January 31, 2008
Posted: 08:57 PM ET

Clinton is smart to steer the blame for immigration woes to employers – it’s a great political strategy for addressing this thorny issue.

The core of the immigration debate is the naturalization process Clinton described tonight – is that amnesty? She’s appealing to emotions; Obama’s going for the logical arguments. It’s tough for Obama to argue to people that they’re not seeing what they think they’re seeing – that immigration itself isn’t the problem.

Obama has a big problem with the Latino vote. The problem isn’t Latino racism – it’s that Latinos have strong ties to the Clintons. This is where his stronger views on the issue – in favor of drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, and other measures – can help him gain credibility with the base on the issue.

Another path to the Latino vote: Ted Kennedy’s support. Obama’s raising Ted Kennedy tonight the same way his Republican counterparts raised Ronald Reagan’s last night – in hopes of roughly the same results.

Obama’s also using the issue to point attention to one of Clinton’s biggest perceived weaknesses: her reputation for political calculation.

Still: they’re spending more time calling attention to their similarities than they are to their dofferences – a huge contrast with the Republican field.

Related: Watch the candidates debate immigration

–CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider

Filed under: Bill Schneider


J   January 31st, 2008 9:30 pm ET

How can you say that the problem with the latino vote for obama isn't at least partially racially driven? The latino culture discriminates against blacks and native americans in their popular and daily culture.

Given: Latino proponents of illegal immigration are attempting to ride on the coat tails of the hard won civil rights that women and african americans have fought for.

However,

1. Illegal immigration negatively affects african americans first economically. Try to find an economist who says otherwise.

2. Latinos are also cutting into the political positions and podiums previously held by african american politicians (inner city representation etc).

3. Latinos for whatever reason, traditionally vote against african american candidates (see results from Florida - doesn't count, and Nevada).

Conclusion: Sadly, illegal immigrants and their proponents will take african american jobs, take advantage of african american won civil rights platforms, and prevent the first legitimate african american presidential candidate from being elected. What a disgrace.

Robert   January 31st, 2008 9:29 pm ET

Can someone ask Senator Obama this question: If he is running on the basis of change from the 90's, what part of the 90's and the Clinton Administration does he not agree with.

Sonya   January 31st, 2008 9:27 pm ET

As a young american I do have many issues with immigration as it stands today. The new president must be able to take immediate action. We are not only loosing blue collar jobs to companies who have moved their manufacturing overseas we are loosing it to illegal immigrants in this country. Where are the children of tomorrow going to work? I am all for people wanting to make a better life for their family here in the USA but it needs to be goverened better. No illegal should be granted a drivers license, this will not increase hit and runs incidents because it happens already, these folks get insurance for one month long enough to get their tags for their car and then cancel.

Jocelyn Simplice   January 31st, 2008 9:26 pm ET

May be Senator Mccain was referring to 100 years in regard to his age not to the length of stay of the troops in Iraq.

rdk4481@fsu.edu   January 31st, 2008 9:26 pm ET

come on hilary; you want the US to aggressively make the Middle East our source for oi. you are waging war in the Middle East.

Bernadette   January 31st, 2008 9:26 pm ET

I would ask both candidates what they think about the surge having succeeded, when as far as I am concern, no surge would have been necessary if we had not been there in the first place.

bpp   January 31st, 2008 9:25 pm ET

I don't think we will see both of these candidates in the White House. My guess is John Edwards as VP

jonelle   January 31st, 2008 9:25 pm ET

I totally agree with Mr. Schneider. The Republican's spent more time calling attention to their differences that it really became a circus act. I believe that Americans don't care how long a person spent in the military vs how long the other was a manager. I believe Americans want to hear what we're hearing tonight; economic solutions, health care solutions, and the solution to ending this war.

George   January 31st, 2008 9:25 pm ET

Hillary is definately speaking to Cali voters.. It's very tactical and smart

SEF   January 31st, 2008 9:23 pm ET

They are so incredibly close on almost every issue, I don't see why we can't have a "two-fer". Whoever gets the nomination should invite the other to run on the ticket as Vice. I honestly like them both.

evelyn   January 31st, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Barack needs to count a little more then on Ted Kennedy for the Latino vote. I am for Hillary all the way.

Dawn   January 31st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

On the immigration issue. I hope latino's are following these two candidates positions. As a latina I feel Hillary has a better plan for the immigration issue…She will not solve it but she does have a more humane approach.

La'Kitgum   January 31st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Clinton is the most specific and clear. Obama is mixing up issues.

Blessed   January 31st, 2008 9:20 pm ET

I am not suprised to see the candidates working hard to stay grown-up because this election has finally arrived at the crossroads where any slip-up can be irreparable. If that is not enough inscentive to get them play fair, I do not know what can be…..

Annie   January 31st, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Clinton is wiping the floor with Obama here; it's clear that she is the best candidate for the job!

David   January 31st, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Obama is a skillful person that says the truth. Looking at Clinton, you can see from her face that all that she's ttrying to say cannot be accomplished in anyway. she's been the senator for 35 years what has she accomplished so far? same old politics if people vote for her. We need new ideas.

crews2me   January 31st, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Hillary is supposed to have much more experience then Obama but I'm not seeing that. He seems to be a very smart, experienced Senator who has very good judgment. I think the experience issue is now mute!

Otis Richardson   January 31st, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Clnton she win

Joe H   January 31st, 2008 9:18 pm ET

A good debate… BUT…. Obama is being held accountable for the nuance of his responses — explain this, explain that. And that's a good thing. However, Clinton is getting away with shirking each question — deflection, obfuscation, and redirection. It's Clinton's 'canned phrases' versus Obama's thorough, yet honest explanation. Blitzer needs to do a better job holding Clinton accountable. It's just not happening.

Johnny Martinez   January 31st, 2008 9:18 pm ET

How can we say that Mexicans take Americans job…when we know dang WELL everything before now we had "Made In America" than "Hecho en Mexico" and now Made In China". who (men or women) can bring jobs back to America?

Why NOT blame the Corporation/CEO etc? Outsourcing too make more Money.

We can not save ourselves into Prosperity!!!

Jocelyn Simplice   January 31st, 2008 9:18 pm ET

It must have been by someone else.
Truthfully

Ann   January 31st, 2008 9:17 pm ET

These candidates are delivering the same stale democratic positions. I thought they were about change. Neither will make a good President for Americans.

Mike   January 31st, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Just what we need….. Hillary second-guessing the generals

dan fridley   January 31st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

It is nice to see the democratic candidates getting on with what they plan to do and are not spending valuable time cutting each other down.

K Bloomberg   January 31st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

I think the democratic ticket needs Obama one way or another to ensure the continued record turnout to the voting booths.

Pam Bennett   January 31st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Just witnessed another debachle, "Debate between democratic candidates". What a farce, they appeared to be president and vice president, although I don't know which, attacking the republican party I expected them to start holding hands at anytime. Neither one of these clown and clowness can effectively run this country ,nor their counterparts in the Republican party Super Tuesday will open some political eyes. Remember Trurman went to bed while Dewey won the election.

Shana   January 31st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Obama is slick one. He needs Latino votes so he sells us black folks down the river. For him to deny the fact that illegal immigration has harmed African-American low skilled wokers is wrong. Plain wrong.Who has been in his ear?

Jocelyn Simplice   January 31st, 2008 9:16 pm ET

What is Bill Clinton's agenda that he is so eager so combative on the campain trail to get Hillary elected? Is Hillary running for Bill or the other way around?

Jeremy   January 31st, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Neither one is answering questions, that are just dancing.

mzzim   January 31st, 2008 9:15 pm ET

HIllary! You Rock! I love it! "It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and I believe it may take a Clinton to clean up after the second Bush". The crowd loved it.!

sairefgm   January 31st, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Hillary is not answering the questions. How can she make change? Hillary is dancing around the questions.

John D   January 31st, 2008 9:14 pm ET

It is a crime to enter this country ILLEGALLY. The candidates should deal with that specific. When a citizen breaks the law, the government does not race to find out how to excuse that citizen - it punishes him / her.

Scott Crevier   January 31st, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Senator Clinton is absolutely wrong when she says that a person helping an illegal immigrant is not a criminal. Just like Guilliani, she is forgetting the first word in "illegal immigrant". If you're in this country illegally, you're committing a crime. If you're in this country illegally, you're a criminal. If you help a criminal commit a crime, you're a criminal too. And these aren't just my feelings, it's the law of the land. I'm not making this stuff up.

I also don't like what she said about Jesus. I'd rather not comment further about it, because I want to see the exact quote so that I can know for sure what I heard. I just know I didn't like it.

Henry   January 31st, 2008 9:14 pm ET

It never ceases to amaze me how Sen. Clinton's immigration record has been ignored during this campaign. Sen. Clinton touts her husband's administration as a source of experience. Yet, during the Clinton administration, President Clinton signed two of the most draconian, anti-immigrant laws in recent history: IIRIRA and AEDPA. Even more shocking is that Sen. Clinton has managed to gain the support of the Latino population! So, I respectively submit: Do you have any explanation for such struthious coverage of Sen. Clinton's immigration record? Thanks.

Henry

Malik   January 31st, 2008 9:13 pm ET

I have a very important question for Hillary and my question is, how would she be able to solve nor comes to agreement with the middle east since they don't have any respect for females?

brent   January 31st, 2008 9:12 pm ET

if mexico was across the ocean and africa was along the texas border, then it would be the blacks who would be fighting for equality and defending their purpose for being in this country. thank god there's nothing of that nature in america's great history.

Mac   January 31st, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Wolf should not change the question midstream when a candidate is trying to answer and then not do the same to the opponent!!! I thought he did this to Obama and not Clinton on this issue..seems very unfair like hes trapping one not the other

Rick   January 31st, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Sen. Clinton is right on the immigration issue. I trust her.

Rick
Port Orange, Fl.

Uyi Abraham   January 31st, 2008 9:10 pm ET

HILLARY CLINTON IS THE BEST CANDITATE TONIGHT AND FOR THE COUNTRY. OBAMA IS SHAKY AND SEEMS UNPREPARED. I CANT BELIEVE ANYONE WILL THINK THAT HE WILL SURVIVE TONITE AND WIN TUESDAY. ANY TAKERS? Hillary is our Presisent…Obama's time will come

John C   January 31st, 2008 9:09 pm ET

I think its ridiculous every comment I have placed on this that is a negative for the democrats has not been accepted. I thought this was a place to air differences…

Krishna   January 31st, 2008 9:09 pm ET

This debate looks like a step to let America know the possibility of Clinton or Obama choosing the other as the Vice-Presidantial Candidate.

James   January 31st, 2008 9:08 pm ET

They're talking too much about their similarities. What good does that do for us, when we're trying to vote for which one should get the nomination?

LeGrand P. Salvant   January 31st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Biil,
They just agreed to disagree agreably, however, if people are listening very carefully, the differences are fondamental.

Terance   January 31st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

What a great debate! Obama is a smart guy and he is clearly making a clear difference between Clinton and himself. Smarter and more honest!

Jill   January 31st, 2008 9:07 pm ET

You guys are all biased in HRC's favor. She's boring, pedestrian and contradictory and flip-flopping.

keith Pike   January 31st, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Hillary understands this situation about driver license because what happen with the gov of N.Y. and the outcry. Yes Obama will help his base with Latinos, the ones that are here illeagl and they dont vote.

JOE   January 31st, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Please tell Ted Kennedy he will have to wait in line behind Louis Eugene Walcott if he wants to be in Obama's cabnet, that is if he wins.

Betty Rose   January 31st, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Bill,
Hillary just gave a great answer about this CEO in Chief and the Presidency as a business (like health and health rights).
And Barak's humor is always a joy to listen to and LOL.
I am grateful that we have bright and intelligent candidates!

Dillon Danielson   January 31st, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Obama needs to be Clinton's VP….. OH YA!

Melanie   January 31st, 2008 9:05 pm ET

dofferences ? Somebody is typing too fast :)

Addis T   January 31st, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Schneider … U r the best. U know politis! That is what i call analysis! Thank you!

theresa   January 31st, 2008 9:04 pm ET

What would Senator Obabma do if in Kenya where his Grandmother is and he was President they used her as a hostage for our own security what would he do
and why has he not got her out of such a dangerous place Kenya

Theresa

Ken Brooks   January 31st, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Clinton is a flip flopper on immigration. She got called on the issue and chose to take the high road. Obama laid it on the line and was willing to take the political hit. That is a clear display of leadership.

Josie   January 31st, 2008 9:03 pm ET

She just knocked the socks off of his "community organizer" argument. Going back to her Children's Defense Fund days and beyond. He sets himself up as the non-corporate candidate. In fact, her breadth and depth of experience puts him to shame.

Edo Roshi   January 31st, 2008 9:03 pm ET

There is not much difference on immigration between Barak, Hill and George Bush, who also wanted a workers program. It is other political forces that have prevented immigration reform.

hater   January 31st, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Both candidates and the party itself is stupid! What a waste!!

Harold   January 31st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

I think Hillary is correct on this issue. It's a tough issue but, one that has to be answered.

Murry   January 31st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Argh!!! I can't stand hearing about Hillary's 35 years again! You can't count your years working for Walmart! or years helping your husband!

wynn   January 31st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

they are more alike than different; they differ in style.

shamla   January 31st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Obama is what he is , as we see him tonight. However, Hillary is different. makes one wonder if she is " making a face for the night" Will she be able to keep this cool for next 4 years?

Bob   January 31st, 2008 9:02 pm ET

It is in both of their interests to avoid looking un-presidential like they did in the last debate, where Hillary finally got Obama to engage her on the level of her campaign's mud slinging. I am glad the democratic party rejected her and her husband's gross tactics so strongly that they actually seem to have slowed down their overt attack behaviors.

John C   January 31st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Did I hear Clinton say she wanted to help Mexico create jobs?

What about creating jobs here in America? Why would we undermine American interests by investing in Mexico and taking jobs away from America?

Casey   January 31st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

"Don't tread on me!" is the tone of this campaign. The one who violates this tennor will lose. Both candidates know this, and both are too intelligent to deviate from this new norm. What new norm, you may ask? The norm of great working relationships between a President and Veep!

Dan, TX   January 31st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Seems like a wash at this point. Clinton supporters will be happy, Obama supporters will be happy and leaners will stay leaning. Very small % of people have anything to grab onto to change their minds.

Andy A   January 31st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Clinton-Obama would make an excellant ticket…Clinton could dominate for the next 8 years and Obama would be unstoppable for the next 8…it would be a great oppertunity for the democratic party.

Ryan M.   January 31st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

You guys at CNN cut off Barack Obama's answer to a critical question - good job.

Susanna   January 31st, 2008 9:00 pm ET

I support Senator Obama, but I am admittedly proud of both of them for trying to focus on their similarities in the debate to avoid too much fracture in the sense of Democratic unity. They both want to win, but since both obviously can't win, they know it's most important that one of them, a Democrat, wins in November.

Richy   January 31st, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Two strong lions or is it lion and lioness sizing each other?

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