February 27, 2008
Posted: February 27th, 2008 08:23 AM ET

CLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) - Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, an avowed economic progressive who also happens to be an uncommitted superdelegate from a very important state, said he was pleased with both candidate's answers on NAFTA during Tuesday's debate.

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were asked if, as president, they would opt out of NAFTA in six months. Both candidates said they supported restructuring NAFTA and would use the threat of opting out of the agreement as a negotiating tool.

"They said it exactly right," Brown told CNN. "I want trade and more of it. I want it under different rules."

Brown voiced loud opposition to NAFTA during his 2006 Senate campaign, in which he unseated GOP incumbent Mike DeWine.

"If we say we want a different NAFTA," Brown continued, "they will negotiate, always with the threat of opting out if they don't, and that's exactly the right position. And I was thrilled, because I have not heard either of them specifically say that and they answered the question directly."

Brown said he is not planning to endorse either Democratic candidate.

– CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Ohio


Nadia, LA   February 27th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Barack is smart. He didn't want to get into a knock down, drag out fight with Hillary. She is losing, why should he? So he agreed with her on minor points, big deal. Finally she will be out of the way and voters can concentrate on the real issues. Not who goes first in a debate that she nagged the Barack camp to have.

Tick tock already...she's done.

Jeff   February 27th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Renegotiate NAFTA + Universal Health Care + Foreclosure Relief +

Think before you ink   February 27th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Obama supporters should be ashamed of themselves who are blind folded. Hilary answered all the questions. It is really shame on Obama who is spoiling her records. She is committed and cares a lot for American people that includes Children and disabled. Hilary kind of people for president is very hard to find. Vote for Hilary she is honest unlike Obama. Obama he is s ditto guy. Hilary knows much more than him.

GO Hilary 2008 and 2012!!!!

Ellie Carter   February 27th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

I agree with Janet NH

- Hillary has really lost all composure while trying to make her case. She came off very hard, moody, raveled and ranting. Not a good quality in a potential President. It doesn't matter what your career or experience is, if you can't behave and compose yourself during a simple debate, how are you going to run a country in turmoil? How are you going to lead a country if you come across as very unstable in your mannerism?

NOT GOOD at all.

Steve   February 27th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Wow there are alot of Hillary supporters making it through moderation. Not many Obama supporters.

Vote for Hillary   February 27th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Obama could not answer the questions on NAFTA. He was a copy cat!
Where are your answers and words?

Gary Mitchell - Vancouver WA   February 27th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

The comments that HRC did slightly better than Barack in either of the last two debates makes me wonder if they were watching the same channel as I was. HRC has demonstrated in front of the voters on both occaisons the polarizing diblitating effect she has anyone who differs with her spin on anything. Simply ask her fellow members in Congress who they most feel they can work with. Their answer would not be HRC. She would not change a political system that works to her benefit even though it works to detriment of her constituency and the American people. It is all about HRC and her disire to be President. She is not equiped to solve anything and the country and world will be worse off than ever if she were elected.

nl   February 27th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

I looked at the democratic debate last evening and must say that Hillary was bang on with her answers. Did anyone noticed that Senator Obama agreed with all of her answers. Barak should really run for the presidency in 4 years. I do not believe that he can beat Senator McCain. The GOP is just using reverse psychology on the Democratics stating that they would have a hard time running against Barak. They know for sure that they would have a hard time beating battle proven HILLARY CLINTON

Jean   February 27th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

They give Hillary the first question, and Obama listens to the answer
and learns about the subject. Then when it's his turn it almost sounds as if he might know something. We should listen to his praise about Hillary's experience and do the right thing
VOTE FOR HILLARY

Stephina   February 27th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Maybe they ask Clinton the first questions because they don't Obama has the experience to answer them without giving him time to fomulate a response.

Of course, it is easy to just say " I agree with Hillary".

Dave   February 27th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

If any of the candidates were playing it smart they would be promising to deal with countries in violation of their obligations under the trade agreements. Too many countries are being allowed to not hold up their end of the bargain and it is about time that the trade agreements were followed in full and not just in part as to not offend other nations.

ees   February 27th, 2008 11:57 am ET

The debate clearly showed the person who cares and is committed to the welfare of every man, woman and child in this country is Sen Clinton who will fight for our rights and equality. There will be no other woman like her in a very long time who epitomizes the strength of an American mother and worker. She will stand as an excellent role model for all not only of the young women but also the young men of this country. Do we want a role model in the WH who has admitted drug and alcohol abuse? Do we want our moral values to erode further? Now we are seeing a very strong nominee in Sen Clinton and lets stand beside her and seize this once in a lifetime opportunity to make our country great again because her courage and her strength will get us back on the right track.

jacq   February 27th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Janet from NH hit the nail on the head. You go girl.!!!!!

Shannon   February 27th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Let's be fair, Obama didn't answer this question, he agreed with Hillary... Big difference....

Jack   February 27th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Hillary did slightly better in the last two debates than Obama.

Aside from her charges against the media for favoring Obama and her "Xerox" comment against Obama, she definitely demonstrated that she knows a lot more about being president.

Obama seemed to acknowledge that Hillary knows more through his consistent replies, "I agree with Hillary" or "Hillary is right."

Seems like Ohio is leaning toward Hillary and Texas is a toss-up depending on how Hispanics vote.

Pete   February 27th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Yes I know! My posting will die in Murderation or whatever you chose to call it. I t does not matter that I am a patriotic citizen serving overseas. However, I do believe that we all have a stake in this election, so please CNN once in a while I will appreciate your posting of my humble opinions.

Once again! dear fellow bloggers I'm lost dazed and confused with all the bickering between O & H aren't we all intelligent enough to research this two candidate on our own and make a judgement on which one of them has the best to offer. It really doesn't matter what they say, cuz as you're well aware of some of them (not naming any names) would say and do anything to be elected. People! Please make an effort, go the extra mile and research your candidates!

Janet from NH   February 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

As an Obama supporter I think it's great when he says his plan is the same as Hillary's. It shows that she is lying about him only being about words, rallies, and heavenly choirs singing. If she attacks his plans she is really attacking her own. The people who have done their research know that on policy they are extremely similar. Obama beats Hillary in the personal qualities that a President needs: he is confident, she is arrogant, he thinks, she reacts, he exudes grace, she is rude, he soothes, she barks, he unites, she divides.

rb   February 27th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Hillary, I respect you!
At least you come up with your own answers. You don't wait for Obama to answer it for you.

tired of hillary clinton   February 27th, 2008 11:12 am ET

she's acting like a child when she's supposed to be mature and experienced. i was going to vote for hillary but now i'm just disgusted and disappointed in her desperate tactics. she's doing herself more harm than good. quoting SNL was tacky. no wonder obama's voters are people with a college education.

Sherry   February 27th, 2008 11:10 am ET

I think that people need to really look at Obama. If he is truly an inspiriational person he would be able to speak using many different words, not the same ones. I get tired of hearing the same words over and over again. I get tired of him using Hillary's position over and over again and people can't see that Hillary speaks from knowledge and facts and he uses phrases design to make you not look at the fact that he does not have any facts. Substance is always better than glitter. You know how you meet someone that is fine on the outside but once you get them home you can't wait to kick them out. The sad thing is if they make Obama the nominee. What happens when we want to kick him out?

Michael   February 27th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Hillary Clinton actually answered the question, Obama just agreed with her. Just like he did all night. Hiding behind a woman.

The next President of the United States – Hillary Rodham Clinton!

Change + Experience = Tough.

pd4hillary   February 27th, 2008 11:02 am ET

I love the fact that everytime Hillary laid out her plan, Obama said ditto, me too. Russert was absolutely arrogant and downright rude to Clinton. Sorry Tim if she called you out on being the sexist hack you are. Go write another book about you and your father. Get out of political journalism, if you can't conduct yourself as an objective journalist. I think they should have one more debate on SNL where it might be a fair presentation of their ideas.

By the way, does anyone notice the twitch Obama gets when he is being gotten. Priceless.

Hillary may not pull this off, but I hope she goes down fighting. If she's not the nominee, I'm out of the Democratic Party. Afterall, theClinton Adminstration was the reason I got into it.

How many left-wing liberal Democratic leaders (Kennedy, Kerry, etc) does it take to realize they are heading down the wrong path to success? It doesn't matter, they never do.

therealist   February 27th, 2008 11:01 am ET

HELLOOOO IN THERE...

What about the 300 pound gorillas in the room that will clearly make both these healthcare plans unsustainable?? You know, the 20 million illegals!!

I guess being lied to and/or mislead is all in the eyes of the mislead, huh..

Stephen   February 27th, 2008 10:57 am ET

How is Obama going to make his judgements as president when he wont be able to say "I'll do what Hillary just said."

Karen   February 27th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Does any country actually believe that America would opt out of any trade deal? This is laughable. The Dems have signed every trade bill that has crossed their path.

The Dems are in control. Why haven't they done anything to date?

WE THE PEOPLE have been bamboozled and are happy about it.

TS 4   February 27th, 2008 10:52 am ET

If Hillary is so qualified with so much experience and vision why did she not fight and use this experience to discourage her husband to vote against NAFTA and fight Bush on the Iraq war. Can someone please answer that question for me?

John   February 27th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Which of Hillary's many positions does Mr Brown feel happy with?? she has flip flopped on this issue and cannot be trusted to maintain a principaled positon, Hillary appears to go with the latest polling trends just as she did with the Iraq war issue, and so many others like supporting Bushes Iran position just how does she propose to get solutions and a change in direction when she has supported so much Bush has done.

California Independent   February 27th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Why would he be satisfied? They both said the deals needed to be enforced. They have no intention of keeping jobs here. I don't want 'safer' products from China. I want safe products made by American workers.

Is anyone but me tired of Obama saying 'ditto'?

TJP   February 27th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Guess who pays for the uninsured in Obama's Health Care plan? We do. Guess who gets financial help in Hillary's Health Care plan? Those who can't afford to pay.

Gary, Detroit, Mich.   February 27th, 2008 10:42 am ET

This recent focus on NAFTA is a diversion to keep people from looking at the predatory trade practices of the Chinese. Even Mexico with their lower than dirt wages is loosing jobs to China. I'd like to see this discussed by the candidates. Especially Clinton, because they were so cozy with China business when Bill was president.

Black Man   February 27th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Hillary views on NAFTA was great. Obama had a lot of great ideas, since most of them was Hillary's. Obama tried to steal Hillary line from last week. Ohio and Texas weak up! Hillary is for the American people. VOTE FOR HILLARY

Curtis   February 27th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I believe that Hillary did a good job at saying that NAFTA is good for some but not for all. With her saying that, we can now fix NAFTA so that everyone can benefit from it. Well said Sen. Clinton.

anon   February 27th, 2008 10:39 am ET

When goods are not allowed to freely cross borders, armies or immigrants will quickly cross instead.

moderate dem   February 27th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Cut the old political BS. Hillary has been against NAFTA and the Obama camp should go to factcheck.org and so should Tim Russert. Its all there Obama people or have you found a way to discount a totally unbiased group like that, too. What Russert was quoting her on was her speaking about places where NAFTA has worked, and yes I'm sorry to tell you guys, it did work for some people. Go ask the people living on the border what they think of NAFTA.

crat3   February 27th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Hillary will renegotiate NAFTA and protect American jobs. This calls for a qualified, experienced, visionary leader, who is Hillary Clinton. She will inspire the U.S. and the world . She will bring back properity to the U.S. economy and restore America's good standing in the world.

TiredoftheCrap   February 27th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Chris from California–"healthcare plan that is different than Hillary Clinton's in that Obama's plan excludes about 15 million people while Hillary's covers all Americans."

At what cost to everyone? what happens to those who can't pay?

B. Smart   February 27th, 2008 10:27 am ET

The clintons were responsible for NAFTA's loss of jobs. Any other conclusions would be called denial.

Chris from California   February 27th, 2008 10:26 am ET

As for NAFTA, Hillary Clinton has long been a critic of NAFTA as it currently stands. I think Barack Obama's hit piece on her regarding it was certainly taking the low road for him. She was criticizing the unhelpful parts of NAFTA long before Barack was even on the national political scene. Moreover, Barack Obama has praised NAFTA, himself, when, in 2004, he reportedly said that we should be making more deals like NAFTA. I think it was pretty hypocritical of him to attack her on something he, himself, has promoted.

Chris from California   February 27th, 2008 10:21 am ET

It seems to me that every time Hillary Clinton speaks about her plans for fixing the problems in our country, Barack Obama simply agrees with her. I saw Bill Clinton speaking in California a couple of months ago and he talked about Hillary Clinton's plans to stimulate the economy and to help the environment at the same time by creating new jobs in the "Green" industries. A few weeks later, I hear Barack Obama saying the exact same thing. The only somewhat original idea that I have heard from Barack Obama is a healthcare plan that is different than Hillary Clinton's in that Obama's plan excludes about 15 million people while Hillary's covers all Americans.

therealist   February 27th, 2008 10:20 am ET

I wonder where Sen. Sherrod Brown's car is made, or where his $2000 suit is made?? Has Sherrod made any attempt to promote American made products???

If you can't walk the walk, sit down and shut up..

Charlotte   February 27th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Hillarys' remarks on NAFTA was right on. She was against it in its current form. David Greugen said she was against it. Once it was signed it was a done deal and trying to make it work, as it has for some communities, was the position she took. Hillary, as First Lady, was able to get at least children covered under her plan. What has Obama accomplished even partially? Where was he when the Iran issue was being voted on? Oh yeah he was absent, as he has been for 40% of the time.

TJP   February 27th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Love when Hillary gets the tough questions on NAFTA first from Russert and then Obama says " Oh yea. I agree with what she said".

BL - NYC   February 27th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Mr. Sherrod...
Mrs. Clinton was honest and strong.
Mr. Obama was fumbled and rehearsed.
Quite obvious who will be taken seriously during negotiations...

CLINTON 2008

Joy from TN   February 27th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Last nights debate was the best thus far as hard questions were asked of each candidate. I do believe it clearly showed which candidate is calm, collected, and thoughtful during verbal attacks. I don't believe we need a president that just wants to "fight" meaning my way or no way. Americans should also be concerned about a candidate that will not release tax returns (as Obama has) nor release information from the Clinton library–again she skirted around this. We need integrity in a president.

P.S. I'm a republican that will be voting Obama after watching all debates.

Tim   February 27th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Good Job MSNBC the truth of hillary supporting the NAFTA has come clear to the american people after last night debate. The fliers distributed by the obama campaign was clear and accurate. My advice to hillary is you can not decieve the American people any more those days are over. Concede and let us enjoy our next president President Barack Obama.

OMG   February 27th, 2008 9:58 am ET

You're right, Mr. Brown. We have no choice but to participate in international trade whether it is Nafta or other agreements. I, too, think both candidates were right to insist on renegotiations which can protect US workers and yet allow US companies to remain competitive on a world market. Sometimes, outsourcing work is the best "foreign aid "possible and can allow others to stay home-based in their country (yes, I'm speaking of Mexico).

This is not impossible task, but might cut in to a few corporate profits........a little tax relief on the 35% corporate tax now imposed might ease their pain.

Texasboo   February 27th, 2008 9:58 am ET

I thought this was answered very well and pleased that Obama had a better plan on creating green jobs in the rust belt.

GOBAMA!!! TEXAS FOR OBAMA

Adam   February 27th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Wayne from TX – Perhaps Sherrod would like to make up his own mind rather than drink the Kool-Aid.

HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!!

Adam   February 27th, 2008 9:55 am ET

I too am satisfied with Obama's NAFTA answer given it was the exact statement that Hillary made 10 seconds before him!

Can this man NOT come up with his own answers?

HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cyndi, MD   February 27th, 2008 9:54 am ET

I am from Maryland, and would love to hear from voters in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island.

What did you think about the debate?

Who do you plan to vote for?

Wayne, Greenville TX   February 27th, 2008 9:47 am ET

C'mon, Sherrod. Get off the fence and endorse Obama.

david   February 27th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Perhaps he will endorse after Hillary wins Ohio.

MediaBias   February 27th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Thank you Tim Russert for hammering Hillary on this, she is ON RECORD and ON TAPE SAYING exactly what you stated, but she ignores those words and FACTS by belittling you by you "not having all the facts".

Is it possible that she has spoken negatively about NAFTA as well, you bet, and that in itself would PROVE that she will change the message poll to poll, debate to debate and audience to audience.

I guess every election cycle the media will crown someone the "flip-flopper" and in this case they missed the boat by NOT dubbing the "inevitable one" the queen of flip flops.

Romney changed or modified his position over a period of YEARS, but he got the label instead of HilBilly.

Candi   February 27th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Hillary tried to defend her NATFA views but I think that she is taking money for Lobbyist and will not admit it until after a nominee is select. That is unfair to the American people. If she is straight on trying to get out of NAFTA then why is Bill holding the goods?

Clinton supporter   February 27th, 2008 9:33 am ET

At least somebody can say that NAFTA is not bad to everyone. Some people benefit from it. Why take it away and hurt some people and satisfy others? I think that they should try to improve it.

D   February 27th, 2008 9:32 am ET

Mr. Brown your staying neutral at this time and not endorsing is very respected. I voted for you.
Governor Strickland's own beliefs and words were used to speak to his candidate last night. Now let's see what she does- Governor Strickland's way or The Clinton's way.
Look at DeWine on television sucking up to Senator McCain. He is trying to appear that they are physically joined.

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