Both candidates committed to taking troops out of Iraq in slightly different methods, but were also concerned with the perception of the United States in the world.

“Our staying in Iraq, our continuing to lose our men and women in uniform is no way for us to maintain a strong position in the world,” Clinton said. “It’s not only about Iraq … it’s about paying attention to all the other problems we have.”

Obama agreed.

“We do not have a strategic reserve at this point if another crisis takes place at this point,” Obama said. “That’s not sustainable, that’s not smart.”

The discussion quickly moved to the economy. George Stephanopoulos asked both candidates directly if they would commit to no tax increases for the middle class.

“I am absolutely committed not to raising a tax on middle-class Americans, people not making more than $250,000 a year,” Clinton said. No middle-class tax increases on any kind.

“I’ve bee the first candidate ni this race to say I would cut [the middle-class’] taxes,” Obama said. They’d get a tax break to have at least $1,000 more disposable income,” he said.

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