Candidates Debate in New Hampshire

Sat, January 05, 2008 - 9:10 PM

Social Security is the first domestic policy issue for Democrats -- but the real topic is change.

First Hillary Clinton hits Barack Obama. She's obviously prepared for this, quoting an Associated Press story that said Obama could have a debate with himself. He was for single payer health care then proposed a health care plan that doesn't cover everybody... She says "We need to know where president is yesterday, today and tomorrow."

Obama responds that on health care, "I have been entirely consistent in my position."

Edwards allies himself with Obama and hits Clinton. "That's not the discussion we should be having." Anytime someone advocates change, "the forces of the status quo are going to attack." And, Edwards adds archly, "I didn't hear these kinds of attacks" from Clinton when she was ahead.

Hillary responds: "Making change is not about a speech you make; it's about working hard."

More Hillary, with fervor: "I want to make change...I'm not running on the promise of change -- I'm running on 35 years of change ... What we need is somebody who can deliver change."

Bill Richardson, ever the ambassador: "I've been in hostage negotiations...Let's stay positive."

"I love change," Richardson declares.

Big truth of the Democrats' evening so far comes from Edwards: "Nobody cares about hearing a bunch of politicians fight."

-- Marsha Mercer