honest Edwards had more detailed position on all these issues in comparison to Obama.

What is Obama's position on foreign policy, specifics please, not just broad statements and indescribable optimism. How do we deal with countries and regions such as China, Russia, Cuba, Africa, and specifically Kenyan? Where ethnic cleansing is currently taking place as we decide who will lead the Free world. His father is from there, what is his position? His grandmother lives there and other relatives, yet not comment. He visit Kenya last year to win media attention, he is suppose to be the first African-American President, what does the African part means to him. I for one have no clue at this time.

If one needs to have urgent surgery I do not think we look for the most charismatic surgeon Obama or the most experienced Hillary. I am sure there are those who might choose the former, and I respect that decision however suggest that Hillary is our best current hope to change the direction of our great country in a more positive and evenly balanced positive direction.

Yes, I would love with all my heart as a proud African-American and radical democrat to see an African-American as President of the greatest country on the planet earth. However, I must put aside my desire to see such a President. Instead as a patriot, I must put the urgent need of this great country called America! I am sorry my beloved Brother, however I cannot in good faith and or good judgment support your candidacy at this critical point in our country's history, and leadership that is more robust is required and indeed deserved by this great country at this time.

Making this choice while difficult does has it's own advantages, I can vote for and support the first Woman President, one fully knowledgeable and experienced in the politic not only of America but also the world at large. A hard working women like so many women I see every day in my neighborhood and very capable of making the tough decisions, when it comes to foreign policy, defense, energy policy, the economy, universal health care, education and economic justice for the poor and disadvantaged.

All these issues will need ongoing and constant vigilance and someone capable, willing, and experienced in fighting the oppressive and negative forces of current American Conservative thought, which WILL BE NECESSARY, in dealing with the very urgent issues facing America. Hillary Clinton is the one best positioned to lead this fight for all Americans.

Just give Hillary equal time – for you all is Obama

These two differ by straw, even closer by a single hair on my head….thus you need to go on several intangables….personality, family dynamics, electability, and favorability w/ the people and most importantly by the media….I cant see Hillary winning in a general election and come November, we will see what kind of woman or girl she is….bottom line these two need to make up and I hope the country puts Obama first on the ticket and Hillary can run as vice president.

Bottom line, she will not win over independents or any republicans on the fence, she and Bill are way to polarized.

Oh Obama… a couple of quotes from MLK, a couple of quotes from JFK, hey Billy you got some good ones too, … wo even a few from Malcom X, hey is Ronald Reagan's up for grabs? The New Messiah is in the house. Wake up people!

Onari:

We are smarter than the media and the bloggers which is why we aren't swallowing the spoonfed coronation of the the most corrupt, dishonest and dirty candidate in history. She was shoved down our throats (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit!) for months and now we actually have a choice other than the same old slime and scandal that comes with territory anytime one utters the name Clinton. Notice how no one, nowhere, ever uses the word honest, integrity or character when speaking the Clinton name. SNAP!

Barrack Obama should should work more on the polls to the primaries.He is taking the Bid for the Democrates.God has made it so.Come SuperTuesday,he is the one.He is the change people have been waiting for.God be with you Obama.
From Nigeria.

Obama supporters – Don't be too ngative about the Michigan and Florida votes for Hillary, because if Obama wins the nomintion, he is going to be begging for our votes come November and we will remember this day( denying us our votes saying they don't count). These 2 States will go republicans and you will be blamed. So remember Obama camp, if you are deny us our votes now, we will deny you our votes come November. We will not forget.

Go Democratic Party 08

I hope that Feb 5 creates a frontrunner. This whole bashing thing is horrible. If you look at the message boards, a big percentage of the Obama supporters really do not know anything about the issues. They seem less than intelligent with their writing and thinking skills.They degrate the Hillary supporters and can sometimes become the most mean and rude people I have ever encountered. I really think they act as if he is the messiah or something to that effect. That has totally turned me against Obama. I can't and won't hop on the "bandwagon" as so many have called it. Come on Obama supporters. I'm ready to hear what you all have to say to me.

This debate I hope will show Obama's true colors. That he is not capable of running this country. We shall see.

I have a honest question for Clinton supporters

Granted, she is a strong candidate, but dont you think her nomination increases the chance of Republicans taking back the house and senate?

What good is her ideas if she faces a hostile and bitter Republican legislature that has all intentions of repeating the 90's?

This is my biggest fear. An Obama candidacy opens the door for stronger Democratic control of the congress (remember, 2006 was won on the backs of very centrist-right leaning Democratcs who have in large part endorsed Obama)

CNN, listen up,

I can not believe how one sided you are. You're so pro Obama, it makes me want to throw up.

I'm from a smaller state (population wise) that holds our caucus on Super Tuesday. Sen. Obama is campaigning here – Sen. Clinton is not. This tells me, and citizens of our state, who matters to whom. Obama cares about every voter no matter where they come from, Clinton cares about winning the "big" states. I hope even those from states like California and New York realize that this says a lot about who will be the nominee and potential president as he or she will be representing the UNITED STATES not the densely populated states.

I'm an old baby boomer (not THAT old!!!). I was in high school school during JFKs administration. I can remember the feeling in the nation at the time, much of it because of the way the people felt about their president. I know to the great younger generations JFK is someone they read about in a history book, but if you are active on these blogs it means you are taking an interest in the direction the country goes in the future. When I watched the 2004 Democratic National Convention a young, unknown Senator named Barack Obama was the keynote speaker. I had never heard of him prior to that, didn't expect anything great. Ten minutes into his speech I had tears in my eyes. I turned to my wife and said "someday this man needs to be our president". Wow! Here we are. Not since JFK have I heard ANYONE that I believed could really unite the nation until that Obama speech. Those of you who are still undecided talk to your parents, grandparents about the JFK years then make a decision. If you decide otherwise that's OK. You did your research, made your choice and you should be proud, no matter who you choose.

I hope both candidates stick to the issue answers. However I am baffled at how most candidates fail to build on the near exact questions that they are asked!!

With the exception of Mike Huckabee no other candidate has shown good debate skills!

Any we don't have a Parliamentary system with Prime Ministers Question Time (Thursday afternoons in the UK) therefore the debates are not a very relevant criteria nor accurate method to try and measure the candidates abilities.

Barack — Hire Mike Huckabee as a debate coach but even if you don't you've had my vote since the DNC Convention in 2004!

Go Barack '08

I pray that the American people will listen to Hillary tonight…. She doesn'y just talk about change. She makes it happen… She has spent her entire life going to bat for all of us. Now she needs our support.. Senator Hillary Clinton has earned that right. And she deserves it! One must ask themself? Would a man like Obama be where he is today: if not for people like Hillary who has fought with her all for his rights… This isn't about black or white or male or female: This is about our Great Nation! America is in need of healing…. Hillary can mend our Nation… For over 30 years she has give us 150% God Bless Hillary On behalf of a greatful Nation:
Thank You Hillary for hearing our voice… You aren't in this alone… We all back you

CNN PLEASE STOP CENSORING YOUR COMMENT SECTION !
CNN WILL YOU CENSOR THIS TOO ?

The best part of the debate is after it is over when the so-called "Best Political Team on TV" shows their obvious prejudices and bias towards the candidates. CNN needs to go back to reporting the news and stop creating the news.

CNN has made the third estate a laughing stock. Stop trying to be The Daily Show and Colbert and report the news. Stop trying to create it and spin it. That is why you have "guests" on to commentt. Your hosts and "the panel" are flawed.

Oh Onari, How Hillaryish to question anyone that does not agree with you and you sound more boy/girl than Women/men. Stay positive, no need to question your countryman's intellect. Debate is a great right we have in our coountry. Don't distract from it my being hateful yourself

name five positive things either has done to balance the Federal Budget

well said Onari.
People like Victoria are misquided. She needs to listen to the issues and not media bias or headlines.

I am tired of listening to your underlying bias opinions concerning Hillary. I am watching CNN right now and can't help but notice your set is set up right in front of Obama's section. We only see Obama's posters in the back ground. Will no one give her a fair shake? You are not.

I think the media had already made it's choice and Obama is it. If he wins the nomination, I'll vote Mccain. I'm not sure how much more the media can suck up to this guy.

i believe that mrs.clinton will be gumsmacked today at the last face off before super tuesday.she will experience the "shock and awe"treatment from obama.she will exposed as nothing more that just someone who cant face the heat without calling people names!!!

Wolf, really let the race gender thing go. You don't need the headlines with this debate now do you?

After the stunt CNN pulled last night with GOP "debate", I see no point in watching this presentation. CNN is as bad as the Faux News Channel. Wake up, America!

I would like to know why a large group of American citizens can only access these debates by paying a cable bill. If the process is truly to inform the citizens of this country then why are people who cannot ,or choose not to pay $40 plus a month to a large corporation locked out of these debates? Why are they not on PBS or free broadcast TV? Why are the candidates not speaking up and saying they want all to have free access to the debates? It seems to me that a decision as important as choosing the next president of the United States would best be made with everyone having full access to any information concerning the election, including the debates.

Onari: Amen to that. I totally agree with your post!

I read these post and am continually amazed. Most if not all the posts that are pro Obama are nasty, mean and rather disturbing in they way they attack Hillary. The Hillary supporters are adults in the way they write regarding Obama. They bring up the simple and overtly obvious truth in asking him to tell us how he is going to "change" America rather then just ALWAYS saying it. Give us the facts. That is something Hillary has over and over again stated. Grow up Obama supporters and have some respect for Hillary, but sadly that is something I see you all cannot do.

Clinton and Obama have to stop sniping at each other because ONE of them has to beat the Republican nominee. We cannot afford another 4 years of more expenses AND tax cuts! It's about as logical as buying more stuff (from China) while taking a lower-paying job. Eventually, our house WILL fall down! The roof is already leaking.

All I can say is The Train is leaving the station from california and Hillary Clinton is the only one on it !

either JM or HC will take us to war with IRAN. Both must be stopped! Obama in 08

One just hopes that Americans will be more concerned with what the candidates have to offer them rather than being pre-occupied with the colour of the skin.

She did not go to MI because she was only one on ballot and
It did not show anything. Going to Florida where they were all on ballot
and all had same exposure(except Obama had cable ads airing for nearly a month) and she did very well no matter how much you spin it one way or the other.
That's why!
Obama and his peeps say Hillary will say anything, so they do not have to say anything of substance.
Obama where's the BEEF??? LOL

I'm getting my popcorn ready to see Hillary slam this fool's ridiculous and empty rhetoric out the window and shower him with facts, numbers, clear plans, and intelligence.

Obama's gotten enough freebies from the media, never questioning his lack of candor. It's in debates that he shows his true colors: unability to debate, uneasiness upon questioning, irritability due to frustration, stuttering, and mumbling. No dirt-throwing and no media protection… bu-bye Obama!

Last Debate:

John Edwards to Clinton: Will you have Lobbyists working in your White House?

Clintons answer: bla bla bla bla bla.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Clinton CANNOT WIN the General Election. Why? Two reasons:

1. She has alienated millions of her CORE DEMOCRATIC BASE, people just like me, who are now so disgusted in her and Bill, that WE WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HER.

2. She cannot attract Independents or Moderate Republicans.

Obama CAN WIN, because he INSPIRES US. With him, this election is about US, OUR VOICES, OUR COUNTRY. He can unite. All Hillary can do is further divide!

You all know why Obama won South Carolina! He got 80% of African American votes in a state that has 50% of democratic registered voters as African Americans. Did you know Jessie Jackson accomplished the same feet in the 80s? He won in South Carolina because he was African American. But he will lose the other states because rehtoric will not win over substance. We need experience in the white house and Senator Clinton will be the best option. She is ready.

President Hillary Clinton and Bill in the White House. God help us!

BREAKING NEWS: Obama is not attending the debate. He is going to vote PRESENT instead.

If you are a Democrat and you want to see a Democrat in the White House next year, you should vote for Barack Obama. The only way that any Republican has half a chance of winning the White House is if Hillary gets the Democratic nomination and the Republican base comes out in strength to oppose her. If Obama gets the nomination he will have a much easier time in the general election. The Clinton's are starting to do the Democratic party more harm than good.

Well Obama is the most Liberal Senator in the Senate and he pledges to bring the parties together, not going to happen. Edwards and Obama could have kept their names on the ballot in MI but caved to the pressure of the democratic party and had their names removed. Obama and Edwards, along with Hillary, kept their name on the ballot in FLORIDA and the voters overwhelmingly supported HILLARY. Should Obama win the nomination he has already discredited Florida voters by not acknowledging their votes. Even if their election doesn't warrant electorial votes he should have at least recognized his defeat there. Florida in November will vote for Hillary if she is the nominee, Mc Cain if she isn't . Obama is out – everyone is so over him.

CNN COMMENTATORS PLEASE TRY TO BE OBJECTIVE…..ESPECIALLY MARTIN

Re: Hillary going to Florida after the election to thank those who voted for her….Obama didn't even thank anyone in Nevada that voted for him…he didn't even wait around for the final counts before he left….with not even a thanks to anyone of his supporters…nice guy that Obama..yeah right……

Excellent post, Onari.

Why do we let the PRESS determine who our candidates are? I thought this was America.
Did anyone watch the Republican debate last night on CNN? Ron Paul might as well not been at the table for all the consideration he was shown, not unlike Edwards in the last Democratic debate.
So much for the democratic process.

The worst nightmare for these two is McCain. He can pull votes from across all party lines!
The debate in SC was awful! I had to turn it off.
Wolfe, please keep control of this one! You are in charge not Clinton or Obama. The bickering and out of control atmosphere was very annoying.

Hi Wolf,

Please will you ask BOTH presidential candidates in tonight's debate one simple question. What do you pay each month for your Health Insurance premium, and what is the annual cap on your coverage? I am sure neither of them know the answer to that question, because they don’t have to, they both have platinum plated coverage, either from the Senate and/or privately. I am not partisan about this, I would like ALL of the Republican presidential candidates to be asked exactly the same question in their next debate. Thank You.

Nick E, Manhattan, NY

A win is a win. OBAMA = INMATURE = AIR = EXCUSES

Grow up! Don't complain like a baby.

HILL 2008!

I could never bring myself to vote O BAM A. The name alone scares me

Victoria you must see something that is hidden. Because a good speaker does not make a good President nor leader.

Obama is an empty minded puppet who can't think or act on his own. Without being fed what to say or what to do, he's hopeless. We don't need a president who preaches a sermon to us about what would be great to have. Thanks, Oba, but we're aware of what would be nice. We need to concretely have someone with direction to get us there.

People are naive to think that all this "warm and fuzzy" talk he spouts around will actually materialize when he has negated to back-up any of it without the incessant "uh, ums, and ohs". American needs someone with a strong backbone to get us back on track.

Let's see if he can complete a logical thought tonight at the debate. Luckily for him, he's able to gather enough support from the uninformed, naive voter (and there are lots of them).

well…maybe Obama maight be good as US president, but is he ready do deal will
international presure about diferent issus. I'm talking about russia . china . iran . N.Corea ect. I don't think he got the right "skills" do to that..

Everyone should stop attacking Barack Obama just because he speaks his mind. I think politicians should do what they think is right no matter what anyone else says. Thats what will get us out of this war with Iraq. I'm not saying Hillary couldn't get us out of this war, it's just that Obama will get us out sooner, safer and better. I'm not going to tell you what to believe or who to vote for like some other people. Some of you believe Hillary would be the right choise and I respect that. So, vote for whoever you believe in this year. Hopefully your votes will chose the person who can help us with the problems our country and other countries face. Just please, vote with your head and your heart this election.

Marc you are an idiot. Obama is saying: trust in yourself and vote for ME. But, like most Obama nuts, you are too naive to even see that he is just another politician asking for your vote. How can you judge someone who says they will do great things, when they have never done anything great all their life.

And save me the biography on Obama. I ahve read and am not imressed. There are hundreds of thousands of Ivy league lawyers, thousands of state senators, millions of community service workers, and billions of people who want to rule the world.

I'd to hear the answer to this question in tonights debate.

Senator Clinton, you and former president Bill Clinton have criticized Senator Obama for campaigning on his opposition to the Iraq war, alleging that as a US Senator, he has essentially supported the war by voting to fund the troops. Senator Clinton, would you describe your similar votes, to fund the troops, as support for the Bush Iraq war policy?

Not only does Hillary have what it takes to win the nomination, she has what it takes to win the presidency. She's smart, tough, experienced, able to articulate her goals, and can explain exactly how she plans to obtain them. She talks about the issues that matter to hard-working Americans. When people listen to her agenda, they are instilled with hope. She doesn't have to preach "hope", she offers a plan and vision that gives ordinary people "hope". I frankly am tired of Obama trying to jam hope down my throat by telling me over and over that he can bring hope to America. "Hope" by itself is nothing. I want hope to rise up within me as a result of actions, not merely words.

Victoria,

What is wrong if Hillary claims victory in MI and Fl. It is fellow Americans that voted for her. Give it to her, upon all the hatred you are trying to portray on her, over 850,000 Americans in FL voted for her. If she is so bad as you are trying to portray her, how come these number of people left their homes to vote for her.

My happiness is this, the American people are smarter than what we the bloggers and media want them to believe. Fortunately the bloggers and the media are n the minority.

One of the things I have noticed is that most of the Hillary haters are not even smart enough to for once listen to what she is saying, they just want to jump on her and devour her. They are so biased and jealous that the only talk and can not listen…this is Ludicrous!

Thankfully, all these rubbish will end by February 5th when the Women/men will be seperated from boys/girl.

Marc, if you need Senator Obama or anyone else tell you to trust yourself… Well, that is the parents job while growing up. As an adult, one should concentrate on others actions and make an informed decision. Again, don't fall for rehtorics.

The Clinton's have run a more negative campaign than Karl Rove and Bush did in 2004. I never thought a Democrat could out do Karl Rove.
It's the same old destructive politics that will divide us as a nation and not get anything done.

We need to consider Obama for the nomination. He can beat McCain easily and pull independents and republicans to our cause. McCain will beat Clinton.

re: dot.com bubble under Clinton:
"It was completely responsible for the so called budget surplus."

So-called? It was there. It was handed to our Worst. President. Ever. He destroyed the economy, and ran up the worst debt EVER in the history of our country. What kind of revisionist lies are these?

" When it went bust in 2000, it started the downturn of the economy that lead to the recession of early 2001."

The stock market was slowing down in 2000. Nothing lasts forever.

The downturn of the economy came after Bush destroyed it following his inauguration.

You might want to check your statements before looking the fool on this blog. Why not ask Obama what he knows about foreign affairs, his experience? 'Cause if you think McCain won't make mincemeat out of his lack of experience, you're fooling yourselves.

This could be a real opportunity for both to set themself apart. I look forward to a spirited debate, with real answers to the hard questions. This is something I feel Obama is ready to do, but I have my doubts about Hillary. I look for Hillary to make me want to vote for her over any republican, if she should get the nomination(something I am not sure I will do right now, and I loathe the republicans).

I don't trust at all what Hillary says. She is the one who will say anything, since her husband's scandal at White House until now, for one purpose, one purpose only, that is to sit in the Oval Office.

We need a President with character and integrity. Hillary has none, she loses SC and leaves her supporters…acknowledges them in a 10 second sound bite in another state?? That's not right. Then she flies to florida where she signed a contract not to campaign, after she found out she was ahead. Is this what experience does to people? I think not.

Great Character, Integrity and great judgement makes a person. The people who worked her campaign in SC deserved to have their efforts commended and not from her in another state for 10 seconds as a side note. edwards even stayed and he was slaughtered.

You can tell much of a person's character and integrity not in how they win but in how they Lose.

Just a few facts for the Hillary-bashers:

Obama flew out of Nevada before the caucauses ended and never bothered with a concession speech. The concession speech he gave in New Hampshire was anemic in the "concession department" and over-loaded in the "campaign department."

Clinton's, Obama's, and Edward's names were ALL on the Florida ballot. Democrats could vote for whomever they wanted. It wasn't like Michigan.

Obama advertised in Florida, when Edwards and Clinton were able to avoid it and keep to the rules set out by the DNC. The fund-raiser Clinton went to in Florida was completely permissable and in keeping with the DNC rules.

Nothing in the DNC rules says any candidate is prevented from thanking his or her supporters, as Clinton did in Florida after the primary.

Finally, a question: why are Obama-supporters here so resistant to to intellectual honesty?

Why doesn't this blog ever publish my comments? Is it really that pro-Obama that they feel a need to censor?

I really don't think Obama will fair well against McCain. Too liberal.

We need action, not Oprah/Dr. Phil motivational fluff.

Hillary walks the talk.

So, Obama is #1 on the list of most liberal voting in the Senate..I can hardly wait for tonights debate..I'm sure Hillary will show just how artificial Obama is. He's a phony.

I really dont think she could win the nomination. She can't be trusted. she wants us to trust her but Obama is saying that we should trust in overselves and that's a huge thing.

Why don't you ask Hillary how the Clinton's were responsible for the dot com bubble that created the economic boom of the late 90s. It was completely responsible for the so called budget surplus. When it went bust in 2000, it started the downturn of the economy that lead to the recession of early 2001.

i think tonight is going to be a boresville snorefest. both are going to try to present themselves as presidential and it will end up worse than the boring mess of the 2004 presidential debates – because they champion pretty much the same approaches with different details. obama will wait for hillary to attack, and she won't because it makes her look bad. it'll be as much fun as the box waltz at a 6th grade dance.

The DNC is sadly mistaken if they think I will vote for anyone BUT OBAMA!

Oh that Hillary. Wins the no contest primary in Michigan and says okay that's nice. Then loses the SC primary and flies out of SC before the polls close and gives her concession/campaign speech (after Bill Clinton's one in Missouri) from Tennessee. Then Hillary has the audacity to fly to Florida the night of the uncontested Florida primary and claim victory and thank her supporters?!?!

Oh "what a tangled web we weave, once we practice to deceive"!

Obama in 08!

Well Hillary may not be the nicest person running for president but she sure is the most capable and best prepared. Obama is all air, there is nothing beyond that. We deserve a competent, smart president this time.

Hillary magically won Michigan in the same way that Chairman Mao won in Communist China , by being the only name on the ballot. Hillary shamelessly declared victory in Michigan and used this to build momentum, she is doing the same thing again in Florida.

The words of Chairman Mao should be the tag line of the Clinton Campaign. "A lie told a thousand times becomes the truth."

Hillary made a smart political move by flying to florida to claim her "victory." Why didn't she do the same in Michagan? She really has no principles, just tactics.

At this point in the game, it would be aweful if these two great candidates don't put their egos aside with the understanding that whomever wins the Nomination, their ticket could be no stronger than to have the other candidate on it.