Photo credits: Getty
As she promised in the AP interview that I mentioned in an earlier post today, Hillary Clinton demonstrated poise, class, and good humor while taking the high road in tonight’s debate with Barack Obama at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.
It was apparent from his opening statement that Obama had gotten the message that his boorish treatment of Hillary Clinton this week had not helped his cause. He mentioned that he’d been friends with Clinton before the campaign and that he was certain they would be friends after it was over.
But that didn’t stop Obama from getting a few digs in as the debate progressed. He once again brought up his early opposition to the Iraq war resolution without mentioning he was not a member of the senate when it was passed. He later admitted he couldn’t say with certainty how he would have voted had he been in the senate at the time.
It was apparent from his opening statement that Obama had gotten the message that his boorish treatment of Hillary Clinton this week had not helped his cause. He mentioned that he’d been friends with Clinton before the campaign and that he was certain they would be friends after it was over.
But that didn’t stop Obama from getting a few digs in as the debate progressed. He once again brought up his early opposition to the Iraq war resolution without mentioning he was not a member of the senate when it was passed. He later admitted he couldn’t say with certainty how he would have voted had he been in the senate at the time.
Obama also failed to mention that since his election to the U.S. Senate he has regularly voted to fund the war. Apparently, he keeps bringing the matter up because his initial opposition to the war as a part-time Illinois state senator is his only example of good judgment within the scope of his limited experience
Nevertheless, tonight’s debate remained civil and focused mainly on policy differences. A two-term senator, Clinton was obviously the better informed and more knowledgeable candidate. In response to Obama’s chronic boasting of being able to bring people together, Clinton mentioned specific instances of working across the aisle with Republican leaders such as Newt Gingrich and Lindsay Graham on important legislation.
Clinton’s command of the facts easily bested Obama in presenting their health care plans. On the topic of immigration, Obama got in trouble by accusing Clinton of waffling on the issue of driver’s licenses for immigrants in the Philadelphia debate last October. He could only nod his head in agreement when she reminded him of his own muddled response to a similar question in the following debate. Tonight, both Clinton and Obama unequivocally stated their support for a comprehensive immigration bill.
In response to a potentially awkward question regarding Bill Clinton’s participation in her campaign, Clinton very firmly took ownership of her candidacy while gracefully expressing her loyalty to Bill and affirming his support.
Hillary Clinton won tonight's debate, positioning her well for Super Tuesday.
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