Democratic Debate #19

Tonight's CNN/Univision debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was the nineteenth for the Democratic contenders and the second in which they were the only two participants. The race's dynamics have drastically changed since the series began. Sen. Clinton took the stage in Austin tonight at a point where she had to force a major turn in the campaign's momentum to hang on to her remaining hopes.

This she was unable to do. While she may have won the debate narrowly on points, the overall outcome was a wash. In an interplay that was largely civil, Obama effectively parried Clinton's points on health care, negotiations with hostile leaders, the economy and his fitness as commander in chief.

As always, Clinton displayed her command of policy. For his part, Obama continued to improve in that arena. He comes across as more confident and believably presidential as the campaign goes on. He has grown during this process.

A striking facet of the evening was how little the two disagree on most of the issues. On such matters as Iraq, the economy, tax policy, immigration and foreign affairs in general there is but little daylight between them. It portends well for Party unity in the general election; there appears to be a solid consensus among Democrats about what they believe and will run on.

That leaves the intangibles as the deciding factor in this race, and that is why Obama has seized the lead. He exudes vision and the appeal of a people power movement to energize the citizenry against the interests opposing the changes Democrats and many independents want. Clinton does best when she lets her emotional commitment to her causes shine through. For some reason, those moments have been few in this campaign. I got the impression she ought to have been portraying herself as a fighter all along. It's probably too late for that now.

Both impressed me as outstanding candidates who could make excellent presidents. In probably her finest moment, Clinton closed at debate's end by saying, "No matter what happens I am proud to be here with Barack Obama." As they reached over to smilingly shake hands she mentioned a soldier she had met who had lost most of his face to a roadside bomb. She continued, "But you know, we (she and Obama) are going to be fine. We have the support of many family and friends. I hope we we will be able to say the same thing about the American people. That's what this election should be about." The friendly gesture and salute to the opponent who appears poised to wrest away a nomination most had conceded was hers, her refocusing away from self and to the needs of the American people, and the almost wistful acceptance of the likely fate of her life's mission all combined to bring down the house. It struck me as by far the classiest thing she has ever done.