Last night, we watched a fine debate. Senator Clinton badly needed to hurt Senator Obama. She did not do that, and so perhaps lost her final chance of the 2008 campaign. It is satisfying to see my own candidate move closer to victory. But this is a sad moment, too, as I write in a linked diary below (You'll find out why Dionne Warwick comes up...)
Last night's debate: An honorable prospect for Hillary Clinton's exit
Briefly put, I get no joy from defeating Senator Clinton. My two daughters admire her, and rightly so. Although Senator Clinton lacks her husband's visible gifts, she has obvious intelligence, dignity, and grit. Her final debate comments expressed that beautifully. Although her cheezily rehearsed line about Xeroxing fell flat, her final comments about visiting with wounded veterans let her humanity shine through.
Senator Clinton may soon face the difficult question: Should I continue? I won't presume to answer this question for her. I believe she will exit on a high note, and that she will retreat from the scorched earth tactics hinted at by some of her supporters.
Like Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton may shine brightly without ever becoming President. She has many opportunities to serve America from the Senate floor. If Senator Obama becomes President Obama, he will need much help and heavy lifting, including from Senator Clinton and her supporters.
She can play a central role in shepherding health reform through Congress. She can rally support for a reasonable and responsible course in Iraq. She can fight to enact many proposals she now endorses. She can draw on her husband's unique stature without dragging our nation into the soap opera he would inevitably occasion if she herself were president.
Senator Clinton may someday win the presidency. Even if she never does, she is wise enough to know that there are worse fates.