Spring Break
Clinton, Obama debate in Philly
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
|
During the debate, moderated by ABC's Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos, the candidates spent the first 45 minutes discussing religion, honesty and patriotism instead of addressing policy issues.
ABC polls released before the debate showed that Pennsylvanians wished the candidates would focus on more serious issues rather than "taking cheap shots at each other."
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell agreed that the questions did not relate to policy issues.
"The network [ABC] disgraced itself," Rendell said.
Representatives of the Drexel Democrats and the College Republicans also said they felt the candidates should have spent more time on policy issues.
"I didn't like the beginning, but at the end, the questions started to focus on the more serious issues," Sean Miller, president of Drexel Democrats, said.
George Butler, treasurer of the College Republicans, said: "I think [the people] want to stick to hearing the issues going on, because that's why the vote matters. … You don't vote for someone based on fluff and filler."
During the policy discussion, Clinton and Obama focused on their withdrawal plans from Iraq, both pledging that they would set the terms as commander in chief, regardless of other military influences.
"[The] commander in chief sets the mission; that's not the role of the generals," Obama said.
That wasn't the only pledge that the candidates made at the debate.
Both Clinton and Obama pledged to refrain from raising taxes on citizens making less than approximately $200,000 to $250,000. Obama, however, promised also to lower taxes.
The two candidates also spent time attacking the Bush administration throughout the policy discussion of the debate.
"I wish the Republicans would not run anybody," Clinton said.
Clinton and Obama criticized the current U.S. policies regarding Iran and nuclear weapons, and focused on Israel's conflicts with Iran. Clinton said that the United States cannot permit Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and that an attack on Israel would result in severe U.S. retaliation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
jacksmith
posted 4/18/08 @ 9:54 PM EST
MY FELLOW "BITTER", STUPID, WORKING CLASS PEOPLE :-)
If you think like Barack Obama, that WORKING CLASS PEOPLE are just a bunch of "BITTER"!, STUPID, PEASANTS, Cash COWS!, and CANNON FODDER. (Continued…)
jacksmith
posted 4/18/08 @ 9:55 PM EST
DON'T BE DUPED !!!
Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. (Continued…)
MeanwhileInTheRealWorld
posted 4/19/08 @ 6:29 PM EST
jacksmith:
Almost all your recommendations for Hillary refer to Bill's record, not hers - as in "Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the..."
The yelling in all-caps and name-calling are not very effective as persuasion. (Continued…)
roddy
posted 4/19/08 @ 10:42 PM EST
Why are the Obama supporters complaining about the debate? Obama and Clinton are running on the same platform, agreeing on maybe 98% of the issues. Also, we have seen 20+ debates already, so it was refreshing to see a debate about character. (Continued…)
SamuelB
Phillip
posted 4/22/08 @ 1:37 AM EST
Obama Takes Money From Special Interests Big TimEe!
BACKGROUND ON SEN. OBAMA'S DAY IN NEW YORK:
On Monday, the Obama campaign responded to Hillary unveiling a comprehensive plan to deal with the housing crisis by attacking her for taking contributions connected to subprime lenders. (Continued…)
jon b
posted 4/22/08 @ 6:05 PM EST
Go OBama!
Post a Comment