Dem Debate

I'm glad the debate tonight didn't turn into a pissing contest the way McCain and Romney's did.

I think Clinton's health care plan is superior to Obama's only in that (remembering how I was as a young man) I'm not sure I would have paid out of pocket for health care if I had the option not to. Obama says all the people he's talked to say they'd buy health insurance if they could afford it. But he hasn't talked to people who don't go to political rallies. Point to Clinton.

While I understand what Clinton is saying about her vote for the Iraq resolution and her thinking that Bush abused the intent of the resolution, Obama scores in having seen it to it's possible consequence. Point to Obama.

Best line of the evening to Clinton:
It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it'll take a Clinton to clean up after this one.

As to style and potential effectiveness as President domestically, I think Obama has the edge. The Clinton name carries too much baggage. Internationally--especially in dealing with the Arab world--I think Clinton's sex would be a handicap and Obama's sex, name, and color would be assets.

As to electability, I sort of think more people combined would not vote for a woman and a Clinton than would not vote for a black man.

Given the overriding importance of defeating the GOP, I have to favor Obama for the nomination. At least for the moment.