Either Relevant or True » Cleveland State University Debate

Cleveland State University Debate - Open Thread

Welcome to the 20th and last scheduled debate between Senators Clinton and Obama. The debate is live from 9:00 - 10:30 EST on MSNBC, or you can view streaming video here. KO and Chris Matthews will pick up the post-debate coverage at 10:30 EST.

Please, feel free to comment as the debate goes on!

Jesus Christ, Hillary. How was that SNL comment remotely appropriate?

Hillary lost my vote. More and more I see things in her that I did not like about the former Clinton Administration (although I supported it) — mostly the “slickness” factor.

I’m so tired of the victim whining (liked Obama’s use of the word). First the Shuster thing, bitching (yes, I’m using that word) about MSNBC, complaining about SNL presentation (heck, remember the pro-Hillary Brian Williams skit) and now being upset about being asked the question first. Heck, isn’t that suppose to be a badge of honor? I mean, I don’t think anyone ever asked Ron Paul or Mike Gravel a first debate question…

And I’m so afraid that if Hillary gets in and she or her family gets slammed by a comment or serious criticism, she’s going to go on the offensive, and that means another Clinton Administration full of battles. She has a right to feel paranoid as there IS a vast right wing conspiracy against her and her family — but she doesn’t have to play into their hands. The country doesn’t need that headache again.

I’m not anti-Hillary. At the beginning of this thing I was for her because she had the most experience, I thought. And, if she is the Democratic nominee, she’ll get my vote. But I’m hitting the touch screen for Obama in the Texas primary for a couple of reasons:

(1) What I said above. I’m tired of it

(2) We already had a “decider” for a president, I’m not sure if I want to live through 4-8 years of a “fighter”

(3) I’m reading Obama’s memoirs “Dreams of my Father” that was written when Obama was a Senator-elect. He really has experience that Hillary doesn’t, one of a lower middle class family, a single mom as well as experience living abroad and having family who lives abroad. I think he understands issues facing minorities and the poor because he’s been there.

(4) He’s got as much experience as either Abe Lincoln or JFK had when they were elected. Both succeeded because they were literate men with a broad sense of history and society. JFK did screw up the Bay of Pigs, but he inherited that one. He learned from that not to trust what the military brass told him — and he made the right calls during the missile crisis. I wonder where the country would be if Nixon had been president then with all his experience, Tricky Dick probably would have listened to the military on nuking Cuba.

And the major reason I’m voting for Obama — I do volunteer work with at-risk, low income children, elementary school students — grades K-4. These kids KNOW who Barak Obama is! These kids believe he symbolizes hope for them, their family and this country. One said, “he’s like Martin Luther King.” I see a sparkle in their eyes when they talk about him — with lots of excitement. True, they probably hear about it from their families….but that, too. How long has it been that the very poor have had that hope that sparkle in their eye? When was it the last time that kids age six to 11 KNOW about a presidential candidate and are interested in debates? Obama may be inexperienced in some areas, but if he can cause that much excitement and political interest in children and low income families….that says a great deal about the possibilities for this nation!!!

As for the coverage — KO was fairly low key as usual…really filling in the anchor role tonight. I love the interplay between Pat, Rachel and Eugene. Tweety really got to me tonight. He really likes the sound of his own voice. I could see Andrea Mitchell seem to flinch a few times as if she could use a couple extra pillows — perhaps to put over Chris’ head!!!

Deadly dull as virtually all of it was, the most excruciating was when Hillary had to break into Barack’s comments re Louis Farrakhan and start in on how much she also supported Israel and the Jews.

I had a flash back to the point in the recent MSNBC biography of her in childhood and in class when no one else could answer, the teacher would turn to her and say, “You tell them, Hillary.” She always has to get a word in and always has to be right. (Much like someone I often see in the mirror. I need to reform, fast. It is most unattractive.)

I also had a big grin when all of the recent distress and protests were reduced to one word: Whine.

I thought that the most authentic moment was when Obama cited his failure to take stronger action when the government interfered in the Terri Schiavo case. That is long gone from most of our memories and the news, and he did not need to resurrect it, but that he did and that he has issues with his own lack of action says something about him that I like.

I was a Kucinich/Edwards supporter without a real preference here when it became the two of them, pros and cons for each, but Hillary keeps driving me off with the force of a water cannon while Barack keeps reeling me back in.

I have one dear friend I have to avoid at present as she is so grimly set for Hillary, and I fear that a friendship that goes back to when we were very tiny, almost 30 years, is in danger.

Houstonian, thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. I was really moved hearing about what the kids (that you work with) feel. I think I sometimes lose sight and yell at the TV when Clinton makes those ridiculous SNL comments and forget the big picture. Thank you again.

Keith did a great job last night, in spite of taking hits on the blogs for being an Obama supporter. I always felt he leaned toward Clinton, but ever since she played the “fear” card in NH, he seemed to temper his opinion (I think it really pissed him off, really). I do think he tries to be even about it and have not noticed an Obama bias. (But then again, I am an Obama supporter). BTW, I like Chris, but he was just awful yesterday. I think he finally reached my “annoying punditry” threshold.

GM –

I’ve read several blogs that say KO is pro-Obama and anti-Hillary.

Now, I know for a fact — from his acknowledgements in his book “Truth and Consequences” that he has the highest esteem for the Clintons — and especially Hillary’s mom. So I think any statement he is against her is ludicrous, whether she someone else says that. I think KO (and many other news people) are rightly criticizing her for some stupid mistakes.

If she thinks that’s “against her” — please see my concerns in my comment posted previously.

Lord, what WERE you watching? I’m not much of a Clinton supporter either but MSNBC has become a shill for the Obama campaign. I miss watching Countdown but maintaining my blood pressure is more important.
As far as the SNL comment goes, reading these fawning comments, I’m not the least bit surprised that you didn’t get it.

So true, Houstonian. I think Keith was invited by President Clinton to be involved in something, (I can’t remember), and he was given a presidential seal jacket that he wore to Bosox spring training. He was also seemed “in awe” of Bill when he interviewed him. (Although, giving a check on air was a bit much).

I think when Hillary played the “fear” card on the eve of NH, that is when I noticed Keith seemed really irritated, and seem to make of point of reporting on those tactics whenever she used them from then on. He has been so consistent in pointing the “fear” tactics out when Bush & Co. do it, I think he may have found this a bit abhorrent when a Democrat does it.

I think there are a ton of intense Obama supporters, but Hillary’s super fans match up pretty well in the intensity department. If she were to run the country like she ran her campaign, we’d be in trouble, although, if she is the nominee, I will vote for her as well.

Jane–

I thought MSNBC’s Russett and Williams did an excellent job. They asked questions of both, compared with the softballs at CNN. That’s what good journalists do.

And I’ve seen SNL as well as all the late night shows go after all the candidates…and give good shots to both HRC a d Obama. She’s just the only one that doesn’t seem to laugh it off. She really needs to stop taking it all so personally.

Jane, I must be living in an alternate universe, because I have no idea what you’re talking about. However, since this universe seems relatively pleasant, I think I’ll keep it.

Houston,
SNL wasn’t going after the candidates. They were going after the media’s Obamafest. They could have just as easily called it an “MSCNBC” debate.

For minute I thought I was at the Huffington Post! ;)

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