Clinton Owns Debate Close
21 February 2008 7:00 pm by Taylor Marsh
There were two moments that will be remembered tonight and both belonged to Hillary Clinton.
“I think if your campaign is about words, they should be your words. … .. Copying whole sections of speeches is not change you can believe in, it’s change you can Xerox.” – Hillary Clinton
During the first forty-five minutes they talked in depth about issues, with the conversation polite. I think people who like Clinton will stay in her court; same for Obama.
But in the next segment, Clinton got off the line of the night. It will be repeated on newscasts across the country. That’s something that benefits Clinton.
As for Obama, he has improved significantly. But once again, he can not find an end to his meandering explanations. I’m beginning to doubt if he could find a concise point on a Scrabble board, with a finite number of letters. His rambling is an obsession at this point and gets old quickly.
The last moment was her moment, talking about her struggles and what has tested her. The audience got it. She smiled. Then she mentioned The Intrepid. Then gave a moving and heartfelt statement that blew the room out, showing her humanity and her grace. Clinton stated that whatever she goes though is nothing compared to what others suffer. She said she was honored to be here, honored to be running with Barack Obama, which you could tell even touched him, then they shook hands. That moment at the end she owned. Her grace came through, her heart was open. The audience loved it.
At the end, the audience jumped to their feet. It was in great part because of Clinton’s close. It’s what people will be talking about. Women will be moved by her. She showed the same grace that came through in New Hampshire. Tremendous moment on which to end.
You’ll have to decide if anything was a game changer. I don’t think so. But if anyone was on the fence about Clinton, they likely moved solidly in her court.
I believe the final moment of this debate is something that could resonate.
From the Clinton campaign:
What we saw in the final moments in that debate is why Hillary Clinton is the next President of the United States. Her strength, her life experience, her compassion. She’s tested and ready. It was the moment she retook the reins of this race and showed women and men why she is the best choice. – Howard Wolfson
