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Debate in Texas

February 22nd, 2008
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Dems Debate in Texas — No Fireworks!

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Written by: Verna Smith

After yet another debate between Senators Clinton and Obama, we awaited the the Lloyd Bensten moment, but alas, there was none. If anything the (19 ?) debate among the two came to a close, with nothing ‘dramatic’. Expectations for this one? The stakes were high for Clinton. It was to be her chance to re-define herself, while Barack maintained his “cool” and momentum as the front runner. But clearly there was no gaffes and no soundbites that really stuck. On my part there were no fireworks!

Throughout, Hillary Clinton was her usual self, “the policy wonk,” giving more of the same when questioned on: Cuba, the economy, immigration, her readiness to become Commander-in-Chief, etc. Her answers generally explained her “experience” as the “solutions” candidate and in the process accused Obama of plagiarism– lifting lines from a speech by Governor Patrick Deval of Massachusetts. As she puts it “Lifting whole passages is not about CHANGE you can believe in, but change you can XEROX”. That was the zinger and killer line for the night. How did that go over. Senator Clinton was booed as Obama responded ” we are experiencing a silly season in politics”. He went went on to say that they instead of that attack, they should be focusing on the issues of finding a solution to war, addressing the economy, among other things. On this surprisingly, he took the high road. I was looking to see flashes of anger– a harsh response…. he just moved on the next question. So who won the debate? Well no one ” messed up politically” it was a draw, ‘Even Steven ‘ in my perspective.

Another debate follows in Ohio in another few days, after which we will see who claims victory in the March 4, primaries.
Nevertheless, Obama closes the gap. Trailing Clinton in Ohio and Texas weeks ago, now the latest ABC/Washington Post poll which took at look at how the race is shaping up finds that Obama is clearly in striking distance.

  • Texas Clinton 48% Obama 47%
  • Ohio Clinton 50% Obama 43%

This is interpreted, dead- heat. However, one (1/4) quarter of those polled in Texas and one (1/3) in Ohio are undecided or could change their minds.

As the horse-race continues, ThePolitico reports that Senator Clinton is struggling to keep going. For instance, in January Hillary was in debt, $7.6 million, not including the $5million personal loan made to her campaign. In contrast Senator Obama, reports raising approximately $37 million. His cash balance is $25 million of which $20 million can be spent on the primary. So has we talk ‘management and fiscal affairs” even at this level, Obama emerges as the better manager.

So would any of this be a ‘predictor’ if how one would run the country if elected? That question has become a part of the ‘buzz’. The same is true for the words: judgement, experience, fiscal responsibility and management style. Senator Clinton is doing a make-over in style and ‘strategy’ Obama is doubling numbers and productivity.

So whomever wins the March 4 primaries, he/she is expected to become the nominee; but is that where it will end? And without the intervention of ….. Super-Delegates. There is no doubt, this is crunch time. To Clinton and Obama I say ‘” play it for all its worth”!

VernaSmith


About the Author

Verna Smith
Verna Smith loves politics. Its her passion. An award-winning journalist, political commentator and former producer of "The Roundtable"she holds a a BS degree in Broadcast/journalism and M.A. in Political Science from Syracuse University. The editor-in-chief of this website she welcomes you to join in: vibrant, robust conversations here or at VernaPolitics (Twitter) and also at Facebook-- Verna Politics.
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  • Georgia

    Now that we have had so many debates, I have learned some and I don’t need to listen to any more debates.It would impress me much more, if the candidates visited the different communities and hear directly from the people.In this forum they would be subject to direct questons as they relate to the specific area.
    Regardless of how the other primaries turn out I congratulate Senators Clinton and Senator Obama.Both have escorted us to a place we need to acknowledge. That is the fact that women can lead and that those who we would not look to for influence can actually inspire or motimate people. So far many commentators have clearly stated that more young voters have showed up at the polls for the democrats and that has to be a winning strategy for America in general. Democracy is a word we throw around lightly but having younger people showing up at the polls has got to be a win win situation for the democratics at least.I am becoming tired and am not a candidate. I therefore hope that, we will have a winner soon, so that that person can get some rest.This would help the nominee to become fully prepared for the job ahead- that of mamaging the business of these united states.

  • Jake

    As Hillary slips a…waay, she is scolding Obama on being under-hand. (LOL) What a joke. The contender who has pulled all the mean ‘tricks’ in the books is at it again.

    She tries to tarnish his character by accusing him of stealing lines from. Deval, yet in her closing remarks after the debates, she used Edwards’ and that of her husband’s speech to make her point. The kettle calling the pot black.

    Lady MacBeth is with us again. I just cannot believe with money gone and voters….fleeing, she keeps this up. Clinton thumbs up for this strategy.. that turns us off instead of ‘on’.

    Ready to lead on day one with all this? Think again!

  • Nicole

    Sorry Hill’s better luck next time…

  • Pearl L

    Well, yet another primary before a winner will emerge.Can’t wait for March,4th. I can just imagine that Senator Clinton is pretty nervous about what may chance.She is a capable person and I personally wish her the best.
    I am left to ponder though how is it that she has so much experience and has come up so short on her organization around her candadacy. Could it be that she was too confident and just didn’t take the steps she needed to.Kinda not so good for a person who is supposed to be well prepared.Aren’t we all human though? All of us at sometime are found napping at the wrong time.All the best senator Clinton.

  • Ginger

    Senator Obama you seem to have momentum on your side. So are you going to be the winner again? You continue to confound me.I seem to sense victory in the air for you.Can you stand it Senator? As you and Senator Clinton stated both of you will be fine regardless of the result. I must say I am impressed by the grassroots movement that Senator Obama has nourished. I hope that should he become the President which seems highly possible, I trust that he will disperse some of his mentees to the cities of America and have us acting and doing more humane and spirit lifting things again.In other words start treating each other with more respect, and value each other because what a heaven America would become.Those with low self esteem will begin to feel good again and we know that good feelings emit some of the most positive outcomes from people. Can’t wait to experience that.Shine senator shine.

  • Jack

    Ginger right on! Cannot await the debates McCain vs. Obama! Rock n’ Roll politics.

    Hillary what happened! Dump that team that led you nowhere!

  • moonyene

    How could you fail to see the fireworks during the Texas Debate? True enough the sky was not emblazoned, because the same questions asked again and again did not lend themselves to explosive, thunderous responses. But,there were pyrotechnics to be sure. Remember, the brilliant and decisive way Senator Obama stated that on the most important foreign policy decision…the one that demonstrated readiness to be Commander and Chief, his judgment not that of Senator Clinton, was right. The world agrees, this Country agrees and even Senator Clinton agrees that her decision to support the Bush Administration’s War in Iraq was a demonstration of poor judgement. Clinton does not come out and say so, she simply blames others for her failure. But, more telling, she did not say that Senator Obama was not ready to be Commander and Chief. I’d say this was a poignant moment, “fireworks” if you will.

    There were several other moments, which, I don’t wish to recap, but suffice it to say, from my perspective, this was a decisive victory for Senator Obama and a brilliant display of poise, intelligence and confidence. Afterall what are “fireworks” but a brilliant display?

    Moonyene Jackson-Amis
    Easton, Maryland

  • Jasmine

    MoonI have to agree with Verna that there were no fireworks on the part of Clinton who was supposed to drive him under the bus.”

    She asked for this debate, yet there was no message, same ole, same ole. Barack was splendid, Hillary is fading fast. It was same last night (#20) she whined and complained again in Ohio .He remains calm and holds his position, the frontrunner.

    But let’s see what happens in Ohio. I truly believe Obama will make it. There was absolutely no zingers from the Hillary camp. We must agree the Young senator is scoring points.

  • Sharon

    Jasmine, I have to agree with you that indeed there was no fireworks as Verna indicated.Moon has been very genteel with her comments about senator Obama.
    To me, I am getting tired of these debates.Frankly I would rather see a call in say on CNN from people around the USA and each responding to it.senator Clinton is struggling but like they say it’s not over till the fat lady sings. Therefore it is still possible for Senator Clinton to triumph over Senator Obama.Time will tell.No wonder it is said the logest liver sees the most.I am here holding my breath wondering who will the nominee be?

  • Rhoni

    Senator Obama is doing a fantastic job.His team has been excellent.Take no place for granted as one plus one equals two.If you continue to make every little place and person feel important, which they are you will experience a psunami on election day. In addition, Amrica will never be the same again. It seems as if the newcomers are realising like is said that “a mind that is taught something else will never be content to be the same again. The youth are suddenly realising that they can overturn certain behviors and cause change that they can believe as Senator Obama states in his speech.Ohio and Texas are waiting to display their wares.Let them enter and again may the best candidate win.

  • Eileen

    Senator Clinton is my nominee come what may.I can’t see anyone else winning.Senator Obama is very good but I am a woman and wish to vote for one anytime now.I have become impatient with the male leaders.They have not been sensitive to women’s issues such as families specially how the American family is at this point in time.i believe Senator Clinton will help.


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