A lesson for DU?

[Occam Bandage]

Tonight, the candidates both focused on the issues. They didn't attack each other. They took the high road, and explained their policies. Each left themselves open for slams; each refrained from slamming the other. They bared their teeth against the Republicans; they politely disagreed, but did so largely by propping up their own ideas, rather than tearing down their opponents'.

And look at the reaction here: everyone loved it. Everyone thought both candidates were great. We're talking about how much we were impressed by the other candidate. 120 minutes of positive debate did more to change Obama supporters' minds on Clinton (and vice-versa) than did the weeks of dishonest bashing.

Maybe there's a lesson here for us.

[tekisui]

1. Absolutely. I was so proud of our candidates.

They kept it civil, didn't hurt our Party, helped it even.

We'd do well to do the same.

[Windy]

2. There is a lesson! they both did well. The only issue they really differ on legitimately is Iraq

It will come down to that issue for many voters.

[WCGreen]

3. I think that when you have nine or ten people on a stage trying

to grab any time they can get a hold of brings out Mr. Nasty...

When you have two people, thoughful people, engaging in a civilized conversation (it wasn't really a debate), you see what can and should happen...

[Occam Bandage]

4. I have noticed that it's gotten better as the field has winnowed.

[Writer]

5. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely.

This was a rare example of civil disagreement, and I'm very happy to have witnessed its reemergence on television.

We, without a doubt, SHOULD take a cue from the debate this evening. Democracy isn't a verbal pissing contest; it's about discussion and disagreement to achieve enlightenment.

I hope the days of acidic discourse are winding down. It's time we start acting like adults again.

~Writer~

[Duke Newcombe]

6. Incredibly and surprisingly refreshing

Duke

[Life Long Dem]

7. Seemed to have everything but the debate.

[TexasObserver]

8. Agreed,

wise words

[Hidden Stillness]

9. Great Message Here

Very nice post here, and I also agree. I was very impressed with the whole thing, and ended up feeling really good about both candidates; I thought they both sounded qualified to be President. I can't wait for Democrats to control all branches of Government, and we as a country can finally get something done again. I loved this debate; it made me feel just fine about each one of our candidates. They were both very intelligent tonight, and had a real poise that had not been so evident to me before.

[NCarolinawoman]

10. It was really nice to see two intellectuals on the stage, talking policy.

After George W. Bush, it was a breath of fresh air. Made me proud to be a Democrat!

[Occam Bandage]

11. And after the "tax-cut-Ronald-Reagan" soundbite-fest last night, it really

cast the two parties in sharp relief.

We're the ones with the plans. They're the ones worrying over which bumper stickers to use.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. It was most excellent!

They covered a lot of ground, and intelligently as well...

They both looked Presidential...

I was mezmerized...