Democrats Debate in Texas

Read about the debate from the locals here and here. The Economist is harsher on Clinton.

The debate really showed me how much the two are alike. Both are relatively liberal, but also pragmatists. Outside of differences over Cuba (and really, neither would do anything immediate or rash) and predictions of who is best ready to lead on day one (which is at best a subjective, judgment call), there are not huge ideological differences between these two.

Clearly, Clinton has learned a lot since the 1993 health care debacle and I doubt she would be so foolhardy as president. And, I don't think Obama could have gotten this far this fast if he did not know how to work with Republicans and Democrats alike.

By having Obama and Clinton as its final two candidates, though, the Democratic Party embarks on a road not traveled, much less the road less traveled. If the Dems lose in November they may regret not nominating the very-qualified (yet seriously un-charismatic) Chris Dodd or Joe Biden. Whatever those candidates are, they do not have the potentially high negatives that Clinton and Obama bring.

Finally, I'm really concerned about polling, especially where it concerns Obama. I'm not convinced all those polled are always sincere in their expressed preferences.