Political Punch

The ABC debate.

For the first time in my adult live I was proud of ABC. Way to go Charles and George!

Hutchinson

It always amazed me why the American people have to "like" their President. An unliked candidate may make a super President.

i really believe that it is a sad state of affairs when elections in this great country come down to who can smear whom.senators clinton and obama are both an asset to the democratic party. i am saddened that senator clinton has stooped so low as to attack senator obama at all costs. senator obama handled himself very well in last night's debate by not rising to the bait and attacking senator clinton at every opportunity. sentor clinton's desperation is showing by the amount of attacks that she is levelling at obama. i am sick of the garbage from each canidate. tell me what can you do for someone like me who was forced to go on disability because of injury and not able to work. tell me how you propose to make a way for me to live on $700 monthly with cost of living skyrocketing and my income not able to meet the demands. i could care less about reverend wright, he's already been explained. talk to me about issues that mean something besides silly political posturing.

Why do I think her negatives are so high? How much time have you got?

Same old business as usual. People taking sides based on biases, predudice, offiliation, etc. WAKE UP!!! We must get past trivial nonsense and move on to higher thinking. Does anyone out there believe this kind of behavior will get them to heaven? I believe Senator Obama is going to be our next President, ordained by God. I just pray no harm will come to this wonderful man, which is the history in this country. What an embarassment. If any thing does happen to him it will proven what we already know; the intimidation some show towards a particular person or sect of people, who have never done anything to compare to what has been done to them, continue to experience maltreatment. So what would be their argument for objecting besides the obviuos?

Hillary dominates Philadelphia focus group. “NYDIA HAN: The real take away is this. We now know who won the debate according to our focus group. Take a look. Senator Clinton is the debate winner, at least according to our focus group. 23% believe Senator Obama won while 50% believed Senator Clinton won.” [WPVI Post-Debate Analysis, 4/16/08]

ABC News’ Rick Klein – 'Clinton is back to the strong presence we saw early in the cycle.' [ABC News Political Radar, 4/16/08]

NBC News’ Chuck Todd – Obama ‘did not have a good night.’ [MSNBC Post-Debate Analysis, 4/16/08]

NBC News' Chuck Todd—Obama’s answer on Ayers and the flag ‘were simply weak.’ “His answer on Ayers and the flag question were simply weak; He seemed unprepared for them; Kinda surprising because he normally has a decent rant against "old politics" and yet "old politics" questions seemed to stump him.” [NBC First Read, 4/16/08]

The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder – [T]here's no way Obama could fared worse. [The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder, 4/16/08]

Washington Post’ Chris Cillizza — Obama ‘struggled quite a bit’ when asked about Rev. Wright. “…He struggled quite a bit more when asked to answer for Wright, his former pastor.” [Washington Post, The Fix, 4/16/08]

New York Times’ Katharine Seeyle: Hillary’s ‘in her element as she goes into details.’ "She’s becoming expansive, seemingly in her element as she goes into details; Mr. Obama does not look as thrilled to be still standing there." [New York Times, The Caucus, 4/16/08]

Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall – Hillary ‘certainly seems more self-assured.' “She certainly seems more self-assured on the Iran question than Obama did. The question of extending an American security umbrella to Israel is very dicey. And he could clearly see he was on delicate territory.” [Talking Points Memo, 4/16/08]

Philadelphia Inquirer blog – ‘Obama is again less certain, and rambles a bit.’ “Obama is again less certain, and rambles a bit when asked about the Washington D.C. gun ban. Gibson asks him to deny that he has ever advocated a complete ban on hand guns in 1996. Obama says no. But whatever the truth, no other answer is possible.” [Philadelphia Inquirer Blog, 4/16/08]

NBC News’ Matthew Berger – Obama ‘tried to have it both ways’ with Israel. “Obama's answer on an Iranian attack on Israel tried to seem to have it both ways: highlight his support for Israel but not lock him into treating an attack on Israel like an attack on the U.S. But it may have looked more like a no because it wasn't a firm yes. Clinton's answer seemed more direct.” [NBC First Read, 4/16/08]

merl, I would sooner believe in time travel than Barack Obama.

I just have to laugh at Hillary supporters, the so called "Archie Bunker" types, and the angry, old Feminists, and of course, the good old, "fear of a black man" stalwarts. Quite amazing, they are. All fired up in their support of her, regardless of the fact that there is no way in purgatory that she can win the General. No Way! Do you understand this fact? No way! I have got to suspect that most of her supporters that vehemently believe that she can win are those who also believe in time travel. She will magically transport all of us back to the 90s, with the same economic and political conditions. She's on record as intending to bring back the same players from that time, so obviously she believe this as well. Fortunately, most Americans don't believe in time travel, and know that she has absolutely no chance, (just like her electoral chances), of achieving most of her campaign promises. Actually, I have to thank ABC, after watching that debate, it is clear now that if Hillary somehow manages to wrest the nomination from Obama, that the Republicans will be once again in full control of both houses and the White House. Why? Because it's better to select and vote for ACTUAL Republicans that it is to choose a fake one. And Hillary is indeed a fake! I also believe that most of the supporters that blog on her behalf, (outside of her normal delusional supporters), are fellow Republicans who will take great joy in watching her go down in flaming defeat and finally rid the political landscape of the Clinton's and their ilk!

"It is funny that Hilary is not far left enough for the libs that they support Obama that tels no truths who is the most Marxist!"

Next time, try making your post in Engrish please.

Please, it's irrelevant how far left or right she says she is. We don't support her because whatever position she takes, we'll never know if its actually the truth she's telling. It's practically a family sport with these folks. That's why the media jumps on everything she says "Hillary just said the sky is blue... Better look that one up, just to make sure..."

Why in the world is Senator Obama being condemned for not wearing a flag pin? Does Hillary wear one? NO! Does the war hero and POW McCain wear one? NO! So, what is the probem? Why aren't Hillary and the war hero not being condemned for NOT wearing flag pins? Or is it that ONLY Senator Obama has to PROVE HIS PATIOTISM? He is an American citizen and he definitely loves his country! The flag pin is a none issue. How many of your wear flag pins? I doubt 99.9 percent of the population do NOT wear one!! I think the media needs to drop this issue entirely; however, if the want to keep coming back to it, why don't you ask Hillary and McCain, the war hero, why thet do NOT wear flag pins?

It is funny that Hilary is not far left enough for the libs that they support Obama that tels no truths who is the most Marxist!

WELL SAID MY COUNTRY!

OBVIOUSLELY LYNN IS OUT OF TOUCH AND DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE MEDIA THAT YOUR GRANDPARENTS WOULD TURN OVER IN THEIR GRAVES IF THEY SAW WOULD BE MSNBC OR CNN'S COVERAGE.I SAW SIMON OF AMERICAN IDOL COMPARE TODAYS COVERAGE BY THESE MEDIA MOGULS TO HIS OWN SHOW AND HE SAID THAT OUR ELECTION TODAY IS TAKING ON THE SAME LOOK OF AMERICAN IDOL

cause she's losing and she's on the attack

I THINK IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THE OBAMA CAMPAIN IS WHINING ABOUT THE DEBATE LAST NIGHT. THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS HAVE BEEN BRAINWASHED BY MSNBC'S CHRIS MATTHEWS AND KIETH OBERMAN AND CREW, AS WELL AS SO THE SELF PROCLAIMED BEST POLITICAL TEAM IN TV'S CNN CREW OTHER THAN LOU DOBBS. HILLARY CLINTON HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ATTACKS SINCE THE BEGINING OF THIS ELECTION SEASON BY THE BIG CABLE NEWS OUTLETS, AND OBAMA HAS BEEN THE BENEFICIARY TO THE MOST ONE SIDED FAVORABLE COVERAGE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN ELECTION COVERAGE.I THINK SENATOR CLINTON ACTUALLY LET OBAMA OFF THE HOOK LAST NIGHT AS SHE COULD HAVE REALLY DUG IN AND ATTACKED HIM, BUT SHE CHOSE NOT TO.HE THEN TRIED TO DEFLECT THE ATTENTION TO HER SEVERAL TIMES LAST NIGHT WHENEVER HE WAS ASKED A TOUGH QUESTION AND UNFOTUNATLY HE CHANGED TOPIC AND SPEWED RHETORIC ALL NIGHT AGAIN.I WAS ANNOYED BY HIM AS HE TRIED TO ACCUSE HER OF ATTACKING HIM ALL WEEK FOR COMMENTS THAT "OBAMA MADE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS" AND WHERE RELEASED BY ONE OF HIS OWN FUNDRAISER'S, AND HE STILL REFUSED TO ISSUE A PUBLIC APOLOGY BY SAYING TWO LITTLE WORDS "IM SORRY" JUST LIKE SENATOR CLINTON SAID LAST NIGHT ABOUT BOSNIA.HE NEEDS TO BE SCRUTINIZED AND IT SHOWS THAT HE WILL NOT BE READY WHEN THE REPUBLICANS CONTINUE ATTACKING HIM THRU THE ELECTION SEASON WHICH JOHN MCCAIN HAS PROMISED HE WILL CONITNUE TO DO.HE SNICKERED AT HER ALL WEEK CALLING HER ANNIE OAKLEY AND IS OUTSPENDING HER NOW 5-1 IN PENNSYLVANIA/INDIANA AND I FEEL AS A CLINTON SUPPORTER THAT HER KNOWLEDGE OF EVERY TOPIC POSED TO HER IS SO IN TUNE WITH THIS COUNTRY'S NEEDS THAT IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE NOT TO APPOINT HER TO TAKE ON JOHN MCCAIN. HE WILL CERTAINLY BE A FORMIDABLE APPONENT AND BELIEVE ME EXPERIENCE WILL MATTER IN THIS ELECTION. IN CLOSING I APPLAUD YOU FOR THE GREAT JOB ABC DID WITH THIS DEBATE AND HOPE IN THE FUTURE YOU WILL DO MORE DEBATES. THANK YOU ABC, ERNIE ROKOSE MANCHESTER, NJ

and one more point, if you have been watching geo. step. program on sunday mornings-you will see-He does not give Sen. Clinton a pass.

Today I was listening to public broadcast radio and the discussion pertained to the days of only three networks reporting the news. These networks were respectable and people believed in them. And as the program went on to say, that is not the case today, more people watch American Idol than the major news network combined. The type of journalism I observed last night on ABC was very disturbing and explains why people are looking elsewhere to get the real news. This was not a debate of issues or policies, it was a debate that George S. used in an attempt to help his friend Hillary gain votes. My grandparents and parents would turn over in their graves to see how ABC has lowered their standards to those of Fox News. Wearing a flag pin on one's lapel doesn't demonstrate patriotism...how one conducts themselves does. I can imagine our founding father's disgust at the unpatriotic use of such a patriotic venue to enhance ABC's own political agenda. This debate was held in a very unprofessional manner and disrectable to viewers who took time out of their busy lives to learn more about the issues and policies each candidate stood for but instead got rehashing of old issues. Shame on you ABC...you were the network my grandparents and parents trusted when they were living and I had followed in their footsteps. Your reputation will forever be tarnished in my eyes because of this debate. I have lost respect for you and can no longer trust your reporting as being the truth, your network will no longer be welcomed in my home.

The same voters that voted for Bush will vote for obama. My children will never have a good future.

There's been numerous references to Jake being biased and in HIllary's court. Wrong ! I've been checking into this sight the entire season and CLEARLY JAKE is not in favor of Hillary (look at the timeliness of the current post....right after the debate began). I check in here so I don't formulate my opinions in a vacuum, It's "comfortable" to stay on sites where HIllary is primarily supported or for others to watch CNN, MSM , read Huffington....and watch their man Obama elevated night after night....day after day. I appreciate Tapper for diving a little deeper into the headlines. I don't always like his persistent scrutiny of Hillary, or the Hillary camp.. Bill, etc but so be it. I know that I am better informed about all the candidates after I've checked into Punch and therefore believe my vote is a well-informed vote. Thanks, Jake.

HILLARY '08

if the msm had been doing its job and being fair and balanced vetting both candidates equally-last night would not have smelled fishy.
It only seemed strange because everyone has gotten use to the media giving obama a pass. they know that has been the tone of the rest of the networks and cable.
Once again if the media had not been piling it on trying to bring sen. clinton down all along-last night would not have been fishy.
and all of the media people and obama supporter trying to spin again for obama
are mad because they have just had a mirror held up to their face.
no matter what comes out about obama-or how he does not know the issues-and copies sen. clinton on the issues.
the msm always tries to turn it on sen. clinton. just as they will do now.
and if you obama people and msm didn't but know it-the more you pile it on to sen. clinton-the better you make her look-because fair minded people-who keep their own counsel-can see what is going on.

I think the questions were asked to shed light on issues that would be brought up for the general election. If you don't like the questions now, you are really not going to like them coming from the republicans.

DMK

sometimes people judge a debate on how someone answers hard questions...

I think most of America watched that debate and ...no matter who you supported ...anyone could see it didn't smell right... I heard from several friends at the networks and newspapers (who are Hillary and McCain backers and even they) they said the debate seemed a little fishy they had to admit. For whatever reason...

and I think America looks with all of that "pile-on" and crap thrown at Obama last night not only did it seem biased and off topic for a Prsidential debate ...but Obama handled himself impressively considering all the tabloid crap that was thrown.

Hillary won the debate if you didn't notice a leaning toward attacks on Obama (how many times did Charlie Gibson apologize to sen Clinton after asking Obama about some scandal issue that has been beaten...and asked Clinton one of those "baggage" quesrtions that even she referred to at the end of the debate)...Obama doesn't play that way and America knows it.

honest,
Everybody has been fawning over how well obama speaks.
and to compare Sen. Clinton to Annie Oakley is a compliment.
Annie Oakley was a great lady.
she was given some trouble once.
when a young upstart of a shooter
tried to smear annie Oakley.
the upstart was found out-and sent packing And Annie Oakley continued her great career (that' a true story-go look it up)
So obama comparing Sen. Clinton to Annie Oakley-may end up being prophetic also.
and once again obama supporters you want to talk about the issues that face us now-lets talk about them.
it is the obama supports this am talking about everything except the issues.

Hillary's negatives are high due to the media and there on going responses to negative facts and comments about her. Obama has them to, but due to race card, people leave it alone , afraid to be called racist. Obama is buying this election! He has the money to pay more supporters to get out the negative. He has made grave mistakes in his life ones that can and will affect the American people. Wait and see!

I still believe the media is wanting Obama, because they will get more mileage from him. He will simply screw up more and they can write more stories about him.

Honest, Hillary is by far the better candidate. It just eludes me why obama people are voting for him!!

I remember the debates between Gore and Bush and almost every debate it was declared that Bush was the winner. Well america was the loser.

lou, just proved my point, so lou did not want the issues talked about he wanted the first forty minutes to be talked about to Sen. Clinton on the Bosnia sniper fire-remark.
so it would not have been a farce if they had done last night to Sen.Clinton,
what chris matthews, cnn, msnbc and other all along-which really equals giving obama a pass.
he should have been vetted long ago.
if he had been we all know he would not hbe in the lead. and now his supporters do not want to hear anymore, why?
lou does not what issues-lou wants controversy surrounding sen. clinton, why?
try to be fair-you will live longer-you'll keep your blood pressure down.
you cannot just want to cook up non issues about sen. clinton-and not expect some vetting of your guy.

I guess ABC is free to what it wants in this primary race. But the bias yesterday night was clear for everyone to see. The flag pin and Ayers question were incredible tabloid (or blog, LOL) stuff.

But most telling proof of what this all was about:

DURING THE DEBATE WE WERE SHOWN EIGHT CLOSE-UPS OF CHELSEA CLINTON!!

Propaganda tactics.

And yet, Hillary was able to shoot herself in her 2 feet again. She had the PERFECT opportunity to act as if she were an honest politician by defending her colleague Obama against ABC's attacks. And yet - she was so dumb and mean to participate in the attacks (her TRUE honesty, I guess). All she gets now will be the backlash.

Good for her.

What was the point of a debate when the candidates weren't asked to debate but rather duck slime, mostly aimed at one candidate? i've never been a fan the debate format anyway but last night was apparently a new low. Tele-journalism has really gone down since Edward Murrow hasn't it? Gresham's Law, I guess.

George S. worked for Bill Clinton and this was supposed to be a fair debate. and all of the stupid questions, Obama could have just stayed home and watched it, they didn't ask anything that would help with the problems out there...

I am looking at the vote results (Who won the debate?) and I am laughing hysterically.... The majority thinks Obama won.. Yeah right!! The Obama campaign has instructed its loyal "bots" to keep checking his name... I watched the debate, AND even if I wasn't a Hillary supporter, I would still say that SHE won the debate...

I always watch ABC, Charlie Gibson is our modern day Walter Cronkite, and carrying on very well in Peter Jennings footsteps. Geo. has a very balanced program on-This Week-which comes on sunday am.
If obama is as clean as his supporters dream he is-he can stand a little vetting.
When some of the obama supporters complaining now about abc-complain about chris matthews, chuck todd, keith olberman, and all of the cast of CNN.
then we can talk. Because I have never read by any obama supporters-any complaints about we have are not getting the issues discussed because of the time they are spending on sen. clintons bosnia sniper fire comments.
Obama has the msm, the dnc, and all the money in behind him-and especially the media. you would not be saying obama had it hard last night if the msm had been doing its job all along.
We have seen the msm and the obama camp cannot be fair
and you obama fans have not said a word-if anything when it is sen. clinton and some non-issue about her-you cannot get enough fo the non-issue stuff.
so now that someone is doing what should have been done all along you have your backs up.
you cannot have it both ways.
but from here on out try to be fair and balanced. if you now want to talk issues
lets talk issues. and stop asking sen. clinton to talk about monica, and all of those non-issues. bill clinton had a trial on the national stage. tried and convicted- and now most of you want cont to try sen. clinton on it.
so lets stay with the issues-because this IS where sen. clinton shines the most. so, if you want to talk issues-
give obama a while to get up on issues.

I think the debate was a total farce with no substance except wanting more on the controversies surounding the candidates. One controversary pont that i would like to see answered rthat NOBODY has asked is of Sen. Clinton. The question is, "the certainty of of her memory regarding the Bosnia issue, she is so sure this fabrication occured and it was her slip of her memory about it being in Bosnia. Well if she is so certain of the story, just where did it occur? Or is this truely just a fabrication in every way?

GREAT DEBATE.... I would say the best one we've had so far!!! Again, Hillary proved that she's the ONE better prepared to lead... She also, once again, spoke with great calm and composure... That's a stoical woman! Obama was nervoous throughout most of the debate.. as usual.. As for those "negatives", I do NOT care...

Based on the comments in this forum, Mrs. Clinton did better than Mr. Obama. Hardcore supporters will remain loyal but undecided voters will be affected. The "screw em' comment wasn't mentioned. Since it wasn't directed @ PA voters, it's less relevant. The Wright issue still gets attention. The relevance is that children were in the pews during the tirades. Such sermons are unsuitable for impressionable minors. It will get more attention during the GE. The promise to withdraw from Iraq, regardless of circumstance, will also be difficult to explain. It sounds good, but isn't feasible. I think Mr. McCain was the real winner.

Jake

Although I don't always agree with you...you should have run that debate last night.

The first hour of this debate was absolutely terrible. I would have liked to see Sam Donaldson with George S. as moderators, instead of Charlie. I think then the debate would have brought out more of the real issues.

This debate did little to inform voters on the issues that are important. I was very disappointed that the ABC researchers did not read the positions of each candidate and formulate questions of substance rather than just grabbing headlines from the tabloids. If you thought you could get ratings by stirring old controversies, you do not respect your audience. No wonder ABC news is behind cable networks. Tim Russet, Chris Matthews and Jim Lehrer are so much better at hosting debates that ABC should be looking for new talent.

I was already skeptical going into the debate given that George S. was a moderator, with clear ties to the Clinton Family. Everyone should have saw that coming.

Last night was a disgrace to American media and the American people. ABC News is an embarrassment.

Your unprofessional and biased attempt to broker a professional and unbiased presidential debate has coverted me from fan of ABC to cable news. Shame on you ABC for pitting the candidates against each other in a an attempt to re-hash the already hashed in an attempt to broker ratings. What about the CUSTOMER who has been begging to hear more on the issues??? As Dr. Phil would say, "how did that work for ya?" Sounds like it's time again for ABC to schedule some CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING because you are obviously, painfuly out of touch.

ABC, has just lost me as a viewer.

This debate was the worst one ever.It was plain to see that George and Charles are supporters of Hilary.This was tabloid garbage.I will not watch another debate on ABC.

ABC's Tabloid Debate is vying with Fox News -- Stephanopolous got his debate coaching from Sean Hannity! Asking questions impossible for a candidate to give a satisfactory answer (“Does Rev. Wright love America as much as you?”...”Oh you don’t love America more than Rev. Wright?!” vs. “So you’re saying that Rev. Wright doesn’t love America?…”) is lousy journalism and an insult to your viewers.

This is the worst "so-called" debate that I have ever witnessed. The moderators, G. Stephanopoulos and C. Gibson, were petty, un-professional and sickeningly appalling. If you are going to throw mud then throw it at the both of them and not just at one.

I am so turned off at ABC for allowing this that I no longer care to tune into any of their Network or Local news broadcasts.

We lost a lot when we lost Peter Jennings, like integrity!

what a waste of time nothing on the the real issues just rehashing the same old "stuff" we knows she lies and we know about rev wright so what new??? all hill talked about what she did in the 90's well this is a new era get over it and move on.

What a shame! That's when I miss Peter Jennings. To spend an hour on rehashing the same words, what a waste! We all know she lied, what's the point to spend 15 min on it? What a shame to take "bitter" statement out of context yet again. What a disgrace! As if there were no serious issues to discuss other than what we've heard a million times. Shame on ABC!

All I know is the Dems are screwed. McCain doesn't have to raise a cent now. There's no way either Hillary or Obama can win now. Thanks ABC!

Always truthful,idealistic and honorable champion of the disadvantaged Hillary and negative perceptions about her?Hard to explain. However,the real conundrum is the erstwhile objective and honorable journalists Gibson and Stephanopoulos stooping to lowly Clinton lackeys.

I have yet to see John McCain wear a flag pin, our war hero POW.

I am glad they both admitted they both could win against McCain,naturally she would say she was the better candidate. at least they both admitted they would support the nominee. this is a start in uniting the party for victory in November.

ABC should be embarrassed about this debate. No questions on real issues for almost the first hour .... flag pin? really? How old is that? This was about the dirty "politics" as usual, only the instigators were the debate "moderators". The reason Obama didn't do well in this debate is that he wants to stay positive and focus on the issues. He wouldn't even pile on Hillary's Bosnia lie. He actually made an excuse for her. Hillary on the other hand .... this is what her campaign is about.

Now for Gibson and particularly Stephanopolous how do you have a debate in Pennsylvania and not talk free trade!!! Both campaigns had advisors that got into trouble, but Hillary's top campaign stategist getting paid by the Columbian government to lobby to have the trade bill she supposedly is against passed. Though demoted, he is still working on her campaign!!! Didn't think that was as important to the everyday people of Pennsylvania as whether Obama wears a flag lapel pin.

I've seen bad debates before but I don't think I've seen one this bad where it was all about the moderators trying to "catch" the candidate rather than facilitating debate.

Congratulations ABC. Great debate! I think this is the first time that Barack Obama supporters have complained about a debate. They are not used to Barack Obama having to answer tough questions. It made them uncomfortable. They may not have liked questions concerning Wright, Ayers, or lapel pins, but these questions will surface again if Obama would happen to win the nomination. He will have to face John McCain. And the questions will only get worse.

But there were certainly other topics in the debate too. They both had to answer questions concerning the economy, taxes, foreign policy concerns, Iraq troop withdrawal plans, etc. I am glad to see that these questions were asked.

Hillary Clinton clearly won this debate. She has such an enormous grasp and comprehension of the issues that face our country -- both foreign and domestic. She offers workable solutions. Barack Obama really isn't ready to be president. He just doesn't have enough experience. It showed tonight.

It is really shameful that the MSM has portrayed Hillary Clinton in such a negative light. They have gone to such extremes to discredit her and attack her relentlessly. She is by far the best person to lead our country out of the complete mess it is in. Hopefully Hillary Clinton will prevail and win this nomination.

Don't trust her and she has provided all the negative evidence. People are beginning to read her. How could you have said "screw them" when it comes to white working class voters a few years ago and now present yourself as their champion? or vote for Nafta when it was on the table, and now argue against it? Or Have your husband and yourself receive $800,000.00 to get a new free trade deal 2008 to take more jobs out of America, and try to fool the unions that you are against another free trade agreement? She is full of contradictions not just the Sniper Story. I seriously believe something is wrong with her.

Thank you Charles Gibson, George S.
Good night.

It is widely conceded this debate was a set up to make Clinton look good - intentional or not. Several negative questions could have been posed but she was only presented with Bosnia. People aren't stupid. It appears there was some connivance with the hosts here.

This is what happen when he got all the best treatments for so long and suddently he has to stand up by himself with no help from CNN,MSNBC.
All of his supporters also suffer from this . They have to face reality. It hurts.
If he want to go to the GE he has to prepare for this.

Thank you Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopolous for a job well done. No doubt Senator Clinton won the debate. But, I also have no doubt that Charlie and George will be vilified by Obama zombies. However, I do applaud Obama for suggesting weeks ago he made a "boneheaded" move in forming a relationship with Tony Rezko,his neighbor. Now, what about Rev. Wright?

Why are Hillary's negative ratings so high?
Maybe because she isn't a very nice person - petty, nasty, untruthful. She certainly isn't very likable.

The "debate" on ABC tonight was a horror show, showcasing the absolute worst journalists have to offer the American people. Hardly ever touching on important issues the two moderators managed to make ABC look like a total ratings monger, I suppose it should really be no surprise but hopefully the little credibility the journalists and political has beens may have had prior is now shot. In a time when the mortgage crisis is ripping through America and gas prices are so high that food is becoming a luxury item for some americans ABC decides talking about misspoken words, rev wright, sniper fire, and worst question of the night, LAPEL PINS! seriously?

Obama's negativity is as high as Hillary's , and it might go up much higher than Hillary's in the general election. The problem is that Obama currently gets a free ride from the media which constantly ignores his problems and ostensible mendacity. For example, Obama obviously lied about his handwriting in the questionnaire, yet ABA news just said that he forgot it. Hillary might have really forgotten about her bosnia trip yet the media treated her as if she'd robbed a bank. Obama has lied in many occasions, why doesn't media report these? He lied in the SC debate that the relationship between him and Renzo is limited to the 5 hours of work. He lied about Rev. Wright and William Ayer........ I feel really sick of this guy. Unfortunately I will not support the democratic party if he's the nominee.

Pennsylvania might be coming up but she

is looking foolish and petty to many people who

once voted for her.

That would be me, in California.

That is not the same woman I voted for I will never

vote for her again. So she can steal the primary if

she wants but she will lose to McCain in a landslide.

The high point of this debate was when Senator Clinton stated that the Republicans, instead of pledging support to McCain, should apologize for the past 8 years and just concede to change for America with a Democrat in the White House! As Dan posted: Clinton and Obama joining hands and rising above mediocrity in moderation for the synonymous uneducated/Republicans!!

I just want to comment on tonight's debate. Your debate moderators knew in exactly what order they were going to ask the questions...and they set up a debate that allowed Hillary Clinton extra time during the substantive questions in the second half while making Obama defend himself against your tabloid questions. ABC has lost all credibility. Whoever designed the above hit job should be fired from his own. There's a fine future for him in the tabloid blogosphere.

Obama's negatives are just as high as Hillary's. But of course, the media ignore that.

The media have the highest negatives of all

YOU'RE CORRECT.I AGREE,

"This is what we do politically when we start getting behind in races, and we start going on the attack" - Senator Obama, April 15, 2008

After tonight's debate, expect to see the Obama campaign and his supporters step up their attacks...after they are done licking their wounds.

This was the most pathetic debate I have ever witnessed. The first hour was spent on tabloid style gossip that had nothing to do with informing the American people about these candidates. It is apparent that ABC thinks the American public are idiots. Maybe we are to watch this travesty!

Tomorrow morning we'll wake-up to the carefully calculated, negative spin on Hillary's VICTORY in the debate. We can thank CNN, Huffington, MSM.....for their persistent irresponsible journalism. Sadly, it may just result in an easy hand-off to the Republicans.

Hillary can rest well tonight knowing 'her voice' for the people was beautifully revealed.

Millions heard it...millions BELIEVE it !

good-night.

Because she's so negative.

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!

The Obamabots are in total freak out mode tonight because the cracks in their candidates just got bigger. The American people got to see a true champion of the American people in Hillary Clinton with her commanding knowledge of an array of issues and got just [stumbling] words from Barack Obama.

why was Hillary even there? this was Obama vs. ABC News, and its been a long time coming. ABC should be ashamed of itself, that was what i would expect from FOX. at least when MSNBC where unfairly attacking hillary they were doing so on actual issues like NAFTA and not "so i heard you like puppies, but you dont own one"

I give Hillary A, I give Obama C+

obama if he wins will not win it fair and square
he has the media, the dnc, well you know
sen. clinton has had the deck stacked against her for a long time.
if obama wins-fair will never be associated with it.
goodnight

alison,
you never had any respect for sen.clinton from the beginning-who do you think you are fooling?
the wash. post. is kennedyland
I think we can all agree
it the smart girl (hillary does not get the nomination)
we can all get ready to say
President Mccain.
obama will never get my black vote
Obama will never be POTUS

craig,
you will find plenty of loyalty to obama on cnn and msnbc, and a whole host on newspapers that are all owned by the same company.
ac360, david gergen, candy crawley,chris matthews, keith olberman,
and in the am check out andrea mitchell and micka(?) on morning joe-they will all be blaming abc, hillary, and everyone else for obama' poor showing tonight.
and probally by tomorrow afternoon-after he and his people meet with the msm-and work out exactly how they will spin it-obama will come out and blame abc and hillary.

Why are Obama supporters after issues all of a sudden and not bashing Hillary? Isn't this an issue that a presidential candidate has links, associations with people who have anti-American sentiments and are of questionable integrity?

Lauren ~
If you're interested I can pass on some websites that better inform the American people about the strengths and weakness of both candidates. There aren't many but they do exist and it helps to make a more informed decision when electing a person for the most important position in the country. After reading your post I can't help but think that your main sources of information are MSM, CNN perhaps Tim Russert, Matthews, Huffington Post and numerous other Obama supporting networks. Anyway, just thought I'd throw it out there in case you were interested. But, then again, it looks like you have your mind made up.

the posts here are so sad

we get the leadership we deserve- you must be the same people who supported
GWBush all these years --

Hillary already had record high negatives - that is one number that will go even higher now

Normal people are sock of the diviseness - and Sen Clinton in the first 45 minutes of this debate lost the last shred of respect I had for her

But from the comments here - many of you like fighting - and getting nowhere

Hillary Clinton will never be Presdident of this country - so you can keep it up and thankd George and the supercilious Charlie for doing their part for the republicans

Because in NOV you will have 2 republicans running against each other and John McCain will beat Hillary Clinton

And this country will have lost a chance to transform if Barack Obama was the dem nominee

ABC should be ashamed
Most people wanted to hear issues not 45 minutes of the National Enquirer -- Obama showed class in not piling on Hillary

Hillary has no class
and no chance
She turns peoples stomachs