US Democrats blast Bush in first presidential debate

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(AFP) - Eight Democratic presidential hopefuls slammed President George W. Bush's policy in
Iraq during a debate Thursday, and jockeyed for position on who can best end the unpopular war.

In their first televised debate more than 18 months before the November 4, 2008 election, the Democrats were strongly critical of Bush's handling of the war, including the administration's decision to continue funneling thousands of US troops and billions of dollars into the effort.

Democrats, who were unanimous in condemning the White House approach, said at a university here it was time to begin to shift the burden of ending the war to the Iraqis.

"This is not America's war to win or lose," said US Senator Hillary Clinton.


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A Quinnipiac poll published Thursday suggested Gore, whose crusade against global warming has earned him headlines and an Academy Award, would run more strongly against the Republicans than either Clinton or Obama.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070427/wl_afp/usvote2008politicsdemocrats_070427002609