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Obama, Clinton Face Off in Texas Debate

Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton met Thursday in the first of two debates leading up to the March 4 Ohio and Texas primaries. Judy Woodruff reports on the highlights of the debate, held in Austin, Texas.

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  • JIM LEHRER:

    Now, last night's debate in Texas. Judy Woodruff reports.

  • JUDY WOODRUFF:

    The debate in Austin began with a series of civil exchanges on issues ranging from U.S. policy towards Cuba, the economy, and immigration. That all changed when CNN's John King posed this question to Hillary Clinton.

    JOHN KING, CNN anchor: You've said, quote, "My opponent gives speeches; I offer solutions." You said the choice for Democrats in this campaign is, quote, "talk versus action."

    But since we're in Texas, I'd like to borrow a phrase that they often use here, and you've used yourself, in the context of President Bush: Are you saying that your opponent is all hat and no cattle? And can you say that after the last 45 minutes?

    SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D), New York: There are differences between our records and our accomplishments. I have to confess, I was somewhat amused the other night when, on one of the TV shows, one of Senator Obama's supporters was asked to name one accomplishment of Senator Obama, and he couldn't.

    So I know that there are comparisons and contrasts to be drawn between us and it's important that voters get that information. So, yes, I do think that words are important and words matter, but actions speak louder than words.

  • JUDY WOODRUFF:

    Barack Obama responded that such attacks were aimed not just at him, but at his supporters.

    SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), Illinois: You know, Senator Clinton of late has said, "Let's get real." And the implication is, is that the people who've been voting for me or involved in my campaign are somehow delusional and that, you know… the 20 million people who've been paying attention to 19 debates, and the editorial boards all across the country at newspapers who've given me endorsements, including every major newspaper here in the state of Texas… you know, the thinking is that somehow they're being duped and that eventually they're going to see the reality of things.