One Vote Matters

Obama and Clinton Debate - Anything New?

by maddy on April 17th, 2008

Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama did get a chance to briefly discuss the economy, Iraq and gun control during Wednesday’s Debate in Philadelphia.

However, at least half of the time was spent rehashing old news.

The questions, coming from ABC news personalities, Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopolous, focused mainly on Senator Clinton’s poor memory of her trip to Bosnia, Senator Obama’s “bitter” comments and his pastor and acquaintances.

I found myself yelling at the television “who cares?” and “this is old news” more than once.

The one interesting item that came from the Debates is that each candidate stated that the other can win in November. Senator Obama ensured that “come August” the party will be united behind one candidate; and Senator Clinton, while she stated that she’s the better candidate, answered “Yes. yes. yes. yes.” when asked if her opponent can beat John McCain.

And each candidate addressed the issue of Social Security. Senator Obama said that he would increase revenue by increasing the cap on payroll taxes. Senator Clinton stuck to her pledge to not raise taxes for anyone earning under $250,000 and that she would save Social Security by working with Congress, however, she did not detail any plan.

The debate had a very somber and tense tone and the questions were not based on issues, but more on the candidates themselves. Perhaps that is because the two have very similar views on many issues, views that may not sit well with many voters in PA (you know, the bitter people). So to distinguish themselves, they must exploit the differences in their experience and backgrounds.

Share This

Related Stories

• Guest Post: The Ohio Debate
• February Presidential Fundraising Numbers Available
• The Rules Committee has Ruled.
• The Electoral College Count
• The Obamas and top aides contribute to Clinton campaign.

POSTED IN: Political Campaigning