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Opening Statements
Tonight's Democratic debate in Philadelphia began in the most traditional of manners -- opening statements by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.).
Obama won the coin toss (symbolic?) and elected to go first, touching on the frustration that people across Pennsylvania and America feel without ever mentioning the "bitter" remarks that drew so much attention over the past five days.
"This election offers us an opportunity to change that," said Obama. "I am running for president to ensure the people of America are heard in the White House."
Clinton, providing yet more evidence that there is very little difference between the two candidates, echoed Obama's sentiments.
"There is a lot of concern across Pennsylvania and America," said Clinton. "People feel as though their government is not solving problems. I am running for president because I know we can meet the challenges of today."
One other note: ABC News is REALLY playing up the fight theme for tonight's debate. "We are in round 15 of a scheduled 10-rounder," moderator Charlie Gibson said at the outset of the the proceedings.
By Chris Cillizza |
April 16, 2008; 8:14 PM ET
| Category:
Eye on 2008
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Comments
Posted by: Hedy | April 16, 2008 11:41 PM | Report abuse
Are the moderators going to address anything of substance? Absolutely ridiculous that we are 45 minutes in and we are still asking about basically namecalling which doesn't help me or any other Americans in the least.
Posted by: Baltimore Teacher Man | April 16, 2008 8:48 PM | Report abuse
Are the moderators going to address anything of substance? Absolutely ridiculous that we are 45 minutes in and we are still asking about basically namecalling which doesn't help me or any other Americans in the least.
Posted by: Baltimore Teacher Man | April 16, 2008 8:48 PM | Report abuse
Who won the ABC Democratic Debate in Philadelphia Pennsylvania?
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=2137
.
Posted by: Frank, Austin | April 16, 2008 8:44 PM | Report abuse
40 minutes into the debate and no discussion yet about the economy, the deficit, Iraq, immigration, health care, etc. I'd like to throttle Charlie Gibson for being so unprepared to moderate a debate and ask some real questions that affect people. Who the hell cares if Obama wears a flag pin on his lapel?
Posted by: David | April 16, 2008 8:40 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
I was glad that Obama had to answer for the things that the MSM let slip by if it was Hillary they would be all over her.He does not handle questions about him well you could see that he was getting angry. He is just so self centered and arrogant.