An Actual Debate in SC - Pointed Sparring Explored Hope vs. Accusations
The three remaining Democrats engaged in real debate Monday night in SC. Gone was the mild mannered Obama; present was the clearest contrast of new vision vs. entrenched style yet in the campaign.
Obama confronted the petty nickel and dime character of accusations in innuendo that have dominated the presidential campaign since Obama's win in Iowa. He took on Hillary directly, pointedly, saying in no uncertain terms that she and Bill Clinton are willing to lie and play political games to win, calling for a greater purpose in the pursue of power.
Even though the media spin will undoubtedly highlight the "bickering," the exchange of issues and vision was much more finely drawn than in past encounters. Hillary was scrappy, Edwards was strong with the narrative, and Obama came across as just plain smart.
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: Democrat debate, CNN, Race, Conflict
Media Framing - What is the SC Debate's Meaning?
The national media needs a container to describe the debate to be held tonight at traditionally African-American campus USC-Orangeburg. For many in the media the shorthand is the state of race relations in America. Candidates, especially poll leaders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are advised on how to capture the African-American vote, characterized as half of potential SC primary Democratic voters. Beth Fouhy's AP lead speculates on Hillary's chameleon like dialects.
The New York senator added a Southern lilt to her voice last week when addressing a civil rights group headed by the Rev. Al Sharpton. On Monday, dealing with a microphone glitch at a fundraiser for young donors, she quoted former slave and underground railroad leader Harriet Tubman.
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: South Carolina Debate, Race, Primary debate, Hillary Clinton, Media Framing
