February 21st, 2008
08:53 PM ET
15 years ago
Schneider: This is a competition, not a debate
AUSTIN, Texas (CNN) - You would have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to tell the difference between these two candidates.
Neither has really gone after each other, even though the moderators have given them ample opportunity.
Now it's virtually a matter of who says the same thing better. And if this continues, Obama will likely win - he's always been viewed as the more effective communicator.
Clinton needs to start challenging Obama if she wants to gain the upper hand.
- CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider
I wish the interviewers wouldn't try to turn the discussion into a dog fight. I want to hear the issues. There is enough sound bites daily to fill all our needs for back biting. These debates should stay off the "silly subjects". There isn't much sunlight of difference between these candidates and I'd like to hear them explain the differences. If your intent is to go for ratings, I'm not interested. I want indepth discussion of issues. More than the evening new can provide. Please, stop going for what you consider might make good "rating". This is an important time in our lives and we need to be serious about issues .... not ratings.
I think Hillary is more and more eloquent as the evening goes on.
She is giving more arguments to the reality that we are facing today(our ambasy in Serbia set on fire, that's how much we are liked overseas!) while barack remains a good talker, but no roots to reality.
i think we may be looking at a obama – clinton ticket??
this is no debate. It lacks substance. No discussions on iraq, US/CHINA/RUSSIA relations, dafur, national debt,etc
Obama seems uncomfortable talking about universal health care, it is his weak spot.
How boring,
Obama is not trying to lose and HIllary is bland
Their views on a lot of topics are laughable
10 mintes for Obama and 5 minutes for CLinton...THen hey we have some time restraints here for Ms. CLinton only. What a lously job of moderation. He attacks and she has to sit and listen.
So far, I agree with Clinton. Obama is a fantastic orator, but the gift of speech is meaningless if there isn't much substance behind it.
Obama needs to get down to specifics.
Obama is an excellent speaker, captivating, but ...... a state senator since 96, he wanted more power so he went for US Senate and there he found out he was just the newcomer on the block and couldn't get things done. Now he wants to be the President and thinks that he can change politics and Washington overnight. Yes, those are dreams and hopes. I have had hopes and dreams before, I am no longer a naive college student, give me action. Give me experience – and someone that understands the reality of actually being able to get things done. Experience does matter – through experience you learn from your failures and your successes. He plain does not have enough experience to take the highest office. The Republicans will eat Obama alive on this and he will become the next Carter. Don't forget about the Republican machine he will go up against in November – Hillary has taken them on over and over again. Hillary is battle tested and ready to go.
It appears to me that Sen. Obama is being allowed to extend remarks more than Sen, Clinton. Are the moderators aware of this?
I'm loving this. This is so very interesting. Both candidates are threading carefully along this slippery slope of courting the voters.
I think no matter which one wins they should team up at the end
they would be a strong force together against republicans
obama is so superfical, he's a wolf in sheeps clothing.
bowling green,mo.
We don't need a brawl or blood bath between these candidates....that would mean neither would be worth the presidency.
Hillary is missing her opportunity. Obama is entirely without substance and her only attack is on his borrowed speech????
Why is she pandering to him?
He is riding on her ideas by repeating them while adding 'we need to bring everyone together and open up the process' to the beginning of every sentence
Does CNN understand what a debate means.? The media is the problem in this race. I thought a debate meant a discussion of where you stand on issues. Campbell is allowing them to discuss items that are not related to the question. Oh I forgot, the media today is nothing more than a glorified National Enquirer magazine.
The media needs to get out of this race instead of promoting the presidential race as some American Idol competition.
I want a president on Day ONE. It is clear who that is. GO HILLARY!!!!!!!
Senator Clinton establishes herself as being a running mate rather then being the opponent.....
Mark my words...The left will kill our country.
I agree... Obama is just pushing ideas..... he has no clue how to bring them to fruition
Clinton has the upper hand because she has real action plans....his "charming" style can't win when it's tough-as-nails commitments to true actionary methods.
why is this blog being so trite and petty- this is serious stuff and some of you are waiting for the big punch- it isn't a title fight- it's a debate.
People are lemmings and the idea of Hillary as shrew comes to the fore whenever a direct challenge is posed. She has demonstrated superior debate skills throughout every forum to date, and yet people laud Obama's oratory. Sometimes entrenched misgivings and antipathy can't be overcome despite a person's superlative attributes.
How do you propose Clinton start challenging Obama when everytime she tries, Campbell Brown either stops her as soon as she begins to speak, or we go to a commercial break. Give me a break!
Obama is always talking ideas because he soesn't have any solutions, Reagon Pugh.
Hillary has the experence,where is obamas experance