The question of the past vs. the future keeps raising its head – this time in a question that raises the dynastic concerns in the minds of many Americans: nearly three straight decades of a Bush or a Clinton on the presidential ballot.
Clinton turns the question on its head, repeating a pithy campaign trail formulation that always resonates with Democratic audiences: it takes a Clinton to clean up after a Bush.
The happiest man this evening? Howard Dean. So far tonight, the Democratic party is the big winner. This debate clearly beats last night’s debate. But if you’re trying to use the forum to decide which candidate to support, you might come away more uncertain than ever.
Related: Watch Hillary Clinton take a dig at President Bush
–CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
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.
The choice is clear: we need both of them in office!
Comment of the night goes to Senator Clinton!
I just wish they gave Barack a chance to answer that question as well of old vs. new in regards to Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton
"It takes a Clinton to clean up after a Bush"
I love it! Go Hillary!
Bill take note, Hillary is the ONLY one who brought in GENDER into the debate: "The First WOMAN President." What is this gender and race set of issues?
Since 1980, a Bush or Clinton has been in the White House–the questioner was right, this is a joke and an affront to democracy. At this point, I would vote for a toaster. CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE OBAMA 08!!!!
So far I have not heard a thing from hillary that I haven't heard before. for example....she USED to say that she would get our troops out by 2013! Now she say "As quickly as possible!?!?!?!?!?
Sigh.....
They are both strong in some aspects. Overall Hillary is the most complete package. She has the experience and we just can not discount that, it is critical. Obama would make a fine VP and win by a landslide following that. For Obama supporters....what would be wrong with having Obama for 16 years?
Oh come on Bill. That may be what you call pithy but it was poignant and the timing was impeccable. the applause meter was off the scale and I had to turn the tv sound down.
Come on Bill, she had a good retort.
I have to agree the Democratic Party is the Big Winner Tonight Like i said the best choice will be a Clinton/Obama Ticket when all this end... maybe as soon as After Feb 5th.. Tonight i Must say Im very Proud to be a DEMOCRAT!
Bill, I think that it's difficult for the undecided voters. However, by this time, you either love Obama or Hillary.
Hillary '08!
Bill – couldn't disagree more. How about side with the candidate who actually answers the questions. Very disappointed by Obama's answers... he is very tangential, pulling in one liners that draw minimal applause without actually stating a thesis and supporting it.
It is SOOO hard to sound impartial but I don't recognize this Hillary. Calm, Polite, Non Agressive.
I think Slick Billy has taught her well, but it is not genuine. They ARE Master Politicians.
A Clinton may be able to clean up after a Bush but he wasn't able to keep a Bush from returning to the White House.
no uncertainty. barack obama.
Bill i told you that you are getting smarter
i will hire you to run my campaign for president in 20......................
Clinton is only there because of her name, and everyone knows. The Clinton name buys connections and name recognition.
This is no different than George W. Bush, who is an idiot, but sailed into the presidency based on name and connections alone.
How about we choose a president based on their character and merit?????
Hillary was perfect in her response about the Kennedy endorsement when she encouraged the voters to look closely at the two people who are on the ballot, just she and Obama. And her comment about a Clinton cleaning up after a Bush received a great amount of applause. Very good and civil debate tonight.
This may come down to what football recruiters call the "intangibles": the extraneous factors that help sell a recruit as a better fit for a program over another. I honestly think there are slight policy differences that make me favor one over the other (no fun if I tell you how I'm leaning, I like surprises) but civility and calmness are showing just how far the Democratic party has come in turning itself around.
Wolf needs to quit trying to stir the pot between Obama and Clinton. Lay off already.
You are absolutely correct. This is an excellent debate between them candidates in an elegant manner. But the problem still exist, who will I vote for from the democratic party.
Such a hard choice to make.
Hillary wins the body language hands down. Her inclusion of Maxine Waters was strong.
Again, Wolf with the "Hillary, that was a clea swipe at you." Wolf just wants a fight!