Clinton wonders about the debate process

On national television Tuesday night, Hillary Clinton seemed to wonder if she's being picked on -- by debate questioners.

And, in an offbeat moment sure to be replayed, she went on to refer to a skit on "Saturday Night Live" that (no doubt to the show's supreme delight) her campaign aides have previously sought to spotlight.

Clinton squared off with Barack Obama in Ohio and the two Democratic presidential contenders quickly engaged in a lengthy debate on their healthcare plans (16 minutes, according to moderator Brian Williams). Neither gave an inch -- each insisting their respective plans were superior and that a panoply of experts agreed. Presumably, it now will be up to voters in Ohio and Texas to vet this dispute in their closely watched primaries next Tuesday.

Clinton was asked to comment first on the issue, given that she harshly accused Obama over the weekend of unfairly representing her healthcare plan.

Turning to their next major dispute of late -- the North American Free Trade Agreement -- Clinton again was asked to comment first, given that during the early 1990s she seemed to stand foursquare behind her husband, President Bill Clinton, as he pushed the controversial pact through Congress.

Before focusing on the topic, she said she found it "curious" ...

that, according to her, at the "last several debates" she seemed to be targeted for the first question.

We can't recall if she's right about that. But we're pretty sure the matter will have been thoroughly vetted by morning. It also will be interesting to see if Clinton will be seen as standing up for herself or acting a bit petulant.

It all might have been mainly a ruse to work in that reference to the SNL spoof that showed Obama being fawned over by media types. Here was the entire Clinton remark, when the NAFTA query was kicked her way:

"Well, could I just point out that, in the last several debates, I seem to get the first question all the time. And I don't mind. You know, I'll be happy to field them, but I do find it curious. And if anybody saw 'Saturday Night Live,' you know, maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow."

It was a jarring transition and, judged by an absence of crowd response, landed with a thud.

--Don Frederick

Comments

[Tim]

FYI, Hillary got all the questions first in the last debate because she lost the coin toss... which was stated by the moderators prior to the beginning of the CNN debate.

[SecularVoters]

Obama completely won that debate. Hillary lost on basically every point,k she looked petty and desperate. The biggest challenge that Obama had was the Farakan question, which he struggled with, but then ended with an overwhelmingly good retort.

[Andrew Benjamin]

I think just saw the last wheel fall off the HRC wagon.

[Chris Mannoia]

Interesting comments by Senator Clinton; when she was winning by double-digits, there was no problem with the order of the questions. Now, with Senator Obama leading, she doesn't like them (the questions). I think however, she has a point.

The commentators really need a fair system (maybe a coin toss like in the NFL) to determine who gets the first chance to answer questions.

Chris Mannoia

[Liz]

Congratulations on a job well done Mr. Obama. This debate proved that you are leagues above your opponent in professionalism, character, maturity, intelligence and most importantly leadership. It is not a contest anymore - it is a given that you should be our next President.

[Robin Werner]

Senator Obama clearly is an intelligent, thoughtful, articulate, posed, consensus building person who shows a reasoned intelligence on the ideas placed before him. He, like Ronald Reagan, will have the knowledge, fortitude and lack of arrogance which will allow him to always recruit the best advisors and ensure his thorough preparation on issues which may arise. Senator Clinton, with all her hysterics and unfounded accusations, could learn a lot from him.

[Taylor]

Enough lies and hypocrisy. Not only did Senator Clinton not reject Ann Coulter's endorsement, see gushingly accepted it. Ann Coulter, who derisively called John Edwards a "faggot", Christians "perfected Jews" and the widows of the 911 victims "harpies".

[Steve]

Obama truly looked like the President of the United States tonight while Hillary seemed like a child looking to pick a fight with nothing to back her statements up. We need to unite behind Obama and stop giving McCain free shots by allowing Clinton to stay in the race and thereby distracting Obama from his inevitable opponent.

[James]

The debate helped me and the wife decide. We liked Barack, but Hillary gave much more detailed responses. I also prefer a fighter in the white house. Our main complaint with Barack was that he chairs an important sub-committee on Europe (since Jan 2007) and has not held a meeting at all???? His answer that he was busy campaigning is just arrogant. We pay him for that - he should have handed it to a colleague. We just looked it up and somehow Hillary manages to keep up with her meetings. So - looks like 2 more for Hillary Clinton here in beautiful San Antonio.

[Ben]

The Farrakhan question was a setup. Since he has been accused of being a Muslim and says he is a Christian who praises Jesus, it makes sense that Obama would repudiate any positive remakrks by Farrakhan since that would help cement the argument that he is Muslim. Accepting Farrakhan's endorsement would only give more credence to the Muslim attacks. Hillary held her own. Smoothness and oily doesn't necessarily mean better.

[Jamie]

How can you say that Obama was better than Clinton when he knew nothing whatsoever about the new Russian president and just said, I agree that Hillary has characterized him correctly. Didn't you see how he looked over to her to take the question first? The guy clearly hadn't a clue. That said, there were moments in the debate that he was better than she was. I think there is truth to how each is characterized. He is very inspirational, and she is very knowledgeable. The question is: can she inspire? And the question is: Can he learn what he needs to learn? I say yes to his learning, and I am not sure about her ability to inspire...

[Kane]

She is completely right, and she had every right to point it out. Why did MSNBC 'accidently' play that clip of Hillary mocking Obama? They hate her, and are still fawning over Saint Obama.

Obama lost the debate. He just sat back and reworded everything Hillary had just said. She was well-informed and didn't hesitate to divulge details on her plans and her history.

[C Shaw]

I guess Obama called her bluff, he not only met her in Ohio for the debate. He punched her ticket back to New York.

Her body language during the debate was very negative

Obama 2008

[PulSamsara]

Way to go Barack !

Barack Obama for President of the UNITED States of America.

[Chad]

Comment to James: FYI, Hillary was the only candidate absent for a very controversial recent Senate vote regarding telecom immunity. Her skipping of this extremely important issue has most appropriately been labeled "cowardly."

Google "Hillary telecom vote" if you want to look a little bit better informed for future comments.

[dang]

It comes down to this:
The male vs female advantage is much too great. America is much more willing to elect a black man w/no experience than an incredibly qualified white woman. Their policies in the grand scheme of things are very similar. M vs F. We won't have another woman even remotely close to the white house in a very very long time.

[Brian Jenkins]

Although I was not able to watch tonights debate, i think an important point has to be made about the last debate which I did watch. In the last debate and over the last few weeks considerable criticism has been publicized about the authenticity of Barack Obama's speeches. I think the point needs to be made that this is a horrible excuse for politics. Politics is supposed to be about issues, and the American people deserve more than "change you can xerox" type comments. This is a prime example of politics as usual for the Clintons. If the honorable senator had read the press releases about Barack's co-chairman and contributor to his speeches, this would not have become an issue.

The point remains that a debate, is supposed to draw distinctions between candidates on issues. Debate is not a time for slander or libel. A Debate is not a mud slinging contest. It is time we reject swift boat politics, especially in debate! Senator Clinton should take responsibility for distracting Americans from the issue at hand-who is the best person to lead the free world.

It is time we, as a democratic party, stand up and set an example for all politicians that slander will not stand. That debates are not tabloid-TV. That politics is not a soap oprah. We are electing the leader of the free world, an icon of democracy and freedom-we cannot afford to be distracted by sound-bite speeches and ridiculous, groundless accusations. WE DESERVE MORE. We deserve more than desperate political mud slinging...we deserve a Barrack Obama.

[Shami]

She's the one who wanted to debate everyday. And now She's complaining about the debate process?

Obviously the media will support Obama at least 4% more than Hillary just like the rest of the country. The educated groups also seem to understand Obama better.

[captbilly]

I saw a comment here favorably comparing Obama to Ronald Reagan, what a horrible insult to Obama. Ronald Reagan was an embarrasment to this country. Ronald Reagan should have been impeached and found guilty for the whole Iran Contra deal. Ronald Reagan was suffering from Alzheimer's for much of his presidency and served primarilly as a talking head. Ronald Reagan canceled all the alternative energy research that had been started during the Carter administration, which left us more dependent on foreign energy than we were during the oil embargo. Ronald Reagan was a joke around the world, much as Bush is today (well maybe not that much of a joke). Ronald Reagan left us with the biggest deficit and increase in the deficit of any President in history (even worse than Bush I believe). What is it that people see as the posiitive side of the Reagan administration?

[chris vant]

Senator CLINTON is clearly the person with the skills. I didn't appreciate the way TR kept interupting her to make his own point, like he didn't know he wasn't in the debate too. She shouldn't have to jostle with a moderator. Then she got cut off and told to hold that thought, but they came back and didn't pick up where they left off. Aside from being slightly patronizing to Sen Clinton as a woman, patting her on the back, Obama has excellent manners.

Clinton has the knowledge, Cinton thinks quickly on her feet, Clinton has my vote.

[S Clark]

As usual the Group Think is in play tonight for the O'Bamba population who are fawning over their boy. It makes sane people want to OBAMIT.

[john]

what disgusts me is that Barack's PASTOR held Ferrakhan in such high esteem and Ferrakhan, an anti-white, anti-jew Nation of Islamd leader, endorses Obama. Obama weasled his way out of the question and it took hillary, for him to make a "rejection." However, he didn't express rage or disgusts about the beliefs of his pastor or ferrakhan, more embarrased that it was publicized. Instead he tried to say oh I LOVE YOU JEWS VOTE FOR ME instead of addressing the question. He should of right out said, " my pastor is wrong, and Ferrakhan is ignorant, please, I do not want their support or votes." Instead he says he rejects Ferrakhans endorsement in a monotone voice, knowing that Ferrakhan, his racist followers, and the racist pastor would all still vote for him. Also Barack's Pastor's church preaches soverignty to Africa and his church is a separatist church that believes in black power.

how barack sees the working class http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kw0zr9hn01E

barack lies: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kExctvzrIvI

[nannie turner]

The reason for asking Senator Clinton the questions first,is that Senator Obama dosent have an answer and they know it.They ask Hillary first so then he just says "I agree with Hillary" and proceeds to expand a little on what she says.The expression on his face when Russert asked her about the new Russian president,was a dead giveaway.He basicly said the same thing she did.If winning is copying then I guess you could say he won.Senator Clinton is knowledgeable on all of the issues that the American people are concerned about.I do NOT want a president who has to steal someone else's words.Also I do not think he was being honest about "denouncing" the endorsement of Lewis Farrakan,nor was his answer to the question as to the veiwes of the pastor of his church.He was very cagey and uncomfortable with these questions.More proof that he has been given a free pass by the press and journalist.Do you people want another George Bush??If you elect this guy that is exactly what you are getting.Some people never learn.Another four years of the same and we will no longer have a country.You can pat yourselves on the back for being cult worshipers.

[jmn]

dang

It comes down to this:

We saw a petulant, angry female that seems to believe that this man is taking away something she somehow deserves.

This is not presidential behavior whether exhibited by male or female.

Democracy is rather messy isn't it? But not to worry Hillary has many ideas on how to take care of that.

[PDW]

Hillary has the experience, tact and poise needed to become the next president. Barack Hussein Obama may fit the bill in about 10 - 12 years - after he gets some experience in Washington. I am very tired of media coverage that presents a political smoke screen for Obama's ineptitude. For once, I would like to see accurate, informational reporting that is politically unmotivated and presents BOTH candidates' platforms (and perhaps even CVs) for voters to consider.

[Observer]

Hilary IS knowledgeable, but she's not going to be the nominee. Obama can and will beat McCain in the general because of the latter's support - at odds with the desires and interests of the majority of our citizens - for Bush's failed policies in Iraq and tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.

[Robin]

Actualy Hillary tried to make it seem that Obama hates jew, she tried to set a trap and failed horribly

Overall she did horrible, MSNBC showed just how terrible CNN's debate set ups are, nothing but loud applause and softball questions. They may have been a little biased towards Obama, but this is only because in the last week Clinton's campaign has been terrible throwing everything out there.

Karma sucks doesn't it Hillary? Fire your staff

[sunny florida]

Wow. The difference in media coverage has been so stark and obvious. She "pesters" while he "challenges", when she is up by 200 delegates it is a "near tie and virtual dead heat", when he is up 60, it is a "blowout" and "it's over". When she gives a foreign policy speech surrounded by several strong, respected military leaders (with, gasp, experience - that awful “e” word – she has 27 of them endorsing her, BTW) with full media in attendance, not one of the media “journalists” shows it live. You can’t find clips of it anywhere. Had Obama done the same he would have been hailed “our commander in chief” and that headline would have been splashed on every news outlet available. Ok, let's get real. The reason Hillary was annoyed that she seems to be asked most of the questions first in the debates, is she has clearly articulated her plan and position on every issue and that "who first" format allows Obama to play follow the leader. She outlines her plan, he says "I agree with Hillary" and then is allowed to blather on and on so he gets more air time. Kind of like watching that kid in class keep looking over your shoulder during a test, after you've done all the hard work. He clearly states midway thru the debate that he would "reserve the right" to go back into Iraq (or anywhere) if there was reason to believe it posed a threat to the US. Well, duh?! That's why Hillary voted with John Kerry, Colin Powell, and many Democrats to look further into Iraq under Bush's regime. Also, why has no one mentioned the fact that Obama has voted "present' over 120 times while a senator, when he could have been a leader and taken a stand. We need a leader, not a follower. We need a leader when it is inconvenient, not just when it looks good.

[Michigan 500]

I was never going to vote for Clinton for various reasons. I do find it rather hillarious to watch Hillary running around one day telling us how tough she is and rounding up retired generals to help her look commander in chiefish (remember GW did that too before he was crowned by the supreme court) and the next day she's pouting about the press and reducing herself to quoting SNL skits!

Is this really what Americans would want to be our president? Not this American.

The Clintons need to stop whining and take responsibility for their own mess and stop blaming the press or whomever else is convenient.

Brent Budowsky summed Hillary's campaign very well. "Hillary Clinton as CEO has been a disaster who has mismanaged more than $100 million, mismanaged whatever one calls her message, mismanaged political tactics....."

www.huffingtonpost.com/brent-budowsky for the full article.

[Cleareye]

The reason for asking Senator Clinton the questions first,is that Senator Obama dosent have an answer and they know it.They ask Hillary first so then he just says "I agree with Hillary" and proceeds to expand a little on what she says.The expression on his face when Russert asked her about the new Russian president,was a dead giveaway.He basicly said the same thing she did.If winning is copying then I guess you could say he won.Senator Clinton is knowledgeable on all of the issues that the American people are concerned about.I do NOT want a president who has to steal someone else's words.Also I do not think he was being honest about "denouncing" the endorsement of Lewis Farrakan,nor was his answer to the question as to the veiwes of the pastor of his church.He was very cagey and uncomfortable with these questions.More proof that he has been given a free pass by the press and journalist.Do you people want another George Bush??If you elect this guy that is exactly what you are getting.Some people never learn.Another four years of the same and we will no longer have a country.You can pat yourselves on the back for being cult worshipers.

Nannie Turner, I completely agree with you. Obama is a fraud. He doesn't have a clue. They ask Hillary Clinton the first questions, so Obama the clueless can copy her answers and his mindless supporters can comfort themselves and make believe that as his "genuine" ideas. What a cheap disgusting cheat Obama is!

[jmn]

The use of the middle name once again is one reason Senator Clinton is losing.

[Mom for Hillary]

OPEN LETTER TO DEMOCRATIC BIG WIGS!I am writing to ask that you publicly support Hilalry Clinton for the Presidency. I watched democrats campaign and my kids and I were very impressed with our candidates. However, I feel that now would be a good time to show that gumption and help re-vitalize Hillary's campaign. She has the experience we need for young families like mine. Unfortunately, due to the blatant media bias, she has not had a fair go at the Presidency!I will soon be sending my oldest son to college, and frankly, it will be a challenge to finance, but we'll do it. I feel that Hillary is in a better spot to fight off the right wing attacks that will hit the democratic nominee. She is in a better spot to help get healthcare. And beyond the issues, I feel she is a good and honest hardworking woman who has been villfied and second guessed by the pundits on TV. I feel that it is fundamentally unfair that Barak has not had to answer hard questions. How is he going to bring people together. We all hunger to be united, as a nation and with diverse ideas. But HOW is Barak going to do this? He is so green behind the ears that I strongly feel he'll take some serious hits before he will make progress. We don't have time for a long learning curve. Again, I am a (relatively) young mother of three, a working woman and a small business owner who works long hours to progress economically. I am not a lobbyist (in the Washington sense of the word). But I guess I am lobbying all democrats for Hillary's endorsement. I thought to reach out because I feel democrats are people of integrity and inner strength, and would likely not bend to the wind, and rash movement toward the Obama campaign, especially at the superdelegate level-make the right choice!We have two choices for the Dem nominee..I feel Hillary is our best & smarter choice, and I feel she needs a lifeline. Please help her out...and by doing so, help her supporters!

[Josh B]

Media bias favoring Obama? I don't know what media you've been watching but I timed many of the responses during last night's debate, and many of Hillary's responses were TWICE as long as Obamas. As for experience, they both have plenty, and please stop referring to her time as first lady as experience...it is NOT a political post, it is a PR post. I think neither Obama or Clinton are particularly good candidates, they're both corporate whores - and the corporate media just favors whoever seems to be leading at the moment, for their own self interest. To say the media has not given Hillary CLINTON a fair shot is absolutely ridiculous. She has a HUGE built in advantage just based on name alone, and Obama has a HUGE disadvantage just based on name alone, and that's just to start....Obama is doing better at the moment because he inspires people.

[Mary Basombrio]

Regarding Senator Obama & Louis Farrakan, here is a crack the right will use to attempt to tie Obama as a secret Muslim praying the people are so stupid as to buy it. The role of a minister Is to forge reconcilliation & mutual understanding I was taught that was part of the role of leader of church, mosque, or temple. (Although some current leaders who call themselves Christian seem to have forgotten Jesus' message of love & have via politicizing have become messengers of divisiveness. The role of Senator Obama's pastor & the Senator are different just as my role is different than my church leaders. Senator Obama was clear to me. Senator Clinton ,at times, picks odd times to mince words.Repudiate was the word Sen. Obama used in reference to Lewis Farrakan. To me & the dictionary, repudiate is crystal clear. Do I dare borrow "Shame on you Hilliary Clinton! Shame on you" . Now can we move along? There are folks who'd like to hear the issues not Republican playbook tactics to attack one's patriotism. You know what this is really about & who will use this in very poor taste on a grand scale. It has already started.

[Mary Basombrio]

I was corrected here at home:) Glad I am not a politician. Sen. Obama said denounce in regard to Lewis Farrakhan not repudiate. I maintain denounce & reject "demanded" by Sen Clinton are not oppositional!

[merryweather]

President Barack Hussein Obama? Hello, people! Wake up! You will be the laughing stock of the world!

[elaineinpgh]

Merryweather - Wake up people, we'll be the laughing stock of the world if Obama is president? You are kidding, right? The world will finally see us as decent human beings who judge people NOT by race or for heaven's sake, their name.