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Bill on Hillary's Debate Performance: 'I Thought She Was Great'
April 17, 2008 1:19 PM
ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: Former President Bill Clinton was in high spirits this morning as he took to the stage in Erie, Pennsylvania, eager to talk about what he thought of his wife's performance at ABC News' Democratic debate last night in Philadelphia.
“So, I want to begin by saying, I don't know if you saw that debate last night, but I did, and I thought she was great. She was great because she showed the strength and leadership and knowledge of the issues that is very important to the next president, and and she didn’t hedge, beat around the bush on tough questions like Iran, she told us what she was gonna do on Health care, she told us what she was gonna do on jobs. That’s what you want in a president. Someone who is leading for you,” Clinton told the crowd on the campus of Erie University of Pennsylvania.
Clinton went on to sprinkle debate references throughout his 45 minute speech, at one point saying he thought her answer on Iran was excellent as well. Joining the former president on the stump today is a longtime friend and Hillary Clinton supporter, Ted Danson. Danson's glowing description of Hillary during his introduction prompted Clinton to remind the crowd that the Hillary he knows is not the one he says has been created by the media and her opponent.
“I couldn’t help thinking – I didn’t mean to start with this but I think I will. You heard what he said about Hillary? That’s what the people who know her think. That is very different than the image that they have tried to create for her, isn’t it, in the media, and out of the other campaign, who are always nagging, nagging, nagging. You heard it for 15 months, you know? How come no one who knows her believes that?" Clinton asked the crowd, explaining that the people who really know her realize she is in it for the people.
Clinton is keeping a busy schedule today with 6 stops in some of the more rural and remote parts of Pennsylvania, including Warren and Lock Haven.
April 17, 2008 in Bush, George W. | Permalink | User Comments (163)
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I wholeheartedly agree. I thought she was great too!
Posted by: SM | Apr 17, 2008 1:32:47 PM
There Bill goes lying again. The onlyl reason Hillary did remotely decent is because she was given a pass by the moderaters. Even then she couldn't land a knock out blow. Obama tried to change the subject many times to the real issues in America, but she kept constantly bringing up negatives. It was really very sad.
Posted by: Tiffany | Apr 17, 2008 1:34:59 PM
The idea that Obama shouldn't have to answer for all this is ridiculous. If this had been addressed long ago like it should have been, then Obama wouldn't be facing this now. Where would we be now if only the media had been doing their job and being objective and scrutinizing the man who wants to be our President for goodness sakes.
What more is out there? What else got scrubbed? He is scary.
His Ayers answer...my god. I don't care if he bombed buildings, government or otherwise, 20 years before I was born. If I am wanting to be President (and by the way, If I'm not wanting to be President either) I avoid him, his neighbor, his kindergarten teacher and his dog's puppies like they were the plague.
NOT because I'm running for President but because what he did is heinous and against the land I love.
I don't care if he wasn't punished legally, it doesn't make him not guilty, especially when he admits it, boasts about it and says they didn't do enough and he regrets that.
Just think...Ayers is only ONE issue that Obama needs to answer for.
Also, as long as the slamming is of Clinton, it's ok right? If it had been, all you people all over the Internet would be celebrating, instead of whining.
Come back and vote when you grow up.
Posted by: TriciaNC | Apr 17, 2008 1:38:07 PM
I think that Obama did a fantastic job considering that the moderators spent the first 45 minutes before they even asked him any policy questions. They basically attacked him the entire night, and then they got the nerve to say that he was defensive. Of course he was. They asked Hillary one question regarding Bosnia, and then moved on to another attack on Obama without even getting into the fact that she lied. They never brought up the NAFTA issue and the fact that her husband accepted $800,000.00 from a trade deal with the Columbians that she states she’s against. That’s like my wife saying she’s anti-police, and then me excepting a big payday to pad “our” bank account. They never brought up the fact that her main advisor (Penn) was making a deal with those same Columbians that paid her husband. On the flip side they managed to bring up and hammer the four most negative stories about Obama that has been looped over and over for the past 6 wks. All of the old issues were long put to rest including the Wright thing. This whole thing was set up to keep Obama from talking about the issues and to try and make it a cat fight between the two. What about the $4.00 gas prices, or the rising crime, or the 3rd tour that most servicemen are going thru, or the economy, or the rising cost of college, or the housing market, or the lack of healthcare for the mentally ill. I was disappointed that we’re on the edge of history and this debate was the worst one-sided moderated (attack) debate that I’ve ever seen. It was refreshing to hear Hillary finally admit that Obama can beat McCain. God is good and faithful…
Posted by: Jack | Apr 17, 2008 1:38:14 PM
1 tabloid question each candidate from viewers ( sniper fire & flag pin)
3 tabloid questions against Obama (wrihgt + willie? + bitter-gate). 1 came from Sean Hennety (agruabley a neo-con). NONE against Hillary.
And the only audience responses shown (5 times) were from Chelsea sandwiched beteen two Hillary superDel.
Its NOT BIASED only by "biased hillary supporters"
Posted by: afroza | Apr 17, 2008 1:40:53 PM
Tom Coburn is the latest to get thrown under the bus by Obama.
Tom Coburn who said IF abortion became illegal, then the death penalty could perhaps be used for those abortionists.
And THAT is what Barack compares to a guy who bombed buildings and now says he didn't do enough????
WOW. And they're a lot friendlier than Barack admits. He had a strategy meeting at his house.
Posted by: Jo | Apr 17, 2008 1:41:15 PM
I just want to say as a lifetime Democrate for 49 years, I have never been so embarrassed to be a Democrate till now. Last nights debate was a total joke. Hillary, ABC, Nutter and Rendell did a good job of setting Senator Obama up. It appeared to me that the debate was not about real issues but instead, an agenda for Hillary's benefit. It was obvious that she knew what the questions were going to be and that it was decided to ask her about Bosnia once and disregard all of her other lies, mistatments and cheapshots. She has shown the American people exactly who and what she is. I am tired of her nasty self promoting games and more importantly, I am disappointed that the DNC has allowed her to tear the Democratic Party apart. It was so many times last night where Obama could have torn her apart, instead, he in a sense protected her on Bosnia and tried to deal more with the issues the American people are really concerned with. Instead, she took out her dagger and continued to dig. That is not a sign of a fighter or of strength, it's a sign of sleaziness, desparation and ignorance. Obama is clearly the better candidate. He is morally sound, trustworthy and genuinely concerned about the people. I have donated to his campaign at least twice a month and very proud to do so.
I am tired of listening to politcal analysis twist and turn words around and create massive issues out of nothing! This Primary has stressed me out and I have decided for my own morals and well being, that I will officially resign as a Democrat if Senator Obama is cheated out of the nomination.
I will leave the Hillary circus in November for the rest of you to enjoy and take my chances on the Republican side.
Sadly,
A Democrat on the fence.
Posted by: michelle | Apr 17, 2008 1:41:59 PM
congratulations Bill, now that's an unbiased opinion. What you say Hillary "screw them and the middle class workers too"
Posted by: jAYjAY | Apr 17, 2008 1:42:03 PM
I thought she was great too but it seems that the majority of Dems have already made up their minds and no matter how well she does now they will still support Obama. I don't think she is getting a fair chance in this nomination process and that is a shame. For someone so capable they should treat her better. I do think their is buyer's remorse setting in for some of the people who have voted already.
Posted by: Sharbob | Apr 17, 2008 1:43:57 PM
geevil lol. Amen.
Posted by: Jo | Apr 17, 2008 1:44:57 PM
ABC I know this would work for brainwash Republican --- But Democrats where watching
Posted by: GHM | Apr 17, 2008 1:45:47 PM
Shame on you ABC!! I will not EVER watch any so-call debates on your network. This station is TOO bias for me. I will only watch your station to get the lottery numbers. You've really stooped very low on ATTACKING Obama. You must be in Hillary's pocket.
Posted by: DW | Apr 17, 2008 1:46:13 PM
Yes Jo, you hit the nail on the head. "Weak" is the word that comes to my mind when I see him at the podium. Fear is written across his countenance, guilt in his demeanor. I sometimes feel sorry for him because I don't think in a million years he ever imagined the scrutiny he is and will be under. We all have a pretty good idea who is working behind the scenes. Obama is a mere puppet, a sacrificial lamb, a talking-head. Take him off script and he is lost. So will America be lost if we follow him.
Posted by: Bill Elliott | Apr 17, 2008 1:46:36 PM
As the famous saying goes:
"Tell me who you're with and I'll tell you who you are."
That doesn't reflect well for Obama.
Posted by: Jo | Apr 17, 2008 1:46:57 PM
Jo,
You are right.
Lastnight ABC prepared for the GE.
No matter what if Obama want to win the GE he has to face those issues.
His supporters just don't get it.
He can not get all the free pillows anymore ,he has to be tough.
Posted by: crisis08 | Apr 17, 2008 1:47:09 PM
I thought Sen. Clinton was quite wonderful. I think this debate demonstrated how brainy and solidly grounded in policy she really is. At the same time, I was shocked by Obama's performance, which was dull, unprofessional and unprepared. It's as if he didn't care at all and while some of the questions were a little petty, he was evasive and dismissive. Last night helped me make up my mind.
Posted by: Kathy | Apr 17, 2008 1:47:33 PM
It was pretty obvious that Hillary was briefed beforehand on what the questions where going to be.
As for debating, she did not debate. She did not answer directly to any questions. All she did was rehash her stump speech over and over again.
Hillary fanboys can tout her "win" all they want but anybody who is neutral could tell that she came off as petty at best. I'm sure the Super Delegates got a taste of who Hillary Cliton is and I'm sure most made up their mind on this issue.
Face it guys, she is unelectable.
Posted by: Mick G | Apr 17, 2008 1:48:14 PM
Hey ABC,
Don't pay attention to the Kos or Huffington Post people who are bashing you and threatening boycotts.
The Hillary supporters are proud of you for posing tough questions for a change and the McCain supporters are proud too.
There are far more of us than the Kos puppets.
Posted by: Jo | Apr 17, 2008 1:49:38 PM
There wasn't any debate on real issues and there were no winners. This was the worst debate by any means and the ABC moderators did a poor performance.
Posted by: JS | Apr 17, 2008 1:50:53 PM
Why his supporters are all angry now.
Don't they have enough best times for whole times?
It's time to grow up.
If you can not see anything tough on him just watch CNN,MSNBC.
Posted by: crisis08 | Apr 17, 2008 1:51:54 PM
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