1. I appreciated two things in particular about the debate.

1) Hillary seemed to be first over the last few weeks to make a more realistic appraisal of the situation in Iraq and point out that whomever wins the Presidency was going to inherit a very complicated mess in Iraq. That it was going to take some time to realistically get out of there instead of just pulling out immediately. It seems to have had an effect on the other candidates who have made rather rash promises in the past without considering the US's responsibility that comes with that "idea". The Democrats are growing up a bit. We are where we are because of our current President, but we are still responsible for what happens there whether we like it or not.

2) Although it wasn't perfect...Hillary bashing was way down from the past rhetoric of the other two candidates whom, in my opinion, have wasted their time with that tactic long enough and have cheated themselves and us out of a chance to see who they really are and how they really feel about the issues. John Edwards still has the furthest to go regarding bashing the front-runner. He has made most of his campaign for the Presidency on negative energy...but, he was a little better last night. He is normally a nice guy, but I think he now knows that he should have stayed in the Senate and not been part of the doomed 2004 ticket.

But, when all is said and done, I trust experience first and foremost and I do happen to like Hillary the most out of the field. I think she is the most qualified and level-headed out of the field. Which, translates to me, she has the best chance of actually accomplishing something as President. She still has my vote.

Respectfully,

Mr. Clark

Mr. Clark at 9:39AM on Sep 27th 2007

2. In conjunction with the buzz about the book "The Evangelical President" I have heard reference to President Bush "advising" Hillary, among others, about the war in Iraq.
Interestingly his advice on the Iraq war from his seat in the White House was said to include 'dont box yourself in'.
In 1940 FDR knew he would never get elected telling Americans we would end up involved in World War II. So he promised to keep America out of the war. As soon as FDR was elected he stepped up shipments of military equipment to England and funding of the military to prepare for war.

With an 11% approval rating in Congress the MoveOn "Betray Us" ad may well have forced Democrats back to the center to find votes.

Pete at 1:36PM on Sep 27th 2007

3. Wow, none of this is news. I remember last October when the Democrats all went out and said "If you elect us to the majority, we'll make sure there are troops there by 2013". I'm sure you all remember that also. As for Ms Clinton's experience... what is it? She has been a senator for 6 years. She was a Presidents wife for 8. She was a stock investor (and a damn good one) for 1 year. She failed in her health plan in 93 and did nothing else for the 90's except defend her husband's positions. Where's the experience? I guess Nancy Regan or Roselyn Carter would have made fine Presidents also.

Dave at 5:19PM on Sep 27th 2007

4. Very well said, Dave....What is Hillary's experience? I believe all Presidents or most have had a first lady...My husband tells me about his job as a plumber eveyday when I get home - does that make me an experienced plumber? Don't forget her statement....If this President doesn't end the war NOW, I will....what a farce this woman is and probably more dishonest than any of the men think about being. Run, Hillary, Run - Far, far, away! We women don't even want you..

Toni at 6:03PM on Sep 27th 2007

5. Toni, speak foryourself!! I think it's time for a change and I believe that women we must take a hard look at the mess these men have made of our nation. Stand together and work together for a better future. Anything a man can destroy a woman can and will fix!! Dave, we could go around in circles forever and you still will refuse to accept that for the past 9 months anything and everything the Democrats have tried to pass has been veto. I will agree that they should stick to their principles and keep fighting the idiot decider!!

If any of you ever took the time to listen to this woman you would realize that she is extremely intelligent, articulate and qualifide for the job of president of the United States of America.

The fact that you do not like her does not mean that she cannot do this job better than most if not all the men seeking the same job.

You are obviously within your rights not to like her. But, I bet anything you know NOTHING about this woman. She has done an excellent job as a Senator. Her health care plan did not pass in 93 because the opposition scared the hell out of the health plans. You see Toni, my husband is in the business, so was I. Furtheremore, when he comes home he does talk to me about all the in's and out's of the healthcare business and the rediculous red tape and payment system and approval system and on and on. Even doctor's hate was is happening and can't treat patients the way they should because the system tieds their hands. And if you are one of the millions without health insurance, you are in such deep caca, but hey who cares.... it probably does not affect you, right??? Well.... we all MUST CARE.

Her plan was a good one and it would have worked, had it been giving a chance. In my opinion she was a great First Lady. Oh...yeah Dave, if you are going to discuss her experience or her resume, you need to add Attorney to the list.

Patty at 11:48PM on Sep 27th 2007

6. ANY OF THOSE CANDIDATES CAN DO FAR BETTER THAN THE CURRENT GUY...AT THE WHITE HOUSE....I PREFER A DEMS...BECAUSE THE 8 YRS REPS.SCREWED THIS COUNTRY AND THE US NAME ALL OVER THE WORLD...

gt at 7:15AM on Sep 28th 2007

7. Patty,

Thank you! I am always at a loss as whether or how to respond to people Like Dave and Toni. Both chose not to respond to the topic at hand...just negative comments on others opinions without offering up who they were for and what they believed. I tried once in the past by responding directly to someone that addressed me personally and realized it would be unending.

You gave me a better understanding of how this can be accomplished in a gutsy assertive way, which I admire very much.

Just a side note: My mother, who is very private about politics assured me Toni was in no way the voice of all women and that she was, in fact, for Sen. Hillary Clinton. I have great respect for my Mom as she has managed to raise seven boys and as I turn 45 next month as the baby of the seven (by five minutes as I have an identical twin), that her and my father are still alive and together and happy.

Thanks again Patty...I have learned something new!

Respectully,

Mr. Clark

Mr. Clark at 10:44AM on Sep 28th 2007

8. The Democrats are hesitant on cutting war funding because they know that while most Presidents in the history of this country would say, "Damn it, they cut us off, no funding, gotta send the troops home." They know Bush would leave them there to fight, funds or no funds, then blame it on congress for being 'against the troops' when they are slaughtered (then go have a publicity photo showing 'em jogging with some Vets with prosthetic limbs).

Honkiteerian at 3:41AM on Oct 2nd 2007

9. Why on earth did Obama's wife feel it was necessary to tell the world that her husband stinks in the morning?
Juliani's license plate will soon read: 'Rudy 911' if he keeps it up.
Plus, Fred Thompson's wife looks like she could be his great Grandaughter. Can't see that flying with the Christian far right...

Sir Lord Maynard at 3:48AM on Oct 2nd 2007

10. What happen now no guts to change the course? This show the lack of leadership capabilities and ability by these frontrunners to be President.They cannot think for themselves and look for solution instead they will go with what is already there.This is dangerous and irresponsible.

KaM at 3:55AM on Oct 8th 2007