CNN

What is wrong with you bill? and you people?

We thought going to iraq was the best thing back then. Remeber 9/11?

At least she had the stones to make a stand. Obama didn't have the stones to even show up. Obama people have their heads in the clouds with dreams and hopes.We need things done on day one not someone that is going to show up and say "what am I going to do with the dream of being pres." I tell what he is going to mess this country up.

We need a stong pres. We NEED Hillary!!

Obama has no clue what to do over there. All he wants to do is run, and run fast. I think we should stay the course. My brother fought over there (he volunteered for the 2nd tour), and I would hate to see the sacrifices he made to leave his wife and children be for nothing. Others have paid the ultimate sacrifice, their families still paying. If we just pull out, all of this would be for nothing.

I do agree however, that the Iraqi government needs to step up, and so do the people of Iraq. I couldn't imagine this happening to our country. No way would we let insurgents destroy our country and cities, even if our government was a mess. They need to take control of their own country unless they want to be like the African nation led by greed and power.

For Obama to put a time on a pullout is either wishful thinking, or irresponsible. Even though I am not for pullout, if it was going to happen, I think Clinton has a better idea of how to do it. She would not put a time on it, even though she was pressed for an answer. She was right not to. You have to look at every angle, put a real plan together, then you can come up with a timeline. Like she said, we cannot just leave the Iraqis that have helped us, I think we all know what would happen to them.

I find it interesting that one of the Republicans' reasons for not wanting universal healthcare is the expense, but nobody mentions how much it would cost to keep our troops in Iraq for 100 years. I wish someone would ask them how they intend to pay for a continuation of the war.

I totally agree Bill. And she just cannot admit her err here. I found that very unattractive of Presidential Canidate – Not being able to admit a mistake. Honestly, after Bush's display of the same attitude, Hillary is begining to scare me (and I was a very possible supporter). Now I'm not so sure?

To Evelyn, did you just write that CNN was supposed to be impartial. That's funny. You didn't know this was the Obama channel.

I'm with Clinton on the war. I can't say I wouldn't have voted for the legislation.

If any of YOU did not send a letter to YOUR representative demanding they NOT vote for this legislation, YOU also bear some responsibility. I never contacted my rep. I take my responsibility.

I, absolutely, agree with her vote against the Levin amdt, we should never give any of our sovereignty over to the UN. I, absolutely, agree with her vote to limit the administration's authority when it became apparent they were bailing on the inspection process.

Wolf keeps either trying to twist what each candidate says or their question to try and either get them to fight each other or get a response...
"So what I hear you saying...and correct if I am wrong is that you were naive in trusting President Bush?"...who did you pre-debate coaching this time...Karl Rove?

OBAMA is not ready for the mess that needs to be cleaned up.

HILLARY 08

Question- How many times has Obama made a bad choice or is he saying he never has? I cannot believe that. We are humans bound for error at times. When placed with the facts at that time I think she made the best decision that she could not only for herself but for the people that she respresents.

The Democratic party won this debate, much better than last night's Rep. debate. Obama for President, Hillary for the Cabinet to Make a national health care system

Bill, I thought you were a numbers guy, the one that's objective and unbiased. Boy was I wrong! Guess what Bill, you just lost your credibility – I wouldn't trust any of the stats you will be reporting in the future.

They both did a good job tonight , but Obama has the better judgement and leadership.

Obama will be the next President of the United States.

it's easy for Obama to say he wouldn't have voted for the resolution to authorize military action because he wasn't there, he was still in the state senate in Illinois! I am a liberal unaffiliated voter and am getting so sick of calculated comments, from CNN commentators, on the air & in blogs, like the one above from Bill Schnieder, where he thinks Hillary sounds like a typical politician. Obama is a lightweight who has virtually no experience and no record of accomplishment. Obviously, the media and the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic party are basking in Obama's star quality, however most Americans are more pragmatic and can see beyond his rhetoric – to the reality of governing this country!

Obama made a strong point

It's really very clear to anybody with with an IQ higher than Bush's that CNN is pro-Obama.

mjr17
She is not clear about not being Billery or a Goldwater girl from her childhood.
There is a comfort level in politics that is in her and that she does not hide it. WE need to feel find that she has had that upbringing-but it does give a glib impression.

come folks lets keep it real !! Obama has a realistic voice, real realistic solutions to the problems of America. I'm not sure if a woman can handle the situations of being the President of the United States. She does sound like a politician and America needs a change from so-called politician trying to get the power and prestige only of being the American President.

The boys from Google didn't have much "experience" but they sure did have a great idea and vision. They brought in people who could do what they couldn't.

You hire to your weaknesses, that's why Obama is the man for us.

commentary not pro-obama. Clinton has a clear disadvantage due to her record on this topic

Yes, so true...its JUDGEMENT, stupid.

Don't forget, Hillary sided with Bush to declare Iran's revolutionary guard (a STATE institution) a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). This is very politically calculated, again, to look toughon her part. Yet its a slippery slope from designating this group a FTO to going to war.We can see it heating up, and Hillary,again, has enabled to march to war.

I have a 15-year-old son and a 3-year-old son. I amnot willing to send them to fight another war so politicians can look tough...sorry to be so tough. I have always loved Hillary Clinton. But she cannot extricate herself from this responsibility so easily.

Funny to me though that Obama makes light of her vote for the go ahead in Iraq and uses the statement that a leader needs to make the "right" call on day one, when he would have had no way of knowing what the "right" call would have been until now, after the fact. I for one would not like to have a President who has some fantasy of owning a crystal ball letting him always make a "right" decision or who feels like any choice of his would be the correct one...isn't that what we now have.

AND OBAMA IS THE ANTI-CHRIST...ENOUGH SAID

Then dont read it. Lets face facts Obama can beat McCain, Clinton can't.

Your comments are way off base!

Almost as ridiculous as Wolf asking if Hillary was naive.

I lost a lot of repsect for Wolf on that one. CNN really should get this together and stop cow towing to Obama. It is outrageous!

I agree fully. Hillary almost always gives the political answer and it's a clear difference between the two candidates. Obama is not only brilliant but genuine. She is smart but so calculated it's horrible.

It's a sad commentary when the truth makes you sick.

Many people have been imprisoned for minor crimes , and in some cases falsely accused, however after serving time and rejoining society they are unable to get a job. Many of those people are talented Americans who were naieve or mis-led by others. How can these people be expected to become productive citizens if businesses continue to disqualify them, because of a record, after 10, 20, etc. years of being a model citizen? What legislation could be put forward to help these people to become productive again?

Your bias to Obama sucks! I might as well go to Fox News.

Obama is kicking Clintons butt. I think if Clinton was more clear on her positions she might have a chance. It seem she doesn't really answer any question. Obama is clear, concise and has better ideas. Clinton is from the old era of politics. Obama is right about Iraq, But leaving the Iraqi people in turmoil because of a few slow moving politicians who can't get it together while thier country is in peril. To leave Iraq in a mess tht WE CAUSED is wrong. No terrorist in Iraq before Bushes crusade no car bombs in Iraq until WE AS AMERICA INVADED IRAQ. To leave these people and thier country in shambles is wrong and unamerican. We are responsible for fixing this problem.

What's really troubling is that you think he "gets" the issue. What's the evidence? It's ALL talk.

Again Obama says he would work with the industry to help clean up media content. My question: WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, SENATOR? His approach to everything is more talk.

Schneider, what's with the Obama lovefest? Give it a break already! How about providing an actual analysis of the debate instead of painting rainbows around Barack?

Hillary sounds like she is trying to avoid answering anything about Iraq. I guess that's what happens when you make the wrong decision and won't admit it...

Yes, as she talks about Bill. She is just a politician. She is not to be trusted.

now that was nice wolf, taking on hillary. Both are having a hard time. liking what i see. Don´t let them throw thir old slogans.

You are without a doubt the most biased person I have listened to on CNN. Any time I now see your face on the TV set, I change the channel because I know just what kind of garbage will come out of your mouth.

You truly do make me sick!

As usual, Bill Schneider is biased towards Obama. Who is the politician here? Obama's answers scream "Politics!" Hillary Clinton may have Voted for the Iraq war but so did many top democrats. At least Hillary has facts to back up her answers.

ditto

How will the Senator neutralize the terrible animosity that powerful people in this country feel towards she and her husband if she wins the presidency. all i can remamber about bill's last four years was how how he was immobilized by scandel and attack, making him terribly ineffective, losing the congress, and making me wish to see him gone for the sake of the nation.

You are the first person to point this out, and I read and watch politics voraciously. Thank you for not being afraid to think for yourself, because why is it no one will point out that the hatred only burns brighter as we linger as a real or perceived occupier. We already have the atomic bomb on our books, which was basically the end of American goodness as far as I'm concerned. Let's study WWII and really think about what it is we should try to do around the world, let's make it good shall we?

Obama makes a clearer and honest argument on this issues. Wolf is doing a poor job moderating the debate. Hold both camps accountable!

Right on, Bill! "Experience" is not everything when it comes to such critical decision making.

Mr. Schneider,
So far the only good argument he made is on Iraq war which is NOT the primary issue today. The primary issues are Economy and Healthcare where Mrs. Clinton clearly had very clear and correct 'Judgement' and 'experience'.

How is it that these political commentators seem to think Obama wins just because he keeps saying the same thing over and over again? If I hear him say that crap about being right on irag one more time, i'm going to go crazy. I' m so bored with it.

This ticker line is so bias toward Obama it is laughable. Is Schneider working on Obama's campaign or what.

mjr17-Do you believe Hillary sounds authentic?

I agree. The Experience vs Judgement pitch is a great position for Obama to take. And yes, Hillary is definitely a political "nerd." Scary.

HE IS NOT PUSHING AS HARD AS HE SHOULD ON THIS ISSUE. THIS MAY BE ONE OF HIS LAST CHANCES TO MAKE THIS POINT TO A NATION WIDE AUDIENCE.

He's not Pro-Obama. He's stating the facts. Obama is killing her with laser-like precision. Her past is catching up with her and she's trying to dodge it. Makes her look weak. We need wisdom, not 1st lady "experience".

Bill a politician needs to know how to talk. I see and hear nothing but Obama following Hillary's lead. He needs to come up with his own answers for starters and learn from someone who knows how to speak politically where it counts the most. The White House

Kelly McNeill
San Antonio

heres the only differents between clinton and mc cain

MJR 17, please go to sleep.

Or, perhaps, Senator Obama won the Iraq portion of the debate by a clear margin (and that in 1/3 of the speaking time, it felt like).

Why doesn't Schneider just get a room with Obama?

It's difficult to handicap which one would be best to run against either McCain or Romney (maybe either one would be fine) – but I do like Obama's focus on the future.

Bil,

You are showing your bias. Her responses are far more thoughtful and yes more complex. His are more emotional but less factual. Simply saying we should come together as a people is not good enough. Both are good candidates and a very civil debate. Quite frankly, Hillary is far more prepared.

I can't help but disagree. I think she sounds experienced and knows the realities of what goes on in politics and what is realistically able to be done.

Bill: Did the Obama campaign pay you for lopsided analysis? Clearly, Hillary is also scoring some points in this debate, but you are resistant to even acknowledging them!

What happened to impartial analysis and presenting the whole picture?

Yes, her answers are complex because all of these issues are COMPLEX! Everyone wants a slick, sound byte answer. But we don't need words and rhetoric - we need action. That's why I'm supporting Hillary.

I agree with you Bill on this one. However, it would not be easy for America to leave. She cannot stay and she cannot leave. That is not a good position to be in.

That is because she is......not a public servant as I think he is more of.

Obama cleaned her clock on this issue. She looks bad by not admitting that she was
simply wrong on her vote for war. This is her weakest issue. Good debate so far

She IS a politician Bill!
Obama is NOT? Obama is a product of Daley's Cook County just like JFK was a part of Honey Fitz's Boston.
When will the press stop this incessant canonization of Obama?? I like and respect him too but please stop.
Also, although JFK turned a phrase and inspired a generation; let's remember the missteps too.

Why don't someone ponit this policy out. The surge should work militarly. If crime was happening in a neighborhood, and the police department flooded the neighborhood with police officers crime would go down. Once the police officer normal level of patrol returns, crime goes up. This is the same with the military policy in Iraq.

Clinton: typical d.c. politics

Funny... I thought Schneider was a CNN political correspondant, not an Obama supporter. I'm a republican, and even I'm getting a kick out of this. You're not even trying. Can you try and be objective – you know, do your job?

There are many reasons behind the apparent down turn in violence, the surge being one. Other more important reasons that the press doesn't seem to cover much are the deals the Shia made at the behest of Iran to cease attacks, the bribes the U.S. Army gave the Suni tribal leaders to snuff a puny al quaida presence, and last but not least is the final solution that the Neocons facilitated..."ethnic cleansing"

Where was his judgement when it came to vote? He voted "present how many times? He's too inexperienced.

Obama is saying nothing. He was against the war - based on what? Did he have better intel than the president, the Senate, the House, and other goverments? The fact that the war has become "unpopular" doesn't make him right.

I would like him to be asked on what basis he was against the war. He thought the strategy was wrong. That's not a position on what should have been done.

Bill, Yes. Your commentary is too pro Obama. She has the experience to be our president.

mjr17 – wake up and realize Bill is calling the debate as he sees it. Don't be so bitter because your candidate of choice is not doing as well.

He is actually right, so mjr17 don't get mad if he is actually right. What if he said clinton was saying the right things would you say he is pro clinton. He is so right so relax and watch the debate.

its making me sick also!

I'm right with you mjr17. This is why the media needs reform! CNN & FOXNEWS are both biased and spin the news they way they want it to go.

I agree Bill do you work for obama

Please note that Hilary is talking 1.5 to 2 times as much as Barack. this is an indication of her struggle to be clear and to find an explanation that sounds good to her. By contrast Obama IS clear and concise. But ironically, this gives him much less time on air...

This commentary is really rather ridiculous. I encourage CNN to switch out Schneider for someone who is not so obviously partial to Obama. I don't completely support either candidate – but good grief – exercise some good judgment and be more fair in your coverage of the two candidates.

McCain was born in Panama. Can MCCain be the next President of the USA.
Is anyone born in a US territory a US Citizen?

It's hardly pro-Obama. The Iraq War is simply the topic where Obama shines due to his record.

Did anyone listen to Hillary? What is she saying? Too much triangulating. I couldn't follow her. Geez, even Wolf didn't quite understand her!

I agree, Obama's judgment is more worth voting for than Hilary's experience. Further more, what is the QUALITY of said experience? Much more important than how much of it they have.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.

Bill – are you hearing the same debate...they both feel that the troops need to come home...Hillary wants to begin this in 60 days and has a clear plan to do it.

mjr17 – Clinton is avoiding the real answers. Bill Schneider is simply making an honest observation.

I Have to agree Bill, eveyr one of you observations is Pro-Obama. Right now I see Hillary as the most presidential... hands down

Americans are watching and the majority believe Clinton is on the spot.

mjr17-

didn't you know cnn is very PRO Obama? Objective programing is out the window. CNN has lost it's touch.

I agree, Bill you are pathetic as an "analyst".

Sen Obama is oversimplifying the issue

The bottom line is, you dont just pick a candidate based on experience; you pick a candidate based on there values, there judgement, and the belief systems. All presidents have a support system around them to give them advice and give them the most amount of factual information to make the right decision. OBAMA is clearly the right person for the job. To quote him in previous debates "Change happens from the ground up". Let's make that change and put this guy in charge of the most important job in the world.

On a side note, if anyone has been watching this debate through the live sensor's, it is clear that before Hilary Clinton even starts talking her graph shoots up…. and the opposite for when Barrack starts talking. CNN are you 100% certain that these people are UNDECIDED? If so how did you go about choosing these people? I feel that this is an extremely important question since it makes a huge impact on the publics perceptions of the candidates.

I have always known since the debates started that Obama would do better at debating one on one and he is!

Are you supposed to be neutral, Mr. Schneider? Because you're not. You clearly have drunk the Obama kool-aide.

how is he pro Obama?

I think Wolf Blitzer was out of line with his comment on calling her nieve. She is a respected official who has worked her way up through the ranks. This is not a debate with Obama, Clinton, and Blitzer. A tag team effort on Clinton is not my idea of a true debate. Its a shame!

Schneider, I couldn't have said it better myself.

How does he get the issue? Every answer he gives is nothing but philisophical bull crap. Right now we do not need his ideas, we need Clinton's solutions.

I feel your ticker comments are very biased, you keep saying how eloquent Barrack is but I think it is Hillary who is demonstrating elequence!

Finally, a clear statement that the surge is smoke and mirrors. Obama nails it and Cllnton is left backsliding and covering. She cannot say I made a mistake. She loses face here. I wish CNN would press the republican candidates on justifying this supposed "surge" which is an escalation that isn't working.

I agree, he put the fact str8 out there. The surge is a farce' and he definately made the distinction that the violence is measured different and the violence seems more sever when it happens,

Is anybody keeping track of how many minutes each of these people has used? It seems to me Senator Clinton is dominating the time used. When does Senator Obama get equal time???!!!

Bill, you are right on point. He made a clear distinction that McCain or anyone else would draw Clinton into and tangle her up easily.

Bill – your pro-Obama commentary is making me sick!

Mrs. Clinton has every right to change her mind. After all it is a womans purogative to change her mind is it not ? Not ... Not as Our President of the United States, Especially when it comes to War.

Is there anyone there who is bipartisan? Seems like you are all Obama supporters. thought your station was differetn then Fox and MSNBC guess I was wrong.

Aint it great though? CNN loves Hillary and she is getting real questions from real people of Politico.com. She has choice either answer or dodge.

I totally agree. I thought the media's job is to bring us the FACTS, not their OPINION.

she just won't say "I was wrong"
she's WAY too conceited to admit that she made a mistake. And NO, she will not get the troops out of Iraq because like the Bush family, the Clintons have WAY too much to lose if we leave Iraq. Open your eyes, people - she talked about the Iraquis who we have to protect as a result of our exiting Iraq, those who have supported us.....
We've supported them for WAY TOO LONG. Clinton does not get it. It's more about her politics – it's about the fact that our boys are dying over there for an unjustified war with a country who can defend itself. We need to protect and defend ourselves for once.

I respect Bill Schneider greatly.. but your clear dislike for Hillary is obvious and a little unprofessional. Try to stay neutral, Bill.

This is a difficult issue for Hillary but Bill, she sounds like a politician because she is a politician as is, make no mistake, Senator Obama

I score the Iraq round for Obama!

Immigration was also won by Obama; however, health care probably goes to Hillary.

What does Shneider think...

Obama is talking about the lack of clear intelligent forces over in Iraq, That we need to have more of that. But how does he know that there isn't? We all know that there are things that WE don't know, or else knowledge would get into the wrong hands. So why is he speaking about increasing intelligence? Yet....he is saying pull out. Oh.... did he ever serve in the military? And what makes him think he could manage to take on the job of commander in Chief? What gives him the acumen to lead our military?

I agree that Hillary sounds like a politician.To me that is the central difference between the two. Is it going to be "politics as ususal" with Hillary, or a change in the way "Beltway business" is done. For one, I am tired of politics as usual

This is the first time in the campaign I've seen the real difference between these two – Obama offers a new start, while Clinton offers excuses for past lapses in judgement. Now I get the difference.

LOL. She will NEVER say her original vote was wrong. She doesn't want to fall to the fate of Kerry. Waffler.

Bill,
Agreed. I thought Hillary won the first half but Obama has really picked up the pace in the last 30 minutes and he clearly took her down on the Iraq vote–with help from Wolf Blitzer. I wondered if Obama would be able to resist going for the kill, but I guess that's politics–when the moment arrives it's time to put away being so nice to the competition.
Chuck Raison, M.D.

This issue is clearly a strong Obama advantage – as an Obama supporter, I just hope it still resonates with voters. Very good debate from both candidates tonight.

I totally agree with you mjr17. Bill is not being neutral here. I have been reading everything he is posting. He is against Clinton.

Bill you are so RIGht....
YOU rock ..!!!

you cant talk about obama without being pro obama, he's too good

Good judgement is a prime requirement of a president. Hillary shows none and Obama stars in this respect.

Obama voted present for over 100 times.
Easy for him to play high road when he just made some "statement" over Iraq war back in 2002.

Go BO,
Right on Day One. Bush-Clinton Dynasty doesnt need Chlorox, radical surgery is the answer

He always speaks more clearly with less calculation. This implies good leadership, the ability to make firm clear decisions quickly

Looks like you are Clinton basher. You do not see good things coming out of clinton. Are you awake?

Barack Obama got to the heart of this issue, and is showing that the best candidate for President is Barack Obama.

And he sounds like a preacher. We don't need a movement , we ned someone who can take charge.

I'm with Schneider all the way. Obama is PRESIDENTIAL, has INTEGRITY and is not such a "POLITICIAN! "

go obama

Please tell Wolf to stop Hillary from Yammering ON and ON and ON and ON and ON. I put a stop watch on the most recent "exchange." Hillary 12 minutes. Obama 2. Do you have a preference here?

Obama is strong on Iraq and did exceptionally well.

Obama: Great answer on Iraq!

Not just ready on day one ...

**Right** on day one!!

Obama clearly won the argument on iraq.

I agree– why wont she admit she made a bad decision. Do we really want a president who will not admit they made a wrong decision? I dont– GO OBAMA!

I still find Obama's response too general and rhetorical. I don't know what Schneider means by Obama's strong pitch.

obama is a smooth talker, is great on immigration, the economy, and health care. and if nominated, he should have tony richardson as vp for good foreign policy

Obama demonstrates he is truly a leader...but do people "get" the difference? I sure hope so...

Bill- You are way too partisan in your support of Obama. You got to give Clinton a chance. All of us who have been in decision making knows that we won't get it right all the time. In her own, she says she made a mistake. Give her a break

I agree,
it is definitely important to be right from day one.
Go Obama

Bill – your pro-Obama commentary is making me sick!

Based on style, ignoring the politico and dancing around answers, Obama is a better speaker. They are both very comfortable with this format. So glad the plastic fformulated "debates" of the Bush era are OVER!!!

Ultimately the war is a transitional issue. It will go away or at least continue to cool down. It is a terrible mistake to decide the Presidency on this issue which will be receding by the time the next administration comes into power. Hillary voted for the war, and everyone knows it. Obama is making a better case: "It is important to be right on day one." Also, he is very concerned with the terrorism issue. Hillary is quiet on the subject, like it will magically go away. Obama is tougher, and that will appeal to the national electorate, and it will take away from McCain's Navy swagger across the campaign trail. Hillary will be destroyed in the national electorate as a weakling who can't make up her mind, makes a decision, then switches, and so on. Democrats, stay away from this issue. Focus on health care, economy, education.

Hillary sounds like a typical politician because she IS a typical politician.

Okay – 100 years in Iraq.....
Let's think about this. How long has the US had bases in Germany?
How long has the US had bases in Japan?

Did that not work? Last time i checked, we have not been attacked by a nation who once fought us and has now become our ally.

Is there anymore to this issue.?

You are so right! We need a new way of thinking not more of the same.

stay the course. grow up Obama. You can't rock a country that never asked to be saved and leave, before you secure it. Genocide, anyone, anyone. Bush created this problem, but it's our mess to clean up.

Obama can save millions by letting CNN handle his campaign advertisements. The bias here is unbelievable! Are we watching the same debate? Hillary Clinton is clearly the better choice for the White House.

This man is very impressive. So glad they were able to have an debate 1 on 1. Really enjoying this. Wolf is on point. Not letting either getway with anything.

judgment vs. experience.

judegement wins.. take a look at the Legislation of the US ..tis all about jugement

Why she can't say she made a mistake voting for the Iraq war.

She is getting killed on the Iraq war. She has no defense on her vote to go to war with Iraq.

Wow Obama is smooth. Very presidental.. Straight forward answers questions to the point without all the spin.

We need him in the white house.

this site is so pro obama and always is ready to rubbish clinton

Shame on Wolf Blitzer for the cheap shot to Hillary. Wolf, that was an MSNBC style cheap shot.

Very true, I think they both need to get together and decide who is going to be president and who wants to be vice president. I want them both in Hillary as president and Obama as vice president.

This is a debate against Bush – Republicans. I'm failing to see much debate between the two candidates.

Come on Bill. He has no experience. And I disagree. He has no plan. He does good at bobbing and weaving. No substance. Period.

Are we watching the same debate?
Why don't you endorse Obama, Bill?

Obama has a clear and HONEST view on Iraq.

Clinton's answers are confused and she's obviously flipflopping.

I wish she would just answer by saying :

"Yes, it was a mistake"

Obama, is doing well! I think that he can take on the Clinton machine! It is important to be RIGHT on day one is the line of the night!!!!!!!!!!! I am voting for Obama

Clinton had that short saying...but Obama is making sense on the issues. Obama's strength is that his judgement is realistic and what's best for America.