Accusations fly in Dems’ debate
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A simmering feud between Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama erupted into charges of distortion and exaggeration in a gloves-off presidential debate Monday.
As Obama tried to defend his recent comments about Republican ideas and Ronald Reagan, Clinton interrupted and said she has never criticized his remarks on Reagan.
“Your husband did,” said Obama, who has accused the former president of misrepresenting his record.
“I’m here. He’s not,” she snapped.
Obama persisted, suggesting the Clintons were both practicing the kind of political tactics that had alienated voters.
John Edwards, who badly trails his two rivals, tried to stay above the fray while pleading for equal time.
Obama and Clinton clashed over their legislative records. Obama questioned why the New York senator had voted for a bankruptcy bill that she later said she was glad hadn’t passed, and Clinton criticized Obama for voting “present” on dozens of occasions while a member of the Illinois legislature.
Early on in the debate, Clinton and Obama called for tax rebates for individuals to help with home heating and other short-term needs.
Edwards tried to make a distinction by pointing out that Clinton and Obama supported a trade deal with Peru. “South Carolina has been devastated by NAFTA and trade deals,” Edwards said.
Obama responded by criticizing Edwards for voting for permanent trade relations with China.
South Carolina holds its primary Saturday. The two-hour debate was sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and CNN.
McCain laughs off Norris age barb
MIAMI — John McCain had a ready response Monday for actor Chuck Norris, who said while campaigning for GOP rival Mike Huckabee that the Arizona senator is too old to handle the pressures of being president.
“I’m afraid that I may have to send my 95-year-old mother over to wash Chuck’s mouth out with soap,” McCain said after feigning anger.
Norris, 67, is four years younger than McCain, who will be 72 in August. Huckabee will be 52 in August.
The Associated Press
