FACTBOX: Quotes from Obama, Clinton in Los Angeles debate

(Reuters) - Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off in their first one-on-one debate on Thursday in Los Angeles, striking a cordial tone at first but differing on health care coverage and how best to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

Here are key quotes in which they expressed their views.

HILLARY CLINTON, SENATOR FROM NEW YORK:

"It did take a Clinton to clean after the first Bush and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush."

"On January 20, 2009, the next president of the United States will be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol. I, as a Democrat, fervently hope you are looking at that next president. Either Barack or I will raise our hand and swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States."

"The differences between Barack and I pale in comparison to the differences that we have with Republicans, and I want to say that first and foremost, because it's really a stark difference."

"We have a president who basically ran as the CEO, MBA president, and look what we got."

"We're going to get big change. We're going to have change. I think having the first woman president would be a huge change for America and the world."

BARACK OBAMA, SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS:

"When we started off, we had eight candidates on this stage. We now are down to two after 17 debates. And, you know, it is a testimony to the Democratic Party and it is a testimony to this country that we have the opportunity to make history, because I think one of us two will end up being the next president of the United States of America."

"I was friends with Hillary Clinton before we started this campaign; I will be friends with Hillary Clinton after this campaign is over ... we're running a competitive race, but it's because we both love this country, and we believe deeply in the issues that are at stake."

"I respect Senator Clinton's record. I think it's a terrific record. But I also believe that the skills that I have are the ones that are needed right now to move the country forward."

"Mitt Romney hasn't gotten a very good return on his investment during this presidential campaign. And so, I'm happy to take a look at my management style during the course of this last year and his. I think they compare fairly well."

"We've set the bar (on Iraq) so low that it's buried in the sand at this point."

(Compiled by JoAnne Allen; editing by Philip Barbara)

(For more about the U.S. political campaign, visit Reuters "Tales from the Trail: 2008" online at http:/blogs.reuters.com/trail08/)