Austin (City) LIMITS - Change Debate Results in Little Change
Debates can change the dynamic of an election, but they can just as easily solidify the narratives controlling a contest. Tonight's CNN/Univision Debate at the LBJ Library in Austin likely did the latter.
I believe three things happened that convince me the debate will better serve Obama's purpose than a Clinton shakeup.
1. Clinton's finest moment of all nineteen debates was, in the end, a concession.2. Obama's narratives were sustained, even advanced.
3. The ability for Hillary to go negative after the debate was functionally forfeited.
Each point is found in statements directly from the debate.
I. Clinton's Closing.
Hillary's closing statement was perhaps her best moment in the campaign. For a rare moment ambitions, history, and wonkish manner were traded for what felt authentic, moving, grounded. She showed humanity, a genuine rationale for "hanging in there," and invited the affect that delivered New Hampshire. Of course closing statements alone cannot sustain 24/7 news needs for long, assuring other interchanges will soon dominate.
