Cleveland Debate

On February 26, 2008, Cleveland State University hosted a debate between Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The event was the last televised debate prior to the Texas and Ohio primaries.

Fast Facts

1. When: February 26, 2008 - 9-10:30 pm ET
2. Where: Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio
3. Sponsors: NBC
4. Participants: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama
5. Major topics of debate:
   • Iraq War
   • NAFTA
   • Healthcare
6. Hillary Clinton won the 2008 Ohio Primary

Farrakhan Endorsement

Two days prior to the debate, Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan announced his endorsement of Barack Obama, an endorsement that Obama had not solicited due to Farrakhan's anti-Semitic views. During the debate Clinton challenged Obama to reject Farrakhan's endorsement, claiming that a general denunciation of the minister was not sufficient. Obama replied by saying that he would "reject and denounce" Farrakhan's support.¹

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