The democratic debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton didn't do too much to reveal anything new about the two democratic candidates for president.
For the first hour, it was mostly an attack by Hillary Clinton on Obama's character, and responses by Obama to those attacks. Much of Clinton's attacks were upon the associations of Obama with extreme characters, and his numerous gaffes; the most recent where he called small-town Americans, when he called them "bitter" people who "cling to guns or religion."
At least some of the questions by ABC moderators challenged Obama, and didn't give him the free ride he's largely been given so far by the mainstream media.
While he attempted to stay to the high road, as far as responses to personal attacks, he did jab back when he reminded viewers of Clinton's husband Bill pardoning two members of the notorious Weather Underground. This was in response to Obama's connection to William Ayers, who used to be a member of the violent group.
Policy Issues
Nothing much new here was mentioned. One part of the debate did focus on Obama's idea to almost double the capital-gains tax from 15 percent, in order to pay for tax relief for the middle class he has set at $85 billion. Clinton said if she raised it at all, it would be to no more than 20 percent.
Clinton added that she had no intention of raising taxes at all, where Obama challenged her on it, saying she flip-flopped on the issue, recalling her assertions in Iowa concerning the payroll tax she said she was thinking about raising.
Some of the debate also gravitated toward who would be the best candidate to beat John McCain, who is doing surprisingly well in polls so far; being about tied with Obama, and leading Clinton.
Gun Control
Neither candidate seems too comfortable with the gun control issue, which a number of Democrats feel has been the deciding factor in past election losses.
When asked about it, neither gave convincing answers, with Clinton saying some larger cities could regulate guns, while other states could have a smaller number of restrictions. This was of course a total evasion of the issue. It wasn't an answer at all, just pandering and saying what everybody wanted to hear - depending on where they lived.
As far as Obama, all he said was a report asserting he was in favor of a complete ban on handguns when he ran for state senator in 1996 wasn't true.
Where things stand now
At this time Barack Obama leads Hillary Rodham Clinton in delegates by 1,650 to 1,509. About 2,025 are needed to get the nomination.
For elected superdelegates Obama has the lead, although among all superdelegates, he is behind Clinton 257 to 234.
Why is Hillary Clinton still running?
Hillary Clinton can't win the democratic nomination for president as far as delegates go, so why is she still running? Is she running for a vice-presidential spot on the ticket? Possibly, although I couldn't see Obama offering that to her at all. Does she hope the overall superdelegates will choose her over Obama, even though it could permanently destroy the Democratic Party?
It really is hard to figure out. She has no chance of winning the delegate count against Obama, so she is continuing in the race for another reason. You never know with a Clinton, although we'll find out soon after the decision is made.
Unless the Democratic party is suicidal, Hillary Clinton won't be the presidential nominee.
Another thing I don't get is the assertion that Pennsylvania is a must-win for Clinton. Why? It doesn't matter if she wins or not as far as regular delegates go. It seems she's trying to influence the superdelegates, as far as this debate went, attempting to show herself the stronger candidate against John McCain.
In other words, she's continuing to audition for the part, even though it's already been given to another.
Again, it will be difficult to believe that leaders in the party will allow her to supercede the will of the people and choose her over Obama.
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