Posted by
Dret on Friday, February 01, 2008 2:25:35 AM
The audience response was the same as that of Democrats across the
country: they’re happy with their choice this year, but they don’t want
to have to make it.
I thought overall, his position tonight was still that of the
challenger, and she was effectively the incumbent. Barack Obama needed
to peel votes away from Clinton. He made some progress on the Iraq
issue. But how many Democrats are still more concerned about Iraq than
about anything else?
To the extent that the debate was a draw, it helps Clinton.
Why? Because holding his own wasn’t enough. Obama’s task tonight was
to make the case that there were huge differences between them. Just
holding his own and looking presidential was not enough — he had to
convince Democrats who like her that there’s a reason she shouldn’t be
the party’s nominee.
He clearly had command on the issue of Iraq. Six months ago that
would have been enough. Now? I’m not so sure. It took a while for the
issue to take center stage tonight, and that’s no accident: Other
concerns have come to the forefront.
In all, it was an unhelpful debate. They minimized their
differences. Tonight’s showdown will rally Democrats, no question – but
won’t help them make a decision. The biggest applause line of the
evening came for the idea of the two of them together.
The debate doesn’t kill momentum for either one. But does it help
build any? His strong showing could very well help Obama. But how much
— enough to overtake Clinton? I just didn’t see that.