Obama/Clinton debate exchange

Charlie Burr

From earlier today:

Huffington Post wrap-up coverage here.

[Update: Here's the focus group reaction, via Newsday's Spin Cycle.]

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    Obama just pwned Hillary

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    bdunn, serious question - is that "owned," or do I not know what pwn means? If I'm ignorant, would you enlighten me, please? Thanks.

  • Bpaul (unverified)
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    You can wiki it to see that pwned is a chatroom/gamer internet slang term for humiliate, or beat severely in a contest.

  • Matthew Sutton (unverified)
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    After having it beat into my head that Hillary is a candidate that does not make mistakes, I was a bit surprised that she opened the door to this quick comeback by Barack. He is sharp as a tack and it is foolish to invite a zinger from him like that.

    And someone should really advise her to lose that cackle, it is not very becoming or presidential and could easily be turned into "Dean scream" footage.

    Her campaign has really stumbled over the past several weeks. It will be interesting to see if they can salvage a good showing in Iowa. I understand that Walter Mondale has hit the ground on her behalf and they are running new ads featuring Hillary's mom and Chelsea.

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    Check out the IEM: Obama's making a run!

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    Apparently I've been spam-filtered (a fine how-do-you-do for a supposed editor!) for trying to include a link. I'll try again to direct your attention to the IEM (Google "IEM" and follow the political markets to the Dem nomination graph)--which shows Obama seriously on the move. Consistent with polling showing him making big strides in Iowa and NH.

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    Note, of course, how Obama dodged the question. Often wit is more powerful than truth.

  • Matthew Sutton (unverified)
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    Evan, this clip does not show his whole answer to the question. You can find that on youtube or barackobama.com

  • Matthew Sutton (unverified)
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    Here's a fun little video of one of Hillary's precint captains explaining why she is switching her support to Barack. I love the yard sign switch at the end!

    If you check out Realclearpolitics.com, you will see there is a new poll out today showing Barack with a 9 point lead in Iowa. I like to think that this is due in part to at least three (3) Oregonians we have on the ground there now working on his campaign. Can we get credit for at least a percentage of one of those points?

    I heard in Hillary's press conference today that she is starting a 99 county blitz in Iowa this weekend with many of her more well known surrogates hitting the campaign trail across the entire State. It will be interesting to see if this all out effort will change her numbers.

    And don't forget about Edwards. He has very quietly been solidifying his support in Iowa which is very strong. He may yet surprise some people!

    This should be a wild finish! I'm glad that Blue Oregon is following along.

  • Adrian R (unverified)
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    Matthew, Hillary may develop a "Dean scream" (which sounds more like a GOP attack point for cable news shows) but how is Obama going to answer to his drug admitted drug use? You can't deny it will come up, even though the Dems have kept quiet on it.

    (FYI Hillary is not my candidate of choice either)

  • Matthew Sutton (unverified)
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    Adrian, he will address it the same way he has before: Openly and honestly as a mistake of his teens that he is not proud of. He disclosed this in his bestselling book "Dreams from My Father" that he wrote after law school many many years ago. It came up on the campaign trail in Iowa with questions from the audience long before Mr. Sheehan's comments. This is old news and voters have moved on.

    Did you watch the second clip on this thread? The voters in the focus group thought this shouldn't have even been brought up and they seemed to be taking it out on Hillary.

    I don't think that there are very many candidates out there that are in a position to "throw stones." None of these candidates have led perfect lives. Do Edwards and Hillary really want to get into a candid discussion about the mistakes of youth? Probably not. I think most people understand that this stuff happens and they appreciate the candid repentance.

    Contrast Barack's honest disclosure with the approach taken by some of the Republicans. Recall GW stonewalling on these type of questions. Romney is now taking a similar approach in saying that these questions should not even be discussed. I will put Barack's refreshing openness up against these other approaches any day.

  • LT (unverified)
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    Adrian, you are aware that Bill Shaheen is no longer a member of the New Hampshire H. Clinton campaign and the reason why, aren't you?

    I'd like to know how some people claim to know what issues will be brought up in the fall. If you are really that good at predictions, who will be in the World Series?

  • Adrian R (unverified)
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    Yes, I'm totally aware of the whole story, I don't care about the BS talking points from either side, and all I'll say is I'm not the one who brought up how Hillary laughs funny.

    As for the World Series: NY Mets v Detroit Tigers (Mets win)

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