The latest Democratic debate is now history.
Hillary Clinton came to the debate prepared to answer much of the “artful smear” thrown at her. She was confident, at the top of her game. She demonstrated that Sanders’ attacks against her are based on much misinformation and even more cherry-picking.
From issues of criminal justice reform, to immigration reform, to Social Security, Clinton came out swinging. She completely dominated the foreign policy debate. She again put her knowledge on display, for anyone who cares to listen. My personal preference is for Hillary Clinton. Not necessarily because of her experience (though that helps), but more because of how I see her heart, and her preference. All through her life, she has ever been for empowering people, for equal rights, for improving and uplifting lives. Both John Lewis and the CBC Pac confirmed this today.
Do you remember? Sanders actually voted AGAINST the comprehensive immigration reform bill designed by Ted Kennedy. He has his explanation, of course. You can agree or disagree. But on this, my vote is with Clinton. However imperfect or problematic, the CIR that was worked out and voted on was a step forward for the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country. Any imperfections could have been worked out later.
And Sanders continues to repeat the Iraq vote as some sort of panacea.
And one of Clinton’s best answers? “I do not believe a vote in 2002 is a vote to defeat ISIS in 2016.” Precisely.
And Sanders’ repeated line … “She has the experience…. but judgment matters as well.” And then he viciously attacked Hillary Clinton on Kissinger … Clinton countered that Kissinger had important insights on China. Sanders’ response sounded angry and sort of non-sequitur. But I leave you to make your own judgment of this.
Sanders continues to claim the FDR legacy… Toward the end of the debate, he went to quoting FDR. He claimed his campaign is like FDR’s presidency and legacy.
Hillary Clinton said that she would choose Nelson Mandela as a leader. Then she went after Sanders for his expressed opinions about President Obama. She said she expected Sanders’ kind of criticism of Obama to come from Republicans, not from a Democrat. Sanders was very defensive about it. And his line? “One of us ran against Barack Obama. I was not that person.” Really? And there comes the “political revolution” again.
Clinton’s closing statement? She stressed areas of agreement, but then she said, “I am not a single-issue candidate.” Precisely! She is not! She runs the table on any issue.
She said she will stand up for unions and working people. And then she spoke of racism, LGBT discrimination and women’s rights. Rock on!
Hillary, all the way!