The Dems' LA Debate: Harrogate Responds with Measured Enthusiasm

Well, Harrogate watched the debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the only time these two were the only participants, and the last debate before Super Tuesday.

Now, as a rule Harrogate has grown somewhat tired of the debates as well as the stump speeches. The repetitiveness of it all is enough to make one wish for a hole in the head. For example, how many more times must we be subjected to Romney's little "they haven't" routine every time he gives a speech?

Yet there was much to recommend tonight's Democratic debate. Harrogate was struck several times thinking, these may not be the candidates one most prefers, but these are absolutely candidates one can live with. The moral and intellectual superiority to the GOP is palpable--indeed, both Clinton and Obama showed tonight that, unlike Kerry in 2004, neither of them will try to hide their thoughtfulness and moral apprehension.

Harrogate also agrees with Jeralyn over at Talk Left that this may have been Obama's finest performance at a debate yet. Obama's oratory skill and his much-celebrated imaginative scope were on full display here, and throughout it was made abundantly clear that the man has no problem taking it to the GOP for their practical and moral failings.

And, it's funny Jeralyn linked the video of Clinton's devastating line about the Mormon's "private sector" rhetoric, which we have all had plenty of opportunity to grow sick of by now. Verily, as soon as Clinton let it fly, Harrogate thought to hisself, this right here is one of the strongest moments of the campaign. If Romney gets the nomination, either Clinton or Obama need to pepper him with this every time there is a microphone anywhere in the vicinity.

Go here to see the awesome clip.