2008 Woodie Awards
Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News
Democrats debate in Center City
Debate centers on recent mishaps
Emily Schultheis
From supposed sniper fire in Bosnia to comments about "bitter" Americans, Sens. Hillary Clinton and. Barack Obama have dealt with several campaign mishaps in recent weeks.
In this primary season's 21st debate at the National Constitution Center last night, ABC moderators Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos wouldn't let them forget that fact.
Almost half of the two-hour debate focused on various campaign missteps, as well as a discussion of electability and patriotism.
Going into the debate, Obama was expected to face questions about his recent comments in San Francisco, where he said small-town Americans are "bitter" and cling to "guns and religion."
Obama acknowledged his mistake last night, saying he "can see how people were offended."
"It's not the first time that I've made a statement that was mangled up," he said. "It's not going to be the last. But let me be very clear about what I meant … which is that people are going through very difficult times right now."
But even after responding to "bitter-gate," questions about topics unrelated to substantial policy issues continued - Obama discussed Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his electability and why he does not wear a flag pin.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 6
moblou
Mary O'Bryan
posted 4/17/08 @ 10:38 AM EST
Hillary did exactly what she should have done in this debate and it's about time the media asked him some tough questions. Of course Hillary will back the Democrat because as Democrats that's what we do. (Continued…)
aca
posted 4/17/08 @ 6:53 PM EST
Whoever wrote that headline needs to brush up on their Philly geography, because 5th and Arch in no way counts as part of Center City.
Jake
Jake
posted 4/17/08 @ 7:27 PM EST
Wow. That was embarrassing for Obama. The guy was totally unprepared. I thought it was interesting that some of his ties to radicals like Ayers, Wright are finally getting some scrutiny. (Continued…)
RealityNotGames
posted 4/17/08 @ 11:47 PM EST
It was Stephanopoulos and Gibson who weren't prepared - to talk about the serious issues any presidential campaign - and especially this one - should be about. (Continued…)
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