AUSTIN, Texas (CNN) - Clinton clearly feels she can gain ground against Obama on healthcare.
Despite the moderator's repeated attempt to move on, Clinton kept returning to the issue.
She knows Obama is most on the defensive when talking about healthcare - she understands this issue through and through, and wants the audience to know it.
Related: Watch the candidates debate their health care plans
– 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
How about some disclosure about his shady dealings with Tony Rezko?
Clinton wants socialized healthcare. All she needs to do is talk to people above our northern border how effective that is. Obama is more practical and he surrounds himself with intelligent consultants. I'm very comfortable with Obama. Clinton just wants to take a stab a the presidency where she knows that GW will always be her scapecoat for leaving the country in such disarray if she takes over.
Obama is floundering.
He is showing weakness.
Does not have the experience –that Senator Clinton is showing on all issues.
She is more credible.
Bill: I really don't know what debate you are watching, but frankly I am disappointed in your shallow view of what is really happening here. Clinton can't win this debate as she is dealing with a very nebulous hand. Obama has used tact to shred her "record" How can a woman who was simply was first lady take credit for all of the foreign issues which she said she was responsible for. Clinton is a sham; it's the family trait. Wake up and see what is really happening here. At least Obama honestly answers a question.
Its easy for obama to say he would , coulda, shoulda, he has only been in the senate for 2 years, of course he didnt vote for the war, he couldnt have !
It is clear that Barack is the more polished communicator. In addition, he has clearly defined his plans and ideas. He has clear and present knowlege of what this country needs.
To be fair, Campbell has no control over when she has to go to break. Hillary should have been allowed to respond, but the back and forthing got annoying. Enough already!
he doesn't know anything about healthcare
Is it me...or is Hillary Clinton's body language indicative of a strong response from Obama. Contantly shifting left to right, adjusting her jacket after he delivers powerful response.
She wasn't really allowed to defend herself...I think she was justified in bringing the debate back to that rebuttle.
This debate is really showing who the better MAN for the job is. Barack has giving credit where credit is due. Then he has made a joke of Hillary and her foolish tactics. Again showing who the serious canidate is. And through it all Barack is sticking to his views. He is not trying to get around the main pionts of each question like Hillary.
Obama talks the talk about not bending to lobbiest and special interest group, but he is the one making it possible for them to get their way by sitting down to the negotiation table without a 100% commitment to all the American people. Hillary is putting action behind her ideals.
Why does Obama always get the final word during this debate. From the very first question. He is not the underdog and CNN has got to be more responsible and be equitable.
SHE WILL NOT DROP B/C SHE IS RIGHT!
Clinton can only get healthcare through if Congress will work with her. She couldn't get it done before. Why does she think she could get it done now?
If Hillary was so good at the Health Care issue – then why did it fail when she worked on the Health Care issue with her husband President Bill Clinton. Don't you remember the huge bok that was written during Clinton's term in office? What happened to those sugestions? What happened to the hard work that was dne on that project? Seems to me that she starts things and does not finish them.
She thinks she can make ground on health care because this is all she has to draw on. The problem with her health care reform plan is that she is forcing people to have health care and will even penalize people if they don't obtain it. Obama's plan does not penalize people but still makes it affordable for everyone.
Good points, Bryen, I noticed all that too. I'm afraid I'm a little more cynical of CNN's point of view than you are. It could be worse, though – this debate could be taking place on FOX!
That's an inaccurate description. The moderator didn't allow Clinton to answer charges from Obama on the health care issue and gave him the last word on the matter. Clinton was right to raise the issue again. Overall the moderator has cut Clinton off much more she has cut off Obama throughout the whole evening.
Obama is on it. Check his record. The man stand by his word. He is for the people. Just check his record....then get onboard.
Contol the crowd!!!! It is becoming too much of a show and popularity contest between both candidates. Let's have a DEBATE and no reaction from the crowd and show appreciation at the end. Even the candidates can not concentrate on their answers which is what we want to hear.
When the government tells us that we must pay for insurance coverage, I believe that is a fundamental invasion on our rights. This must be a choice, as tragic as so many situations can become. The government takes too much of our money. Why don't the Democrats cuts taxes that could be used for insurance? Cut taxes. Cut taxes. Cut taxes. To take so much of our money and then also require that we pay outrageous sums for yet more insurance.....it's just wrong. We survive financially the best way we can (most of us). This idea is an intrusion into personal liberties.
Those who say Obama is all words are not paying attention to the debates. He draws a clear plan for change. And the only argument people can proffer up for Clinton's dieing campaign is that he is all words. That weak argument is going to be the reason she looses. She needs to find something substantive instead an apparent smokescreen.
why is Obama allowed to express his point of view and respond to clinton, but she is cut short on her respond when challenging his comment. Its not favor for those asking the question and giving the upper hand to Obama.
Obam is on the defensive when talking about healthcare?? What is Bill Schneider smoking?
Your not fully understanding, universal health care doesn't force in her term but Obama will take part of your paycheck if you don't take his.