8/20/2007
Clinton, Obama fend off criticisms in debate
DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) — Sen. Barack Obama worked to counter suggestions that he is too inexperienced for the White House while Sen. Hillary Clinton fended off attacks from President Bush’s outgoing political adviser Karl Rove that voters perceive her too negatively in a debate Sunday in the critical showdown state of Iowa.
“Is Barack Obama ready to be president, experienced enough to be president?” moderator George Stephanopoulos asked, presenting the first question of the debate hosted by ABC’s “This Week” in Des Moines, Iowa — the first state in the nation to choose party nominees.
Clinton was asked about criticisms from outgoing White House political adviser Karl Rove that her negative ratings could hurt her in a general election. Video Watch what Rove had to say about Clinton »
The eight Democrats generally avoided outright attacks on each other, though they took the opportunity to note disagreements, particularly on issues of foreign policy.
The question about Obama triggered a renewed discussion of his vow, made during a previous debate, that he would meet with dictators — without preconditions — during his first year in office. Clinton and others have said that such a commitment would remove a critical bargaining chip in dealing with problematic foreign governments.
Clinton answered the question Sunday by discussing her own campaign goals and experience — though, when pressed, noted that she did have a “specific disagreement” with Obama on that front.
“I think the next president will face some of the most difficult international dangerous threats and challenges that any president has faced in a very long time,” she said.
The senator from New York added, “When you’ve got that big an agenda facing you, you should not telegraph to our adversaries that you’re willing to meet with them without preconditions during the first year in office.”
