And then there were two.
The final debate, before Super Tuesday, among the Democrats was held on CNN tonight from Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre. Thankfully, Joan and Melissa Rivers weren’t there to ask the candidates who they were wearing. It was hosted by Wolf Blitzer.
Obama opened with a brief shoutout to John Edwards, who is no longer in the campaign. He went on to say good things about Clinton, and how the election is not about black vs. white, not men vs. women, but about the past vs. the future. Clinton also had a nice, generic opening message.
Clinton got the first question, asking what the differences between the two of the them were. She cited the few small differences. Obama responded, giving the same answers. They went over the differences in their health care plans, basically that Barack doesn't want to fine people for not taking out health insurance, but Hillary wants to force everyone to have it.
I will say that with the audience being allowed to applaud, it opened it up and made it a bit more interesting. The crowd gave energy to the candidates.
The audience was made up of many celebrities, Rob Reiner, James L. Brooks, Garry Shandling, Jason Alexander, Marg Helgenberger, Stevie Wonder, Diane Keaton, Fisher Stevens, the doctor who was fired from GREY’S ANATOMY, Louis Gossett Jr., Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, that guy from STUDIO 60 and ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, THE NANNY, even Ugly Betty. Last night at the Republican debate, there was only Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kelsey Grammer.
For most of the night, it was just easy back and forth, the little differences between the two. At one point I thought someone would appear asking them if they would like some tea.
It was probably the best, most substantive, most respectful debate this season. Not great TV, but a good political discussion.
One thing that I have to ask about Democratic voters. Why is Hillary Clinton still the front runner in some polls? I say that not to attack her, as I do like her. She did very well tonight, as did Barack.
But, from a simple strategic perspective, it appears that John McCain is likely to be the Republican nominee. McCain is strongly disliked among many in the Republican Party. Listening to right wing radio, I have heard many callers say, “If McCain gets the nomination, I’ll vote for Obama”.
Yet if Clinton gets the nomination, those same voters who don’t like McCain won’t vote for her. She is hated by Conservatives more than McCain. They will actively work to vote in McCain, just as the lesser of two evils. Nothing will unite the Republican Party more than the thought of President Hillary Clinton.
Obama could have an easy victory next November. Clinton, maybe not.
The final debate, before Super Tuesday, among the Democrats was held on CNN tonight from Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre. Thankfully, Joan and Melissa Rivers weren’t there to ask the candidates who they were wearing. It was hosted by Wolf Blitzer.
Obama opened with a brief shoutout to John Edwards, who is no longer in the campaign. He went on to say good things about Clinton, and how the election is not about black vs. white, not men vs. women, but about the past vs. the future. Clinton also had a nice, generic opening message.
Clinton got the first question, asking what the differences between the two of the them were. She cited the few small differences. Obama responded, giving the same answers. They went over the differences in their health care plans, basically that Barack doesn't want to fine people for not taking out health insurance, but Hillary wants to force everyone to have it.
I will say that with the audience being allowed to applaud, it opened it up and made it a bit more interesting. The crowd gave energy to the candidates.
The audience was made up of many celebrities, Rob Reiner, James L. Brooks, Garry Shandling, Jason Alexander, Marg Helgenberger, Stevie Wonder, Diane Keaton, Fisher Stevens, the doctor who was fired from GREY’S ANATOMY, Louis Gossett Jr., Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, that guy from STUDIO 60 and ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, THE NANNY, even Ugly Betty. Last night at the Republican debate, there was only Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kelsey Grammer.
For most of the night, it was just easy back and forth, the little differences between the two. At one point I thought someone would appear asking them if they would like some tea.
It was probably the best, most substantive, most respectful debate this season. Not great TV, but a good political discussion.
One thing that I have to ask about Democratic voters. Why is Hillary Clinton still the front runner in some polls? I say that not to attack her, as I do like her. She did very well tonight, as did Barack.
But, from a simple strategic perspective, it appears that John McCain is likely to be the Republican nominee. McCain is strongly disliked among many in the Republican Party. Listening to right wing radio, I have heard many callers say, “If McCain gets the nomination, I’ll vote for Obama”.
Yet if Clinton gets the nomination, those same voters who don’t like McCain won’t vote for her. She is hated by Conservatives more than McCain. They will actively work to vote in McCain, just as the lesser of two evils. Nothing will unite the Republican Party more than the thought of President Hillary Clinton.
Obama could have an easy victory next November. Clinton, maybe not.
