Another point of view
Democrats debate
By Jessica Cross crossja84@gmail

Photo by Ted Pio- Roda/CNN Senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards (R) greet the audience at the Palace Theater.

The economy was the Democratic debate opener January 14, 2008, in Myrtle Beach, S.C. But the debate didn't take long to turn into a clash between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, brought on primarily by Clinton. Sen. John Edwards emerged unscathed.

Clinton and Obama engaged in a bitter exchange for several minutes, bickering over whether Sen. Obama was actually talking about the Republicans, including Ronald Reagan, in a positive light. Obama also suggested Clinton brought up Reagan in a speech. When she denied his claim, he said her husband brought Reagan up, she dismissed it and said she was the one there to debate, not former President Clinton. "Well, I can't tell who I'm running against sometimes," said Obama."

The counterpoint was crucial for Obama, since Bill Clinton has become more aggressive in campaigning against Obama.

But the exchange knocked Obama off of his feet and gave Edwards a winning edge in the debate. "I also want to know on behalf of voters in South Carolina, this kind of squabbling, how many children is this going to get health care? How many people are going to get an education from this? How many kids are going to be able to go to college because of this," asked Edwards.

CorridEodr wofa Srdhsa mbreought up the , the I- 95 corridor where the schools tend to be poor and outdated. But his winning the debate may not be enough to boost him into a win on primary day, as most African- American Democratic voters are expected to support Obama.

Despite her aggressive debate strategy, Clinton portrayed herself as an able- bodied candidate, ready and willing to take the heat for her decisions. She attacked Obama, saying he is unwilling to take responsibility for his political decisions. "It's difficult having a debate with you because you never take responsibility for your record," said Clinton, referring to voting "present" in the Senate rather than a clear "yes" or "no."

Obama explained that was how things were done in the Illinois legislature. But Clinton pressed the issue making Edwards as the positive candidate, there to talk about the issues on the minds of South Carolinians.

The

issues discussed, which seemed to be the debate's secondary focus, ranged from health care and the sub- prime market crisis to the crisis in Iraq.

On health care, Clinton built the case for herself as the most competent to remedy the health care crisis. "I am not running for president to put band- aids on our problems," said Clinton.

The candidates united on the Iraq War and criticized, at various points, both President Bush's and John McCain's commitment to American intervention long- term.

Discussion of who's best positioned to beat the Republican nominee in November also worked in Edward's favor. Edwards pointed out he has been the most successful of the three candidates at defeating McCain.