Clinton-Obama Philadelphia Debate: Clinton Steals the Show

Wednesday's debate between Clinton and Obama came after a gap of two months during which the country has experienced a rapid deterioration in the economy, serious mortgage crisis and rising inflation and unemployment. So the debate is an important factor in influencing the upcoming democratic primary in Pennsylvania. Here is an analysis of the debate.

A disproportionately large part of the debate (the first 45 minutes) dealt with prior controversial issues dealing with Obama's involvement with his pastor Wright, his comment on small-town people and Clinton's gaffe about her visit to Bosnia.

Clinton was very forthright in apologizing for her mis-statement on Bosnia. Clinton also continued with her negative campaigning against Obama firmly but not aggressively.

Obama was cornered on many negative issues by the moderators and he was mostly on a defensive. I did not think that his explanation of his comment on small-town mentality was convincing - I do not think it absolves him of his callousness in making the remark. Clinton's offensives effectively put Obama on a spot on these controversies - it projected as a weaker candidate compared to McCain. Obama handled the questions blandly but successfully pushed for looking beyond the accusations and controversies surrounding both candidates.

Another good piece of information democrats heard in this part of the debate was the reassurance from both candidates that they will come together as a unit despite their differences and back each other in the election against McCain. However they did not show an inclination to share a joint ticket in the presidential election.

I am disappointed that the bigger issues got only about an hour of the center stage. Mostly the candidates only reiterated policy ideas they had expressed in the past debates.

On the issue of raising taxes, the candidates agreed that taxes should not be imposed on the middle-class. There were disagreements on the rates on capital gains tax. Regarding solvency of social security funds, Obama appears to have a clear plan - exempting a donut-hole to shield middle-class people, taxing income in a higher bracket. Clinton was articulate about her plans for mortgage relief as well and showed a better understanding of today's economic reality. Both candidates touted their plans for oil-independence and research in alternate energy. In all these issues, Clinton's talk seemed precise and straight while Obama's speech seemed to be more of words and less content.

Regarding Iraq, both candidates seem to agree on the need to withdraw. Again Clinton was more forceful and hinted at a better leadership when she talked about preparing Iraq to handle their crisis themselves. Both candidates stumbled when asked about their policy on gun control.

There were some lighter moments in the debate when Clinton said that the Bush-Cheney administration must be apologetic to the nation for our woes and the republicans should not run for presidency.

On the whole in my opinion Clinton won today's debate. Obama stood up for the unity and looking beyond bipartisan politics but he appeared to be overshadowed by Clinton who was articulate and displayed confidence, strength and toughness without getting aggressive. But regarding policy matters, the debate did not bring out anything significantly different from what we have heard in the past - so victory in the debate may not directly carry over to the democratic primary. Questions on Clinton's dishonesty remain. Doubts on Obama's association with controversial statements remain. So voters have to weigh today's debate against a larger backdrop while making a decision.