Complete Transcript of Obama/Clinton Debate in Ohio

I kind of disagree that they didn't get into substance, but I see your point... To the extent that they tried to get into a detailed difference, such as in 15 minutes about universal insurance, it really was more confusing than anything. After watching the debate the second time, I followed some of their "points" better. However, neither candidate is very articulate.

Here's a nice detailed policy for ya, regarding NAFTA. Clinton said "I would immediately have a trade timeout, and I would take that time to try to fix NAFTA..." A trade timeout ;) That's going to be great for the economy, isn't it. Shut down all the business that are busy trading with Mex & Canada. What a genius.

And both, but especially Obama, were deer-in-the-headlights when Russert gave them tons of rope to hang themselves with by slamming NAFTA, then pointed out how improved exports are, and that Ohio is 4th highest exporter to Mex & Canada! He deftly outed them as being economic idiots and/or simply pandering to union interests with their rhetoric. Amazing how quickly (but awkwardly) Obama switched gears to the "invest in high tech" education talking-point, never mentioning NAFTA again! And Clinton didn't bother to followup with what her "trade timeout" would do to Ohio, the 4th largest exporter to Mexico & Canada! Hmm.

It was entertaining when Clinton referred to the German success in creating jobs that couldn't be outsourced... from cities like Youngstown, in Dayton, in Cincinnati! Her grasp of geology is indeed impressive ;) Makes one long for the days of Dan Quayle. Then she essentially called Obama another "Bush" on foreign policy! I think that's even more demeaning in democratic circles than a racial epithet! Low blow indeed. Definite "party" foul ;)

Thankfully, though, another policy detail was pinned down later when Obama cleared up his policy on bombing Pak! Paraphrasing, "I never said I would bomb Pakistan... but if x, y & z, I would strike Pakistan". Okay, strike them with what? A Chick Norris karate chop? Dishonest, inarticulate, just plain dumb? I don't know, but he didn't didn't get the Clinton smirk afterward so I think he genuinely believed he was clearing things up, not just pulling one over on us! I guess "he wouldn't bomb them right after he would bomb them", or something ;)

Back to his taking credit for identifying an appropriate Pak policy. Remember, Musharraf took over by coupe, is hanging on by a thread, and our undercutting his authority is risky and must be done cautiously. Kudos to Obama for recognizing the tact that is required here ;) I assume he was also praising (and taking credit) back in 2006 when the earlier Predator strike was made against al-Zawahri and failed??? He is aware that the "policy" he came up with has been in place for some time, right? And that rushing toward democracy in Pak would mirror the Hamas Palestinian Authority situation, right? I mean, he's not that ignorant about a middle eastern politics is he?

But the absolute pinnacle was when Russert set them up brilliantly in regards to the impending AQI resurgence that will occur if either Clinton or Obama were to prematurely withdraw troops. I personally don't think either of them are so inept or insane to actually do so, but it does pin them down in regards to their rhetoric regarding "immediate withdrawal" or arbitrary timelines. Clinton did the trademark "slimy thing" (almost as well as her husband would have), first attacking the question & questioner, then dodging the issue altogether. Her husband must be so be proud.

Obama wasn't so quick. He failed to see the approaching train wreck. He proceeded to give the honest answer that he would indeed re-invade, as he would also invade elsewhere, which was his "point" about Pakistan as he said. Sadly, missing the essence of the entire issue and election: since the very definition of "premature withdrawal" is withdrawing before Iraq can defend itself from AQI and other extremists... he would be withdrawing simply to have to re-invade. And doing so after allowing AQI and/or Qods/Special Groups to bolster themselves, slay and terrorize Iraqis, and regain strength like they once enjoyed in Anbar province. He would have squandered the trust and lives of helpful and peaceful citizens, Sons of Iraq, and other internal internal allies and would then re-invade, creating more casualties and ill-will than simply staying the course in the first place.

A good follow-up question would have been: "Will you be wearing the Muslim garb during the ceremony where you hand Iraq over to al-Qaeda on a silver platter?"