The eight democratic presidential contenders took center stage in South Carolina last night for the campaign’s first primary debate. While people expected an explosion of emotion, we received a trickle of decidedly lackluster contentions over contentious issues such as the war in Iraq, health care and the unfortunately timely topic of gun control.
The war dominated the debate, with Hillary Clinton insisting she regrets her vote to send our troops to Iraq, but insisting, “I take responsibility.” Well, yes, we should think so. All the candidates expressed their intentions to end the increasingly protracted battle. Though vying for the same job, the Democrats kept things civil, with only Edwards taking a light jab at Clinton over her vote. (To be fair, he also took a jab over his well-coiffed, $400 hair, for which his campaign paid until recently.) Barack Obama told the audience – including predictably boring moderator, Brian Williams – that he’s proud to have opposed the war from the get-go.
Civil unions came up briefly, with Williams lobbing the old “civil unions v. gay marriage” question to Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut. Skirting the issue, Dobbs started by imploring conservatives to imagine how they would feel if their children were gay and the government restricted their rights. Gay love deserves political approval, but not in the form of gay marriage. Way to court the center, Dodd.
Over all, the debates played like the run for class president, with each candidate playing up their positives and making themselves look as respectable as possible. Those of you looking for blood-letting – keep in mind the games have only begun. We’re sure things will get ugly any day now.
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Democratic hopefuls show political heft [MSNBC]
Democratic Presidential Debate Amazingly Maintains Status Quo [HuffPo]
Democrat’s debate focuses on Iraq [Savannah Now]
Dawster
I thought it was very civilized. It started out as a Bush blood-bath, and everyone really went to town on it. The two nutballs on the end (Kuncinich & Gravel) were wildly entertaining, I only wish they would have asked them more questions…
Obama did very well. He started off very dignified and purposeful (maybe it was a little slow) but he certainly got into his groove. Edwards had the biggest heart and sense of emotion on stage. Hillary did very well for herself, coming across strong without being a pushover or sounding like she was overcompensating. However, she looked like a woman with a mission in her eyes and out for blood. There is only so much frigidness that a man can take before he starts contemplating the well being of his testicles. I didn’t find her relatable at all.
Biden did very well for himself, MUCH better spoken than he has been in the past. Dobbs and Richardson were completely boring, almost a waste of time, really. I was most impressed on how everyone worked in unison. They agreed with each other, refused opportunity to attack each other (apart from Gravel).
I loved the way Obama turned out. I thought he was most elegant, and extremely poised. I am sooo anxious to have any president that won’t be a social embarrassment or so arrogant that he would spontaneously start rubbing the prime minister of Germany’s shoulders during a dinner… you know?
Alberto
If gay people are looking for a candidate that might have biggest chance of bringing them the equality they are looking for, they should stay clear of Clinton/Obama, and look at what Kucinich has to offer.