02/22/08

current event
title:Analysis: Clinton likely didn't slow Obama's momentum

who:Barack Obama andHillary Clinton

What:It was one of Hillary Clinton's last chances to knock rival Barack Obama -- seemingly on a path to the Democratic nomination -- off course.But throughout the CNN/Univision debate in Austin, Texas, on Thursday night, the New York senator struck a cautious and, at times, conciliatory tone toward Obama, and likely did little to blunt the momentum of a candidate who has won 11 straight contests.

when:Thursday night

where:Austin, Texas

why:(At no point was Obama's effort to paint himself as a consensus builder on clearer display than when he raised his past collaboration with Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, one of the most conservative Republican senators and not the most popular figure in Democratic circles).
Both candidates' strong moments aside, Thursday's debate will likely most be remembered for what did not happen.
With her back against the ropes -- and most likely only one primary loss away from the end of her presidential bid -- Clinton simply chose to throw too few punches to clearly counter Obama's increasing strength.

how:Obama had several strong moments as well, especially when he raised the issue of Iraq and his early opposition to it. It's a contrast he repeatedly draws with Clinton, who voted for the Iraq war resolution. When Clinton suggested he lacked the experience to be president, Obama effectively cited his early opposition as evidence his judgment is better than hers.
On the whole, Iraq is an issue Obama always does well discussing, drawing upon his strong rhetorical skills to convey the human toll the war has cost and his reasons for opposing it early on.