Analysis: Clinton makes a recovery in Las Vegas debate

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN: Analysis: Clinton makes a recovery in Las Vegas debate
By Mark Preston
CNN Political Editor


Sen. Hillary Clinton

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton stepped into the ring Thursday in this city known for prize fights, successfully beating back an onslaught of punches thrown from the left and right as her opponents sought to rattle the front-runner seven weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Clinton, who entered this Democratic debate vulnerable following a lackluster performance two weeks ago, came out fighting in the first round. For the New York Democrat, a good defense was a strong offense, and she sought to silence her critics who stood just feet away. "I don't mind taking hits on my record, on issues," she said. "But when somebody starts throwing mud, at least we can hope that it's both accurate and not right out of the Republican playbook."

Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards each tried to set the tone early when asked to explain their criticisms of Clinton, such as their charges that she is unwilling to answer difficult questions. "Sen. Clinton, I think, is a capable politician, and I think that she has run a terrific campaign," Obama said. "But what the American people are looking for right now is straight answers to tough questions, and that is not what we've seen out of Sen. Clinton on a host of issues, on the issue of drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants."

Edwards knocked Clinton for her stance on Iraq and Social Security and tried to hammer home his claim that she is part of the problem in Washington. "The most important issue is she says she will bring change to Washington, while she continues to defend a system that does not work, that is broken, that is rigged and is corrupted against the interest of most Americans and corrupted for a very small, very powerful, very well-financed group," he said.

In the lead-up to the debate, Clinton's campaign had accused the other contenders -- the "all boys club" -- of "piling on" and attacking her. Even though the senator's husband, former President Bill Clinton, had echoed this same sentiment, she denied it was a calculated attempt to play the "gender card."

"I understand very well that people are not attacking me because I'm a woman," she said. "They're attacking me because I'm ahead."

What started out as a debate sure to leave blood on the floor at the final bell eventually settled into a less confrontational conversation over issues. While Obama and Edwards did not win in Las Vegas, neither suffered a devastating loss. Besides Clinton, Sen. Joe Biden's down-to-earth, tell-it-straight style helped him turn out a good performance....

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/16/debate.analysis/index.html

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1. They tried to get each canidate to say they would support the nominee....

I think there is going to be an independant in the race. Who I don't know. Barack last night refered to being in congress. Would he choose a cogressman or woman for a running mate. I watched one of Clintons campaign managers on Charlie Rose refer to the fact that the women's vote alone could put her in the white house especially in an idependant bid. Edwards could be hoping that in that case a moderate Republican gets in opening the door to 2012.

[Rock_Garden]

2. Have either of you heard when they've scheduled the next debate?

I would guess there would be few, possibly none, left before the primary season starts.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. I don't have that info. Maybe someone else does? nt

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4. I think it is in Iowa around the start of December.