By Pamela Gentry, Senior Poltical Producer

Posted Feb. 22, 2008 – It was clear that both candidates were on a mission last night.  Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) wanted to show folks he had substance, not just flowery words, and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) wanted to remind folks she’s in the race.

Both accomplished their goals.

The two candidates cordially debated the differences in their health care plans, their plans to improve the economy and foreign policy solutions, including the war in Iraq.  Both took shots at what they called the “failed policies” of the Bush administration.   

But sparks did fly when Obama was asked about the accusation he plagiarized part of a recent speech.  Obama called the attention to this “the silly season in politics.”  Clinton responded that he wasn’t offering real change but “change you can Xerox,” bringing boos from the audience.

Another memorable moment came when Clinton implied Obama was all talk with few notable accomplishments.  In response, Obama offered a laundry list of his achievements in his professional and political life and then declined to “denigrate” Clinton’s record.  “I do think there is a fundamental difference between us in terms of how change comes about,” he said.

Obama said that Clinton’s comments gave the “implication” the folks who have voted or worked on his campaign are “somehow delusional” and somehow being “duped,”  a clear reference to his current frontrunner status.

Obama appeared calm throughout and didn’t let much ruffle his feathers and both looked thoughtful and made notes while the other was speaking.  The air conditioning fans on stage required them both to cover their notes.

Clinton’s remarks were pointed, and again focused on her experience.  She wanted to show voters as much contrast as possible, a hard task in the policy arena, so style and execution were the hot bottons. 

The candidates will go before voters in Texas and Ohio on March 4. Obama with 10 straight wins since Super Tuesday leads Clinton in pledged delegates with an estimated 1319 to her 1250, without including super delegates.

The University of Texas Austin debate wrapped up with each candidate being asked to tell of a “defining moment” in their lives. Both had a composite of events in their lives they credited for shaping who they are now. 

Obama talked about his childhood, being raised by a single mother and the influence of his up bringing.  “What was most important, in my life, was learning to take responsibility for my own actions, learning to take responsibility for not only my own actions but how I can bring people together to actually have an impact on the world,” he said.
Clinton’s last remarks were her best of the night, because they sounded sincere.  She told the audience as if her campaign could end any moment, “You know, whatever happens, we’re going to be fine. You know, we have strong support from our families and our friends. I just hope that we’ll be able to say the same thing about the American people. And that’s what this election should be about.”

This could be a sign the Dems have their “dream ticket” now the order on the ticket  could be decided in Ohio and Texas. 

Comments (276)