Clinton-Obama Debate: A Preview

Tonight, Clinton and Obama will face off in their debate, telecast by ABC. With just a week going into Pennsylvania's Democratic primary, this debate has the potential to make or break the candidates' chances (particularly Clinton's) for the democratic nomination. This debate will influence the outcome of polls in delegate-rich states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina and the decision of super-delegates. So it is most likely that both candidates will be fierce and forceful tonight unlike any of the former debates.

Besides, the debate comes just after the recent spat between the candidates - Clinton has labeled Obama 'elitist' in response to Obama's comment that small-town people are bitter about job losses and years of ailing economy and consequently turn to guns and religion or develop antipathy for those unlike them. Obama is working hard to undo the damage Hillary's accusation has caused. They also exchanged bitter accusations last week about accepting money from lobbyists. So expect to see strong criticisms and bashing tonight.

The economy, unemployment and health insurance coverage are the most relevant issues to voters in Pennsylvania and should take the center stage. Rising inflation and food and gas prices are major concerns. The candidates should focus on these issues. Foreign policy, war in Iraq and immigration laws are other topics they should debate on.

Clinton has to capitalize on these issues to win Pennsylvania with a wide margin. Economy and health insurance are her stronghold. She has laid out reasonably detailed plans on her proposal for the mortgage crisis and health insurance. She has significant support from the working-class population who make the demographics of a large portion of Pennsylvania. Besides, she also has support from the state's Governer Ed Rendell and has done well in the neighboring states of Ohio and New Jersey. With all this in her favor, if she plays on her eligibility-due-to-experience card effectively, she may meet her target.

Instead of muting down the debate over his recent comment about small-town people, Obama should explain his stand and reassure the voters that he is not elitist. He needs to attack Hillary's stand on NAFTA and trade agreements, particularly in the wake of retaining her former chief strategist Mark Penn to advice her campaign even after he was found pushing the US-Columbia trade pact that her campaign has criticized. Opposing Clinton's ambiguous stand on NAFTA has been his plan of attack in the past and it has worked well - he must continue on this course. He should detail the effectiveness of his proposal on tax-cuts and foreclosure problems and contrast them with Hillary's proposal. He usually takes Hillary's offensive attacks calmly. This is one of his strengths - he must stick to it.

Both candidates have voiced similar views about withdrawal from Iraq and immigration issues. Today's debate will probably not see anything new from the candidates on these problems.

On all the issues being debated, Clinton should stay away from projecting her as a toughness and inevitability - a touch of warmth might do her some good. Obama should keep away from making general descriptions of his proposals - he must be precise and detailed. Very importantly, both candidates must remember that they are Democrats and their greater interest is in ensuring that their party wins the national elections. They should not project their infighting and criticism as a division in their party. They must spell out their similarities in various issues and emphasize on keeping the party united and on track to beat McCain. Failure to do this will give the Republicans a free ride to victory.