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Clinton Proposes Debate on the Back of a Flat Bed Truck

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April 27, 2008 10:15 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper reports: Speaking outside in Wilmington, N.C., Sen. Hillary Clinton reissued her challenge to Sen. Barack Obama, her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, to join her in a debate –- this time she proposed it be on the back of a flatbed truck.

"I am very very regretful that my opponent will not agree to a debate in North Carolina, because I think these issues are worth debating, and, you know, the other day he turned down the debate that I agreed to here in North Carolina," Clinton said, adding that "20,000 people had already emailed in for tickets there was that much interest.

"So he said no, he wouldn’t do it, and I know his supporters say, well they did like the last debate in Philadelphia, the questions were kind of mean and they were sort of tough," she said. "You know, I've got to say, tough questions in a debate is nothing like the tough decisions you've got to make in the White House. I think that this state deserves a debate. So here’s what I’m offering. How about this -- no moderators just the two of us on a stage for 90 minutes asking each other questions, talking about whatever's on our minds, just like the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and I think, you know, we could even do it on the back of a flatbed truck, doesn’t even have to be in a fancy studio somewhere. You can tell I'm having so much fun in this campaign."

A crowd of hundreds gathered to hear Clinton speak in front of a river and the USS North Carolina. Clinton spoke about several issues including protecting the homes of soldiers abroad from home foreclosures.

Clinton was scheduled to spend Monday in North Carolina campaigning across the state.

April 27, 2008 in Bush, George W. | Permalink | User Comments (194)

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Obama is too elitist to sit on the back of a flat-bed truck. It would unnerve his snobby sensibilities. He also couldn't handle a one-on-one debate without a prepared script displayed on a teleprompter. He knows he'll lose, AGAIN!

Hillary will work for ALL of us, not just the fortunate few.

Posted by: Emily | Apr 27, 2008 10:25:50 PM

Typically, frontrunners refuse to debate because they dont have to and because they dont want their opponents to get free publicity. This is politics after all. The question that is being debated among the voters and uncommitted SD's is: Do we have a frontrunner anymore? The answer for many is no we dont. The race is a deadheat so Obama's logic is flawed.

While Obama has a 3% lead in delegates, the SD's and upcoming contests could eliminate that lead. With so many questions unanswered for the voters on many issues ignored by previous debate moderators and questions of character being waged by the voters, a Lincoln-Douglas style debate is exactly what our country and the dem party needs to be able to unite behind the stronger candidate. Voters will not accept less than a fair contest and this style of debate would be the fairest of all. I hope Obama changes his mind for the good of the country and the dem party. It is important that we make progress towards a change in party power.

Posted by: DCVoter | Apr 27, 2008 10:31:13 PM

Obama might lose his hoop playin' "street cred" if he sits on the back of a flatbed truck, which is exactly why he hasn't got any street cred with most of the people in Indiana and North Carolina.

HILLARY, YES WE WILL!

Posted by: Emily | Apr 27, 2008 10:32:04 PM

"Mud wrestling" may be something Obama is actually good at. He's slippery enough to win.

Posted by: Emily | Apr 27, 2008 10:37:30 PM

Maybe Obama would agree to debate at a fabulous mansion, surrounded by the filty rich billionaire democrats, and the cool, left wing media guys like Bill Maher and Anderson Cooper and they could all be drinking really nice California red wine, yeah, then maybe Obama would debate. On the back of a flat bed truck? No way. Too "small town" and "typical white people" for him.

SAY NO TO THE DNC CORONATION OF OBAMA!
TELL THE DNC TO COUNT ALL 50 STATES VOTES!

Posted by: calli | Apr 27, 2008 10:38:03 PM

Hillary loves this country I don't think Obama loves it the way Hillary does. All you hear is how much things have to change how could every body have been so happy just eight years ago I want change but I want what I had when the Clintons were in the white house. I think AA are not happy with are country and how do we talk about it with out being called racist.

Posted by: Bishop | Apr 27, 2008 10:39:26 PM

HILLARY, NO YOU WON'T!
Will she get 67% in the remaining races, no she won't. And she won't get the free airtime through a debate. Obama doesn't need the grief and she's just plain nasty, so I don't blame him. BTW, the supers know she's nasty and bad for the party and has real nasty skeletons in her closet. They are being respectful because she's a woman, a former first lady, and pretty powerful. But it's the math. It's over.

Posted by: Barry | Apr 27, 2008 10:39:40 PM

Hillary get a life, any life, just get out of mine. It's over Hillary

Posted by: Thinking | Apr 27, 2008 10:42:42 PM

DaneNM and DCVOter, if you want to know about Obama's plans go on his website you will see them and make up you mind. There is no need to debate a mean spirited all lady. Hill the Bosnian General has had her time she has to go back home, the unevitable has become evitable. She is unelecatble. PERIOD. God bless America and God bless Obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Apr 27, 2008 10:51:39 PM

"Yes We Will"

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

Enough said...

Posted by: Vanessa | Apr 27, 2008 10:51:53 PM

We "American people" are sick and tired of debates!! Hillary wants another debate because she trails Obama... We've memorized responses to issues that concern our quality of life and the safety of this country, including responses that flip flop on issues. Hillary is pushing the issue because she wants the voters in NC and Indiana to believe that Obama is affraid to her for fear of appearing the weaker candidate. Give me a break! The quality of one's experience means more to me than the quantity, especially if the experienced was gained in Washington!! The country needs a 21st century leader. Too much experience in Washington is scary, considering the state of affairs under the leadership of past Presidents and other leaders.

Posted by: Proud American | Apr 27, 2008 10:53:24 PM

anybody inspired by Obama's empty, filthy
rhetoric??

Posted by: edith | Apr 27, 2008 10:54:08 PM

She is making waves for she is BROKE and need air time.Lets see first IN and now NC which is it nim rod????
Ones who support her are the only real American|????Honey you are so far from wrong.....This real American supports Obama.....Like it or not he wil be on that ballot.
All the freaken states will count for there are two sets of rules you break them and it is ok.She is one that VOTED FOR this ruling in the first place now she is behind rules have changed .....
Did any of your know she refused debates when running for the senate???NO!!!!!! well she did .Now the shoe is on the other foot she is behind so she is pressing, like go home wench....

Posted by: h | Apr 27, 2008 10:57:27 PM

for someone who respects the envirnoment
how come he eats steak and chicken so much??

Posted by: rex | Apr 27, 2008 10:58:04 PM

tomdavie:
I've been to every site including electoral-vote. The primaries are simply not good indicators for the general, especially with these two candidates. We haven't seen Barack take on McCain yet because we've been mired in this endless race. The proof is in the past--as voters get to know him, his numbers rise, it's happened in every state, even PA. He's picked up 70+ supers to her 5+ since Feb.
She needs 67% JUST TO CATCH UP!, and that's unlikely. You are right, neither will get to 2024 in the primaries. If they tie the remaining races, she's going to need twice as many supers to reach 2024.
That's the math, that's the reality.
OBAMA08

Posted by: Barry | Apr 27, 2008 11:00:44 PM

I suppose Obama supporters think his/her President should represent the country by telling foreign leaders to visit a website if they want to know what Obama stands for. Campaign websites are sources of information - they are not indicators of validity, character, or even accurate records - they are sales tools. Voters deserve to see candidates interact with each other while fielding tough questions. Voters deserve to see and hear candidates in action without scripts. Voters deserve to see candidates who are free of political fear. Voters deserve what Clinton proposed. Obama is obviously too scared or too elitist to meet the needs of the voters. His refusal to stand up for himself and show people what he is made of is a clear sign he has no interest in keeping our country safe... he will run and hide when foreign leaders (ally or enemy) do not agree with him or will not pander him.

Posted by: DCVoter | Apr 27, 2008 11:01:10 PM

Don't vote for Hillary just kuz "she's a woman, just like meeeeee!". That's a stupid-ass reason to do so.

Obama grew up in a single-parent home, in a not-so-great neighborhood, went to school on a scholarship. Hillary is the elitist. Wake up! He's been taking the high road for so long in this election. Hopefully, it is a sacrifice worth making. You really think he can't bitch-slap Hillary if he wants to? Puhh-lease!

You're done, girl. Go away. Stop being annoying.

Posted by: Gene | Apr 27, 2008 11:02:15 PM

she can come close and PR is winner take all And you really don't think FL. or MI are going away And then there is Rev Wright making fun of the way JFK spoke tonight he has some real winners as mentors

Posted by: Bishop | Apr 27, 2008 11:04:56 PM

IL Obama Lover,

Thanks for sharing the touching and true story about Barack taking the time to chat with a young boy. Can't wail until this is over, I hope it's soon!

She's bringing us all down! She's a downer! Barack makes me and my wife smile!

Posted by: Barry | Apr 27, 2008 11:05:09 PM

Clinton REFUSED to debate her opponents in both her senetorial races...siting she would rather talk to voters directly...who is being hypocritical now??

Posted by: lynn | Apr 27, 2008 11:05:29 PM

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