Jan. 15 Democratic debate transcript

Williams: We promised this audience we would read a particularly thoughtful e-mail. And we're going off the air in a matter of minutes, so we're going to truly enforce the time limits.

Thirty seconds from all of you to answer the following from Jim Milton of California: "Given the decision to run for president in the first place has to be and should be one of the most important and memorable decision-making moments any American can make, tell us when you made that decision." Senator Clinton?

Sen. Clinton:  I made it over New Year's this past year. And I made it because I believe our country has to have a new beginning.

Tomorrow in Reno, I'll be having an economic town hall, the first of a series of town halls to address, specifically, the economic anxieties, insecurities and problems that Americans have, to come up with solutions.

You know, we've got to get back in the solutions business in America. I want to be the problem-solver who lifts our sights and sets our goals.

And a year ago, I made the decision that I would get into this presidential race. And it's been the most amazing and extraordinary year of my life. And I thank everyone for making that happen.

Williams: Senator Edwards?

Former Sen. Edwards:  It was December, a little over a year ago; made the decision with my family. And the discussion was, what is the cause of our lives -- with my wife, Elizabeth -- and what is it we want to spend our time doing, to serve this country we love so much?

And the cause of my life is the middle class, low-income families, and having everybody in America have the kind of chances and opportunity that I've had.

And that is what my campaign is about. It is central to everything I do. And it is personal to what I'll do as president of the United States.

Williams: Senator Obama?

Sen. Obama:  It was December of '06 while I was on vacation with my wife and kids.

And, you know, I asked myself two big questions: Number one, could my family survive the rigors of a presidential campaign, since I've got two young children?

And because my wife is extraordinary and my children are above average, I figured they could manage it.

But the most important question was not at whether I could win the presidency, but whether I should.

Was there something that I could provide this country, in terms of leadership, that would be -- that I could do more effectively than any other candidate?

And I concluded I could bring the country together, break out of some the old arguments, make sure that we are speaking honestly with the American people, bringing them in to the process of change.

Williams: Senator, thank you.

And, at this point, that concludes tonight's debate.