January 31st, 2008
10:02 PM ET
13 years ago
Schneider: Clinton running from the past
She’s arguing that she supported the threat of force as a means of avoiding conflict. That’s a complicated case to make – and it still leaves the question: why did she think President Bush had the same judgment she did?
But here’s a new angle she hasn’t used before in these debates: that she would never have contemplated an invasion of Iraq. It’s another way of trying to draw a distinction between her views and the president’s. She’s running from the past.
–CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider
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Barak was a gentlemen to the end- he moved by her chair and gently moved it out for her-What a man!!!
In contrast to much of the feedback on this blog, and as an undecided Democratic voter, I actually think that Wolf Blitzer has been much easier and more gentler toward Hillary throughout these debates.
Obama had no answers for me. Unlike Hillary, he was unable to concisely articulate his positions. Instead, he chose many times to make quick, empty quips. Hillary is amazing!!!
Mr. Schneider, I used to be a big fan of yours. Whenever I used to hear that you would be on, I would pay particular attention because I respected your reporting. Tonight, however, felt less like an analysis and more like a political endorsement. I'm disappointed–I expected impartiality from you but instead saw you using your sphere of influence to, well, influence.
I can't believe Clinton plugged her website. But it is an innovative idea. , have to say.
Obama/Clinton '08
1) She never read the NIE report
2) Many Middle east experts, including Richard Clarke, knew immediately that this was Al Qaeda and Iraq was not involved in any way shape or form. So what exactly is she ready for Day 1?
Donna, if you believe that you are very extremely niave. She has a very lofty position in the U.S. Government. She knows exactly what she was doing. Or, maybe she was trying to figure out what the word "is" meant.
clinton will never apologize for the wrong vote on going into iraq. she is proving through these discussions that she is as arrogant as her husband.
maryellen doyle
santa fe nm
Thanks Sanjay! I wish I could have said that! No matter what is said, she has more experience.
she can run but she can't hide...i had a professor in college who coined a word for hillary's kind of talk..."engfish" it sounds a little bit like english, but it is mostly "fishy"....i hope obama gives her a good thumping in california...
Bill...I usually value your comments, but you sound unabashedly pro-Obama. And Wolf, as always, is trying to manufacture news, not report it. I think Obama is a very articulate and intelligent person, but Hillary has just been thinking about the nation's problems for a much longer time and understands the nuances...good words can get you only so far, experience matters.
Hiliary was consistently deeper in her responses and demonstrated that she is smarter than the former editor of the Harvard Law Review by far. Most of the time, Barack fell back on standard stump speach language. She is solid and could run the government, he would need a coach and leadership tutor for the first 3 1/2 years. We don't have that kind of time... democrats votes should go to her.
Only worry in my mind still is....why did she embrace and kiss Mrs. Arafat on the cheek in the White House (look it up, she did). Questionable judgement.
This would be a lesser issue if she ever had the ability to say I was wrong or made a mistake. That is the least yo could do if your error in judgement cost fine american patriots thier lives. This one is not a question she should even consider the political ramifications of just being honest on.
obama has clearly won this debate...not even close
go obama
She is a liar!!!! She cannot even admit making a mistake. Totally avoids answering the question. That is the only thing she does consistently – avoids the question asked answering with retoric instead.
SHE MADE A DECISION BASED ON THE INFORMATION SHE WAS GIVEN. I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT IF WE EVER DO NEED TO GO TO WAR IN THE FUTURE FOR A LEGITAMATE REASON , THAT SHE IS NOT GOING TO TAKE AN ANTI WAR STANCE LIKE BORACK WOULD. I TRUST HER YEARS OF SERVICE AND HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN HER ABILITY TO WORK HARD TO FIX THE PROBLEMS FACING OUR COUNTRY.SHE IS EXPERIENCED ON THE HEALTH CARE ISSUE AND KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED GOING FORWARD. SHE HAS A PERFECT PLAN FOR THE MORTGAGE CRISIS AS WELL. MY CONFIDENCE IS WITH HER WITHOUT A DOUBT . GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy do you people nit pick. Apparently we waere not watching the same debate. Hillary is some bright it' scary. He experience and knowledge shows Obama to be a sophomore not a graduate.
Hillary i think is much better on Iraq ... sorry to the Obama fans she has much smarter approach on withdrawing
Latino44million January 31, 2008 9:42 pm ET
Obama shows the same arrogance of Bush, "I have the Judgement" for one vote. If he was honest, then he would have voted NO every time. But he did not he voted exactly as Hillary, what happened to his judgement? I think that he voted thinking as a politician, and Hillary voted honestly on the issue at the time.
You're wrong, Hillary has voted PRESENT many times do your homework and talk about the issues and know what you're talking about before placing your fingers on the keyboard.
Hillary won the debate on:
a) Her health insurance plan
b) Immigration
c) Specifics of her 35 years of experience
Catrisa,
Nobody won the debate. Every candidate carified their position and it is up to you now to make a decision. Because you said this is not going to change a Clinton supporter.
Did Obama buy you off?
Bill Schneider, go home and sleep, it's already too late for you. Most of his polls are inacurate and I simply don't like him. He is too pro Obama and no matter what anybody sees, he will only see the positive things in Obama's speeches.
I think it is more than obvious from the CNN blogs that Clinton won the debate. She was calm and clear he was tentative and defensive.
She won me over.
Go Hillary!
I wonder if we were watching the same debate. Hillary tore Obama a new one as he stumbled and tagged on to Hillary more than a few times. Hillary was fluid and strong.