Clinton Hits the Jackpot in Las Vegas Debate

Candidates Barrack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards sat around a table at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas this evening for a civil and substantive two-hour debate.

In the opening round, Tim Russert failed in several attempts to bait Obama and Clinton on race issues that had arisen in the past few days. The two had earlier declared a truce, which they respected throughout the evening. Obama took the opportunity to acknowledge publicly that both Clinton and Edwards are long-time, dedicated supporters of civil rights.

All three candidates comported themselves well, providing detailed answers to policy questions. Clinton starred when the candidates were given the opportunity to question one another. She asked Obama if he would be willing to co-sponsor legislation to restrain President Bush from making a prolonged commitment of American resources in Iraq, and Obama graciously agreed to help her.

Clinton was obviously the most experienced and well prepared in discussing both foreign policy and domestic concerns. She hit the jackpot for the most presidential performance.