Academic

Obama v. Clinton? I?m Calling This Debate a Draw!

By Christopher Bracey

Ninety minutes of debate.  I?m calling this one, again, in favor of Obama.   Obama established himself as presidential, but so did Hillary.  Barack did a better job of distinguishing his position on a variety of issues from Hillary?s.  But Hillary did a better job of re-establishing herself as a credible candidate for president.  The policy positions of both Hillary and Obama are exceedingly close.  Hillary proved herself to be the better technocrat.  Obama established himself as the more credible leader.

 Perhaps the most interesting question of the night ? would either be open to a Clinton-Obama or Obama-Clinton ticket.  Despite the pleasantries, Obama appeared to suggest that Clinton would make a better cabinet member than running mate as VP.  Clinton echoed Barack?s comments, but didn?t appear to appreciate the distinction Barack drew.The night?s most awkward moment ? had to be Clinton?s strategic invocation of Maxine Waters as a supporter.  The TV camera swung to Waters, and plainly she was not happy to be outted.  What does this say about the other half of the Congressional Black Caucus that supports Clinton?

The night?s most telling moment ? Obama, once again, reframing the debate as one that pits the past (ie. Hillary) against the future (presumably, Obama).  Well played.

The night?s best soundbite ? Hillary pointing out ?it took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush.  It may take a Clinton to clean up after the second.?  Regardless of what you think about the Clintons and their political hygiene, it was a great line.

The night?s best moment ? Barack and Clinton hug after the event, proving to all doubters, that there is humanity in modern American politics.  More importantly, do not ? repeat ? do not discount the possibility that these two run on the same ticket.  The likelihood that either would accept the subservient role is modest, but there is drama even in the asking.

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Full post as published by BlackProf on January 31, 2008 (boomark / email).