Presidential hopefuls clash over Iraq
Updated on 04 June 2007
The eight US Democrats seeking their party's presidential nomination have clashed over Iraq during a two hour TV debate.
Featuring some strong words, Iraq topped the agenda, with other hot topics including Iran's nuclear ambitions, ending the bloodshed in Darfur, immigration, and health care reform.
Each candidate will be hoping to win back the White House held by the Republican George Bush since January 2001.
Hilary Clinton, who was criticised by the party for supporting a congressional war resolution in 2002, was attacked for voting, along with Illinois Senator Barack Obama, against an Iraq war funding bill last month that did not include a troop pullout date.
North Carolina Senator John Edwards, the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2004, said the votes by Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama, while the right thing to do, were done too quietly and without firm leadership.
Mrs Clinton tried to deflect the attack by blaming President Bush, saying: "This is George Bush's war," while Obama said he had opposed the war from the outset: "So you're about four and a half years late on leadership on this issue," Mr Obama responded to Mr Edwards.
The front-runners in the battle to win the Democratic nomination were joined by the other contenders: J Biden, Chris Dodd, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich and Bill Richardson.
Analysts say that for the lesser-known candidates it is vital that they use the debate to impress voters to overcome their lack of funds and media attention to stay in the election campaign.
On Tuesday, New Hampshire will host the ten Republicans seeking their party's nomination, with many of the issues expected to be the same.
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