The first head to head clash (debate) between Senators Obama and Clinton took place Thursday evening at LA’s Kodak Theatre and I was keeping score.  I say a clash because the event almost seemed like a long-awaited heavyweight.  Even the announcer introduced each contender as if he were Michael Buffer about to say “Lets Get Ready to Ruummmmbleee!”

However for all the pre-fight theatrics it was fairly tame and disappointing given the buildup.  Hillary and Barack seemed more to be sharing high tea then mudslinging as in the previous debate.  The mature discussion took on a party endorsement tone reinforcing the point that voting Democrat is a win-win situation.  I’ll try and break down the events in abbreviated “Cliff Notes” version and try to determine a winner.

IRAQ WAR:
I think Obama’s most striking blow was delivered in his remarks the war stating, “I think I will be the Democrat who will be most effective in going up against a John McCain, or any other Republican — because they all want basically a continuation of George Bush’s policies…I will offer a clear contrast as somebody who never supported this war, thought it was a bad idea. I don’t want to just end the war, but I want to end the mindset that got us into war in the first place.”

Hillary did what she could under the circumstances to combat her vote FOR the war. “You know, I’ve said many times if I had known then what I know now, I never would have given President Bush the authority.  It was a sincere vote based on my assessment at the time and what I believed he would do with the authority he was given.  He abused that authority; he misused that authority. I warned at the time it was not authority for a preemptive war. Nevertheless, he went ahead and waged one, which has led to the position we find ourselves in today.”

Sen. Obama’s clear opposition to the war from the very beginning makes him the winner on the issue. 

EXPERIENCE:
Sen. Clinton has said that Sen. Obama was not comparable to the late President John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. However this strategy may have backfired as it sparked a strong endorsement from the late President’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy and his brother Ted Kennedy.

“You know, Ted Kennedy said that he is confident that we will get universal health care with me as president, and he’s been working on it longer than I think about than anybody,” noted Sen. Obama. “That’s what I did in Illinois, to provide insurance for people who did not have it. That’s what I will do in bringing all parties together, not negotiating behind closed doors, but bringing all parties together…”

Sen. Clinton later shoots back to Sen. Obama that she too is endorsed by members of the Kennedy family saying, “Well, I have the greatest respect for Senator Kennedy and the Kennedy family. And I’m proud to have three of Senator Robert Kennedy’s children, Bobby and Kathleen and Kerry, supporting me.”

Weak Argument Hil…Advantage Obama

IMMIGRATIONS EFFECT ON UNEMPLOYMENT (Particularly in the Black Community)

Kim Millman from Burnsville, MN raised the question that “there’s been no acknowledgement by any of the presidential candidates of the negative economic impact of immigration on the African-American community. How do you propose to address the high unemployment rates and the declining wages in the African-American community that are related to the flood of immigrant labor?”

“Well, let me first of all say that I have worked on the streets of Chicago As an organizer with people who have been laid off from steel plants, black, white, Hispanic, Asian,” Sen. Obama responded.  “Before the latest round of immigrants showed up, you had huge unemployment rates among African-American youth.  And, so, I think to suggest somehow that the problem that we’re seeing in inner-city unemployment, for example, is attributable to immigrants, I think, is a case of scapegoating that I do not believe in, I do not subscribe to.”

Clinton clearly has the upperhand here because as she stated she’s been pushing for immigration reform since before Obama was in Senate.  “I believe that in many parts of our country,” She said.  Because of employers who exploit undocumented workers and drive down wages, there are job losses. And I think we should be honest about that.”

Though she didn’t do much in terms of helping her case, I give Clinton the nod. 

HEALTHCARE.

The two Sens kicked off their debate by squaring off on the issue of healthcare.

“I believe absolutely, passionately that we must have universal health care. It is a moral responsibility and a right for our country,” Clinton said.

Clinton proposes mandated individual health insurance for everyone while Obama wants a national health insurance program for individuals who do not have employer-provided healthcare and do not qualify for government programs.  If they sound the same its because they pretty much are.

Obama clarifies the difference stating  ”I emphasize reducing costs. My belief is that if we make it affordable, if we provide subsidies to those who can’t afford it, they will buy it.”

This issue is most important to me personally because as a business owner who doesn’t have insurance I most certainly am interested in how each candidate will address my situation.  Lets call this one a draw.

Honestly I feel both of these candidates have exhibited strong platforms on key issues.  They have shown that they both have the credentials to run the country and direct the recovery and rescue operation in the wake of an 8 year Hurricane George (Bush.)  Defeat is never easy, especially for a proud and competitive politician, but if they could find a way to burry the hatchet and consider running together for the Presidency, our country could be looking forward to much brighter days ahead…in that case we don’t need to announce a winner or looser because we all win.