January 31, 2008
Posted: 09:29 PM ET

Obama’s given a great answer on Iraq. If he’s the nominee, this issue will likely prove the biggest contrast with his Republican opponent. Clinton’s playing catch-up on this issue.

Her answers on Iraq are very complex and indirect. The core of this debate in the general election will be this: Democrats are arguing that, despite Republican claims, that staying in Iraq endangers far more than leaving ever could. That’s a very good argument – and he’s prepared to make it. Her answers aren’t as clear, and don’t play as well with the base. On this issue, she appears very political and calculated. And the question lingers: why did she ever trust President Bush?

Still: he’s not using their differences to score points – clearly, neither is spoiling for a fight.

– CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider

Filed under: Bill Schneider


gordon   February 1st, 2008 10:47 am ET

i really think hillary lacks the capability of merging the repulicans.barrack obama has such a decisive and authentic powress to mand the whitehouse.

Molly   January 31st, 2008 10:51 pm ET

WHY DID THE MEDIA EVER TRUST BUSH and not challenge what he was saying? And not only on the Iraq war but other issues too like on the revelation of the CIA agent and the pardoning of Scooter Libby. Why wasn't the press doing more investigation of the statements made by Bush on WMD? Now years later we find out that the Bush administration lied 935 times about Iraq. What took so long for the media to investigate this? And isn't this hypocritical for the media to now accuse Clinton of misjudgments on Iraq?

Linda   January 31st, 2008 10:49 pm ET

As an educated woman, I am offended by the constant attention by the white male commentators and questioners to the fact the Hillary Clinton has a husband who is the past president. I do not believe that anyone who votes for her is going to be confused about who is President. It would also be wonderful to see some knowledgeable women as commentators after the political debates. We have a token women on TV in the background, but those with the stage are all men all the time. I am not a rabid feminist, but I do think a woman might have a different point of view to add to these discussions. Every commentator tonight is white male. Yet they are trying to analyze the debate for minorities and women. Are they really speaking to this population. Not in my view.

Gullible   January 31st, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Please Alba, don't lump me into your group of we were all wrong. I as a 17 YEAR OLD was not convinced of the justification of going to war. I never thought Iraq had anything to do with 9/11 and this woman pushing 60 was naive to Bush's pitch?

jwilliams   January 31st, 2008 10:43 pm ET

I think that Hillary went with the information that she and others were given on the war at the time of the vote.

I don't think any of the ones that voted on this matter took it lightly

But we are making HISTORY in our party and in our country

Hillary talked about her plans and I thought she got it across better than Obama

Debra Provenzano   January 31st, 2008 10:42 pm ET

I am so disappointed in you & your bias against Sen. Clinton . Obama wasn't even in congress & did not cast a vote against the Iraq war. I don't know anyone who was for the Iraq war. All you hear Obama say is he had the vision not to go to war. While he supported it after he became a Senator. When are one of you so called journalists at least say that Obama had no vote ?

Alba   January 31st, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Congress was given the same information as the rest of us. Bush and his cabal duped them and the American people. Most people made the same judgement call as she did. Were we all wrong - yes but it is easy to say that now. Obama got lucky on this. What did he know that the rest of us didn't???

The media was drooling all over its self pushing us to war. The print, radio and TV media needs to shoulder a share of the blame.

EllenB4Hillary   January 31st, 2008 10:33 pm ET

IT TAKES A CLINTON TO CLEAN UP AFTER A BUSH! Please send me that bumper sticker!!

tucsontrina   January 31st, 2008 10:29 pm ET

We have been through this argument ad nauseum. Hillary admits she signed onto the original bill because, at the time, it seemed to be the best choice at the time. No Democrat wanted or appreciated the choice presented. Why can't Obama supporters understand this simple concept? Why do they insist on using it as ammo? It just cheapens the Obama stance.

Gullible   January 31st, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Kathy McG said:

'She's more clear and is not afraid to say that she made the decision based on what she knew then and what she believed from the briefings and discussions at the time. Barack was not in the Senate at the time… if he had been, he would have had the same information and briefings… it is a really EASY thing for him to say I never supported it… if he had the same information as the rest of the Senate at the time… we don't know what he would have done.. andneither does Barack!'

Well Kathy I guess you forget that about 40 other senators voted against the war with the SAME INFORMATION. Why can't she admit she was gullible and naive, or maybe had the same agenda as her husband who was pushing the same thing about Iraq being a threat before leaving office.

Louise   January 31st, 2008 9:49 pm ET

This is not Obama's time, he needs to grow up a little more. In eighty years, I say, "you go Obama."

We need someone with experience, not another person getting on-the-job training, we had that already with Bush, see where that got us.

Laura   January 31st, 2008 9:49 pm ET

Oh how we have such short memories. The Clinton Administration had intelligence of WMD's, the major European countries had intelligence about Sadam and WMDs. So, where do you think they went? Hillary made an intellligent decision as did all of Congress. She has nothing to apologize for. I don;'t want her or Obama as President because I do not want their socialist programs to be put in place.

Geo   January 31st, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Hillary just can't bring herself to say it was a mistake to let herself be taken in by Bush.

Obama was right on this issue from Day 1.

Clinton was duped by Dubya and refuses to admit it.

Chas   January 31st, 2008 9:48 pm ET

alisa…hopefully with Obama as the pres and Clinton as VP

Augustus   January 31st, 2008 9:48 pm ET

There it is, i knew he was going to ask that question

Bob   January 31st, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Both candidates have voted for the funding of this war. So they are both guilty for the continuation of the war. It just a matter of degrees - she supported it from the start and he got on board later. At least Kerry voted for it before he voted against it. She voted for it and then voted for it again and he "voted" against it and then voted for its funding while holding his nose. Now we all have to hold are collective noses!

Scott   January 31st, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Hiilary's Horrible Cackle is not Presidential.

Fritz   January 31st, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Hillary doesn't say it was a mistake because it will help her in the general election when the Republicans try to portray her as weakl on defense,

Josie   January 31st, 2008 9:47 pm ET

All of you who are hard on her vote on Iraq are forgetting some key points:
1) bush and his puppeteers lied about everything to fuel the paranoias of the nation after 9-11;
2) she was in NY and it was like the apocalypse there.

Despite what he says now, he might have done the same in her shoes.

jon   January 31st, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Hey Hillary, just say you were misled or lied to and you regret voting for the war.

CeCe   January 31st, 2008 9:47 pm ET

You go girl _ Hillery 08

Sue   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Give Hillary a break regarding the war. People - remember the climate at the time a few years back? If anyone dared to say, "uhh…excuse me, can we discuss these matters more?", they were quickly labeled un-American. BTW - Wolf is a major TOOL! I'm glad he got the booing he deserved!

Sheri   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

sure, the civility is waning a bit–but it's the moderator's fault! I can't believe Blitzer asked Clinton if she was naive. throw the flag on that one.

NotanotherClinton   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Man, she is dodging the quesions. Just answer them…that's why Obama is going to get the nomination.

alisa   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

they look good together as a president and vice president. they together would be a strong ticket

sdholman@charter.net   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Gentlemen
I would like to ask Senator OBama about an e-mail going around that at a debate he was seen as not crossing his heart while the pledge of allience was being said. Also why did you vote no to make the national language for the United States of America English.
Shirley

Anonymous   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

I think Hillary is doing a good job– concidering wolf is bias.

Jackee   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

if Hillary just opens her mouth and admit I made a mistake…. just say so and stop going around in cirlces…. Obama is correct we have to think before react…… Her judgement was poor…………..

sean   January 31st, 2008 9:46 pm ET

noway did they just bring up her husband that is bull and should not be aloud sorry

o and vote hillary or don't vote at all

Melanie Martin   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Tell Wolf Blitzer to stop badgering Hillary by putting words in her mouth and belaboring her points…is he so much of a Republican or anti-Clinton or anti-woman that he can't even run a debate without putting down one of the contestants.

Shut up, Wolf~

Tonia   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

At least she cast a vote and didn't just say present. It's easy to judge someone else when your looking in from the outside.

Evan   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

They are both Democrats, and the country will be much better off if either is our President. Personally, however, I do not see how changing a position on the war is such a bad thing. She is clearly more experienced, and he clearly has the "fresh" face.

Amy   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

If either of these two candidates becomes President. I'm leaving the country. We need real change, as proposed by Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee.

Kris Alton   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

I am voting for the first time and I am 52 years old. I am thinking family values, why did Hillery stay with the scumbbag Bill? Was it to further her political future? And will she do the same with the people that she represents? I really don't see change.

smc   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Obama was not in the Senate at the time the Bush Iraq misinformation was being peddled.
Obama Come back in 8 years !

Patrick   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

The only person who sounded believable on the Iraqi issue was Sec. of State Colin Powell in his presentation the the UN. He stated a sound case, that still did not warrant the beginnings of a war against a nation with no direct link to our immediate frustration over 9/11.

Eva   January 31st, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Hilary is winning. She has picked up her game and is alot more detailed in her answers. She has demonstrated real leadership and is definitely has well thought out her responses and plans for America's future..

Betty Rose   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Bill and all on the Blog
Barak is asking that all this information is put together and used.
All of us need to remember the tone of the country-if you we not for the war you are Not american!
People whispered the opposite opinion do to how Bush and Cheney acted!

christopher   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Clinton is buried under her attempts to decive the public of her previous positions. She too has acknowledged in the past a need to stay in Iraq. The real leader on this issue is Obama- resolute in his position from the start and consistent with the voter's desire in 2006 election

John   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Obama wasn't a U.S. senator when the Iraq war broke out. It's easy for him to say "I was opposed to the Iraq war from day one." Actually, "day one minus two years."

Daniel from Kansas   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

She couldn't answer the question about whether voting for the war was a mistake!!!

Instead, she babbled on and on AND ON AND ON…

Never answered it.

Harvey   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

PLEASE, Wolf, control the conversation and stop letting Hillary go on and on……..and on.

Melissa   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Let's not forget… the majority of voters in this country trusted BUSH eight years ago…

Jim   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

I am appalled at Wolf Blitzer's clear and eager effort to unfairly characterize Obama's comments as a "swipe" against Hiliary. He did that three times , and was wrong each time. Does he just want to put Obama ina poor light and help Hiliary? What happened to fairness?

CeCe   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Hillery is doing great!!

Imran   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Clinton's answer on Iraq issue is totally indirect and she has been trying her best to make the answer too complicated for people to decypher…what was she saying?

sher   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Mr. Schnider, What debate are you watching ? You are being very lopsided in your comments. This is how untruths begin.

Chas   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

what's Blitzer's problem? He appears very Republican

vjp   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

I agree with Trisha - this "analysis" is biased. And Wolf is a horrible, horrible moderator. He shouldn't inject himself into the debate.

art   January 31st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

sen obama keeps hitting sen clinton on her vote for the war and calls it judgement,what about the 5 or 8 votes he pushed the wrong button,was that judgement

Judy from MI   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Is it me or is this the democratic ticket…… they are just too nice to each other. Tomorrow the fangs will be evident again.

Ray   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

I guess this a Obama site now.

Kenneth P Shanahan   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

If she wants to be president she should be able to admit when she was wrong. I think she would get a lot more respect if she just came out and said she made a mistake like Edwards did

Rob   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Why does it appear all of Bill Schneider's comments seem favor Obama? Clinton's performance has been nothing short of PRESIDENTIAL

keith Pike   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

The Sucker punch by wolf didnt work. and besides the press was so gungho on this war that they were sending there correspondents to take combat lesson. Why didnt you investagate more are where you just navie

rbpowers   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

it is a very close debate. Very warm and fuzzy. Very fuzzy

Ken   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Hello…Hillary was a senator from NEW YORK, post 9/11. What do you think her constituented to see happen?Especially with all of the lies that the bush machine interjected into the discourse at the time…

connie   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

How do you figure Hillary is loosing? What has he shown that she hasnt? Nothing

Alex   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

It's easy to spout talking points, but reason begets complexities. It's easy to say "I was against it" when he didn't have a vote that mattered to National security. Since he's been in the senate, no real daylight between them. Things that make you go "hmmmm."

iyer   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Someone please tell me how is Clinton more "experienced" than Obama? She has never been a Governer, nor been in any other governing role other than her Senetor role. If you add up Obama's legislative experience and short Senate years there is no difference.Yet the media and Clinton propaganda machinery is trying to confuse the electorate

Lou B   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Hill looks great,She look likes she winning

Common man   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

I lost Hillary after the first 2-3 sentences of that answer which went on and on for ever - then at the end of it, the question remained unanswered - i enjoyed how she was stumped on being "naive to trust Bush" - Why could she not admit it was a mistake in hindsight?

Thomas   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

We are down to two very strong and not all that dissimmilar candidates. I certainly hope that whichever one of these contenders wins the nomination, the other will be their running mate. Is it possible that the seemingly decreased tensions between them and the so called "love fest" as some posters are calling this event, that they are positioning themselves for this possibility? I hope so!!!!

Rick   January 31st, 2008 9:43 pm ET

McCain has not won anything. He could not stay with either Clinton or Obama.

Sally   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I believe she is owning up to it also, and has been for some time. Wolf, stop brow beating!

Mike P   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Hillary is doing a great job and it is too bad that the CNN group is not playing fair. CNN should go ahead and "endorse" Obama. It is clear you are playing favorites and we can see right through it over and over again.

Fair should be the word… not choosing sides CNN!!

Fred, MD   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Why are they letting Hilliary ramble on without really saying anything? They are giving her way too much airtime.

christine   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Everyone is right, she is monopolizing this debate, but she's not winning it!

Pauline Benavides   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Subjuect for tonight's debate: Will they ever talk about their energy policies???? Please!!

Thanks!

hick   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

hillary is loosing bad to barack she is playing politics she need to give strate answer to question and stop trying to be deceptive

Paul   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Obama is very strong on Iraq and presents the stronger position against the Republicans.

Clinton had some of the punchier sound bites especially the Clinton clean up crew.

I would like to hear some discussion on the econmy. Mccain is weak on the economy. Romney is very strong on the economy. I would like to see these candidates talk on the economy.

Inam   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Okay….Yeah it was a mistake ..happy?.. if it was just on iraq..Obama would have won long ago…

Alex Egharevba   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

And thats the fact Trisha, it wasnt cut and dry.

Sam   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

she won't say she made a mistake because it makes her look weak. It would however be alright for a man to say it was a mistake, but because she is a woman she cannot be indecisive. Unfortunately that is the double standard type of society that we live in. I am an Obama supporter but I understand why Hill can't apologize for her vote.

will   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

If she cant admit to a mistake how will she learn from it?

Rebecca   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I'm suprised that she cannot admit to making a mistake. That's a terrible thing. If she just said "Yes, I made a mistake. We all do," I'd respect her answer a lot more.

Susan   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Given these answers, who will be better able to debate the Republican candidate?

Eric   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

A point for Obama.

Dionis   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

His comments favor Obama because Obama clearly is having the better debate. Clinton has been getting cheers and jeers for things Obama has already said.

Beth   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

It is SO frustrating listening to HIllary speak about this issue. She did trust Bush, and it was naive of her. She needs to admit she was wrong instead of dancing around the issue.

Steven   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I wonder how Barack would have VOTED on the war if he had actually been in the Senate– he's voted 94% of his votes identical to Hillary's.

Tracy   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Hillary is being more realistic on this issue than Obama, who is only saying what he believes the american people want to hear.

patricia ziegler   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

They both are deporting themselves as presidential candidates vs. the snarkiness of the Republicans. It is very energizing and something that makes me feel proud to be a Democrat.

jl   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Everyone supported Bush at that time.
If Barack had been in Congress at that time, he too would have supported the war.

John - CA   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

She is dragging this conversation form Obama….tell her to shut it!

Shane   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I am seeing real and increasing bias in the cnn coverage - the coverage pre-debate, Wolf's questioning, the on-line coverage now…!!

MATT b   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

On Iraq, Clinton needs to take responsibility for her error judgement. We've had eights years of an administration that continually fails to take any responsibility for their mistakes. Not impressed with her on this issue.

Ken   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

My life depends on the next President being able to exercise sound judgment (like Barack did with the Iraq War) during precarious times….

Michael Goodwin   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Hillary is totally evasive on this issue–as she has to be, since her record shows her to have been naive–as Blitzer said.

melissa   January 31st, 2008 9:42 pm ET

They are not being clear on how they would do it different …it is alway easy to knock someones…else actions. I might not agree with the Bush Admin,,,But right now we know that terrorist aren't here,,,,,because they think Bush is crazy… So would they think these two are crazy….thats my question?

Ryan   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Kathryn said it best

We need specifics, not platitudes.

Catrissa Hilson   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Clintons don't admit their mistakes!

Becca Lowe   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Wolf Blitzer is trying to start something. He's turned into an idiot. I thought Anderson Cooper screwed up loyally last night. Anderson
at least didn't try to start trouble. I'll never watch CNN again…Now I know
why all the christians went to Fox. I'll go to MSNBC. Maybe they just have one idiot CM…

BigChipJumps   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Just can't admit it can you.. and that is why we need Obama in this country

Anonymous   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

hilldog just lost

tova   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Disaponted with Wolf, he shows who he is supporting. Not fair or ballanced

Sharon   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Oh yeah, and CNN helped push the rest of the country over into war by putting out Bush's misinformation that Iraq was behind 9/11.

And you want to beat up on her because she didn't insist on weapons inspectors?

BOOOOOO!

TIM   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

I THINK THEY BOTH NEED TO BRING IN RON PAUL IN THERE ADMINISTRATIONS IF ONE OS PRESIDENT BECAUSE HES THE MOST SMARTEST MAN I KNOW

Casey   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Hillary needs to be able to say, "I made a mistake." Her refusal to do so reminds me of Bush- heaven forbid! Hillary, it's okay to admit you are human, we will still support you if you admit to not being perfect.

Val   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

The lack of respect for women in the Middle East is well documented, does Hillary really think that she can make headway with these men ? Margaret Thatcher couldnot do it !

Lewisburg, PA   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

On Character:

Hillary will lose to McCain with the independents and Republicans. Obama has a clean slate!

Joseph de Maistre   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Maybe he opted for the third option: "making RIGHT decisions on day one." At any rate, cutting to commercial eliminated whatever momentum he was finally developing.

Janice   January 31st, 2008 9:41 pm ET

I'm glad Barak said what he said about the title on the page … it was clear she's not presidential material.

Ram K   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

what the Hell is BILL talkin ?.He should be retired from CNN ASAP.

sandra barrett   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Hilary appears to be unreal and uncertain of the subject matter. I fear she may be playing politics like the Republicans.

Shane   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Can CNN get a different moderator for the next debate? Seems like Hillary gets to ramble and end every question. Just an observation.

Tom   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

IS THIS A PATTERN?REMEMBER SHE TRUSTED BILL.

kim   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

30 years! That's the difference. Is America going to vote for someone who only has 10 years of political experience? Whould you choose a a DR or Lawyer that only had a few years experience? NOT!

Reap   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Why doesn't any candidate from either party speak on the injustice that our country suffered from the malicious prosecution, and lack of civil rights in the instance of Jena Six.

hannah   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Obama is doing great!!

jeff   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

guys your piling on again

citizen3591   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

why doesn't Wolf ask why Hillary didn't read the NIE?

Her credibility is dead on Iraq, and there's no way she can change that. Her judgment was poor, and she won't admit it. Barack comes out ahead.

billie   January 31st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

id like to ask obama ,why he voted against the war in araq?
everyone in washington was convinced iraq was a threat.why wasnt he?
billie/louisiana

rino   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

what makes think that people of usa will elect you as the president

dave   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

It sure seems that Schneider does not like Hillary one ounce.

Boogie   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Great Job Wolf!

John   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

I thought Clinton's answer on health care insurance has more substance. Obama has good intention, but not much substance.

Mary   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

I disagree that Hillary is not doing well. Had Obama actually been in the Senate when we went to Iraq and had he had the same information. He too may have voted the same way.

phil   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

They never give specifics. Thats the problem with the whole institution. All they have is talking points. They can't solve problems.

Ryan   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Clinton…needs…to…admit…a…mistake. She is being Bush like up there. Man, she really dropped this debate at the end. Ouch.

evelyn   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Her and how many other senators? Were they all wrong? The world is a better place without Saddam Hussein. Bill you are showing who you favor for this election.

Greg   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Huge opportunity for Obama to seperate himself from Clinton there…Don't think it did at all….this is a debate right?

JoAnne   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

There have been so many comments about how civil the debate is. It seems that the civility waning a bit.

Al   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Funny, As I remember it, Obama did not have a vote in the US Senate when the issue came up/ What would he have done if he had to make the decision nstead of stand on the sidelines?

Eric   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Clinton loses the Iraq argument… badly. She can't beat McCain explaining how her vote for war was right, but Bush carried it out badly. That is the same argument McCain makes!

Edu   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Go! Persident Obama!!!!!!!!!

Edison   January 31st, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Hillary should be honest that she made a mistake or accept that she was in favor of the war. It would be more honorable from her part! She is a politician, and answers like one. Another Clinton? Change?

BigChipJumps   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

I believe that that is the difference between polititians and and Leaders, Leaders can admit their mistakes and learn from them polititians spin them

L. Rainer   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Allen, You Amy and Chris are off the chart, can't you see Obama's strategy here?

iyer   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Hilary is getting away easily with all the questions up until now when Blitzer tried to pin her down. He needs to do this more often.

Fred R.   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

I wonder if both their camps made a pact to be a joint debate against the oppostion, They both seem to have a togtherness about them. I Like Obama and I am republican. I think he will be harder to beat for the white house.

lemuel66   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Sorry Wolf, this debate is not going to be CNN's carney barker's version of the debates————oh! oh! maybe he got there before the break.

Joseph de Maistre   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

This is the part of the debate that Obama wants circulating in the news tonight and tomorrow. This is the part he needs in the news. As such, he needs to draw attention somehow to this section on Iraq. Either by attacking Hillary, using Blitzer's "naive" comment, or saying something very eloquent.

jeff   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

this issue is way over blown in terms of one carrying more effective anti-war weight than another.

both obama and clinton have voted to support our troops in some way or other, but reluctantly followed bush's lead.

it is a false fulcrum. and it is sad that candidates and media don't recognize this well.

Charles   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Why does Hillary have such a problem saying "I was wrong" (on Iraq)? It makes me nervous that she can't admit that she makes mistakes. Sounds like our current president.

Percy   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Bush rushed us to war, Not Hillary. Knowing what she knows now….. She wil do fine in a general election against any Republican. Perhaps Obama can say, I was against it from the beginnng, yet his complete package is less than Hillary's.

Trisha   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

This "analysis is so one-sided!" Typical media.

I think she is owning up to it. It wasn't as cut and dry as everyone likes to make it.

Bill   January 31st, 2008 9:38 pm ET

That was a low blow…….by the Moderator!!!! Wolf, por form. You owe her an apology. Let Obama make that type of comment, not the Moderator.

Kathryn   January 31st, 2008 9:37 pm ET

How can this be considered a debate when Sen. Clinton monopolizes the conversation and goes on and on about her experiences without stating firmly what she will do - we need specifics, not platitudes.

Sandy McMaken   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Why can't she just say that she made a mistake?

cj   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

she is making me tired watching her try to dodge and dart on this– she is not being straight with us!

Smith Kathleen   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Hillary, please stop lying

ann   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

We know you obviously favor Obama, but to state that Clinton's answers on Iraq are complex is ridiculous! The war is complex. The Middle East is complex. She is smart enough to to realize that. Obama does not know enough about international politics.

Faith   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Well, it's pretty difficult for Obama to distinguish himself with Wolf Blitz phrasing every distinction he makes as a "swipe," etc. against Clinton.

MT   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Obama looks, acts, sounds presidential. Hillary is shrill and equivocating… which is what she does all the time.

Tito   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Clinton is copying Obama's speech …..move forward….not backwords….

conclusion Obama is the Leader….

Robert   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

You had to be an idiot to not know that this was a vote for war. The Neocons had made that CRYSTAL CLEAR. I remember discussions with friends and family about why we were going to war. It was not IF, it was WHY.

The evidence given was obviously at least in need of further examination, if not suspicious, and I had NO security clearance. She did, and she voted for war.

Zoe Strickman   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

She has flip-flopped on this issue before. It's hard for her to stay consistent.

Scott   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

It's unfair to ask why she voted for the war when 98% of all lawmakers did so because given what was known at the time, there were real risks in not voting for authorization. She should be proud she gave the President the ability to act and she should be brutally direct that he screwed that up and he's to blame for the losses beyond the initial invasion. We lost 200+ soldiers by the time the invasion was over and we had Sadam yet since then BUSH alone has lost thousands more by failing us. His actions and lack of and Rumsfelds incompetence are to blame, not Hillary's well informed vote.

Brenda   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

She followed Bush because she is only concerned with her political career. not for the good of the country.

Baffled   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Seriously, just say "I made a mistake"… you say "I" all the time as it is

phil   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

She's digging a really deep hole. I love it……deep deep deep

John   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Obama had a clear resonse that clearly states his stand on the war from the beginning unlike Hillary who seemed unclear about her reasoning. Good answer by OBAMA. He is starting to act more presidential and could be big turn around in this race at least for me who was split in between the two.

Rich   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

I think Hillary's sweating now.

Jason   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Bill,

I agree with you on most of your analysis, HOWEVER, Sen. Obama score plenty of points with the eloquence of his answer. I appreciate the fact that Sen. Obama has remained committed to changing the type of politics that are played. I am quite sure that if the situation were reversed Sen. Clinton would stay in the typical divisive politics that has gotten our country into its current state.

Justin   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

either way Iraq is a war that all of us knew was revenge for the bush family. Bush and his war machine has put our country back generations. There is never going to be a right answer on how we get our troops back. by the way where were most the terrorists from Afghanistan, Egypt, suadi.

norvef   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

she is just blabbering the issue away.

Obama 08′

Ghanaba   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

She voted on the war based on the mis-information that was presented to the Senate and also at the UN and by the Bush Administration.

Elizabeth   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Indeed.

Ken Brooks   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Hillary is to big to admit she has poor judgement plain and simple. Hillary has cost the lives of several of the young people that are now mobilizing against her in this election. You can bet on that!!!

Jerry McMorrow   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Seems like not too long ago Sen Clinton wouldn't talk about any sort of time table on ending the war, but now offers that she will hopefully have the troops out within a year to 18 mo - am I not remembering this correctly?

a republican   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

She will never admit she was wrong This debate is boring Now shes going after Wolf Its like there afraid of stirring the pot well the pot needs some stirring

steve keck   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

shes putting herself in a hole with this issue.

she did okay on other issues, but obama is taking control here

William-Jose Velez   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Can CNN ask about the Puerto Rico status issue?

Ghanaba   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

She voted on the war based on the mis-information that was presented to the Senate and also at the UN by the Bush Administration.

Mike, Land O Lakes, FL   January 31st, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Why can't she just be straight forward and say it was a mistake to vote for the War.

Joseph de Maistre   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Legislators shouldn't "trust." They should deliberate. That's why we elect them.

David   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

She goes on and on. Why can't Wolf interrupt her. I am undecided and want to hear from Senator Obama.

Edu   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Can some tell her to answer question!!!!!!!!!!

George   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

this is where Hillary looses points… she made that vote and she can't really say, "if I knew then what I know now" you are one of the most intellegent persons in politics. you should have really taking into account all those who where saying that bush was lying… plain and simple she made a political decision that made her look strong..

Kathy McG   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

She's more clear and is not afraid to say that she made the decision based on what she knew then and what she believed from the briefings and discussions at the time. Barack was not in the Senate at the time… if he had been, he would have had the same information and briefings… it is a really EASY thing for him to say I never supported it… if he had the same information as the rest of the Senate at the time… we don't know what he would have done.. andneither does Barack!

john hanford   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

The democratic debate is so much more what the american public are looking for. We have very serious issues, that do not deserve the republican he said, he said politics. The democrats debate like let us please stick to the issues.

Colorado Chris   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Zinger Wolf!!! Touche!

Mary   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Barack seems to have more of a clear position on what he would do and why but I worry that Iraq may not be able to step up and take over. What happens if their government collapses? Will that not make it worse in the whole Middle East? What then? How do we protect against that happening?

Annie   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

This is Hillary's biggest problem - she is like Al Gore - she can sound SO wonkish!

jk in nyc   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

… any stats on "time of possession" — i think she's speaking way more than obama …

Ms. Woodard   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

She still has not said that tghe vote was a mistake. Just say you regret the vote and move on.

Mimi   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

this is truely Obama's issue.

Jason   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

She's very evasive on the Iraq questions and talks in circles about the war.

Jacquee   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Clearly, hind-sight is 20/20 the leader of the free world must have WISDOM! I am leaning toward Obama

rb   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Good comment!..Amy..thats pretty clear

Ryan   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Refused to say it was a mistake, ouch

Jerry   January 31st, 2008 9:35 pm ET

I wish she would just say it was a mistake and apologize.

Percy   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

She is giving complex answers becuase the actual amendment and layers is complex as well and she has a command of the text. In that amendemnt. She voted for the inspection….we have to make sure that we indeed we were safe! And at some point, we need to trust our president and his adminstration especially when they made promises to be thorough. If we can't trust our president then we should impeach him. Bush rushed us to war and broke promises. Should we let a "potential" danger to our country just lie in wait …. because we are not sure we can trust our President?

Atlanta   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

MANY people TRUSTED Bush because of much of the information received about WMDs. SOOO many people wanted blood because they believe that Sadam had involvement with 9-11.

Edu   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

What is her answer bla bla bla!!!!!!!!

Rick   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Obama signs the check for Bush too doesn't he? How easy for him to say now, when he wasn't in Congress, that he was opposed to the war from day 1…as he repeats at every turn. Like when he says, "I was on the streets of Chicago…" as opposed to the air above Chicago? Gimmie a break. You're not ready, not now Barack.

Rick
Port Orange, Fl.

Michele   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Yeah, and I feel like Wolf is really helping her out on this one. But for me this is the biggest issue for me - this war. Now what she is saying about Afghanistan is a diversionary tactic. She voted for this war, that's it and that's how the Republicans will see it.

KO   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Smooth knock out blow thrown by Obama…. Listen to Hillary trying to explain herself…talking and talking…

David   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

I think this is a good balanced debate. They are both so admirable. Can they work together for all of us in either the first or second spot

tom from california   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Because he has the best overall, realistic issues to move this country forward. Thats why he is favoring him.

H   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

I am not sure I believe Hillary's "I was mislead" excuse that she continues to use on this issue.

Bruce B. Johnson, Phd.   January 31st, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Hill has an amazing grasp of the issues and appears to be very forthright with specific details about veryr complex problems…

Greg   January 31st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Not good for Clinton here. Why not just say yea, it was a mistake…

Chris   January 31st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

I wouldn't say Hillary's lossing as much as I would say Obama's winning.

Mike   January 31st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Hillary changed her position on the war when she saw the war going badly Iraq.

Amy   January 31st, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Neither candidate is doing a good job, unless you call deceiving the American people a "good job."

Allen   January 31st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

This has been a love fest all the way. No real debate has occurred and it has not brought anyone nearer to a firm decision to vote for either one of them. John McCain won this debate.

La'Kitgum   January 31st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Why are all Schnider's comments against Clinton and favouring Obama. Stop this BS, man.

atheistkiwi   January 31st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Info, Shes not doing well particulary on the Iraq stand.

Brenda   January 31st, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Totally agree

atheistkiwi   January 31st, 2008 9:31 pm ET

Thats my biggest question: why did she EVER trust Bush???

Info   January 31st, 2008 9:30 pm ET

hillary is losing tho…dont u agree?

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