Edwards & Obama Confront Clinton in Dem Debate

The Democratic presidential candidates clashed over Iran and Iraq in the most contentious debate of the 2008 campaign on Tuesday. The night was supposed to belong to Barack Obama, who spent the weekend promoting his plan to aggressively confront Hillary Clinton, but John Edwards actually seized that role first, criticizing Clinton as a "neocon" candidate who had not "learned" from her mistakes on Iraq policy.

Obama initially downplayed his Clinton strategy as "over-hyped," but later he criticized her for continuing Bush's secretive approach to executive power. The Obama Campaign quickly circulated a YouTube clip of the exchange, along with a stream of press releases criticizing her for taking conflicting positions on "Iraq, NAFTA and Torture." "Senator Clinton offered more of the same Washington calculation, ducking and dodging," said Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe after the debate. The strategy hit the mark with the pundits. "Hillary Clinton would not answer the questions straight," declared Chris Mathews on MSNBC's post-debate show.

Clinton confidently rebutted most of the charges, quickly pivoting back to her record challenging President Bush's policies. On Iran, she pressed her case as the responsible dove – committed to diplomacy but ready to offer tough talk and sanctions. "I stand for ending the war in Iraq, bringing our troops home," Clinton added, while contending she is more realistic about maintaining combat forces to fight Al Qaeda.

John Edwards had the strongest showing, pounding Clinton as the status quo candidate. "If you believe that combat missions should be continued in Iraq [with no timetable]," he said, "then Senator Clinton is your candidate." Edwards repeatedly presented himself as the most credible "change" candidate.

Finally, Joe Biden had the zinger of the night about Rudy Giuliani:

There's only three things he mentions in a sentence, a noun and a verb and 9/11. There's nothing else.

Comments (16)

1. both were mercilessly boob punching her...well done, guys. edwards was a bit more vicious, but then he's the shark, so...

   man...those two on the same ticket would indeed rock...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/30/2007 @ 11:54pm

2. maasch...you taking up for 50 foot queenie? chivalry, crushin', or your kinda democrat?

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/30/2007 @ 11:56pm

3. MAASCH LOVES HILLY!

   HA HA HA!

   thanks, joma...lol...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/31/2007 @ 12:08am

4. man i'd be asleep now if jennifer connely wasnt on letterman...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/31/2007 @ 12:10am

5. ah...bedtime 4 bonzo...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/31/2007 @ 12:13am

6. ANYBODY here think they can explain Hillary's position on Gov. Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants?

   Posted by Mask at 10/31/2007 @ 09:13am

7. "Clinton confidently rebutted..."

   Please, it was more like fillibustering to take up air. I can't stand her pompous voice of authority--the regal pontificating, the in-charge voice tones. The Al Queda card is such a ruse. how anyone can claim the point is credible is playing into the terrorist fear mongering.

   I didn't watch til the end but I did notice that Kucinich got the only applause I heard on his Impeachment remarks. Of course, not a mention of it in our lead up to the coronation of our latest student council queen.

   Posted by Lil at 10/31/2007 @ 09:50am

8. Posted by LIL 10/31/2007 @ 09:50am

   So you think there'll be more talk about Dennis and impeachment...or Dennis and flying saucers?

   Posted by Mask at 10/31/2007 @ 10:41am

9. Didn't see that part, Mask, but I understand his response was something to the effect that more people have claimed to see UFOs than take Bush at his word. Pretty good comeback under the circumstances. They had to make sure Kucinich is marginal, because I am sure they are aware that Kucinich actually represents the issues concerning most people over corporate selection, Clinton. So, they had to search for something to give him the Dean treatment. You don't think they could do that to Clinton if she should fall out of line? The "cackle" was just a reminder of what else could be coming. Problem with a Clinton coronation based on media cheerleading is she really doesn't have any kind of mandate or base allegiance since she is being shoved down our throats. Should the Right rally against her, and that may never happen since the corps & big money players already have their candidate, it will be all the harder for people to care.

   Posted by Lil at 10/31/2007 @ 10:55am

10. ....can explain Hillary's position on Gov. Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants?

    Posted by MASK 10/31/2007 @ 09:13am

    "Sensible"....but "NOT advocating it"!

    "Don't trust her".....but "Will vote for her"!

    Posted by Happy at 10/31/2007 @ 10:57am

11. Posted by HAPPY 10/31/2007 @ 10:57am

    Hardly, HAPP. I've consistantly said, I'm voting for whoever the Dems put up...unless the Repubs put up Ron Paul.

    You saying you "trust" Giuliani (or even Romney) is going to "stay true" to the promises they've made to the "pro-lifers"? If so, you're naive....if not, you're going to vote for somebody YOU don't trust either!

    Posted by Mask at 10/31/2007 @ 11:06am

12. Posted by LIL 10/31/2007 @ 10:55am

    It was a good comeback.....unfortunately it was proceeded with Dennis admitting that YES, he has seen a UFO (with no elaboration on what exactly he saw).

    So...seriously, you think that Democrats (trying to shake a bad stereotype of "granola-eaters" and "left-wing wackos") are going to nominate somebody (or even make him Veep)....who sees UFOs with Shirley Maclaine?

    Posted by Mask at 10/31/2007 @ 11:09am

13. Posted by MASK 10/31/2007 @ 11:09am |

    some things u just dont talk about! leave me be, skippy the pixie! i'm typing a response on the nation, dammit!

    Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/31/2007 @ 12:14pm

14. oops...

    Posted by ibbleblibble at 10/31/2007 @ 12:14pm

15. Posted by IBBLEBLIBBLE 10/31/2007 @ 12:14pm

    Dennis is a neat little guy. Probably love to have a Vegan meal and some "fair trade" coffee with him and the Mrs. (BTW, how did a guy who looks like "Gilligan"...get a woman who looks like "Ginger"!?!?!?!....hehehe)....

    but anybody who still thinks he can be Veep, much less the Dem nominee.....needs an anal probe from the Greys from Zeta-II Reticuli...

    to find their heads!

    Posted by Mask at 10/31/2007 @ 2:06pm

16. I am over saturated with Clinton...no big surprise I presume. She is beginning to really grate on my nerves with the media buzz on her and her birthday party,,,ugh. I have yet to hear a serious talk from any of the candidates about the aggressive usurpation of our constitution by this rogue administration and would they be willing to denounce them and swear they would NOT continue the practice. Why not have this issue a main event on one of their numerous debates?

    Posted by stippolito at 10/31/2007 @ 2:15pm