This election season is quite possibly one of the more poignant of my time, and I think of even my parents time. While the Republicans have chosen their nominee for the presidential candidacy, the Democrats are still undecided. I caught about 3/4 of the debate last night after I got out of class, and what I saw really surprised me. Typical of debates are heated discussions that turn into arguments, that turn into bashing, that are eventually stomped out by the mediator- like I said typical. Last nights debate was anything but typical. Barack oozed with confidence and charisma reminiscent of, dare I say, Bill… While Hillary, still poised and confident on the issues, seemed less than her usual charismatic self.

The height of the debate was health-care reform, an issue that the two have little difference on. They quibbled about the execution of their plans, and how one was more realistic than the other. Truly trivial differences, when the likelihood of either candidate getting their plan passed after election time is small to say the least. Barack promoted change in how Washington operates, and Hillary,indeed agreed with that, but in order for that change to occur we need someone who knows how to work the system that is currently in place. All that talk of change brought out the accusation of Obama having plagiarized a portion of his speech. Hillary, unfortunately, reverted back to the old ways of cheap shots and personal affronts when she said “…that’s not change we can believe in, it is change we can Xerox.”I thought for a split second we were at a sporting event when the crowd that had gathered to listen to the debate actually “boo-ed” Hillary.

Texas, are you serious? You actually “boo-ed” someone during a debate? What are you all… twelve? Well that is a separate issue altogether I will leave for another time. Back to the subject…

Her experience in this type of venue was evident at the moment she was boo-ed, when her reaction was to merely shrug it off and move passed it. Experience. That was the foundation of Hillary’s argument last night. She has the experience to lead our country out of Iraq, the experience to stabilize the economy, and the experience to fulfill the needs of the less fortunate with universal health-care and aid for the prevention of foreclosed homes. Barack alluded to his lack of tenure being a catalyst for change, with a new approach and lack of ties to special interest groups. Hillary cited many of her accomplishments, and in doing so, did highlight Obama’s inexperience on the international level without any digs into his character.

The topics of Cuba, Kosovo, Iraq, and Venezuela were grazed over with Obama saying he is willing to sit down with our enemies providing there were “preparations”. This is a little different than prior statements he made implying he would sit down with our enemies without the forethought of them showing actions towards changing their practices. Hillary, as always, sailed through the international front regarding Cuba, standing firm on what she has always said which is “I’m going to be looking for some of those changes: releasing political prisoner[s], ending some of the oppressive practices on the press, opening up the economy”(Hillary Clinton,2/21/08 CNN/Univision debate).

No wonder the race is statistically so close, “It was a very odd debate — the questioners had to beg them to differ with each other,” said CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider. That is really the way it seemed. Neither candidate really hit it out of the park, but neither gained any momentum either. After watching this debate, I am convinced more than ever that Hillary is the better candidate, if for no other reason than her economical track record and international savvy. Both topics are high on the list of priorities for voters. It all comes down to Experience versus Innovation… Clinton or Obama. While Obama’s innovation may be refreshing, Hillary’s experience is what we need to get out of this mess we are in. Do I think Obama will do a poor job? No, definitely not. I do however think Hillary’s experience will only help her in making the greatest use of the time she would have in office. When it all comes down to it I vote Hillary in the coming primary, but I don’t think either candidate is a bad choice… Come on people GET OUT AND VOTE! IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!