In the Thursday night CNN debate, between democratic candidates Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton, there was little new information to be had. However, CNN's moderator Wolfe Blitzer, at the Kodak Center in Los Angeles, was light years ahead of Anderson Cooper's lackluster performance (the previous evening, for the republican debate). Where "Mr. AC 360" failed to bring out the discrepancies between the republican candidates and almost begged them to duke it out on the stage (at the Reagan Library), Blitzer tactfully poked and prodded with a bevy of questions. Actually separating the two remaining candidates, on at least four issues. Where there have been 17 other democratic debates, the debate before "Super Tuesday" between the first real Afro-American and woman candidate (which one will be the democratic choice to become the President of the United States), was a treat to watch and analyze. From the first words out of the candidates mouths, a middle of the debate that did show a handful of discrepancies and policy differences, to the very last question (a teaser virtually every talk news show host took to endless task and no doubt every media outlet over the weekend will drive into the ground until Tuesday's end) the night was filled quality and possibly history, just as it was billed.Remarkably, the first words out of Obama's mouth was, "John Edwards." Who he thanked for bringing up, along his trek to gain delegates, his main issues of America's war with poverty, the poor, and the overall war on the middle class. Then, he used the democratic catch phrases, stating, "there is not a choice between black and white, a man or a woman here for president, but the planet is in peril...." Hillary's two minute opening, was a little bit more subtle, "January 20, 2009, I hope that it is one of us, who is taking the oath for the Presidancy of the United States!" However, she also included the newly ousted candidate, Edwards. They both made a huge points, to strategically pander for Edwards electoral votes and a possible endorsement. Although, after the rhetorical openings were over, both were forced to dive straight into actual differences.
First in health care, Obama wanted to give 95% of the people health care, but the other people a choice (15 million people, an estimate by the Clinton campaign). He said would have a choice to pay for a program. Within this choice, "He would repeal the Bush tax cuts to pay for the people not covered, and it would provide an avenue to keep costs down." Where as Hillary's plan would demand a "mandate" on the people, not giving them any choice. However, Clinton quickly came back, stating that she had the experience on this topic and the scars to prove it. Having been a purveyor of health care options for better than a quarter of a century, also that she was "ready to lead on day one, giving the people what they wanted, and that was every single person covered with health insurance."
When prodded about the housing plunge, Mrs. Clinton stated that she would, "set a moratorium on housing rates for at least ninety days, and a five year freeze on interest rates." However, Obama did not really delve into a huge plan on the housing market, rather going into the economy in general. He did say that there would be no interest rate freeze, because it may cause interest rates to spike and crush the economy, making things worse than it is now.
Iraq and foreign policy was the biggest stickler of the night, for the two candidates. Obama pointed out, that he wanted to pull out a portion of the troops immediately and he would also make sure that Iran would be spoken to directly, to bring them into the fold. "Speaking to Iran directly would open up avenues, the Bush Administration has never opened," he said. Although Hillary has completely different views on both Iraq and Iran, she did say that she would try to move as many troops out of Iraq, "as soon as possible." She continued, "the main thing is protecting our troops and those who have helped in the fight, but the Malicki Government has to start making the tough choices, because time is up."
The main difference and biggest jab of the evening was Obama making the point, "he has always been against the war from the start." Which prompted Wolf Blitzer to say to senator Clinton, "Since you have stated that you are the best choice for president, to lead the country on day one if elected president, and because of your experience, isn't a little bit naive that you voted for the Iraq war?" The question alone garnered some boos and hisses from the crowd. However, Hillary handled the question in stride, going back to the talking points, "I voted to give President Bush the option to keep the inspectors in, not George Bush take us to war."
Aside from a few other jabs, or swipes that were far from overt, the night was an overall success and fairly cordial. Although, the last question Blitzer proposed to the candidates will be the most spoken about, thru "Super Tuesday." "Would either of you consider, becoming the other's running mate, for vice president?" The auditorium boomed with both buzz and laughter, as did the candidates. Obama spoke on it first stating, "Obviously there's a big difference between those two," Obama said. "I respect Senator Clinton, I think her service to this country is extraordinary." But he said, "We've got a lot more road to travel" before such a decision. Pressed for an answer, he ended with, "I'm sure Hillary would be on anybody's short list." Then Hillary replied, "Well, I have to agree with everything Barack just said." It was too early to discuss running mates. However, I do not think that the media, pundits, and everyone else who follows politics (for that matter) will have any trouble discussing it at all.
