Getting The Troops Out

Russert's first question sets the tone...the first task faced by the new president will be to redeploy troops...Obama's answer is the same answer that Hillary Clinton will give, which is that there ought to be a careful and well-managed withdrawal under the aegis of the joint chiefs.

Russert asks a classic trick question, seeking a "pledge" to have all troops out of Iraq by 2013 set date, and Obama, smartly, won't indulge him.

Clinton: "I agree with Barack. It is very difficult to know what we're going to be inheriting."

A huge opening for an opponent to exploit...