INSIDEthe Spin Room
de•bate: (noun) a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly in which opposing arguments are put forward.
TERRIE GONZALEZ

AUSTIN - Texas may prove to be a pivotal battleground state for the Democratic party as Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama duel for delegates in the race for president. Currently the count stands at 1,319 for Obama and 1,250 for Clinton with 2,025 needed to cinch the nomination.

Last Thursday, the two candidates met in Austin on the University of Texas campus for a debate hosted by Cable News Network.

CNN extended credentials to local media, including the Cherokeean Herald, to cover the live debate from two press rooms and the Spin Room, an area established after the debate to interview experts willing to analyze each candidate's performance - from body language to verbal punches.

Jorge Ramos of Univision, one of the debate moderators, called the Democratic contest "the showdown in Texas" and suggested that Latino voters may cast the deciding vote in the delegate race.

In sharp contrast to the 2000 and 2004 debates which bound candidates by tightly scripted rules of engagement, the Austin forum adopted an informal - almost conversational - tone with the candidates seated shoulder to shoulder.

Democratic presidential candidates Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton met in Austin last Thursday on the University of Texas campus for a live, televised debate. PHOTO: CABLE NEWS NETWORK

Opening remarks and easily the first 1/3 of the debate flipped back and forth with the two candidates complimenting one another and pointing out issues where they shared common ground.

Sen. Clinton said, "We've been friends before the campaign," referring to Sen. Obama, "And we will be friends after, to bring about unified change for the party."

Was this the official olive branch that will lead to an Obama-Clinton or a Clinton Obama ticket in November? Are pollsters weighing the odds like Las Vegas bookies on a heavy-weight fight?

Both candidates managed to channel the memory of former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who broke from the ranks of ordinary during the Watergate hearings in 1974 with commanding oratory.

Mr. Obama quoted Ms. Jordan by saying she was an inspiration. "She said that what the American people want is very simple. They want an America that is as good as its promise. I'm running for president because I want to help America be as good as its promise."

Obama and Clinton differed slightly on the treatment of Cuba as Fidel Castro steps aside after 50 years. Mr. Obama said he would meet with the new regime without preconditions, while Mrs. Clinton said she would not establish a presidential meeting until that country demonstrates it is moving towards democracy.

Both candidates took care to fully credit words and thoughts borrowed from others following the recent flap over unattributed quotes.

The first real disagreement of the evening occurred between Obama and Clinton when she said, "Lifting whole passages isn't change you can believe in. It is changes you can Xerox." The comment drew "boos" from the small audience, estimated at just 500.

Another issue where the candidates differ involves the overhaul of the health care system. Mrs. Clinton feels the only solution is mandatory health coverage for all Americans, much like the Social Security system. Mr. Obama said his plan is 95 percent like Mrs. Clinton's plan. But he endorses a voluntary system that will lower the cost that insurers must pay.

In the run-up to the March 4 primary, Texans will have more opportunities to size up candidates, Democratic and Republican, as they make their cases before voters.

Debates are good. herald@mediactr.com