For Clinton and Obama, A Debate Point Won't Die

"This is getting kind of silly," Clinton told CNN. "You know, I've been called a lot of things in my life, but I've never been called George Bush or Dick Cheney, certainly."

Clinton advisers believe the exchange reinforced her greatest strength -- experience -- and drew a sharp contrast with Obama. Obama advisers see the argument as a metaphor for the larger rationale for his campaign.

"What Senator Obama represents is a fundamental change from current thinking in Washington," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. "The distinction with Senator Clinton at the debate and this past week is an important part of the choice voters face."

Other candidates in the Democratic field jumped at the chance to distinguish themselves from both Clinton and Obama.

Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.) deplored their argument as a "false debate," saying it "has become just another personal argument among politicians and that's lamentable given the stakes in this election.

"There is nothing new about this kind of politics and it certainly doesn't demonstrate a readiness to lead the nation when our reputation around the world is in tatters," Dodd said in a written statement.

Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, dismissed the Clinton-Obama clash as a "squabble," criticizing both candidates for giving Republicans an opening to characterize Democrats as unable to present a united front on national security issues.

"Petty arguments about foreign policy credentials will not get mine-resistant vehicles in the field any faster and will not get our troops home any sooner. Already Republicans are seeking to divide Democrats on the one issue that they have no credibility on after 4 1/2 years of President Bush's failed policy in Iraq," Biden said.