The Lone Star Debate Shows Two Different Candidates

Whoa nellie, what a debate that was. After mulling over issues, there was that pointed moment in the back and forth where Clinton went after Obama for "plagiarizing" his campaign co-chairs words that Gov. Patrick wanted him to use. As Obama said, that was silly and not what America wants to hear about in politics.

Lets go back to the issues now. Although there were many similarities, differences abounded. On Cuba, Hillary said no dice to talking to Raul Castro. Obama said he'll talk to but wanted to demand human rights from the communist nation. When it comes to foreign relations, we need to talk to everyone, friend or foe. Score that one for Obama.

On Iraq....it isn't even close. Her votes show that she is a hawk that only tries to mildly placate Democrats that have been passionately against the war. She proved that when she voted for the resolution against Iran not too long ago and far enough after her Iraq vote when the folly of this type of war is already well known.

Health care is something she did very well on. We do need universal care and it must be mandated. Barack wants to negotiate more between the two parties. He thinks that instead of ram-rodding a policy through we should do it in a more bi-partisan way. While it would be great to work with everyone, Hillary is right that you got to be tough when it comes to putting a comprehensive program together you have to fight for it.

Now what everyone is talking about are two things from the debate. One is the xerox comment that fell flat when she attacked Obama. The other is her closing line. It sure did sound good and probably won her the debate. Though doesn't it sound similar to a couple of other speeches? Regardless if she took lines from her husband or John Edwards, the key thing to take from tonight is whether Hillary won big or not. Many agree that she won, but not enough. As Donna Brazile said on CNN a few moments ago, both candidates spoke to their supporters and held onto them...neither won anyone from the other side. In the moment, that news is good for the front runner in this campaign.