Friday, February 1, 2008
Clinton-Obama California Debate
Unlike the rancorous debates in South Carolina, last night's California Democratic presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was cordial and friendly, with the senators taking turns praising each other for their public service. The negative, caustic digs were reserved for the Republicans - President Bush, Sen. John McCain, and former Gov. Mitt Romney. Even when the candidates attempted to differentiate themselves, it was done civilly. Clinton, as usual, touted her 35 years of experience as a change agent; Obama, his judgment, work as community organizer and public interest lawyer and state senator. In responding to questions about several issues, including health care, immigration, and Iraq, they demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter and command of the facts. If viewed in terms of who won and who lost, I would say that the outcome was virtually even, with neither side having a decisive advantage.
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2 comments:
Craig…we have moved by leaps and bounds. This debate although virtually even according to your analysis was historical, exciting and to me inspired hope in the US and our political future. This is a first, to see an African American male and Caucasian female ever debated side to side and one of them is guaranteed (hopefully) to win the Democratic nomination. It was humbling to know that we have reached a point in time in which two highly educated and analytical minds who are both minorities in the political spectrum usually dominated by Caucasian males can address sensitive issues. In my view we are breaking through that glass ceiling of racism and sexism and I am excited to be alive to see this happen.
I agree with most of your analysis, but I disagree with your assessment of the outcome. I give Barack Obama big points for not having falled for the divide and concuer the Blacks and the Browns. While immigration is a huge and unmanageable issue, he deftly put up his hands and said, hold up. Let's not try to pit one economically depressed and disenfranchised group against another when it is the system that benefits from it all. He demonstrated tht he is a gentleman, showed a statesman-like dimension, and sured up any doubts that he could handle his own against the Clinton machine. Now I am sure some kind of mischief will jump off before Super Duper Tuesday, but I think he sold and assured anyone who had their doubts about him that he can be the next president of the United States. If there is any doubt now, people need to do a gut check on their racism. Like Colby King said, "Bill Clinton just can't get past the color of Obama's skin".
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