December 13, 2007
Debate Redux, Johnston
The muich-anticipated Democratic debate today at Iowa Public Television did little to change the dynamic of the race here. It was a three-way contest going in, and it looks the same on the back end.
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards are deadlocked in Iowa, and each made his or her appeal to voters today during the final debate before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses.
None of this is new, but ... Clinton's plea was for experience, for a president who can start from the first day in office. Hope alone, she said, won't get the job done. Obama said he is the change candidate. Edwards, meanwhile, pitched a populist message. He spoke often of corporate greed and corruption hindering progress in Washington.
The debate moderator, Carolyn Washburn, was the big loser of the outing -- and yesterday's GOP contest, for that matter. Washburn provided few opportunities at either event for the candidates to contrast their records. Education, sure the panel of six Democrats are all for it. Health care, they're all for it. It was a snoozer, through and through.
Highlights:
1. Obama's move to defend Joe Biden when Washburn insinuated that Biden has uttered racist remarks.
2. HRC's line that you don't get change by "hoping for it."
3. Chris Dodd response to a question about his father being censured four decades ago. And then his suggestion that his New Year's wish is "that Iowans caucus and they caucus correctly."
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Posted at 07:26 PM
Comments
Obama's hypocritical rise to Biden's defense was self serving at best. Joe Biden needs no defense on any charge of racism. The moderator should be ashamed for raising the question. Also the question about Chris Dodd's father. Don't ever allow her to moderate another debate.
Like It Is | 12.16.07 08:57 AM
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