Democratic rivals rap Clinton in debate

Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., left, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., take the stage before a debate at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer 7 minutes ago

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's chief Democratic rivals, concerned about her growing lead in the polls, criticized her candor and consistency Tuesday in a televised debate that promised more fireworks than earlier presidential forums.

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama began immediately, saying Clinton has changed her positions on the NAFTA trade pact, torture policies and the Iraq war. Leadership, he said, does not mean "changing positions whenever it's politically convenient."

Former Sen. John Edwards chimed in, saying Clinton "defends a broken system that's corrupt in Washington, D.C." He stood by his earlier claim that she has engaged in "doubletalk."

Clinton shrugged off the remarks, saying she has been the focus of Republican candidates' "conversations and consternation" because she is leading in the polls.

She said she has specific plans on Social Security, diplomacy and health care.

"I have been standing against the Republicans, George Bush and Dick Cheney," she said, "and I will continue to do so, and I think Democrats know that."

Regarding Iran, Clinton said, "I want to prevent a rush to war."

It was the Democrats' first debate in a month, and during that time Clinton has solidified her position as the front-runner, gaining in polls, taking the lead in fundraising and dominating the agenda.

Obama has criticized her for failing to explain how she would save Social Security and for a vote on Iran. Edwards has turned to questions of honesty and integrity, areas where polling shows voters are divided on Clinton.

The Clinton campaign on Tuesday posted videos of Obama and Edwards in the past saying they would campaign on hope, not tearing down their opponents, next to news reports of their criticisms of her.

Candidates participating in the debate were Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Debate organizers excluded former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel on grounds that he did not meet fundraising and polling thresholds.

Before the debate, the senators in the race said they would oppose Michael Mukasey's confirmation as attorney general because he would not say that an interrogation technique called waterboarding amounts to torture.