NPR: Notes from the Debate: Lots of Love for Obama, Clinton

Notes from the Debate: Lots of Love for Obama, Clinton

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama signs autographs for supporters after the debate at Howard University on Thursday.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

(Note from Tom: All Things Considered editor Susan Feeney has sent us some thoughts from Thursday's Democratic presidential debate.)

You knew right off it was going to be a different kind of presidential debate at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on Thursday night when it kicked off with a warm-up act. The fantastic a capella quartet Soul Tempo sang the National Anthem. Then they slid into songs such as "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and "The Lord's Prayer," which they sang in the movie The Preacher's Wife.

The Democratic candidate event was moderated by PBS' Tavis Smiley with questions from three more journalists of color, including NPR's Michel Martin. They shined a bright light on issues often left in the campaign shadows: Darfur, HIV/AIDS among blacks, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, poverty and the right of Katrina evacuees to return to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

One flaw was a total absence of follow-up questions, which could have extracted more in-depth answers.

Credit the U.S. Supreme Court with ensuring a most poignant event. It was at Howard, Sen. Barack Obama noted, that Thurgood Marshall and his legal team hatched plans that led to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. "If it hadn't been for them, I would not be standing here today," he said.

It was a Democratic crowd and one that whooped for all the candidates. But its heart clearly belonged to Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Afterward, all the candidates posed and waved at the foot of the stage. Many were sought out for autographs and handshakes. But it was Obama and Clinton who were mobbed. After 20 minutes, it was just the two of them, glad-handing marathoners, still smiling and greeting frantic well-wishers.

Michelle Obama had joined her husband and also was signing as fast as she could. Clinton did not bring former President Bill Clinton, who surely would have tipped the balance. But he's a double-edged sword for her, and one she unsheathes selectively.

In the end, only the Obamas went the distance and outlasted Clinton on the front line. Finally, event staff cleared the Obamas from the stage.

- Susan Feeney

10:14 AM ET | 06-29-2007 | permalink

Comments

I am in Mexico and could not watch this important debate. I hope that Hillary was strong and that Obama was less theoretical and vague in his answers. If the Dems are to fill the void, they must be articulate and forceful and action oriented.

I have to admit tht I am titlting toward a Clinton Richardson ticket but after what the supreme court did, Clinton Obana may be the way to go. Just tear through race and gender barriers in one fell swoop while the Republicans are looking very old.

Sent by Viki Soady | 10:30 AM ET | 06-29-2007

That was the best Presidential debate since JFK/RMN. It was brilliantly presented, esp the first question from the young lady from Bowie; Tavis Smiley managed the candidates; and the format gave us great info base for choosing a candidate. Congratulations! PS Loved the lads from Memphis.

Sent by Bartley O'Hara | 11:36 AM ET | 06-29-2007

Dennis Kucinich clearly won the debate standing on his record and giving well thought out answers which, as previously stated, he has stood on for years. He is unchanged. Mike Gravel also did a fantastic job though he is clearly passed his prime and is not Presidential material. Hillary's record is atrocious and she is clearly nothing more than Republican Lite and a career politician/criminal who stands for nothing but which way the wind blows. Obama obviously lacks experience and is no Abe Lincoln. It is embarrassing that he has been propped up like some sort of leader when it is obvious he is not. He does not seem that smart either. The emperor has no clothes fo sho! Edwards did "OK" ...he improved in my mind but comes across as whichever way the wind blows just like career criminal Clinton. Mike Gravel says it best and clearly when he calls them out on Moral Character. The others just take up space and waste oxygen. Anyone with a spec...a cell of gray matter clearly sees Dennis Kucinich is easily in a class of his own and a true winner. Hillary, who I find to be a beautiful woman, does not represent me or my values nor does Obama. Wake up Democrats! Is it Republican Lite? or a different direction for America?

Sent by Kori Gripheth | 11:50 AM ET | 06-29-2007

Gravel and Kucinich livened up a predictable stage and made this a much more memorable question and answer event. Too bad there was no time made for follow-up questions, for that would have made this a debate!

Sent by M. Desai | 12:15 PM ET | 06-29-2007

I dislike spoiling your fun, but did anyone both to ask these candidates where they stand on: The SPP (Security Prosperity & Partnership agreement) aka. The North American Union? The transamerican highway? The allowance of the Mexican truckers roaming freely on our highways without knowing if their trucks are safe, or if they have a CDL license? Where do the candidates stand on Fast track authority? How do they feel about the federal government and the states selling off publicly owned infrastructure to foreign governments? Where do they stand on eminent domain? Are they concerned for the military buildup in China? Where do the Democratic candidates stand on education when it has been previous Democratic congresses that destroyed our educational system particularly in urban areas. Perhaps most of you haven't been around as long as I have, but I can assure that whether or not the candidates are Democrats or Republicans, they are blowing smoke up your skirts and pants legs. Trust me, you people are simply "not" asking the right questions. Period.

Sent by Geri Britt | 10:59 AM ET | 06-30-2007

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