The Winner of the Debate: America

Well, earlier today, I was all set to deliver a searing blow-by-blow post-game account of a bloody battle over the souls of John Edwards' stranded supporters. As the debate began, it looked like such a battle was going to materialize. But something beautiful happened along the way. The Democratic candidates, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, found the soul of Democracy.


Greg did a fine play-by-play, and I had planned to offer a detailed analysis, taking copious notes which I perhaps will make use of tomorrow, but the poetry of this moment has grabbed me...

In the early going, both candidates name-checked Senator Edwards, paying tribute to him and crediting him with leadership on key issues. There were some minor political shots here and there, a great deal of policy discussion, and in the end, a display of unity of purpose that nearly brought a tear to the eye of this old reporter.

Look, I know these are politicians, but you can't tell me that you watched that final question, and the warm, chatty embrace of the candidates during the credits, and didn't feel like everything was going to be all right.

There are political points to be explored, and I was surprised by more than a few things in this debate, but for now, I want to hold onto that feeling.

The final question of the debate dealt with the possibility of the two rivals teaming up on the same ticket, eventually. Now, Barack Obama answered first, and the text of his answer was parsed and obtuse, as it would have to be. But in that moment, as he paused here and there to avoid just saying, "Yes", I could see the struggle in his face, as if in an instant he had to decide whether to let go of all of the rancor and bitterness, and he did. Hillary's face lit up, and she heartily agreed with him, and with the notion that their party, and indeed, our nation, must find redemption in each other because it exists nowhere else.

There is a lot of campaign left, and it can't all be kittens and smiles, but for now, I am happy to know that everything is going to be all right.


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