January 21st, 2008
10:15 PM ET
14 years ago
People Meter: Viewers weigh in on debate
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/21/art.meter.cnn.jpg caption="Take a look at how viewers reacted to Monday night's debate."]
(CNN) - Viewers watching the South Carolina debate Monday night had the unique opportunity to weigh in on the Democratic candidates as they discussed the issues. The red line graph over the debate footage indicates the voter response.
People meter: Watch Edwards fight for his chance in the debate.
People meter: Watch the candidates spar over health care.
People meter: Watch Clinton and Obama argue on their economic standpoints.
Related: Watch CNN's Erica Hill report on the real time viewer reaction
–CNN’s Emily Sherman
2008 Election prediction: For the 3rd time, the dems lose a presidential election 50 to 49%.
The fact is Clinton needs Obama's ability to bring independants and some repuiblicans. Without it, she is toast. With a likable rating sitting at 50% nationally and an agenda of nothing more than slaying republicans for 4 years. That would be perpetuating the partisan staus quo, you know, the opposite of change.
The GOP is waiting for something to wake them up and get them energized and get them to vote. Nominate Hillary and we are back toa 50-50 split and 4 years of GOP payback instead of moving forward. Keep attacking Obama, and you divide the dems even more and you lose votes to McCain and the other moderate Republicans. Good luck with that.
It is naive to think that once Hillary gets the nomination that we will all fall in line behind her. Think again. The more she attacks, the more she burns her bridges. More and more I am hearing dems and independants stay they will stay home or reluctantly vote for a moderate republican.
The 90's are over and we couldnt go back even if the countryt wanted to. Get over it.
It is unbelievable how some people are biased. It was clear from the debates that Barack Obama throw the first punch in that debate and I am seeing how he was so gracious and how he terrible Hilliary was when he was the one who did the attacking. It is clear. I am no Hilliary fan and thought of going for Obama but he looked week last night. He was mumbling around and not answering the question. Obama has to step it up. Hilliary looked really good in that debate. Obama looked angry and fraustrated and it appears he cant keep his cool when angry and fraustrated (Good thing he had time to compose himself in the break). I dont know who I am voting for in the election as yet but One thing I know regardless who I vote for I want Hilliary in my camp..........I am a black man who is just trying to be real here. Dont just listen to the media. They have their agenda (learn for yourself) OH and on a last note. The Black community does not vote wholesale for THE BLACK CANDIDATE. We are not stupid We look at issues too. Thanks..........
What in the Hell is a Uniter or a Divider, but a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. I am for Edwards, but I am leaning HRC if he drops. Obama sounds to the right of Atilla the Hun.
It's always interesting to watch the debates and watch who winds up slinging mud first. Obama clearly is trying to find an edge over Hillary and resorting to tactics he claims he won't participate in and has said "are not him". Hillary is left in the position to clarify or reply to false or distorted claims Obama is making. I agree with Edwards, it's down right despicable! Hillary is the only one who has outlined a comprehensive Economic Stimulus plan, Health care package (Edwards is o.k.), Energy and Environment plan with a motivational program similar to "sputnik", and Foreign policy. I would be ecstatic if Edwards were to run as Hillary's V.P. The Hillary Clinton/Edwards ticket would be a win/win for the American People.
If that doesn't happen, Hillary I believe is our best choice to win the Democratic ticket and win the Presidency. She is the only candidate who can win against the Republicans as well. Republicans actually want Obama to win. He would be so easy to pick apart.
Go Hillary!
I, too, do not understand why the media minimizes John Edwards. His performance last night solidified my support for him. I believe most Americans do not understand how corrupt our nation is, and how the corporations (and rich owners of same) control our government; and how this has contributed to our current situation (economic and foreign policy). John seems to be the only one willing to discuss this openly. And the only one refusing to take PAC money. I am surprised that this is not more highly valued by voters. This time I'm going to vote for who I believe is the best candidate, not who the media tells me can win.
Arturo Gomez....I am black and agree 100%. Although I respect Obama I don't believe he is ready to be our President. I am sorry, but it's my belief. I am also offended that the media have indicated that black women only have two choices....Obama or Clinton. Also, it has been set that if as a black woman I vote for Clinton then I am some how "selling out". If I vote for Obama, I am choosing my race over my gender? I am confused! Since we do make serious decisions such as selecting the next potential president on race and gender? Obama has delivered a lot of "feel good" speeches, but where does he stand on issues? I have read both of his books and still don't know. I have patiently listen to his respones to questoins and end up with a headache, because I feel like I have went a mile around the bush for nothing. I know Clinton has her faults as we all do, but this woman intelligence and experience say a lot to me. The fact she is a woman is irrelavant. However, I am realistic and know that it does mean a lot to some. Same as Obama's skin color. In regards to Edwards, he didnt win last night. Instead he was able to stay out of the crossfire and use it to his advantage. Personally I believe he should step out.
If not the Clintons then no one!
Hillary and Bill are only in this for them selves. They don’t care about us, the Democrat Party or respect the office of the Presidency. They will do anything to regain the office, even circumventing the laws of our land which limits a Presidency to two full terms. Think about it, they will be back in the White House for four or eight more years.. Do we really want that? Also, Bill disrespected the office while president and is doing so now by his personal attacks on Obama. His comments on Obama has been child like and unbecoming a former President. Hillary nor the Democratic Party has any control over him. So, what makes everyone think he will respect the office once back in the White House again. Basically, he will try to regain the White House from Hillary unless she can control him which she has been unable or unwilling to do thus far.
Obama needs to get out of the mud fight with them and return to the issues and his vision for our great nation.
I just want to say that I think Barack did great last night! He put Hiliary in her spot! A spot that she has needed to be put in for quite some time! She is the one that has started all of this back and forth bickering... All Barack did last night was SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT!