Clinton Undecided on April 19 Debate

WASHINGTON — Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, once so eager to debate she ran two ads questioning why her rival wouldn't, has yet to say whether she'll debate Sen. Barack Obama in North Carolina next month.

Both presidential candidates plan to participate in an ABC News debate on April 16 in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania holds it primary days later, on April 22. Obama also has agreed to a debate April 19 hosted by CBS in North Carolina. North Carolina holds its primary May 6.

Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said Monday that the campaign has not made a decision about the CBS debate and is still working through the details.

"I am quite confident that there will be additional debates and that we will work with networks and the Obama campaign to figure out the appropriate location and venue and media outlet," Wolfson told reporters on a conference call.

Clinton ran a statewide television ad in Wisconsin prior to its Feb. 19 primary challenging Obama to debate there as she struggled to regain momentum after his string of victories in February.

The Clinton ad said, "Barack Obama still won't agree to debate in Wisconsin. ... Why won't Barack Obama debate these differences? Wisconsin deserves better."

The contenders have debated 20 times during the presidential campaign. Their last meetings were in Texas on Feb. 21 and Ohio on Feb. 26 ahead of those states' primaries on March 4. Clinton won both contests.

Comments

[peachfuzz]

Hillary: Please regale me again with words you stole from someone else, that's fun.

[Abie56]

Shre won't debate him on the 19th. Afraid of a 1-2 punch so close to PA primary.

[Whinger]

That's good to hear, no need to flick over to another channel.

[Jonny38103]

The date seems way too early, over two weeks before the primary. Is that why she has not committed yet?

[Ping]

The NC debate will be after she releases her taxes, eh?

[fourex]

Hillary doesn't realize that Greenspan started the sub prime and easy money fiasco in GW year one. The Hillary camp calls this experience.

[hppygrl15]

Hillary is a hypocrite. She would rather John McCain win in November than Obama. She's in it for herself not for the Democratic Party.

[rojo7449]

And you know this because a media pundit told you so?

[k6007]

Because its OBVIOUS.

[natasyenehc]

why is Hilary Clinton still in this race. It's obvious she can't win the nomination. Will the leaders in the Democratic Party summon the courage to tell her and her hatchet hubby to concede defeat and support Obama.

[rojo7449]

She's still in the race because she's still IN the race. Obama hasn't won, and it's inaccurate to say she can't win the nomination.

[ChimpmasterDJ]

I wouldn't mind a debate. It would be an opportunity for Obama to respectfully ask her to coach him on her most excellent sniper-avoidance techniques.

[markusmarkus]

Duck! Quack quack!

[Abie56]

hehehe....

[TiffShelton]

This is the first time that I am in agreement with Sen. Clinton. No more debates.

[m4rk0]

But she wanted one debate per week right before Wisconsin. Why did she change her mind?

[in4success]

Hillary Clinton can not win the Democratic nomination for president. The numbers tell the story. Even with robust victories in Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky, Hillary will trail Obama in popular votes and pledged delegates as they enter the convention hall in Denver. Any other candidate would have been shamed into dropping out long ago. But these are the Clintons and they have no shame. So why does Hillary persist? Because she hasn't abandoned her aspiration for the White House. Not in 2008, but for 2012. Here's the perverse logic at work. In order to realize her vaulting ambition, Hillary must mortally wound Obama as candidate in the fall race against John McCain so that she can run against McCain in 2012: http://www.counterpunch.org/stclair03242008.html

[susane07]

Read David Brooks in today's (3-25-08) New York Times. He refers to HRC, on this issue of her inability to drop out, as her "audacity of hopelessne­ss." Great term!

[marykins123]

Here's the truth to Hillary's name (sure hope this time Huff allows the link to go through)

[marykins123]

Hillary sure does have problems with both truth and commitment­....anyone remember her 'story' on why her mother named her Hillary - with 2 "L"s???

[TxWonderWoman]

typical white person

[TiffShelton]

AND typical liar.

[TiffShelton]

Do you think it it typical for a white person to lie, TX?

[klandish]

McCains 11pts. up since the kichen sink was thrown (and now occassionally tossed). Hillary's bursting to beyond momentum, I mean ego, is still crunched at only 5% chance of winning. And yet this out of control fatally flawed Clinton machine continues demonstrating it's wrath of destruction with no end in sight. If this doesn't prove that Obama has the credibility and stamina as a leader what will? It certainly does show the sort of crash and burn determination of Hillary. Taking the high road will show character and sacrifice for something higher than the obvious.

[Jonny38103]

And McCain has gone up because of Hillary or just because Obama is finally being somewhat vetted? What makes you think Clinton supporters are the only ones who want to beat Obama? Have you heard of Republicans? You people are so politically naive. Why are you so afraid of competition?

[McHenry]

Clinton was for releasing Fazio's tax returns during her Senate race; Obama has, now she stalls the release of her own. Clinton was for debates; now she's not sure. Clinton was for the war; now she's against it. Clinton was for transparency;now she's not pushing for release of Bill's library contributors. Clinton was for releasing info on Obama's Senate earmarks; he has, now she won't release info on her earmarks. Clinton was for the DNC rules on Michigain and Florida; now she's against them. Clinton said she was under sniper fire in Bosnia; now she misspoke. I think we get the message and we've had enough.

[ME08]

This article is the paper equivalent of a child saying "I know I am, but what are you?"

[ME08]

Cut off comments..­.what is with this system?

[ME08]

This is in response to Pat Buchanan's spiel on Barack:

[emanous]

McHenry You hit on right on the head. Hillary is so hypocrtical it aint funny. Its also noted she has padded her resume. You have pointed out all her flip flops. How come no one has pointed this out. She is a fruad. I dont hate the woman but she is not real or authentic. Thankfully someone caught her in her lies. Stop it hillary supporters. Blame the candidate for not being candid.