A Civilized, Healthy and Possibly Hillary's Swan Song Debate

Sitting mere inches apart at a public broadcast desk Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton exemplified civility in the Texas debate last night. It could have been less civil had Clinton attempted to score points with a more aggressive attack on Obama.

She could have been more forceful on his relatively short experience in congress, Obama's "just words" versus substance angle she's been aiming at lately, and his "borrowing" of Gov. Deval Patrick's words. She raised the issues, and made a jab about him talking "change you can xerox" referring to Obama's use of lines from a colleague's speech. The comment was not applauded but rather there was booing from the crowd. He defended himself well on these issues, using the experience issue as an opportunity to outline what accomplishments he had achieved.

He was spoke "presidentially" on the U.S. presence in Iraq, on Afghanistan, and his approach to foreign affairs - to open communication with friends, as well as enemies, which was applauded.

Clinton was strong on questions about the economy. She highlighted the home foreclosure problem, and listed a couple of solutions - putting a 90 day moratorium on foreclosures, and freezing interest rates for five years. Her experience working on health care since the 1990's brought out her passion on this issue as well, where she was strong, and chippled away at Obama's approach to universal health care. She said that his approach, voluntary inclusion, versus her mandatory health care coverage, would not work because it was voluntary.

The issue of superdelegates possibly being the deciding factor in the outcome of this nomination race was thought not to be an issue by Clinton. She said that it would sort inself out.

Given how the evening ended, with her, in a particularly friendly moment, telling the audience that it was an honor to be in the race with Barack Obama, and using John Edward's previous lines, "whatever happens, we're gonna be fine," she reached across to shake Obama's hand, she showed acceptance of where they both stand in terms of delegate support.

One felt the sense that she would be content if superdelegates did indeed vote to reflect Obama's popular vote lead. That moment was a feel good point. It got a standing ovation, touched an emotional chord with viewers, and made a positive and memorable impression of Hillary Clinton as a likeable person. If anything were to score her voter support this was it.

Like previous debates, both were very impressive, showed their individual styles, and in at the end, probably brought the Democratic party closer together overall.

The debate showed both in a positive light. Perhaps she chose not to attack more vigorously because there is a mutual admiration, goal commonalities, and similiar visions, if not always similiar approaches.

If the trend in the last three weeks stay the same for Texas, Ohio, Vermont, and Rhode Island on March 4, then Obama's support will just continue to rise from now till March 4. Bill Clinton even said yesterday that if his wife does not win in Texas, then it's probably not going to happen.

In the debate, Hillary the nice person, came through, especially at the end. One of the last questions posed was about how each of them had handled a crisis in their lives. Here, we were reminded of her strength as a person, when she told the crowd that her past pain, (Bill's affairs & impeachment), was nothing compared to what some people are living with each day. That was received well and showed her caring side. She knows the reality of the momentum of Obama, the numbers, the trend of demographic shift, and in the debate, wanted to end with her image being presented as positive and caring. This could be the last time both will debate each other for the Democratic nomination. Texas polls show them neck and neck, though she has a slight lead going into Ohio, at least at this date.

If anything, this debate was a good example of the way competitors in a race like this can exchange their ideas, compare, contrast, while not mud slinging. Many other politicians and aspirants could learn from last night's exchange.

It was a Colorful Conversation

Fantastic! It was hard for this debate not to be interesting. They were wise not to do the mudslinging, and instead articulate details of their various policies. Obama made good points about the characteristic of good Presidential judgement, was clear on an exit plan on Iraq, and probably scored points on his health plan and how to pay for it by closing tax gaps on the rich. Hillary at one point got a long applause when she quipped that another Clinton could clean up after after another Bush administration. She also impressed as she outlined her experience dealing with a wide range of national and international situations in which she helped people and groups, like women's rights in another country.

The debate was civil, still, they both had everyone holding their breath waiting for what would be spoken next. From tonight's debate, the status quo of support may just be the outcome. If there was an edge, Obama impressed most. As a politician who is not as experienced, as a policy promoter, he showed he could be detailed. His idea that the mindset of politicians needs to change so that the mistake of Iraq, and others like it, won't happen again, is a winning point for him. In an earlier post today I sort of joked that there could be a Vice President Clinton, and this very idea was tossed out as a question - either one can win and either can be Vice President.

Showdown between Obama and Hillary

Candidates will have to be very careful in tonight's Democratic Presidential Primary Debate. They will have to be careful not to appear as mudslingers, and school yard "he said/she said" choices. Obama has been doing well thus far but he needs to spend more time articulating policies that appeal to the electorate, which are mostly white in the U.S. He certainly has a huge black voter support as we saw in South Carolina, but it's interesting that his appeal is also high with the youngest voters, and least with the oldest generation. Younger voters seem to be more open to racial change at the top. His battle is still uphill, and if he avoids bitterness with Hillary, and instead gives people new/positive ideas to focus on, then his chances will increase. As well, in addition to the Kennedy endorsements, he received two days ago, other prominent people may endorse him, and hence, make his electability even greater.

Hillary may want to consider how she can steal more of the youth votes away. She has more appeal to whites than blacks, and women. She also has to be careful not to make allegations about Obama that are really misleading. Bill Clinton had done so last week about Obama. The immediate sound bite effect a negative messgage has, may have resonated with Hillary's potential supporters, but later, when political analysts dissected his message, it reflected negatively on the Clintons.

Tonight's debate begins at 9:30 Newfoundland time, and is on CNN. It's the last debate before what's been called in American politics as Super Tuesday. (Super Tuesday is February 5. 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses on this date, with 52 percent of all pledged Democratic Party delegates and 41 percent of the total Republican Party delegates at stake. Wikipedia) There will either be a first African-American or woman Democratic candidate for the presidential race in November. This is history in the making. If Obama wins the Democratic nomination, and becomes President, maybe he can really unite the party by introducing Vice-President Clinton.

An Assessment of the Mother of all Debates

Last evening's Democratic debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, between Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards was a sizzler. This U.S. party nomination process is creating a unique, exciting, historical and optimistic time in American politics and in media.

The format of the debate was open and allowed flexibility on the part of quick and adept moderator Wolf Blitzer. The swiftly adaptable Blitzer adroitly responded to opportunities for explosive debate moments, which were sparked by accusations thrown by Obama and Clinton. It caused an anxious and patient John Edwards to wait longer to chime in but allowed the flexible rules to apply to all. This made for a live dramatic debate, which was skillfully facilitated by Blitzer.

The sparks were mainly between Hillary and Obama. Moderator Blitzer sensed the "famous debate moments" and allowed extra responses to jabs between the two during the episodes. Obama made a comment about Clinton serving as a Walmart corporate lawyer, and she fired back with a body shot, citing Obama's work for a slum landlord in Chicago, and also forcing Obama to rationalize his statements in which he called Ronald Reagan a transformer.

That exchange was heated, and John Edwards' temperature had risen as well while awaiting his turn to respond at one particular point. He made it known that "there is a third candidate in this debate," and brought the focus back on track to the original question that was asked.

After the debate some CNN political analysts declared that if there was a winner it might have been John Edwards.

This observer's observations:

This debate was a fantastic event! There were three winners. Each candidate performed impressively and probably reinforced the allegiance of already decided voters. There were no knock-outs, or even standing nine counts, but the first half of the debate sure had no dull moments.

South Carolina is significant for several reasons. One, because of the large African-American population, and the "dilemma" they may find themselves in, i.e., choosing between three very culturally relevant political options. The dilemma may be there because former president Bill Clinton was considered by many African-Americans to be the first "black president", as he had generally improved the fortune of African-Americans in the 1990s, including a significant rise in annual income level.

Hillary, the wife of this person, and presumably sharing the same attitude and hopes for blacks, is seen as being "black-friendly". Obama is already there, and friendly. He could inspire the highest ever level of goal achievement, and more political involvement among blacks. It would be huge, and a feel good and proud period, for African-Americans.

John Edwards was impressive because of his sincerity and conviction as he described his commitment to address equality, and poverty, two issues that are so very important to the African-American community in the U.S. He looked sincere, was convincing, and made the audience feel like he was their champion.

South Carolina is important as well because Edwards' chances of being a still viable contender will shrink further if he does poorly here. An Obama win, will keep him in the running, and an "equal" contender to Hillary. If he loses there, where 50% of the population is black, then that may be a psychological hit for Obama.

Having said that, South Carolina is not the whole U.S. and there are many other state caucuses coming up on Super Tuesday. Hillary still has an overall lead but Obama has closed the gap.

In last nights debate Hillary was strong, polished, quick, well prepared, competent, confident, and bright. She is no pushover. On the contrary, she has the value-added asset of much political experience, and probably a better-than-average coaching team with Bill Clinton in her corner. Her body language spoke strength and confidence.

Obama did well to fend off and explain most of the shots at him, but at times, he seemed a little hesitant as a public speaker.

At this point in the campaign, Hillary Clinton is looking the strongest.

In addition to the hope generated by potentially electing a first black president, there is another sign of black influence and presence in this election process. Maybe it's just my perception but there seems to be more media exposure for African-American political experts.

It is because there is a black top two front runner, Barack Obama, that there appears to be plenty of black political analysts, on CNN at least. This is a great thing to see because it hints of equality, and it shows on the faces of the experts themselves. It also allows viewers to become familiar with opinions from more black academics and pundits.

How far Obama will go remains to be seen, but for now, "what can be", is generating hope.