CNN/Univision Debate: Clinton likely did little to blunt Obama's momentum, ended on strong note

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN: February 22, 2008
Clinton likely did little to blunt Obama's momentum
CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider



(CNN) – It was one of Hillary Clinton's last chances to knock rival Barack Obama – seemingly on a path to the Democratic nomination — off course. But throughout the CNN/Univision Debate in Austin, Texas, on Thursday night, the New York senator struck a cautious and at times conciliatory tone toward Obama, and likely did little to blunt the momentum of a candidate who has won 11 straight contests.

It wasn't quite the love-fest of the CNN debate in Los Angeles three weeks ago, but Clinton repeatedly shied away from challenging her rival, even when the debate's moderators gave her ample opportunities to do so. Obama emerged relatively unscathed as a result — by all measures a victory for the Illinois senator given the clear front-runner status he now holds.

But it was by no means a poor performance for Clinton, and she did successfully draw some contrasts with Obama on his health care stance — an issue in which she holds the upper hand. Obama's plan could leave many uninsured, and Clinton effectively stressed this point in one of her strongest moments of the debate. She immediately put Obama on the defensive about his own plan and proved she understands this issue through and through.

And Clinton clearly ended on a strong note, eloquently responding to the question about a time she had been tested with a reference to her past that drew laughter, and a poignant answer about how her problems pale in comparison to those of average voters. It was her Casablanca moment, reminiscent of the legendary movie's final moment when the protagonist declared, "It doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."

Clinton also ended her answer with her most conciliatory tone toward Obama to date, in a response that seemed to signal for the first time that she felt she might not win her party’s nomination. "You know, no matter what happens in this contest, I am honored, I am honored to be here with Barack Obama," Clinton said. "I am absolutely honored."

The answer received a standing ovation, and it was certainly a memorable moment — but it's unclear if it did anything more than harden the support she already has. It most likely won't change the dynamic of this race, though the true effect of it will be determined by the media coverage around it: Should it get replayed over and over on television, it just may have an impact on this race and could stand out as the debate's most striking moment....

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/22/schneider-clinton-likely-did-little-to-blunt-obamas-momentum/#more-5498

[hendo]

1. Unimpressed

The debate didn't seem to hold much weight in my opinion. Neither Obama or Clinton seemed willing to highlight thier differences well enough, and when they finally did give Clinton a chance to support her claims that Obama is not qualified to be POTUS she would not answer.

Yes, we get it Hillary, you are not Bush. I want to know why you are a better candidate than Obama, because he isn't Bush either. Please provide some substance to back up your negative campaigning.

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Thanks for your post, hendo -- and welcome to DU!

[hendo]

3. Thanks

I hope that I can be more productive in my discussions than some of the other new members :)