NPR: Clinton, Obama Face Off in Cleveland

Clinton, Obama Face Off in Cleveland

Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton debate at the University of Texas on February 21, 2008.

Ben Sklar, Getty Images

Tonight, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will debate for the final time before the crucial March 4th primaries -- and quite possibly for the last time ever.

Ohio and Texas are seen as states Clinton must win next Tuesday in order to keep her campaign afloat. But polls show Barack Obama closing (and, in some cases, surpassing) her lead.

MSNBC, which will carry tonight's debate, says it's her final chance to blunt Obama's momentum. To that end, the New York Times says to expect a fight. What do you think will happen at tonight's debate? What will be the tone?

Geoffrey Bennett

Tags: Barack Obama | Election 2008 | Hillary Clinton

12:01 PM ET | 02-26-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

It's hard to say. Just last week Mrs. Clinton was "honored" to share the stage with Barack Obama. And in less than a week???s time she is wagging her husband's infamous "shame on you" finger; in reaction to an ad that had been circulating for some time, and in any reasonable estimation was TRUE. Spouting, "meet me in Ohio", to discuss his "behavior in this campaign." Then the attempt at sarcasm stating in a RI rally ???"Now, I could stand up here and say, 'Let's just get everybody together. Let's get unified. The sky will open. The light will come down. Celestial choirs will be singing, and everyone will know we should do the right thing and the world will be perfect.'"

Condescension anyone?

It was my fervent hope to be able to stomach casting my ballot for Hillary in the off chance she won the nomination, and somehow the prospect now makes me ill.

All that to say, how can you know what to expect, her tone changes from one minute to the next???

Sent by Joy | 1:50 PM ET | 02-26-2008

How many times am I to believe the media that for every debate to expect a fight? But after those predictions, I get a love fest (some of the times). If I were a betting person (I'm not), I would have lost some money . Last week it was the same thing: Clinton is going to come out swinging - uh no. Not until the "Xerox" comment did things turned a bit sour then sweet again at the end.

I look forward to what a debate should be; a debate without the counterintuitive mudslinging. Hopefully, they stick to the issues - isn't that what voting is all about? Ok, I'll mix in a dash of likability.

Sent by Moji | 2:04 PM ET | 02-26-2008

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