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« Bill Clinton Says Portland Pundits Are Wrong About Rural Oregon | Main | Obama Discusses the 'Provocative' Rev. Wright Sermons He's Attended »
Clinton Challenges Obama to a 'Lincoln-Douglas' Debate
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ShareApril 26, 2008 4:57 PM
ABC News' Eloise Harper and Sunlen Miller report: The Hillary Clinton campaign has challenged Sen. Barack Obama to a debate with no moderators, in the spirit of Lincoln-Douglas.
Speaking in South Bend, Ind., Sen. Clinton said, “What I think the people in Indiana deserve is a real one-on-one debate, where Sen. Obama and I discuss [the] issues. Now I have accepted the debates that have been offered, and in fact Indiana has a debate commission which organizes this to make sure it’s fair and nobody gets any special advantages. I’ve said I’ll be anywhere, anytime in order to debate, because I think the people of Indiana -- after having wandered in the wilderness of American politics for 40 years -- deserve a break. Who knows, we might even carry Indiana in the fall if we start with a good debate right here."
Clinton continued, “Unfortunately, Sen. Obama has not agreed yet, and he’s turned down every debate that has been offered. So here I have a proposition my campaign sent his campaign today. You know, after the last debate in Philadelphia, Sen. Obama’s supporters complained a little bit about the tough questions (awwwwwww heard in the audience). You know tough questions in a debate are nothing compared to the tough questions you get when you are president.”
Clinton challenged Obama, saying, “And they complained about the moderators asking tough questions. So here is my proposal: I’m offering Sen. Obama the chance to debate me one-on-one, no moderators. Just the two of us going for 90 minutes asking and answering questions. We’ll set whatever rules seem fair. I think it would give the people of Indiana -- and I assume a few Americans will tune in because nearly 11 million watched the Philadelphia debate, and I think they would like seeing that discussion. Remember that’s what happened during the Lincoln and Douglas debates. Now we have had like four debates between Sen. Obama and myself.”
Robert Gibbs, communications director for Obama’s campaign, responded to Clinton’s debate challenge Saturday afternoon in a paper statement.
"We have participated in 21 nationally televised debates, the most in primary history, including four exclusively with Sen. Clinton. Sen. Clinton refused an earlier invitation that had been accepted to debate in North Carolina. Over the next 10 days, we believe it's important to talk directly to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina about fixing our economy, cutting the cost of health care and ending a war in Iraq that never should have been authorized in the first place," Gibbs said.
Here is the letter that Clinton’s campaign sent to the Obama campaign:
April 26, 2008
David Plouffe, Campaign Manager
Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 60680
Dear David:
The attention, excitement and energy around this presidential election is unprecedented. The stakes could not be higher for our country and the American people. The economy is sliding into recession, our men and woman in the Armed Forces are fighting two wars abroad, and our country is reeling from the harsh legacy of the Bush-Cheney Administration. The American people are choosing a direction for their children and families. They have a right to hear from those who want to be their leaders. Our Democratic primaries reflect the keen interest of the American citizenry in this election. Our primaries have brought millions of new people into the political process and invigorated a national conversation about the best solutions to meet our challenges.
Senator Clinton believes deeply that political debates are a vital part of our democratic process. It is the American way to place our would-be leaders side by side to hear them articulate and defend their ideas; to challenge each other on their visions for the future; to answer the tough questions about their plans, their records and their judgments; and to celebrate their achievements.
enator Obama has declined the invitation from CBS and the North Carolina Democratic Party to appear for a debate at North Carolina State University tomorrow evening. Senator Obama has apparently declined the invitation of the Indiana Debate Commission to appear for a debate in Indiana next week. Senator Obama has not responded to Senator Clinton’s challenge to debate in Oregon. Will there be no debates in other upcoming states? The American people, of course, deserve more. They deserve debates before casting their votes. They deserve debates just like the states who have participated in this invigorating process before them.
I understand that Senator Obama has raised the point that there have already been more than 20 debates this election cycle. However, only four of those have been between Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. We can all agree that many important issues have received scant attention during previous debates, including such important topics as education and the energy crisis.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, a series of public debates across Illinois where two candidates put their ideas, their visions, and their values before the American people. I have no doubt that Senator Obama, who hails from that great state, understands how valuable and vital these national conversations were to the heart of America. We can surely meet the standard our forbearers did. Our final two primary candidates to date have had three fewer debates than Lincoln and Douglas held in single state over 60 days in 1858.
And if we debate, Americans will come. Recent debates have attracted record numbers of viewers – more than 10 million for the last one. And a great number of voters in recent primaries have said that the debates in their states were important to their decision.
Senator Obama himself suggested the last debate in Philadelphia did not provide enough opportunity to talk about issues that “matter[] to the American people.” A Lincoln-Douglas style debate would certainly provide that opportunity. There would be no questions from the media. There would be equal time and equal opportunity to grapple with the important policy questions we are facing today. As Douglas put it, the two candidates would meet “for the purpose of discussing the leading political topics which now agitate the public mind.”
In the spirit of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, we make this proposal:
Senator Clinton and Senator Obama will participate in a 90-minute debate in an open public forum. Just the two of them -- no questioners, no panelists, no video clips. One candidate would speak for two minutes, then the other, alternating back and forth all the way through the debate. Their discussion – not any pre-set rules – would determine how long they spend on one subject before moving on to another. Such a debate would range across all of the challenges, large and small, we face as a nation or it could focus on the most significant issue we face today -- the economy.
We can readily agree on a host, a place, a date, and a broadcaster or series of broadcasters.
Both of our candidates are making history. Let us continue to do so. Let’s debate.
Sincerely,
Maggie Williams
Campaign Manager
April 26, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (451)
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There's no way Obama will agree to another debate after he got his clocked ticked on the ABC debate. No way!
Posted by: S | Apr 26, 2008 5:09:50 PM
21.
I know that the Clinton camp doesn't like those messy thinigs like numbers.
But...
That is the number of debates that have already taken place.
Posted by: L | Apr 26, 2008 5:12:29 PM
Obama would lose his train of thought and be lost.
Posted by: seah | Apr 26, 2008 5:13:00 PM
The debate Clinton is proposing would be WITHOUT moderators. No wonder Obama would decline. No wonder at all!
Posted by: Aston | Apr 26, 2008 5:16:59 PM
This from the woman who, just a month or so ago, was ducking debates herself!
Now, she needs the free air time a debate would offer.
But the debates so far, particularly the last one, but really all of them, have offered little on the issues. There's no reason to believe that Hillabeans will want to stick to the real issues.
And it'd be good if she'd figure out WHERE she wants to debate. So far, at least three states have been mentioned. They could probably spend the next eight days debating from NC to OR and on to Puerto Rico!!!! But WHY?!?
Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!
Posted by: Jackt51 -- Vietnam Vet and Proud Liberal | Apr 26, 2008 5:18:56 PM
SHE WILL DO ANYTHING OR SAY ANYTHING TO GET A DEBATE >>>SHE HAS NO MONEY HER WAY OF GETTING FREE ADS,IF I WERE HIM I WOULD SAY NO WAY BUT THANK YOU BUSY TRYING TO ATTACK THE TROUBLES OF THIS COUNTRY SO THE PEOPLE WILL KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO MY FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE ....NANNANNAANNAANNAANNANNAA
Posted by: h | Apr 26, 2008 5:20:26 PM
Obama is a baby!
Posted by: Edwin | Apr 26, 2008 5:21:10 PM
If OBama cannot stand up and debate with Hillary ... what can he do for this country when the real time comes to stand up.
It is scary to let Obama be the one who will decide for all of us.
No to Obama
Posted by: Jack | Apr 26, 2008 5:25:04 PM
Hey folks, did you hear? Obama will never again use laptops because his laptop had the temerity to crash on him last evening. Awwwwww.
Posted by: UM | Apr 26, 2008 5:26:23 PM
The questions from the last debate weren't "hard", they were stupid, plain and simple. I agree, no more debates--save the yakety-yak for the convention.
Posted by: April Campbell | Apr 26, 2008 5:27:04 PM
LOL This isnt going to happen. Hillary needs money and a debate just gives her free press and more money. after 21 debates what else can be said? now she wants no moderators? yeah right. He said he will grant her one after the next two primaries so sit with that and keep moving
Posted by: Allamr18 | Apr 26, 2008 5:27:05 PM
I would love to see another debate. I think they should debate as often as possible so we can see what Obama is made of.
Posted by: Paul'stheName | Apr 26, 2008 5:28:38 PM
Theres 50 states. I say 50 debates.
And they should all count ! !
Posted by: KURT | Apr 26, 2008 5:29:04 PM
Obama is done debating. After his last flop performance, he brushed himself off, gave Hillary the finger and clinged to the teleprompter.
Posted by: hopesprings52 | Apr 26, 2008 5:29:48 PM
Why in the world would Obama do Clinton any favors at this point?
Any reasonable candidate would have let go of selfish interests and did what was best for the Democratic party by now (i.e., concede). But Clinton feels entitled to be president (weird as that sounds).
Reality = It is a mathematical certainty that Obama will be ahead in pledged delegates at convention time. The only way Clinton wins is if the superdelegates steal it from Obama, despite his lead (which isnt even realistic, given the obvious and serious consequences that would follow [e.g., huge backslide in race relations in America, huge defection of Democrats of any color, embarassment for America in the world community, vast elation among republicans). The Clintons (or there behind the scenes surrogates) know this and therefore are now simply trying to get Obama swift-boated to the point of some kind of disqualification. Sad but true.
Stop the drama. Vote Obama!!!
Posted by: Mike Denhof | Apr 26, 2008 5:33:00 PM
It would just be a mud fest. Just one more degradation of the political process. This thing needs to end.
Posted by: Thinking | Apr 26, 2008 5:34:01 PM
How about giving the people of Indiana the courtesy of a debate.
Posted by: KURT | Apr 26, 2008 5:36:03 PM
What about debates? How relevant will this be to governace?
Hillary Clinton displays this arrogance of know it all. Is the American society lacking in great ideas? No No No.
What is lacking is good leadership which Obama has already shown in the management of his Campaign. Clinton has shown that she cannot even run her campaign and now relies on mudslinging to get attention.
Posted by: Churchill | Apr 26, 2008 5:37:00 PM
Who wants another debate after 21. I don't.
I really don't think that people care one way or the other.
Posted by: Stacey | Apr 26, 2008 5:37:25 PM
DEBATES OR NOT DEBATES OBAMA IS A TOAST!!!!!!!
OBAMA IS UNELECTABLE IN NOVEMBER.
HE CARRIES A BIG BAD,BAD,BAD RECORD IN HIS RESUME......
WHITE VOTERS WILL NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA.
HOPE,CHANGE=SLOGANS......
I'M INDEPENDENT VOTER AND I WLL NEVER,NEVER VOTE FOR OBAMA.....
Posted by: NIcholas | Apr 26, 2008 5:38:38 PM
Please democrats -- nominate Obama. Pretty please. Then, say hello to president McCain!
Posted by: A | Apr 26, 2008 5:39:12 PM
@red, I choose not to debate you.
Posted by: KURT | Apr 26, 2008 5:39:41 PM
This whole process has turned into a three ring Circus. I do not know any longer if these are the clowns or the freak show out there, but it is anything but a campaign. This is begining to drive voters away
Posted by: Thinking | Apr 26, 2008 5:40:45 PM
Debates are indispensable venues through which we the voters evaluate presidential candidates. As an American, I have a serious problem with a candidate who avoids debates. If Obama does not have anything to hide, he must not be scared of any debate format. Obama's attitude is forcing me to take a serious look at Hillary Clinton or John McCaine as viable choices. Adding what Rev.Jeremiah Wright just said about Obama being a typical politician, I have serious doubts about the candidate's judgement and sincerity. I will consider voting for him if he clears all these messy and shady dealigns he had in the past before we go to the polls on May 6. Believe me, I am not the only one who feels this way in my town.
Posted by: Jim in North Carolina | Apr 26, 2008 5:40:58 PM
The only people who think Obama lost the last debate are the ones who didn't even watch it. Even the ABC News Poll on abcnews.com showed Obama as the clear winner.
It took 45 minutes before a single REAL issue was talked about. Is that what we need, wasted time not talking about the issues affecting our country? Of course Obama is going to pass up another debate like that one that doesn't focus on what America needs.
OBAMA '08
Posted by: Patrick | Apr 26, 2008 5:41:31 PM
Obama would only agree if he was allowed to have answers flashed to him on a teleprompter, or David Axelrod could give him the answers through an ear piece. Because we all know Obama is just a mouth piece for the radical left wing of the party.
Posted by: frisco girl | Apr 26, 2008 5:42:04 PM
All you Obamaheads want these 5 month old things to go away, like REV wright, or his middle name... It has just started... What are you going to do in the G.E. ?
Posted by: KURT | Apr 26, 2008 5:43:11 PM
This debate challenge is a very smart move by Hillary. It puts Obama in a position to either accept and quit crying about the questions he gets, or to decline and show his inability to stand on his own without a prepared speech and teleprompter.
Posted by: John Icard | Apr 26, 2008 5:44:00 PM
debate about what? get out of here hillary and get over it (your loss)
Posted by: sam | Apr 26, 2008 5:44:28 PM
Obama is in trouble big time with Rev. Wright talking to the press and that ad about Rev. Wright and Obama running in NC. There are many working-class, small town, Americans who are not happy with the Anti-American and racist remarks that have come from Rev. Wright, Barack and Michelle Obama.
Posted by: Jeff | Apr 26, 2008 5:45:26 PM
This debate challenge is a very smart move by Hillary. It puts Obama in a position to either accept and quit crying about the questions he gets, or to decline and show his inability to stand on his own without a prepared speech and teleprompter.
Posted by: John Icard | Apr 26, 2008 5:45:49 PM
Rookie U.S. Senator Obama is afraid to debate Hillary Clinton.
Why? Because Obama doesn't want to answer any questions about why he associated with black nationalists, communists, socialists, and other radical left wingers for his entire life.
Posted by: USmarine0331 | Apr 26, 2008 5:46:44 PM
Enough is enough, Hillary! You've already proven that you will do ANYTHING to win the White House, including lying through your teeth! Debates will do nothing for you except reveal more of your lies. It's high time you backed out with some dignity, before you and your husband lose what dignity you have left. Obama for '08!!
Posted by: Hightower | Apr 26, 2008 5:46:49 PM
lucky59,
You sound like you are a great judge of character. ---NOT
Posted by: Mike | Apr 26, 2008 5:47:22 PM
Apparently, after a lifetime of telling lies and betraying people, Hillary Clinton seems to be stuck in political purgatory. Seems she is on her way to hell. Hopefully the good people of Indiana well put her out of her misery.
Posted by: John | Apr 26, 2008 5:47:36 PM
Both of you need to Shut-up and sit down. There needs to be more RULES about when and how long you all can TORTURE us with this constant invasion into our heads. Stop already! McCain IS going to win anyway!
Posted by: Nails On a Chaulk Board | Apr 26, 2008 5:49:58 PM
Obama always makes his own agenda more important than the democratic election process... he refuses to let Florida and Michigan voters to vote... he now refuses to do the rest if the debates... Who is this pansy and why is he allowed to singlehandedly change the rules?
Posted by: Mysty | Apr 26, 2008 5:50:40 PM
The inquisition-type of debate like that used in Pennsylvania is not really a debate of substance. Debates should be on issues that really matter.
Posted by: NBDiaz | Apr 26, 2008 5:52:15 PM
Why in the world would Clinton do Obama any favors at this point?
Any reasonable candidate would have let go of selfish interests and did what was best for the Democratic party by now (i.e., concede).
Reality = It is a mathematical certainty that Clinton will be ahead in pledged delegates at convention time. The only way Obama wins is if the superdelegates steal it from Clintona, despite his lead (which isnt even realistic, given the obvious and serious consequences that would follow [e.g., huge backslide in race relations in America, huge defection of Democrats of any color, embarassment for America in the world community, vast elation among republicans). The Obamas (or there behind the scenes surrogates) know this and therefore are now simply trying to get Clinton swift-boated to the point of some kind of disqualification. Sad but true.
Stop the drama. Vote Clinton 08!!!
Posted by: ruthie | Apr 26, 2008 5:54:23 PM
Umbria said: Hillary wins: California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania.
SOrry Umbria, but if she didn't win her home state, it would be a shocker. She didn't win Florida or Michigan, and Texas is going to go Republican.
Posted by: Roger | Apr 26, 2008 5:47:11 PM
------------------------------------
Then why did Obama scuttle the rematch? Why did he kill the revotes? You have to be a political novice or intellectually dishonest not to concede that with it's high density of latinos/immigrants and seniors she will wallop Obama by double digits. Of all the big states Florida is one where she can beat McCain but Obama doesn't have a prayer. SO LET'S BE HONEST HERE. As simple as this:
Hillary = California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, at least 3 out of (Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania) = Coalition based on Blue or Big Battlegroud States = Presidency. GUARANTEED.
Obama: California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, some complicated coalition of other states. MAYBE, MAYBE NOT.
Posted by: Umbria | Apr 26, 2008 5:55:13 PM
Obama was in the senate for 3 weeks before he started running for president... he has NOE EXPERIENCE. All we have to go on is his character and judgement. With all of the racists , Muslims and terrorists that surround him... Barak HUSSEIN Obama is unelectable and he knows it. The media couldn't protect him anymore after the Saturday Night Live parody about how much the media glorifies him and demonizes Hillary... The ABC debate was the first time some of these big issues came out on a channel that democrats actually watch. He has been exposed... and he does not want to be exposed anymore through debating. Bravo ABC for asking the RIGHT questions... we need to know who this man is... and he looks scarier evrytime we learn something more about him. If he is our candidate, McCain will slaughter him in the general elction. Obama is UNELECTABLE.
Posted by: Mysty | Apr 26, 2008 5:55:35 PM
Apparently, after a lifetime of telling lies and betraying people, Barck Obama seems to be stuck in political purgatory. Seems he is on his way to hell. Hopefully the good people of Indiana well put him out of his misery.
Vote Hillary 08!
Posted by: ruthie | Apr 26, 2008 5:56:27 PM
This is pure Clinton genius. It's a civilized version of challenging O bama to a street fight. If he's not up to th challenge he loses but if he backs down then he loses and is a coward.
Bravo Hillary!
Posted by: dave | Apr 26, 2008 5:56:33 PM
NO MORE DEBATES,
WE HAVE HEARD 20 DEBATES AND THERE IS NOTHING NEW....WE KNOW WHERE ALL THE CANDIDATES STAND ON ENERGY AND EDUCATION....SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR CLINTON DEBATING OBAMA
THE LAST DEBATE WAS DESIGNED TO ASSASSINATE OBAMA'S CHARACTER BY FORMER CLINTON AIDES.....NO MORE PERSONAL ATTACKS..
THAT IS WHAT CLINTON WANTS...TO MAKE PERSONAL ATTACKS ON NATIONAL TV..
SORRY CLINTON, IT WONT HAPPEN
NICE MOVE OBAMA...WE ARE FED UP WITH THESE DEBATES
IN THE NATIONS HISTORY...THIS IS THE MOST DEBATES WE HAVE HAD...NO MORE
GO OBAMA
YES WE CAN
Posted by: Edwards | Apr 26, 2008 5:56:38 PM
Oh i bet if Obama was doing fine and was holding his own in the debates, he would be agreeing to more debates. He has done sooo poorly and doesn't like to be surprised with question, instead he likes to be aware and in control always. Well, then President isn't the job for you Obama. You are soo inexperienced Obama, in my opinion you will not win.
Rise Hillary Rise
Posted by: Persio | Apr 26, 2008 5:57:15 PM
Obama is too chicken. Plus who could sit through another round of his studdering and stammering.....
______________________________
Don't Get Mad....Get Strong
Hillary '08
Posted by: AK | Apr 26, 2008 5:57:16 PM
A Win Win for Hillery
Posted by: Darrel | Apr 26, 2008 5:57:38 PM
As John McCain said, “If wrestle in the mud with a pig, you are both going to get dirty. The biggest problem that is that the pig enjoys it.”
Posted by: John | Apr 26, 2008 5:57:54 PM
Obama always makes his own agenda more important than the democratic election process... he refuses to let Florida and Michigan voters to vote... he now refuses to do the rest if the debates... Who is this pansy and why is he allowed to singlehandedly change the rules?
Posted by: misty | Apr 26, 2008 5:57:55 PM
When the democratic nominee is decided, the losers will quickly kiss and make up. The loser's followers (AKA lemmings) will not only follow suit, they'll sweat the differences between the two candidates were merely superficial.
And who said the democrats don't have heart-felt principles and iron clad convictions?.
Posted by: S | Apr 26, 2008 5:58:23 PM
Anybody inspired by the empty filthy
rhetoric that comes out of Mr. Obama's
mouth??
Posted by: raquela | Apr 26, 2008 5:59:29 PM
Poor old Barack
It is time for him to step up and debate. The states deserve it. And we are beginning to see he cannot handle it
Posted by: susanc | Apr 26, 2008 6:01:07 PM
Actually Obama's loss in Pa. was much worse than it appeared. If you take the Philadelphia area out, where he was boosted by the Black vote, he lost most of Pa. by 20%-50%. That is a staggering number that will get worse when Republicans join in come November.
Posted by: beo | Apr 26, 2008 6:02:28 PM
Obama knows that he doesn't have the mental wherewithall to compete in that
scenario. He will never agree to that.
Even though Michelle has no credibility
she would be a better prospect for a debate than Barry.
Posted by: BikernAz | Apr 26, 2008 6:03:05 PM
If Obama were a legitimate opponent, then I would favor a debate, but he has shown that he is not up to a debate on the issues. He only wants attention b/c he has lost this race, and he is trying to seize control. But when he is given even a modicum of respect, he abuses it to sling mud. I don't think there is any value in giving Obama the dignity of debating anyone but another dupe.
Vote Hillary 08!!
Posted by: laura | Apr 26, 2008 6:04:57 PM
Hillary get a life and just keep on stumping - maybe you can debate Bill. I want you to stop asking Obama for debates. Tell Maggie to stop sending Obama requests for a debate.
Posted by: Deborah | Apr 26, 2008 6:05:32 PM
He is a coward, period. He lost to her face to face in the PA debate, and then acts like a "real man" and gives her the finger behind her back in a speech in North Carolina the next day. Now he doesn't want any more face to face debates! No wonder he can't get the blue collar vote - they don't vote for wimps, they don't vote for cowards.
Posted by: Grammy Barb | Apr 26, 2008 6:05:49 PM
Mr. Obama aint no president!!!
Posted by: ebony | Apr 26, 2008 6:06:10 PM
Barack Obama should not lower himself to associating or debating with Hillary Clinton. Hillary immediately draws any discussion down into her gutter. However a debate between Obama and McCain would be more interesting, and would be a welcome break from the horrible politics that has been going on. It would be more on the level of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.
Posted by: John | Apr 26, 2008 6:06:55 PM
Frankly, Obama's negatives are simply
overwhelming at this point...
Vote Hillary 08!!
Posted by: earl | Apr 26, 2008 6:07:56 PM
No moderators? Isn't that called a shouting match?
Posted by: Dali | Apr 26, 2008 6:08:10 PM
ABC News is Fox News II. You guys are hilarious. No more debates from the Republican Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Charlie | Apr 26, 2008 6:08:43 PM
Obama -- put up or shut up. Or, to put it another way, debate or run from debate!
That is the question.
Posted by: S | Apr 26, 2008 6:08:48 PM
Debate without moderators?!!
What is next? Let's get into a boxing ring?!!!
I'm not opposed to debates, but how many do we need?
Debate for the sake of debating is stupid.
Obama should ignore her attacks and talk to people directly.
Negative ads only work if you respond to them. Stay focus on the message. Expose her flawed (identical to Bush) foreign policy. She is finished anyway. Don't bring yourslef to her level.
Posted by: Adam | Apr 26, 2008 6:09:00 PM
Hillary Clinton should not lower himself to associating or debating with Barack Obama. Obama immediately draws any discussion down into her gutter. However a debate between Clinton and McCain would be more interesting, and would be a welcome break from the horrible politics that has been going on. It would be more on the level of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.
Vote Hillary 08!!
Posted by: earl | Apr 26, 2008 6:09:19 PM
Before Barack turns the offer down,
someone should explain to him who Lincoln and Douglas were and just how historic it was.
Posted by: BikernAz | Apr 26, 2008 6:12:04 PM
It takes 2025 delegates to win the nomination. The press has bought into the Obama spin that because he is ahead he should get the nomination. In reality, they're in a virtual tie. The rules never said that the person in the lead gets it, they say you need 2025. After that there needs to be a floor fight at the convention.
Posted by: cda | Apr 26, 2008 6:14:14 PM
obama is a total wimp. He already said "no more debate between now and IN primary". He finally agreed to go on fox news after 772 days fox news tried to get him on. However, with a condition that this interview had to be taped today saturday and air tomorrow sunday. Not LIVE!! He scares of going on Live television now. Not only he's a radical leftist but also wimpier than Jimmy carter. He will break Jimmy Carter's record. OH, HAMAS ENDORSED OBAMA! I bet they can tell that Obama is very similar to Carter, who is willing to make a fool of himself talking to them and accomplish nothing but boost their ego and arrogance.
Posted by: hannah | Apr 26, 2008 6:14:39 PM
Mr. Obama things he is smarter
than most americans ... LOL
Posted by: hottie | Apr 26, 2008 6:15:34 PM
Why is it so hard for Obama
to admit he is way over his head??
Posted by: raquela | Apr 26, 2008 6:17:40 PM
The vitriol in some of the comments here is the reason our country is in this sad shape. Why do we all sound like Limbaugh followers?
Posted by: worldsam | Apr 26, 2008 6:17:41 PM
We could all see a debate for the next week or so if she would start talking issues.
Posted by: Thinking | Apr 26, 2008 6:17:49 PM
How in the world can anyone support or make excuses for a man who is obviuosly afraid to debate for the Presidency of the United States of America? I don't know which is more appaling his cowardisness or the lack of common sense of his supporters.
Posted by: Tanya Kujath | Apr 26, 2008 6:18:03 PM
I can't wait to see the looks on the faces of Obama supporters when the Hillary supporters vote for McCain and he wins in November
Posted by: hattrick | Apr 26, 2008 6:23:59 PM
Frankly, Mr. Obama's negatives
are simply overwhelming at this point...
Posted by: Rosalita | Apr 26, 2008 6:24:12 PM
A win for McCain would be a disaster for the country, but still better than Hillary.
Posted by: John | Apr 26, 2008 6:25:26 PM
I'm at a loss with Hillary people.
On what ground she is more qualified?
Since she's been in senate her only major accomplishments are voting for war and cointinuing to support it at the cost of our economy.
I guess that's how it works. First break it. Then claim you can fix it.
The best form of goverment for US is a Democratic president where foreign policy looms large and Republican congress where fiscal responsiblity counts.
Hillary is not qualified to be in either places. Period.
Posted by: Adam | Apr 26, 2008 6:26:46 PM
This is a complete joke. Over 20 debates now and Hillary thinks that somehow one more is going to turn things around for her? Such a desperate attempt to trap Obama and strangle him any way she can. Obama is smart to stay out of it.
Posted by: what a joke | Apr 26, 2008 6:28:59 PM
No way Obama will get more than 40
percent in the general if he is elected... He'll be in jail...
Posted by: June | Apr 26, 2008 6:30:23 PM
Personally I don't care to watch Obama say.........ummmmmm, ahhhh,ummmm,ahhhh............If he can't read a script he can't think for himself. The next president has to be able to be quick / accurate when thinking and talking with other world leaders. Obama just does not come across that way, to me.
The last debate showed his uneasiness with the hard questions, reguardless of content. He also did not seem to be able to respond when pressed and appeared to want to duck the question, just another typical politician?
More and more we see the real Obama when he is pressed and that is what he is trying to avoid with another debate, even though the Clinton camp is going to make it easy for him. Give Hillary credit for having the spirit and moxy to engage in debate. She is no wimp and her style is to engage, not evade.
Obama you want to get the white working man's vote? Then show yourself as confident and strong to debate the woman, one on one. And that is precisely one of the reason I can't vote for you, you just don't show the toughness needed to be president.
Posted by: Average Joe | Apr 26, 2008 6:30:51 PM
A win for McCain would be a disaster for the country, but still better than Hillary.
Posted by: John | Apr 26, 2008 6:25:26 PM
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The REAL disaster will be an Obama presidency!! Jimmy Carter 2.0!!! But thankfully it ain't going to happen...With his current baggage Obama can win a real election ....may be.........for a senate seat in Vermont or Mayoral election in San Francisco!!
Posted by: dem | Apr 26, 2008 6:31:02 PM
Adam asked:I'm at a loss with Hillary people.On what ground she is more qualified? Well for one think she is not a bigot who describes someone as a "typical White person."
Posted by: deo | Apr 26, 2008 6:31:16 PM
Obama is between a rock and a hard place here. He knows Hillary will clean his clock in any debate. And if he refuses he will be viewed as being afraid of debating and/or a chicken. The American public is not naive in seeing this. So come on Axelrod what will be least damaging? By ignoring this, it will not go away. I love this! Show your colors!
Posted by: David Thorson | Apr 26, 2008 6:32:30 PM
This is hard to beleave a 30sec sound bite, or 30 years of knowing someone before passing judgment I quess this country wants 4 more years of the mess we are in now from the GOP. As far as the experience issue, who has experience any way to be POTUS. The entire world is watching yes I'm voting for Obama
Posted by: Arthur Diggs | Apr 26, 2008 6:33:01 PM
Julie said: On what ground is he more qualified?
On foreign policy. As for the rest, they have identical policies anyway.
Posted by: Adam | Apr 26, 2008 6:34:30 PM
21 debates so far. Anyone wanting more of that is a masochist. Let's get serious … do you really believe there are many undecided voters out there?
Posted by: DennisNC | Apr 26, 2008 6:50:52 PM
Obama is not ducking debates. He is using an excellent strategy and will hopefully wrap up the nomination soon. HRC wants debates because she is low on money due to her own mismanagement and it is free coverage. Obama can run TV ads and get his message out at will. Plus, she knows that she will likely get more help from biased moderators who continue to perpetuate the lies and misrepresentations about him that have been in the media based on selective editing of comments made by Rev Wright. See the comments made by Rev. Wright’s sermon IN CONTEXT on Bill Moyers in