This was the most even-handed debate to date. It is a shame that for Obama's followers, any tough questions for him, any questioning of him at all, is heretical.

Wow. This is just too funny. The debate moderators asked Barack Obama questions that have been asked all over the Internet. What is the big deal?

They are relevant issues. Barack Obama has not been vetted. Grow up people. You do your candidate no favors by trying to protect him from the real world.

What we all saw last evening was that Barack Obama is not ready to run for President. He is not qualified.

Obama is a good guy, but he simply did not perform well under the pressure of the debate. I think MoveOn's notion of taking an ad out, about the subject, is ridiculous and will only make Obama look like a whimp. Is this how Obama and his supporters will deflect the GOP attack machine? Sad and weak.

This is not news. The traditional media ( including the supposedly esoteric NPR and Public TV) is superficial and vapid--- and unfortunately well aligned with the thought processes of the majority of our citizenry.

It was disgusting.
They are projecting onto Obama what they are.
He is the only one that is for the people.

All these attacks on Obama makes the Republicans
and the media look bad.

Yeah, sure, when his background is questioned of course it is out of bounds. He's incredible. I'm a life-long Democrat, but if he's nominated I'm either not going to vote or give McCain the nod.

I was extremely disappointed in the Abc debate last night. I thought the news people were slanted toward Hillary Clinton. It almost appeared staged to pounce on Obama with the argument that Clinton hopes to make to the super delegates. Why weren't questions asked about her taxes, additonal inconsistencies in her stories about her experience in foreign policy.

I think it was about time Obama was hammered by the media. I didn't notice anyone complaining in the early debates when Clinton was hammered time and time again.

Good for ABC!

George Stephanopoulos asked Sen Obama some tough questions for the first time in a debate rather than pitching the usual soft balls. Some people are now suggesting that he was not an unbiased moderator because of his past association with the Clintons. Why has no one raised this issue until now? Has he been an unbiased journalist when submitting negative reports on the Bush administration and Republican congressional activities?

I was so disgusted with and disappointed in ABC's Presidential Debate Moderators--They did NOT ask substantive questions about issues that the American people need to hear discussed. If I want dirt on the candidates, I'll buy National Enquirer. Bad job, ABC!

What happened to the time when presidential debates would focus on issues of national importance and a candidate's potential policy on global issues??? I am SO sick of any and everything EXCEPT the issues most concerning U.S. citizens taking center stage in this election year!!!

We are in the middle of not 1 but 2 wars, we are in what many feel is a full blown recession, gasoline is fast approaching a record $4.00 a gallon, people are losing their homes and livelihoods in record numbers and instead of homework and college applications, the youth of today would rather film themselves assaulting each other for You Tube! But the issues most concerning ABC in a debate of 2 candidates for whom one could very possibly be the next leader of the free world is why one of them does not wear a flag lapel pin!!! Give me a break!!!

ABC should be ashamed of themselves for such a "tabloid-esque" showing on national TV. For the first hour, I thought I was watching TMZ!!! For me, ABC now stands for "Any-Body Care"???!

Dee
Dallas, Texas

nothing

Interesting to see,

Obama got his hat handed to him and his supporters are crying foul.

Yes there was the typical trash that has been part of the elections for years, but Obama was unprepared for many of the real issues questions that he was asked. As soon as it got rough for him he got andgry and stiff. Hillary stayed smooth even when she was the one being targeted.

Do we really need another president that can't handle pressure? We're finally gettting rid of one.

Move-on is nothing more than Nazi-facists, trying to protect that racist poser,never had a real job,I'll tell you anything to get elected,LOSER!! Barack Obama couldn't tie John McCain's shoes. Let a real man like McCain take the reins instead of these two sicophant, sociopath, liars. So blog on that!

I can understand why George contributed to the Barack bashing for 52 minutes, because he worked for the Clintons. However, this was so one-sided I changed the channel, I couldn't take it anymore. The moderators should be dismissed from ABC ala Dan Rather. People should call and write to the advertisers and boycott their products until these two, and the head of the news division are replaced. This was not journalism. The moderators are either biased, or racists or both. The issues people are concerned about, are not lapel pins, or what an associates says. Many of us have served on committees or boards with people we do not agree with, or people who have done things in their past that are despicable; but that doesn't mean we think, feel, or act the same way. I was hoping to hear something from the candidates, but it just wasn't meant to be.

awwwwww poor wittew Bawak, finally you venomous Obama people have been served a small sample of what Hillary has had to put up with for a whole year now from the media and these debate moderators, cry me a ####### river..

GO Hillary.

Hooray for David Brooks of the New York Times! Finally, Brooks has come around to my tough traditional American Indian point of view.

Not to distract from your standing Christina, I do enjoy watching Brooks and Shields on PBS. Those two are quite the pair to draw to.

I much enjoyed last night's debate between Obama and Clinton. I understand many sissified Americans are upset, as is expected. I am not sissified nor upset. This debate last night provided America a chance to observe the behaviors of both Obama and Clinton when confronted with surprise questions and confronted with tough questions. These are a type of questions which will be foremost during our general presidential election. Be sure, the republican party will raise all these issues and much more. Both Obama and Clinton must be prepared to tackle seemingly silly personal topics. Any weakness displayed in dealing with these types of questions will be votes lost.

My personal take is Obama stuttered, stammered and stumbled over his words being taken by surprise. Obama was not prepared, not prepared for unexpected topics.

Clinton, such a wonderful performance, such wonderful dodging of personal issues! Clinton did not hesitate, she was articulate, assertive and did not miss a beat. Clinton made a point to diplomatically chastise Stephanopoulos. Clinton was clearly prepared for anything.

This debate was a critical display of how each candidate, Obama and Clinton, will react and will conduct when subjected to surprising and stressful issues.

Obama fell apart. Clinton proved herself cold, calculating and cutthroat. Clinton is no sissy!

My congratulations to ABC news for daring to broach issues which have sissified Americans tugging at their hair while anxiously screaming, "This is not fair!"

All is fair in love and rock & roll.

Job well done ABC, my feather is off to you!

Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation

My people came to the Colonies in the 1600s and were among the founders of AMERICA - HOME OF THE BRAVE AND LAND OF THE FREE. We fought, sacrificed and died for our cherished Constitutional First Amendment freedoms.

ABC'c Gibson and Stephanopoulos displayed a profound lack of respect for our cherished freedoms. Sadly, they represent - LAZY JOURNALISM! My best argument that we should not have allowed immigration to America after 1800!

Oh, I am a proud member of MOVEON.org. -- an organization that is attempting to restore America's credibility which has been so badly diminished by Bush and the neocons!

Chagrined

People in the flyover states thought it was great debate.

If I had any doubts that Moveon has to have the playing field tilted their way, their outrage confirms it. Go Hil

Where's the petition for people who don't agree with MoveOn, Huffington, et al? What's good for one is good for the other, no?

As a 56 year old, registered republican white male who is voting democratic in this year�s presidential election I was appalled beyond words last evening at the spectacle ABC news had the audacity to call a �presidential debate�. Rarely have I seen such a biased agenda put forth by main stream news announcers. I truly believe Rush Limbaugh would have been more impartial in his questions. George Stephanopolis, due to his past association with the Clintons clearly had no business participating in this �debate�. But I was so much more disappointed in Charlie Gibson. I mistakenly thought he was a man of some integrity. I was wrong.
The first 40 minutes were nothing short of an all out double-teamed attack on Senator Obama. If I were him, at that point I would have said �Excuse me but when does the debate begin?� He probably should have walked off the set. But to his credit he stayed. The bias was so blatantly obvious even to the point of panning the camera on a beaming Chelsea not once but several times. Wow ABC, have you no shame? The so-called issues they dragged up (lapel pins anyone?) were old news items which have been discussed and answered ad nauseam but more importantly, are not relevant to the challenges facing our country. Where were the real questions concerning the issues which will confront the next president and indeed all of us? The national debt, social security, veterans benefits, health care, global warming, US foreign policy, Al Queada, Afghanistan, education and so on. The only time these were mentioned were when Senator Obama or Clinton brought them up on their own.
Presidential debates are very important to the voters but ABC news has done a disservice to the American public with this fiasco. It was a mockery to the location in which it took place. The National Constitution Center deserved better. I have talked to both Clinton and Obama supporters and most agree. This debacle was a shameful, slimy thing to witness. The public lost a real opportunity to learn more about these two presidential hopefuls But ABC News lost something more: our trust.
Memo to Charlie and George: When the debate major leagues begin after the conventions, do us all a favor and stay home. Let the pros handle it. Voters take the selection of a president very seriously � obviously you two and ABC news do not.

I am an Obama supporter and believe they did attack Obama because he will be the democratic nominee!!! The second half of the debate was issue based and Obama did a great job!!!!! That other stuff is just polictics as normal which is why I am supporting Obama. YES WE CAN!!!
Pat H

As someone who grew up on the gospel of Chairman Bill Buckley, who still chuckles at the nomination of George McGovern and Michale Dukakis, I pinch myself at the thought of dems nominating Obama their candidate. Should dems pick the affirmative atcion lightweight from Illinois, Sen. McCain can pick me as his running mate and win.

oh please. Do you know why everyone is mad???

George S. ==> King Herod
Charlie Gibson ==> Pontius Pilate.

guess what that makes obama?

Obama of Hawaii in '08

So these are relevant issues some of you say? Are you kidding me? A flag pin? Most likely made in China....

These are not relevant to anyone with a brain. It's all about my team your team with the republicans.

MoveOn.org needs to take Obama, his cult and step off.

Do none of these people realize that the ONLY way Obama can get to the Oval Office and "change" the way it's done is by declaring himself dictator? Seems to me that's his unspoken plan, since we can't seem to get any substance from the man beyond this cultish obsession with hope.

No, I'm not a Clintonista either. I am however, a Democrat who is most certainly voting for the Republican this time.

I'm more bitter than ever.

Gee, I'm sorry I missed it! It's about time the media stopped treating Obama with kid gloves, while piling on Clinton. MoveOn should stop pouting and GrowUp.

What's sad, I think, is that Hillary Clinton's proposal to establish a nuclear protection umbrella over non-democratic, human-rights-abusing countries in the Middle East and potentially have the U.S. go to war for them got lost in the talk about these tabloid-type issues.

So, Moveon is upset over the media? Now, where were they when such as Gibson and Stephanopoulos ridiculed and ignored Ron Paul? He is the only Republican candidate now standing against the war-hungry McCain? Don't come flapping around with your "Peace Signs" when McCain/Lieberman decided to nuke Iran. Paul was your last hope and you joined the neocons in dismissing him. Shame on you.

You people need to grow up. Hillary couldn't answer a question straight if her life was up to it, and Obama doesn't seem quite the orator when he's not scripted.

Now the real point: These two people are in the top three to be the leader of the free world. My God, if they can't handle some ABC News moderators, what are they going to do with Russia, Iran, China, Terrorists? Are they going to cry when the Italian prime minister disagrees with them? You sound like the people that don't want your kids school papers graded in RED ink 'cause it might hurt their feelings...

One of the greatest ironies here is that it was only Obama--of the four--who repeatedly requested they stick to the issues, that that's what the public wanted. Billary seemed happy to muck around in the politics she knows so well, unfortunately. Hillary even handed Obama (inadvertently)a red carpet intro for him bashing her for those "sniper" lies (and really, people, they can't logically be called anything else)but he didn't go there, found it beneath himself. What? We don't (finally!) want a person of integrity?

If any of you were level-headed about this and not so wrapped up in candidates...you would see there really was a very heavy bias toward Clinton. I don't think it is just the liberal MoveOn.org that is saying this. I am sure there are questions being raised at Disney today about the legitimacy of having one candidates husbands ex-press secretary handling a debate before a crucial vote for that candidate.

I am more concerned with Hillary's Umbrella statement answer about Iran. Why is no one asking about the fact that she said she would protect ANY country that was not nuclear that was attacked on ANY level for ANY reason from Iran with, not just an appropriate response bu "MASSIVE RETALIATION". Whhhaaaattt?!!??

Is that not George Bush and John McCains cowboy diplomacy...we police the world...at America's cost and the decision to do so was done before the election and congress has any say.

Why are we not talking about that and why is an issue like that buried in one question, no follow up an hour or so after blathering issues that have been run into the ground. All the while the war is still going, healthcare is getting worse, people can't afford to eat and the number is growing, the planet is heading toward oblivion, and the world continues to hate us more.

but that friend of a friend was a terrorist or that friend pardoned the terrorist. ugh

Maybe the Obama supporters would feel better if they had asked questions he could answer, like what school did you go to? or do you support change? (just don't ask him what change...that would be unfair). Grow up people! If you aren't preparred don't come to the fight and complain. What do you think other countries will say if Obama wasn't preparred?....oh we're sorry, we won't ask any hard questions. Guess they will have to save the hard questions for Hillary, since she seems to be the only democrat that can answer them and take the pressure when it gets applied!

The ABC debate was the worst we've had so far. It was Obama debating not only Clinton but the two moderators as well, who seemed unabashedly asking the same questions we've heard over and over with Clinton pounding Obama while professsing the questions come "from others." The obvious bias of the ABC moderators was made clear, should anyone doubt it, when they raised the business of Wiliam Ayres from the Weather Underground--when Obama was 8 years old! What was suspicious was Clinton's easy piling on about this, clearly aware that it was going to be asked. The whole Ayres thing also smacked of old-fashioned red-baiting which I though responsible journalism had disavowed some time back.

This was not a contribution to a discussion of the issues, which the nation has been requesting. Clinton's "gotcha" piling on last weekend and extending into this week and iinto the debate is being rejecting by the voters, witness the continued slide in her polling numbers.
Yes, Obama was on the defensive because the questions were so designed. It was disgusting, not helpful and only further indicated how desperate Hilary Clinton is to win at any cost.

What a joke - Finally they get ask some serious questions about their character and they can't take it. Character is important - I want leaders I can trust for a change not leaders who lie and support those who condemn America and the values I believe in. If I can't trust them, what does it matter what they tell me they are going to do. Both Hilary and Obama would say anything to get elected. When ask how we can trust them they both fold. Great job ABC!

There has been no vetting of Obama as a candidate. When you add up all of the questionable associations and appearances of a lack of patriotism, Obama will be swiftboated faster than John Kerry. The DNC should be forced to take this as a shared ticket. It is truly now the only way either Hillary or Barack will win.

I believe that this debate was justified. The ABC ask both of them personal questions which I have been waiting to here from a long time. The media has been too soft on Barack. Now they knew that he cannot perform under stress. this is what politics is all about. You have to be able to handle situations like these. Now I know why Hillary say that his speeches are just talk and he will not be able to beat McCain because he is unable to function under stress, which is coming in the election campaign.

Actually, even though I am not an Obama supporter, I thought he did quite well. He finally had to answer all the question I have been wanting to see asked, and with the exception of a couple of answers, I was pleased and satisfied and thought maybe I can actually bite my lip and vote for this guy rather than go the Nader route if Hillary is not the nominee.
I do not know what Move On is talking about here, but I have had it with them for a long time. They are a disgrace to the leftist movement in this country.If Obama cannot handle last night, if they think that was unfair, wait until they are up against the right wing talking machine.

What on earth is all this "indignant" reaction to ABC's debate about? Please people, we are talking about looking at hiring someone (and it is that) to do the toughest job in the world and we are afraid to ask the really tough questions that linger in the minds of many, many people? I can read about the plans of both people on their websites, ad nauseum, and I can read the opinions of those plans or things less tangible about the candidates in columns, but I want to see how these people can handle the really tough, revealing questions that show a person's character, on pointe, without a speech or teleprompter. This was a very tough, stark (no applause - love that!) debate that pushed issues we have with both candidates and those that will certainly be pushed by the Republicans. This is not a job for the faint of heart, or light of spirit, otherwise we all would be applying. Then again, looking at how Obama's income quadrupled since he started running for President in 2007, maybe it would be a good move finanically for alot of us. (Sorry, couldn't resist!) :-)

I sat thru the entire debate and tried very hard to keep an open mind. Afterall, one of these two people could be the next President. The only problem I had with the moderators was not nailing the candidates on a direct answer to a specific question, or even an indirect answer would have been nice. All in all, I think Hillary won this one. She seemed to maintain her composure (a good thing when times are tough as a President) and answer most of the questions, more so than Obama. She did loft a few bombs his way and one can argue it was personal, but I thought maybe there's another reason: maybe she really knows that if he is the nominee, that the Republicans will make mincemeat of him with his questionable ties to Rezko, Ayers, Wright, and his revealing comments behind closed doors when cameras aren't rolling and teleprompter is off. If the Republicans can destroy the character of two very good, credible men (Gore, Kerry) without much to work with, what on earth will they do to this guy? Afterall, isn't it MOST important that we elect anyone except a Republican who still thinks Sunni's and Shiites are reversed and thinks GWB's policies are "OK"?!

Folks: It's about who will guide us the next four years. Some think it's an important job.

Any question is fair. Moveon, Move ON!

I think you're all missing the point. ABC is not in the business of providing news, or real content, or anything that would resemble a real debate as that is all so boring. ABC is in the business of selling advertising, and they can't do that if their viewers fall asleep. So instead of real issues we get "hot points" that will make some part of their market sit up in their seats and listen or even yell at the TV-- and if they're awake and listening to the debate, then they might listen to the advertisements and ABC might make some money off of all this.
Isn't that the point? They're certainly not in the business of keeping us informed. What good would that do? That's why we have newspapers and the Internet.

How sad that Obama supporters crying foul. When Hillary was getting beat up they enjoyed the debate. Obama is not a sacred cow nor Hillary. Obama supporters, mostly blacks I imagine, have very thin skin. Like Hillary said it is going to get hotter during the general election. If you couldn't take your man getting unfair question like that yesterday, how are going to survive the general election's avalanche of criticism. Like I said all along, Obama is a little boy disguised as a man. He can't handle some of the things going on. A very good example is that he is supposed to fix the Washington and be above all these garbage. He unfortunately bringing the half of the garbage himself. Where is this noble man? Instead, we got a guy who is tied to mobsters, Muslims and unpatriotic minister. If we elect Obama, this country will lose any little respect we have left in the world.

so it's important to know why he doesn't wear flag pins?? muahhahahahahaha

I only elect candidates who wear red ties and green socks too, so where was that question?

Horrible debate.

I'm looking forward to seeing Hillary get the nomination.

Why? Because I support McCain. (LAUGH - but - I do think Obama's literally one of the FEW honest politicians out there who is trying to do real GOOD for people. They're few ... HILLARY is NOT one of them. )

Hillary's the best thing that can happen for us Republicans. So go on! Back her good. I'm looking forward to a completely shattered Democratic party.

I didn't like the debate. I didn't like it because the first 50+ minutes were boring right-wing talk radio points. They had nothing to do with any substantial issues.

It doesn't matter if they attack Hillary or Obama. THEY SHOULDN'T BE ATTACKING ANYONE - THEY SHOULD BE DISCUSSING HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

I dont think Obama is going to cry like Hillary did that she was being pressed during the last debate. It was quite clear how biased ABC is, she probably knew the questions that she was going to be asked ahead of time. I remember Obama pointed out during that debate that America wants to hear about the real issues, not about a flag lapel pin or Rev. Wright. I mean its common sense and everyone should know, that a flag lapel pin is the difference between life and death. If your not wearing one you're doomed to failure.
If we codemn a candidate based on stupid trivial crap like this we should condemn Clinton for her constant but politically acceptable lying and Bush should be sacraficed for his ties. People (at least the ones with a brain) are sick of being fed crap on a platter and want to end the inequalities in this country. If Clinton cared so much for the middle class then she should put her money where her mouth is and help with her $109 million she and bill made the past 7 years. It a shame that the media runs this country, but its also the fault of the average american idiot who gives them the ratings and adopts the medias view as their own. What happended to people thinking for themselves?

I just have to laugh out loud at everyone pointing fingers. All the Obama supporters are up in arms because Obama's patriotism, racism, and historical political agenda are being dragged into the open. You say the debate was unfair. Truth be told, At this stage of the game I care less about the candidates position on various political topics and more about the character of the person I will potentially be voting into presidential office.

As for Move-on.org... All of you MOve-on supporters need to wake up and smell the coffee!!! Don't you get it? Of course Move-on is going to support Obama, because they know he will NEVER win against McCain. At least if Hillary in the Dem nominee, democrats have a chance in hell of winning this election.

You bunch of whiners.

I was a member of "Move On" before they endorsed a candidate before the race was over. I then unsubscribed from their membership. looking back, they are the kind of organization that embraces the birkenstock wearing, latte drinking democrats that look down their nose at small town America. Have a good time over there at "Move On" , I tend to believe it will be short lived. Make America vote for a unqualified democrat "Barack" , or George W. Jr. "McCain" and it's a toss up. Hillary would stomp Mcain in an election and you spoiled uppity democrats are the ones who will hand the White house over to the Republicans again. Good Job. keep it up. Ever hear of too smart for your own good?

Hillary and her supporters have come to know what Republicans have known for years. Big media is a profound failure in demonstrating fair and ethical behavior in their work. The 4th Estate so desperately needed in our wonderful separation of powers is a dishonest broker.

Rather than being honest brokers of information and relying on the intelligence of the masses to decide, the media have treated Obama like a rock star and new messiah who should not be vetted or questioned. Embarrassed at long last, they are finally showing a modicum of decency and fairness by asking tougher questions of BOTH candidates!

It's ridiculous that Obama and His Royal Entourage should be upset at the asking of fair and balanced questions. Republicans will rightfully ask the questions that the media has so far failed to ask and attempt to hold the winning candidate accountable.

Isn't it better to be fair, balanced, honest and ethical NOW?

How ridiculous the bitter brats are! Imagine the media actually asking Barack a real question! Mon dieu! What is the world coming to?

If this reaction is not enough to scare you about Barack being President, I don't know what is. These people are just plain nuts!

As a lifelong Dem, I'll be switching parties if this cult comes to power!

ABC, this was the best debate ever! Thank you!

This was a disgusting debate for both candidates. Some Clinton supporters may be happy because Obama got more of the ridiculous questions, but it was bad for both candidates. The question, "do you think Reverend Wright loves America as much as you", sums up the debate. ABC just joined fox news in my book.

Dear Delphia, I could not agree more with your comment. If we had stopped immigration to the US after 1800, Hillary would be the Democratic nominee by now and McCain would not have a gost of a chance in the general election. Good thinking! Go Hillary!

what a crack-up this is..... the media has played softball with all the democrats, but most especially with Obama this entire election. If they can't handle tough questions they needn't run for the most important office in the united states. OUr president MUST be able to handle tough questions. They should have sound moral values and if they don't want their private life known to the entire world, then go find another job. Obama's list of close and personal advisors should be concerning to all americans. I don't buy the "I love the person but don't agree with everything they say" crap! He has too many shady advisors that HATE america and spew too much hate for Americans to blindly just believe that Obama is being truthful about not agreeing with even a little of it!!!!!

Let it all come out now instead of during the general election. If you can't take it, get out now before it gets hotter.

Where were all these media haters when CNN butchered both the Republican and the Democratic debates a few months ago? Whenever you get video clips of "your average joe" asking the candidates a question you're bound to get dumb questions (who cares if Barack doesn't wear a USA flag pin?). But the ABC moderators did a better job with the current events and issues than had been done by any of the cable network "debates." MoveOn must have missed the second half of the debate when Barack was equivocating on the facts of capital gains taxes, admitting to not having "listened" to the briefs of the most important second amendment Supreme Court case in half a century, and trying to convince us that his plans to save failing programs like Social Security and Medicare will not involve taxing the middle class. But then that sounds about right for their attention span. Way to be MO.org Political Action Team!

WOW! you two "BOZO's sure changed my opinion of your
professionalism as moderators and news people, here the Country is waiting for an important debate on the issues facing the Country and you two "amateurs use this important time to play tabloid reporters, the likes of Geraldo, I won't be wasting my time
watching you two again or ABC, what a piece of work, nearly a laugh but really a cry...........

what a crack-up this is..... the media has played softball with all the democrats, but most especially with Obama this entire election. If they can't handle tough questions they needn't run for the most important office in the United States. Our president MUST be able to handle tough questions. They should have sound moral values and if they don't want their private life known to the entire world, then go find another job. Obama's list of close and personal advisors should be concerning to all americans. I don't buy the "I love the person but don't agree with everything they say" crap! He has too many shady advisors that HATE America and spew too much hate for Americans to blindly just believe that Obama is being truthful about not agreeing with even a little of it!!!!!

It is not Obama's lack of experience it is our lack of experience with him. What has he done? I have asked Obama supporters this question and I get the same old "it's time for change" response. I want to know what has he done to show true leadership that deserves a promotion. He has spent most of the time in his current job trying to get a better job. It is about time that the media tried to get inside of this guy's head to see what really makes him tick. That is all we will have to go on to make our choice, because we do not have any past history with him to reflect upon. I have moved on from Move On months ago, because I could not stomach the Obama Kool Aid.

Curt from MI

Poor losers!

The debate last night just showed the obvious. Obama is not ready yet.

There is a messianic love for Obama such that any character questions are viewed with great hostility. The media has fauned over him up until last night. That Obama promises all things to all people is very concerning and is a cause for great skepticism. There is clear evidence from advisors closest to him who thought they were speaking discreetly that he does not intend to be held to his campaign platform promises. He is no different from any other politician but the faithful are blind and want a messiah. Obama won't even take responsibility for his contemptuous comments about faith and other issues he attached to being a function of the bitterness of economic difficulty. This is shortsighted and elitist.

Man, if this continues into late August then the Dems might be talking concession speeches. Of course everyone has an angle, and a candidate, in this election! It seems like a number of people on this forum are somewhat surprised that any "upstanding" organization might actually have an opinion as to who they would support.

Sorry to be the wet blanket here, but everyone, on both sides, has an agenda. Just because people in your party say it ain't so doesn't make it true. Both sides have been played by their own this election; it just took the elephants less time to wrangle their candidates into submission than the donkeys. While I think Dee was a little more animated than I, I have a tendency to agree with the spirit of her statements.

My prediction, Obama goes down fighting, but goes down nonetheless and Clinton loses to McCain; but not until thoroughly dragging America through the election mud ala Gore style. Sad, but true. Forget partisanship, someone think about the citizenry for once.

It's a shame that much of the American public pays more attention to the style of the debaters (oh no, he paused a lot!!) rather than what they are actually saying. In a culture where solutions to issues are reduced to Hollywood movie cliches, Obama actually took the time to remind people that we face very complex issues moving forward, issues that won't be solved by twisting and distorting what people say in order to defame their character or impugn their motives. It's as if everyone complaining has never hung out with anyone that might have acted in a morally reprehensible way (Obama) or that even the best and brightest will occasionally lie (Clinton). It's unfortunate that so many people see pauses and taking time to think and answer a question honestly as a measure of weakness. Obama, time and time again, shows he's a different sort of politician and he did so again last night.

Obama has suffered far more than McCain and Clinton, and deserves it the least. All of you believe that a Senator that uses filthy language while in session is qualified? And don't even get me started on Hillary Clinton. If it weren't for the fact that Barack Obama has such good character, Hillary would be buried now.
Thats why I'm voting for Obama. I'm so sick of what the Clintons and Republicans have been doing.

I don't agree with much of the stuff moveon says, but I signed this petition. ABC is getting out of control. I watch "This Week with George Stephanopolis" and I'm ashamed of the way they only go after Obama. I might stop watching it if they don't stop biasing.

I don't blame people for not feeling sorry for Barack because they don't support him, but at least be a little fair. The guy is under intense scrutiny, more than McCain or Clinton have ever gone under. If Obama coughs the wrong way he is attacked. Most likely because he doesn't want to be at the level of his opponents. The media doesn't like a candidate that doesn't mudsling. Nobody can deny this, Hillary will do whatever she can to get in the White House, even if it means turning a debate into a "Gotcha!" mudfight.

SHAME ON YOU ABC...

I signed the petition. I think a lot of people on here are missing the point. The point, at least to me, is not whether obama was treated fairly or not, the problem is we had an entire debate which centered around complete non issues. Climate change/energy independance, Iraq, health care, the economy, almost every majo0r issue was wither completely ignored, or given a very breif gloss over. Which is how the US media has been covering politics since the 90's. We have to take back our media. Who cares about lapel pins, or tall tales about bosnia?

@WV-DC: "I'm a life-long Democrat, but if he's nominated I'm either not going to vote or give McCain the nod."

And people wonder how the GOP has controlled the White House for 20 of the last 28 years. I'm surprised your hatred for Obama runs so deep that you'd vote for one of the biggest hypocrites in the history of American politics (the torture victim who supports torture).

It was the most even debate I've seen. It's about time the media hammered Obama the way they've been hammering Clinton. He's running for President, for heaven's sake. He'd better toughen up and so should his supporters. Since when can we not speak freely in this country and call on our politicians to answer questions. Is this foreshadowing if he were to win? Would we be arrested in the street for speaking out against Obama in much the same way China arrests its citizens for speaking out against its gov't? I'm still amazed that Tavis Smiley and his family received death threats from Obama's supporters when he disagreed with his decision not to speak at the State of the Black Union. What kind of nation have we turned into? It's kinda scary.

George Stephanopoulos used to work for Bill and Hillary. And that's permitted? He carried her water all through last night. It was a hit job.

But she'll still lose. She's just proving that the DLC is what we always said it was... it's Republicans... ie people who can't allow the populist candidate to win, because they represent the rich, and only the rich.

Hillary will lose, she is a liar, she is desperate- we don t need 20 yrs of bushes and clintons-

It's easy to dismiss criticism of the debate as being based purely on the fact that Obama had some tough questions. Easy... and wrong.

That's not what was wrong with the debate. Tough questions are fine. But the problem with these questions is not that they were tough. The problem is that they were, to put it bluntly, stupid.

They were almost in the "So, have you stopped beating your wife yet?" category of questioning. For example, asking Obama about Ayers. The very fact of asking the question implies that there might, somehow, be something wrong with serving on the board of directors of a charity with a college professor from the University of Illinois. How, precisely, does that raise questions about his patriotism? There were other members of that board too - executives, journalists, other academics. Is Obama supposed to share their beliefs, past and present, too? Some of them may be Republicans even. Would that make Obama a Republican?

Of course it wouldn't. The notion is absurd, and so is the line of questioning.

And please note I would say exactly the same thing if, for example, the media was going over the lives of the members of the Wal-Mart board and trying the 'guilt by vague association' approach on Clinton as well.

Barack Hussein Obama needs to learn to deal with the real world in a mature way and don't cry the minute the heat is on when people ask questions that deal with his dubious relationships with radical characters. The common theme of Obama is that he has nurtured close relationships with people that hate and damn America and we Americans have the right to know who Barack Obama really is and what he stands for, after all he is a candidate for the position of Commander in Chief of our country; and Yes, America deserves to ask the tough questions about his character, his associations, his beliefs and the question still remains:
"Does he love or hate America?"

Dear Chargrined!

I am a Yellow Dog lifelong Democrat and I will be leaving my party if Obama is the nominee! I am embarrased and appauled to no end that the Democratic party would let this joke run for office.

My family wrote the Consitution and signed it! They were the true founder of America_home of th brave and land of the free!

ABC should be proud of the debate and you and your ilk should be ashamed of yourselves. Get ahold of yourself and get over yourself!

Obama is the WORST thing to ever happen to this country, worse than Bush!!!!

My vote is with the candidate who dcan restore America, not MoveOn, Hillary!

Dear Chargrined!

I am a Yellow Dog lifelong Democrat and I will be leaving my party if Obama is the nominee! I am embarrased and appauled to no end that the Democratic party would let this joke run for office.

My family wrote the Consitution and signed it! They were the true founder of America_home of th brave and land of the free!

ABC should be proud of the debate and you and your ilk should be ashamed of yourselves. Get ahold of yourself and get over yourself!

Obama is the WORST thing to ever happen to this country, worse than Bush!!!!

My vote is with the candidate who dcan restore America, not MoveOn, Hillary!

...and Hillary just lost my vote. Thanks all you Heil Hil zealots who convinced me she's the last person I want to follow. Glad to cancel out one of your votes.

Gee could right wing Times readers prefer to take on Hillary than Obama in the General? Hmmm I wonder. Before you all do your victory laps over this drive-by debate you may want to ask yourselves if actual Democratic voters are sick of this crap yet. Don't worry about Barack, he'll be fine. I think this looks like Hillary and ABC's Waterloo. Seen the polls lately in PA? Looks to me like your girl is on the way out.

The problem with all news media and these debates is that no one is allowed (or willing) to say what is really on each voter's mind for fear of being branded a racist. They were beating around the bush when they brought up Obama's little town comments made earlier in the week.

The subtle point he made about small town residents fearing those that are not like them and in a not so subtle way comparing small town residences against big cities. This is as close as he wants to go to calling small town people racists because most big cities are filled with black minorities (which make up a significant portion of his base). Crime is much more common so retreating to their guns is another way of saying small town residents are afraid of urban spread and therefore will protect what they have with force if they feel threatened.

Take the simple scenario of a particular candidate who has 90 percent of a recognized group supporting them. Suppose all unions, or all law enforcement, etc. were to be behind Obama, the media would naturally ask "why such overwhelming support for this particular candidate? what has been promised in return for such depth of support?" Yet the media has failed to ask the black community what it is they expect Obama to provide in exchange for this solidarity? Is it just loyalty due to color or is there more?

What about the gaffs in Obama's voting record with mistakes he claims in pressing the wrong buttons, or not fully reading the bills he passes or votes down? These are what I am interested in hearing about. I want someone to get to the bottom of his real agenda and not just the lofty objectives all politicians spout out during a campaign.
There is always a motive...no one subjects themselves to this type of global abuse without a goal.