Things get heated at Democratic debate in South Carolina!

I'm watching LIVE right now! The candidates are bringing up some very valid points on the economy, making new jobs in the US, and support of the war but I have noticed a HUGE increase in attacks on one another.

What are your thoughts!?

I think people have got 2 be outta there mind if they TRUST these candidates who have there speaches written by others...that means the words they speak are not TRUELY theirs...so how can they mean them??? *Pure TRUTH*True PEACE*Total LOVE/UNDERSTANDING*

WOW! Barack and Hillary are going out it! I am finding it rather childish...She repeated why she said the things she said and then he attacked her by making a comment about her sitting on a board for Wal-Mart.

"We're just getting warmed up!"-- Hillary Clinton

If I were to tell you why they TRUELY mudsling...it would take a lot of time 2 read and it would shock you w/ so much truth you would doubt my words of truth. *Pure TRUTH*True PEACE*Total LOVE/UNDERSTANDING*

Oh now...John Edwards trying to take the high road by saying the election "isn't about them" and about "giving people health care and putting people through college."

John Edward is speaking what needs 2 be done...just like the rest of the canidates...but which one is the one who will do what is TRUELY needed???...

They definitely got caught up in the "trash talking" and Edwards did bring it back full circle. Though I have a hard time taking John Edwards seriously when he's trying play that pity card.

The dialogue going on right now about home foreclosures is really great and I feel like with the statistics like 1 million homes in the US being foreclosed on in December of 2007 is just startling and needs to be seriously addressed as soon as someone is elected president.

What are everyones thoughts!?

Barack is doing a great job defending himself against Hillary's accusations.

I am 100% for a Health Care reform and providing everyone with it.

I find it very interesting that Barack does NOT include the 12 million illegal immigrants in this country in his plan for health care but he does plan on letting those illegal immigrants become citizens and included them in his comments about making more jobs in this country.

Thoughts!?

naturalization leads to 12 million more tax payers then.... you have to remember that... if we legitimately want to deal with the illegal immigrants, the only way is to naturalize them and then tax them like everyone else.

Money is the system of control....It enslaves us...forceing us 2 pay 4 what we need 2 LIVE...NOT GOOD!!!

@angelique that is true, but is there a world system that has come along that is better than the free market money system?

So true! This has been the best debate so far in my opinion. You can tell the candidates are nervous about this run--ts all up in the air right now and in the hands of the people.

"I bet John wants more white males to vote for him!" -- Barack Obama

> The dialogue going on right now about home
> foreclosures is really great and I feel like with the
> statistics like 1 million homes in the US being
> foreclosed on in December of 2007 is just startling
> and needs to be seriously addressed as soon as
> someone is elected president.
>
> What are everyones thoughts!?

I didn't see the beginning of the debate. Did they talk about the credit default bill from earlier in the year when they were discussing the credit situation? Obama was the only one who didn't vote with the creditors if I understand correctly. I really try to tie in the conceptual debate with real world track record when possible. Obviously, there are many ins and outs, but you have to try and get a concrete reference somewhere.

WOW! Finally they all agree on an issue...that being the fight for gender equality, racial equality, and civil rights equality!

That's not such a tough one to find consensus on, is it? Although I agree its nice to see them talking about what they support instead of digging at each other.

They asked Hillary about her husband, former President Clinton, speaking and talking to much while she runs and her answer was right on.

Though they are campaigning for them...it is about who is running and who will do what needs to be done in the white house.

"In the end, its all about us, its about the voters, its about our voice and I wanna take them with me into the white house and give the hope and know I can do what they need me to do! I wanna be a champion for this country!" -- Hillary Clinton

I think it is worth a pause to consider how an ex-president should participate in his spouse's campaign.

I also think Obama's point about Bill spreading mis-information about his record is an important point. He has more credibility and more responsibility to honest than just another spouse.

John is getting a bump for his smart, loose, balanced presentation.

Hilary always shines in debates. Real answers she's got.

Barack is, as ever, seemingly ill-prepared, falling upon generalities when specifics are necessary. I wish he were better.

Very true! But we see this all the time, the candidates do it constantly to one another. Criticism is the biggest form of mudslinging when a campaign is so close like this but no matter who says it or when it was said; there is truth in Bill's points and then truth in Barack's points. I can't agree with one over the other when they are all guilty of it.

Rawbird - I agree with you 100%, I recently said John Edwards has not impressed me once during this campaign so far and he has proved me wrong tonight.

I'm so tired of John Edwards talking about where the other candidates get their money, we get your point buddy!

Yah, but when Hillary comes back and says "we're all the same" I dont fault him for bringing it up again. I think its a huge issue that isnt getting enough weight. It was nice to hear Barack call her out on it.

Alright guys...The debate is over and WOW what an amazing debate it was. I would consider this the best debate yet for the democratic candidates and issues that needed to be addressed were, intelligent answers were given, and mud was slung!

How I heart politics!!

What are your final thoughts!?

I was just watching highlights, and I really hope this is when John Edwards starts getting more spotlight. I've been behind him 100% since he announced his candidacy, and it is so disheartening that Obama and Clinton get so much attention, while so many people aren't even hearing about Edwards policies. I live in a rural area, and really all the news we get is about the historical impact of Clinton and Obama's candidacies. It breaks my little liberal bleeding heart!

What are these photos saying to there audience,

Edwards was solid in this one!

I am truly proud of Mr. Edwards tonight in this debate. He stayed on message, was fair in his comments, did not get involved in the exchanges between Clinton and Obama which turned me off, and spoke so sincerely about ending poverty in this country. He spoke truth regarding being the first to present an economic stimulus package, and also a climate change platform. Matter of fact, I thought I heard Sen. Clinton use his term "green collar jobs." There is no mistaking he is setting the debate of this campaign and as far as I am concerned, tonight he not only came off as the most sincere and the most passionate, but the most believable. For me, I need to see real caring for not just the issues, but for the people they effect and truly believe what is said can be accomplished, and I see that with John Edwards. I do not see that with Barack Obama and only minimally with Sen. Clinton. Frankly, Obama came off to me as very smug and he looked absolutely uncomfortable and unable to really explain himself on questions asked. I only had one other real problem with this debate besides the exchanges: WHERE WAS THE QUESTION ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING CNN? Had it not been for Edwards and Clinton mentioning it in an answer to a question about the economy, it would once again have gotten no mention. Very disappointing. However, John Edwards did very well tonight and I am proud to be supporting him! Are there more than two people in this debate? Great question Mr. Edwards, and after tonight many more know the answer is YES!

Glad to see you all involve on this election. Make a good decision please! it is your future and the future of many.

All 3 of the candidates did a great job representing themselves and their dreams for America. I think all in all; this was by far one of the best debates we have seen thus far and the race is far from being over.

I agree with who ever it was that pointed out that they spent too much time cat fighting (you crazy kids) It was like they couldn't wait to throw insults at one another. I don't want to watch them spend half the debate trying to defend themself from all the mud slinging either; although Obama did an awesome job against Clintonzilla. **OBAMA/EDWARDS '08!!

I think all 3 canidates did a great job trying to get their points across and at the same time dodging the attacks that were made. Poor John Edwards however could barely get a word in though. I think he is a great canidate for presidency, as are Obama and Clinton, but I wish we could have heard more from him and his ideas on the issues.

I enjoyed the fight. They didn't impress many people with that behavior. Did they learn that in a diplomacy manual? Can't say I want either of them representing me in a meeting with a foreign leader. Edwards on the other hand looked Presidential. I was pleased that he wasn't involved in the scrap. He was dignified and sincere. He got his message out and it was factual. I am proud of him.

You know, when I first heard about both Hillary and Barack running along with John Edwards, I figured I would end up voting for either the woman or the black man. Their behavior has brought about a change of heart in me lately, and I am leaning more towards John. He has engaged in this grade school behavior as of yet, and when asked what he would do about health care, he said that if elected, he would give congress a deadline to vote in universal health care, or he would take away the health benefits they have-at the taxpayer's expense, I might add-and that is the first realistic proposal I have heard to date. If Barack and Hillary want to act two grade school kids arguing over the ball, they will not be getting my vote.

I'm relatively certain the media won't let the script deviate from the Hillary / Barack matchup they've devised for us. I mean, I hope they do, but at present here's what's on the slate . . .

- CNN.com top headline: Clinton-Obama barbs dominate debate
- MSNBC.com top headline: Dems get personal in S.C. debate
- FoxNews.com top headline: Mud Flies at Dem Debate - South Carolina debate heats up with fiery exchange between Clinton and Obama, devolves into personal jabs

The media loves a dogfight; we'll see what South Carolinians prefer. See if they have as many surprises for us as New Hampshire and Iowa did.