No Fireworks, Just Lots of Electricity at Final Democratic Debate Before Super Tuesday

Senators Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama, the two Democrats from the original field of eight met tonight at the Kodak Theater to debate their qualifications to serve as President of the United States. The tone of the final debate prior to Super Tuesday was decidedly different than that of past debates. There was electricity in the air even prior to the debate. The audience, many of whom were some of Hollywood's biggest names, lent an almost surreal air to the realization that tonight was an historical occasion.

Both candidates in particular had participated in heated arguments and contentious disagreements that have become hallmark of their campaigns. None of that mood was present this evening. Both Clinton and Obama were deferential, polite, respectful and gracious in their interactions throughout the 90 minutes.

One of the hallmarks of the evening was the emphasis on unity within the Democratic Party and the differences with the Republicans versus differences with each other. Another area of agreement for the Senators was that they have different approaches to solving problems with health care, the mortgage crisis, immigration and Iraq.

Opening statements by the candidates were telling. The first words spoken by Senator Obama in his introductory remarks were regarding Senator Edwards and his work on poverty. Senator Clinton mentioned Edwards somewhat later in her remarks, but it was apparent both candidates were attempting to garner Edward's supporters.

Obama further offered that it is a testament to the Democratic Party and to the country that the two remaining Democratic candidates are a black man and a woman. He concluded his remarks with the assertion that he was friends with Hillary Clinton prior to this campaign and he will remain her friend after the election.

Senator Obama stated his belief that he and Senator Clinton propose health care plans are 95% the same. His contention is that the reason individuals don't have healthcare is that they can't afford it. Reducing costs and providing subsidies will make health insurance more affordable.

Regarding the mortgage crisis, Obama plans to establish a $10 billion home foreclosure prevention fund to aid those is crisis situations. He also blames the Bush administration for lobbying for provisions counter to protecting home owners. He further promised to work to reduce influence of lobbyists in Washington. Clinton wants to implement a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and to freeze interest rates for 5 years.

The War in Iraq is the area where the most glaring differences between the candidates are present. Obama pointed out, as he frequently does, that he was opposed to the war from the beginning. He plans to elevate diplomacy as a more integral part of our arsenal and plans to meet with Iraqi leaders immediately after being sworn in.

Jeanne Cummings with politico.com asked Senator Obama why he felt his plan was superior to Senator Clinton's health care reform plan when 15 million people who don't want health insurance coverage won't get it. He disputes that number and clarified that his plan does mandate coverage for all children and will lower premiums by about $2500 per family per year.

Clinton's plan mandates coverage for everyone and maximizes choices for people. For those who are uninsured or underinsured they may opt for the same health plan available to Congress. Clinton claims her plan lowers costs aggressively, and still provide subsidies and cap premium so everyone can afford health insurance with health care tax credits.

The other most distinct difference in the candidates' platforms was their stances on ending the Iraq War. Obama's plan is for a far more rapid withdrawal than Clinton anticipates. She hopes to have all troops out of Iraq within 16 months of election, but pointed out it is crucial to protect and plan for the 100,000 American civilians in the country.

Who won the debate: the Democratic Party. The dial testing of undecided Democratic voters revealed the candidates both received highest ratings of the evening when they focused on the differences between the Democrats and the Republicans versus the difference between the candidates.

Senator Obama had two high points of the evening. A question was asked that inferred high unemployment rates and declining wages in the African American community were impacted by illegal immigration. Obama was adamant that this stance represented scape-goating in that the problem has been in existence for a long time and is due more to Republican policies than the impact of immigrants.

The other zinger that gave Obama both high rating in the dial testing and an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience was when he was asked about the issue of how both Democratic health care reform packages require huge financial investment. Republicans claim the plans are fiscally irresponsible. Obama came back saying he didn't feel the Republicans were in a very strong position to talk about financial responsibility considering the country currently has a $4-5 trillion national debt.

Clinton's high points came when she pointed out she co-sponsored a bill for comprehensive immigration reform in 2004 - long before it had become and issue in the current Presidential campaign.

A 38-year old politico.com reader posed the question to Senator Clinton how she represented change for the country, when the reader indicated she had never voted in an election where there was not a Bush or a Clinton on the ballot. Clinton zinged back that it had taken a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush presidency and she thought it might just take another one to clean up after the second one.

The results of the dial testing showed 60% of undecided Democratic voters felt Clinton won the debate. This was the consensus of many of the CNN political commentators as well.

I felt Obama elevated his campaign to a new level. He was dignified, humorous and an outstanding debater. He was gracious, confident, forthright and no-nonsense tonight. He was, in short a true gentleman.

The deciding factor in my opinion that Obama won tonight's debate was this: Clinton stresses she is the best qualified candidate because she has experience and can be ready to get to work on day one. Obama stated that while it was important to be prepared on day one, it was more important to be right. He was referring to the fact that he had opposed the Iraq War from day one.

It will be important to make the argument against the war with Senator McCain, the probable Republican candidate. Obama asserts that the war was conceptually flawed from the beginning and must be ended immediately. Clinton voted in favor of allowing the President to send troops to Iraq without congressional approval, though she says she now regrets that decision.