She’s arguing that she supported the threat of force as a means of avoiding conflict. That’s a complicated case to make – and it still leaves the question: why did she think President Bush had the same judgment she did?
But here’s a new angle she hasn’t used before in these debates: that she would never have contemplated an invasion of Iraq. It’s another way of trying to draw a distinction between her views and the president’s. She’s running from the past.
–CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider
From CNN Politics
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Oh Bill, you're starting to get on my nerves! Enough with Obama's endorsement throughout your posts. We aren't blind you know!!!
She said she wouldnt have executed it the way bush did I think that was good he did abuse his privelage and there was no stopping him. Now it is about the future
Or, perhaps running toward the future......... I respectfully disagree
Thats tru bill but no can hide the past, i think this will hurt hillary alot
I think the most important thing here is that she was wrong. I understand that she considered all the information carefully but SHE WAS WRONG. More experience will never overcome making irresponsible and wrong decisions; it wil only give you more time to do so.
This is so discouraging. In a debate that Clinton is clearly winning (your people meter clearly shows this) you have the audacity to say that Clinton is being indirect and running from her past?
Yes, Bill. She is running from the past. She made her decisions based on perceived political expediency at the time, not based on conviction. That's a major strike against her. Obama has the moral high ground on this one.
she should simply say that Bush lied to her like he lied to all of the American people..who would have expected President Bush to not have integrity?
BE OBJECTIVE BILL- You belong on Fox with your biased remarks!
I was a Clinton supporter until tonight.
I want to thank CNN with all my heart for allowing me to see our final two candidates head-to-head.
I think that Senator Obama was not only eloquent, but he was absolutely right on with his answers; especially on the topic of healthcare and Iraq.
Thank you CNN - I HAVE A CANDIDATE TO VOTE FOR THIS TUESDAY!
I think Senator Clinton, when she made the vote, perhaps thought that Bush would use artillary and airstrikes instead of invasion. Her experience with Clinton wars clouded her judgement.
Gotta give it to him though, Obama makes a good point about the title of the bill being named "Authorization to Use Force".
Bill, you do seem to have a problem with HIllary.
Reading your last few posts, it's pretty clear.
I love CNN when you are unbiased. But when not, it's disheartening. It makes me look for MSNBC.
Running from the past?????? The question regarded the past. Reflection is part of learning and moving ahead. The future will then look different. I certainly hope you have always made perfect decisions in your life; can't afford to use hind sight, ya know!
Hillary does not want to talk Iraq with Barack... She loses. Notice that she didn't try to engage him further after he clarified the title of the resolution she signed.....
Good job, Wolf... Good follow-ups on that string of questions.... We got to see how they differ on the most important issue of the day.
Kudos to CNN! So far.... Except for a commercial that ran into one of Obama's answers to a previous question.
I think Obama was right. Just because you have experience doesn't mean that it's good experience.
1.The moral of the citizens
2. Strong patriotism after 9/11
3. The information at the time
4. Wanting to fight back immidiately
5. "Don't mess with America type of stance"
These are all reasons that Clinton thought and decided the way she did with Bush.
Don't be hipocrits, we all believed these same things too at the time. There was nothing more that I wanted to go to war with Iraq.
Make HIllary answer the question. Good grief, Wolf.
obama scored big on iraq
As I said before, you would have to be an idiot to not have known war was coming with this legislation.
Hillary is not an idiot, and knew she was voting to start an illegal and unnecessary war. She lacked backbone more than judgment, in my opinion. She even had the support of a liberal state to count on backing her up, and she and Bill had the unique ex president ability to speak out powerfully against it.
Bill, will immigration trump the misguided war in the general election? Will the economy really trump defense?
Are the gloves coming off? How about a Clinton/Obama ticket? They seem to be getting alone with each other. Much better than the Republican brawl the other night.
Obama wins big on this topic – she's sounding uncomfortable with the Iraq topic!
Clearly Going into this debate CNN and everyone else was looking for a fight.. they wanted to see Both Clinton and Obama go after each other.. that didnt happen and now it looks like you all are trying to stir up one..
Terrible issue for Clinton, and drawing a clear distinction between McCain and Obama. I thought this was a very even and good debate until this came up. Clinton is flailing and failing.