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I-Reporters weigh in on Texas debate

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(CNN) -- As the battle for delegates comes down to the wire with crucial contests in Texas and Ohio approaching, the Democratic presidential candidates faced off Thursday night. While Clinton and Obama strove to define themselves apart from one another as the best pick for president, CNN.com users weighed in on the debate.

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James Breeden photographed what he calls 'the satellite farm' at University of Texas in Austin.

Below are a selection of their responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.

Suzanne Ritter of Miamisburg, Ohio
The opening statements show that Hillary has the resume to back up her candidacy. She has contacts, relationships; she has cultivated a network of politicians whose support she will need to get her agenda through Congress. Obama, by comparison, makes promises, but I wonder what he actually will be able to deliver on. After all, he doesn't have a lot of time in Washington, and while he touts that as his strength, he must also remember that the office of president is not a monarchy. He still needs to get those in Washington to work with him if he wants to make change. The new kid on the block just can't walk in and say, "We're doing it my way now." Hillary says, "This is what I have done. This is how I've changed people's lives for the better." Obama says that in Washington, "People are trying to score points rather than get things done." But how does he plan to get things done? That is the unanswered question for me.

Darius Jahandarie of Storrs, Connecticut
Being in the younger generation of the American public, I am lured to Barack Obama's enthusiasm and power. When I look at Hillary, I see only fluff and uncertainty in her ideas. I think that America needs the strength of Obama's leadership, and his firm stance on his own ideas - rather than just trying to appease the public like Hillary. We should our president, our president shouldn't choose us.

Fran Shaughnessy of Woodstock, New York
Tie. Nothing really new, nothing that says hurrah Hillary or ta-da Barack.

Ken Walker of Charleston, South Carolina
Everyone is applauding Sen. Clinton's final statement. I disagree with this. When she says that she is upset by the things that happen every day in people's lives and cites the terribly wounded soldiers that she has encountered, I am furious. This did not just 'happen' to these people. She voted to send these individuals to WAR. I don't think she makes the connection between her vote and the tragic way this vote has affected thousands of families.

Matthew Morris of Naples, Florida
Both Obama and Hillary are great when they are in front of a crowd that agrees with them. What is going to happen when they have to debate the real issues with someone who has a real plan? Dems claim they all ways have this plan, well what is it? I haven't heard it in 8 years. The only plan is that they wont be G.W. Bush. I want to see them have a debate with a non-liberal host!!

Linda Ott of Wilmington, North Carolina
Realizing the talent and knowledge between both of you, would either of you, becoming President, reach out to the other to become the Secretary of State?

Margaret Barrio of Deming, New Mexico
I believe Sen. Obama is riding on Hillary's coattails. I think he is trying to be the male version of Hillary. I believe that he knows he can win this election the more he sounds like her. He is an eloquent speaker but she has the experience and know how and accomplishments. Which should account for a lot more than they give her credit for. Remember George Bush was also an eloquent speaker and look where that got us.

Margaret Jar of Mentor, Ohio
Hillary won on the issue of Obama plagiarizing words from Gov. Deval Patrick speeches and with her point of how can you trust Obama's words when they are not even his own!

Hillary also won the issues of experience and substance.

Obama wins on Iraq and his ability to debate McCain on the Iraq war.

Bob Childree of Mesa, Arizona
Here is my take so far. I see this debate as just another attempt to pander to the Hispanics for votes. This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, so why are we pushing the debate in the Spanish language? If we are a nation with one common language, then the debate should be in that language.

Both candidates are doing nothing but old issues without any substance. I am a 50 year democrat and I am disgusted with both candidates as well as my party that has been high jacked by the far left liberals.

I guess that leaves me with the other unsatisfactory choice that appears to be the Republican Party candidate.

Ruel Tyer of Charlottesville, Virginia
I would like to know what Senator Clinton is going to do about people who are homeless and cannot afford health insurance. I keep hearing her say she'll make it affordable for everyone, however I have yet to hear her say if people will be penalized or fined for not having the money to get health insurance.

Bruce Wade of Chicago, Illinois
Obama has Clinton in a corner where she has to separate herself from him without sounding like Bush. She has to realize she could be a candidate for hope and change too, then rely on her experience- but it's likely too late.

Shane Smith of Frankfort, Kentucky
After 20 debates I am tired of Obama quoting every dead President. Obama needs to be specific about how he plans to save the US from going bankrupt. He has little substance.

Rudy Lara of Killeen, Texas
In this debate, I would like to have both candidates explain how malpractice insurance and other roadblocks to a national healthcare will be addressed and remedied. They can say all they want about how everyone needs and deserves healthcare; we are the only 1st world country that does not have global healthcare. This is because we are the most litigious society in the world.

Socialized healthcare is only possible when malpractice lawsuits and insurance is reigned in, and healthcare is federalized. It should not be a policy that you have to buy. So many countries provide their citizens free healthcare.

Its time to show all aspects of fixing a problem not just fancy dollar figures without considering said issues.

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Linda Dickerson of Orlando, Florida
They both have so much to offer. Can't they work TOGETHER?? They would be UNSTOPPABLE and great for the country and our place in the world.

Craig Bagley of Edgewater, Florida
Neither of the Candidates has military experience. Question #1 How does this impact their judgment of troop issues and intervention? #2 Would they support a mandatory draft? I submit it is essential. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

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