What went down at the final democratic primary debate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJyRJEm9TI

First of all... if i had to choose between Hillary or Barack, BARACK!!! Hillary must not win!!
The thing is though, I don't have to choose between Hillary or Barack.
check it out-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJyRJEm9TI

DISPATCH JANUARY 31, 2008
Department of Wild Speculation

BY JOSHUA GREEN
Waiting for Gore

It feels official: Barack Obama has momentum. He won a resounding victory in South Carolina. He just posted another astonishing fundraising total. Gallup reports that he’s pulled to within four points of Hillary Clinton. And Ted Kennedy’s endorsement Monday had the feel of history about it. Even conservatives swooned. Only one endorsement could be bigger—and if Al Gore is going to pull the trigger, you have to think he’ll do so in the next 72 hours.

Yes, yes, I know. Gore has said he won’t endorse. He’s happily retired from politics now, a senior statesman, a big-shot investor. He’s won an Oscar and a Nobel. The cause he crusaded for has become central to the public conversation in a way even he could never have imagined.

All of these are good reasons to stay out of the fray. But they’re equally good reasons to jump into it. What would be the risk? There’s no chance that his endorsement would be followed by an embarrassing Dean-like collapse; Obama has already notched wins. Climate change won’t suddenly disappear from the agenda if he loses. And nobody’s going to take away the golden statuette.

On the other hand, Obama is now close enough to a big win that Gore’s endorsement could easily put him over the top. Gore is beloved among Democratic primary voters. His staunch denials have been unusually effective in tamping down speculation that he’ll endorse, so an announcement would be earthshaking and guaranteed to dominate the airwaves until the February 5 primaries. Take Tennessee, Gore’s home state, which could wind up making the difference. Democratic polling there is somewhat sparse, especially that done after John Edwards’s withdrawal. But Tennessee looks to be a state in which Clinton currently holds a lead—that is, unless a certain favorite son were to endorse her opponent.

Gore has already seen one presidency (his own) slip away over a handful of votes. He must have pondered how it would feel to play kingmaker and shore up someone else’s path to the White House.

A well-connected Tennesseean told me two things today that got me thinking about this. The first is that Obama and Gore have been speaking regularly, about every two weeks or so. The second is that, despite this, and despite Tennessee’s primary on Tuesday, Obama has not visited the state since June. It may be simply that he does not plan on competing there. Or it may be that he’s been waiting for a special occasion.

"It took a Clinton to take out a Bush..." bla bla bla.. but wait a minute Then the NEW fist lady is going to be Bill Clinton now? No lets get OBAMA and his beautiful wife! really what a nice REAL couple!

i want to cover my eyes and wish this all be a dream.
but somehow i'm stuck with stupid and stupid.

Shameless plugs never hurt anyone - and there's no one more shameless in that room than Senator Clinton - especially when it comes to voting for war in Iraq.

Seems there was a lot of discussion about Iraq. Aren't there other issues like education, the environment, outsourcing jobs, medical marijuana, taxes, crime...... I got tired of hearing about Iraq. We know Hilary will pull troops out (or so she says) and I'm not quite sure what Barack's plan is because it was never specified that I saw. I'd like to have more choices and I think it's a bunch of crap that we are only a few months into the year and we are only left with two candidates. Why can't we only be left with 2 republican candidates? Our system needs some serious retooling.

And of course, no questions about ending unitary executive authority, or dealing with climate change in an urgent way from what I have read. Matter of fact, it looks like both of them would actually allow Bush and his criminal regime to walk free after this "election." This was then just more stroking of egos for the Hollywood elite. Amazing how people still eat this stuff up by supporting the very media outlets that pushed all the others who weren't 'exciting' enough out. How soon they are forgiven for their crimes.

I watched and was actually impressed by Hillary. Up to this debate I was pretty much on the Obama side (after John Edwards left) but now I'm thinking about Hillary. A ticket with the two of them would be great.

I loved the nods and respect that Hilary and Barack gave one another during this debate. They were also both focused and deliberate in their answers. The absence of attacks toward one another was a welcomed change as a viewer. This is the most natural I have seen either candidate and it is clear that the Democrats have the best interest of our country at heart on every front, from health care that is in a state of crisis in our country to immigration reform in remaining the "land of opportunity." Tonight's debate should make it clear that we were watching our "Dream Ticket" in a Clinton-Obama run for the White House. The Republicans have got to be running scared. I am an Arizona resident and John McCain's time has come and gone. The Republicans offer no one with vision for how real change can be accomplished. The Republican party has lost touch with mainstream America and the tough issues at stake in today's world.

Awesome! Dream Ticket 08!

That would be amazing.

The final question -- The Dream Ticket? Would you consider a Obama/Clinton or an Clinton/Obama ticket?

"We have a lot more road to travel and it would be premature to weigh in on that...but I can say this -- I want to restore a sense of what is possibly in Gov't and having people with intelligence, integrity, and independence to stand up against me when I'm not right" -- Obama

..."I think Hillary would be on anyones short list as a running mate!" -- Obama

"I agree with everything Barack just said...no matter what happens, we, in the end, will have a uninformed democratic party!" -- Hillary Clinton

they're, not the're. sorry

Hey! the're actually addressing the "dream ticket" idea!

Every time I hear Hilary speak, I am more convinced of my support for her. She is direct and is thorough in answering questions. Barack talks more in generalities. I admire her strength, courage, personal and public accomplishments. She simply is more prepared to become our next US President. I think the wisest thing for the Democratic Party is for Hilary to be our nominee and Barack to be our her running mate. I think that both the Clinton and Obama Campaigns need to look at what is best for our country in making sure our next President is a Democrat. A Clinton-Obama ticket will "hands down" beat any team the Republicans have to offer. This country needs 8 years of Hilary followed by 8 years of Obama to bring about real change in moving this country forward for the long haul. The country is crying out for change as evidenced by voter turnout in the primary elections held thus far. Hilary and Obama should compromise on their differences, hold hands, and in the end, run as a team! They will be great for the United States of America! Yes, Wolf Blitzer, they are a "Dream Ticket!" Hilary, you go girl!

Pierce Bronson, Diane Keaton, and Stevie Wonder in the audience?
Barack watches American Idol?

What a turn we took?

Oh boy here we go about Bill Clinton...

"Fact is, I'm running for president, I want the campaign to stay focused on the issues I am tackling, the work I have done..." -- Hillary Clinton

"I do agree we both has some very passionate spouses..." - Barack Obama

"It took a Clinton to clean up after Bush..."

Is that not a fact? Did Bill Clinton not do amazing things for this country when he was in office!? Did he not pick up the pieces of the Gulf war after Bush Sr. left it a mess...

Come on now...all BS aside, though the line was a good sound bite it also had some truth to it!

btw, great job on the live blogging, woodywoodbeck!

"it took a Clinton to clean up after a Bush?" Could no other Democrat have possibly followed George Sr.? Does it takes a Clinton to create a situation in which another Bush gets elected? If a descendant of Herbert Hoover comes along would we someone named Roosevelt to follow him?

It's the kind of line that would win a schoolyard trashtalking contest, but hopefully that's not what this debate is about...

Eww...I do not like Wolf as the moderator of these debates...Anderson Cooper is much better and gets what he needs to get out of the candidates without trying to start trouble!

Plus, Anderson not bad to look at! Wolf is very "Wolfie"!

Edwards would make a great Attorney General.

Awesome! I'm so glad they stopped the petty squabbling. I'm thinking: Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton. Either way we'll be fine.

Again, both candidates agree they want progress in Iraq but disagree with Bush and the republicans thought of "winning and succeeding in Iraq."

Obama keeps bringing up that he has always been against the war which as we know Hillary in the beginning was for it then quickly against it when she realized Bush's ultimate plan there.

Obama gets credit from me for that but even me in the beginning supported the war based on my personal relationship with people who were killed in 9/11...it was very personal and I think it was that way for a lot of people in this country and that was clear...they all voted Bush back into the White house as he road off of the "success" of his false war.

I like that idea. It would greatly strenghthen the democratic ticket in the presidential race.

That's great to hear Egnatius! I think after tonights debate...some people may start to think that same way. Both of these candidates are highly educated, qualified, and ready to bring change to the White House that is right for our country!

Obama and Clinton on the same ticket in '08 sounds better and better to me...no disrespect to Edwards!

Barack and Hillary are both pushing legislation that will keep Bush from committing us, the United States, to binding us to a place and presence in Iraq.

How was that quote from Hillary meaningless? It seemed to mean a whole lot to everyone there and to me? What are you seeing that we are not?

I'm an Obama fan, but whoever wins the democratic nomenation would get my vote over any Republican candidate.

Hilary said her plan on Iraq will start to withdraw troops after 60 days and has a formulated plan of withdrawal and hopes to have all troops out within a year. She believes its not only dangerous but we have to think about the civilians who are there working and helping the people who helped us along the way.

"They have to make tough decisions because they are out of time!" - Hillary Clinton about Iraq Gov't

Both candidates did criticize Bush on leaving nearly 140k troops in Iraq as he is leaving the White House.

Barack is firm on ending the war and that he will start to bring everyone home and have NO US placement in Iraq.

"It was a profound strategic error for us to go into this war in the first place! I offer a clear contrast for someone who has always been against this war." -- Barack Obama

Hillary's "it takes a Clinton to clean up after a Bush" quote got a huge applause and will probably be the lasting soundbite of the debate and will probably influence decisions of who won the debate, but really... it's completely MEANINGLESS!

Im tired of dynasties can I get something fresh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A viewer at home asked Hillary how she can be a beacon of change when its for the past 30 years has either been a Bush or a Clinton...how will she stand out?

"It did take a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush, and I am thinking it will take another to clean up after this Bush!" -- Hillary Clinton

HOLLA!! My favorite quote of the night!

You got it Phoenix_fire! I'm doing my best! HA!

"I think we are ready for big change and seeing the first woman president would be a real BIG change!" -- Hillary Clinton

"It is undeniable to see the good Bill Clinton did in the White house during his 8 years." -- Barack Obama

"We are bringing in a whole generation of new voters and that is exciting. The task of this new administration is to call on the American people to reach higher and we shouldn't settle..." - Barack Obama

I am just so excited to see how much these two are really supporting each other and paying respect to one another during this debate. *SMILES*

Hillary made a really good point against the republicans considering running this country like running a business...they are not trying to be a CEO; we just went through that and it didn't work out all that well!

Barack made a funny joke but I didn't have time to type it...but it was one against Mitt Romney and it was good!

Okay...and we are back!

Topic of discussion is experience!

Barack was asked about how he would anwser those who think he doesn't have enough experience as Hillary and he said "Well for everyone of those people, there is someone who doesn't think she has enough and are ready for new leadership!"

Q to Hillary: What experience did her experience as a first lady to help her run a country? Her response - "Let's go back 35 years when my fight in politics and the fight for those without a voice started!" She also stated in the White house she worked on domestic issues like health care, helped get health care for 6 million, help triple the amount of kids being adopted, help with womens rights overseas, etc. She began in senate working across the party lines..."Public service is a trust and not something I take for granted!"

Both of these candidates did pretty much spit our their entire record and resume...for those facts; check out their respective websites.

Hi,

Please keep narrating. I'm stuck at work and can't watch the debate myself. Thanks for doing a good job so far!

I, for one, am just happy to see these two acting like civilized people (thus far) and really explaining how they stand on the issues that are important to all of us; the American people.

Barack called Hillary out on saying she flip flopped on an issue and then she caught him and said you were for it and then when asked if you were against it; you didn't and couldn't answer.

Woah! Did Hillary just say "Jesus Christ"?

Hillary touched that she got the national farm workers endorsement because of her fight for them. That is a huge endorsement.

Can I just say something totally off topic...

I love Hillary's cranberry suit and Barack has really great skin!

If you want to watch it live online, the link is http://www.cnn.com/video/live/live.html?stream=stream1

I agree Phil. She seemed to have a clear plan where as Barack seemed to just sorta say "oh well yeah...but let's talk about this!"

Ohhh--Wolf of CNN is trying to get Barack to attack Hillary and Barack called him on it!

Get him Barack! :-)

Okay...No we are talking Immigration!

Obama got a huge response from the audience when he said we should not suggest that immigrants working in this country directly relates to the poverty level being high within the black and latino communities.

He believes we have to set a pathway for those immigrants already here, have them learn english and become citizens or they will continue to undermine the wages meant for the legal citizens of this country.

Hillary believes because of employers who exploit immigrant workers and push out our own citizens it takes away from our own people because of the lower wages they are paying those illegal immigrants.

Both candidates did agree on tightening borders, stop the exploitation of immigrant workers and wages; it will eventually help with immigration control in this country.

Both said they, the illegal immigrants, MUST register here, pay for a fine for entering illegally, learn English, and then wait in line to become citizens in this country. Until then Hillary believes they should not be allowed to get a license where Barack feels its okay for them to get one without being legal citizens.

I think Hillary has a really clear path for how to handle the problem for illegal immigration. She really mapped it out with a step-by-step solution, ... I like hearing concrete plans like that instead of just expression of broad beliefs.

Really? They are? Then where have they been while in Congress? And how are they going to pay for it now with such deficits as we are seeing now? Or rather, how are WE going to pay for it? And to be honest, I'm not watching this debate because without John Edwards, it just isn't the same. But how are tax cuts going to give us better QUALITY healthcare? Are we supposed to use these cuts to buy private insurance? This is just too vague for my liking.

Tax cuts! Tax cuts! Tax cuts!
To pay for Health Care?

Obama seems to have a clear concise plan on who do cut taxes for, in what income brackets, what money that would generate, and where it would go; and layed it out very well.

Hillary touched on reducing and controlling costs of medicine and prescriptions and pushing for electronic medical records that can save $77 billion a year.

Well just listening to both Obama and Clinton, you can truly tell they really are passionate about providing better health care for everyone in this country.

Under Baracks Health Care plan, a moderator pointed out that there will still be 15 million people left out of the plan, though he assured those who do not have it do not need it as much as those covered under the plan including all children, the elderly, and teens and young adults under 25 who will be covered. He never actually stated how or why those people would get health care if they did want it.

Hillary has been apart of the health care battle since the 90's starting with children. Her Health care policy provides to those who are uninsured or under insured and making it affordable to everyone (people with or without insurance already), lowers costs for ALL, and pointed out that her plan has been designed to be affordable with tax credits. So she is actually not forcing anyone to pay for it; they pay through tax credits.

"We as Democrats have to be willing to fight for uniformed health care. It is imperative and moving forward...Edwards and I have always said that you have to bite this bullet and YES we will get to universal health care for everyone in this country" - Hillary Clinton

"I am absolutely 100% committed to make sure everyone in this country has health insurance when I am in office!" - Barack Obama

Hillary is really starting off great saying the differences between her and Barack is nothing compared to the differences between them and the republicans.

The differences between her and Barack: Uniformed Heath Care plan, uniformed for everyone in the country, Mortgage crisis plan; freeze interest rates for 5 years, and Foreign Policy; we must have a diplomatic effort dealing with other countries.

The differences between Barack and Clinton:
Agreed with Clinton on the policy differences on Health Care (about 90% the same), Prevention on costs of Health care where he gives everyone insurance and she forces people to buy it even at a low cost, Mortgage crisis: they are agreed upon, bridging the lender and home owner, not up for an interest rate freeze, feels it will hurt those who may want to buy homes, and he wants to reduce the lobbyists in Washington -- Why he does not take the money from them. His last point was Iraq and that he was never for it (Hillary was for it at first then against it.)

Here we go...feel free to follow along and watch with me as I blog LIVE through this debate! Use your webcam, comment, link other commentary; whatever! Just keep the conversation coming!

The opening comments...

Obama thanked Edwards for a great run, complimented Hillary on her amazing run, said ONE of them will be the next President of the United States...

"What is at stake...is we are looking backwards and not looking forward...the past VS the present...we have to have change that brings the country together!"

Clinton also stated that it will either be her or Obama to enter the White House as the next president, talked about the problems that President faces the moment they walk into the White House, touched on job crisis, economy crisis, global warming crisis, and health care; also touched on the leadership and personal givings Edwards and his wife gave and also his beliefs in poverty.

"I think we need a problem solver and I am ready to take that approach. Americans are ready to believe once again there isn't anything we can do anything when putting your mind to it!"