photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

Good morning fellow Geeks, grab some coffee and check out what is happening in election land.

Last night’s democratic debate was tense, had a few fireworks and for the first time brought up some tuff personal issues for Senator Obama. It was debate #20, the final scheduled debate and possibly the last Democratic debate of Election 2008. The candidates discussed Health Care, NAFTA, Iraq and more.

I personally thought Obama scored well on Iraq, though it was funny I cringed for Clinton who brought up an SNL skit to say Obama was being treated better, I cringed for Obama when Russert tossed out a question on Iraq leaving it to the candidates to decide who would answer and the Illinois Senator deferred to Clinton (it could have been a moment for him to show some foreign policy chops), I thought the opening to the debate showing Clinton saying Obama was right and Obama saying Hillary was right for declaring this a “change election” was a little over the top against the NY Senator.

Here is some of the wrap-up:

Democrats Clash on Trade, Health and Rival Tactics

Unlike their debate last Thursday, a more cordial affair that ended with Mrs. Clinton saying she was “honored” to share the stage with Mr. Obama, this exchange had a belligerent edge. Mrs. Clinton did not nod along as Mr. Obama made standard Democratic points, as she has been known to do. She was more apt to call him “Senator Obama” than the friendlier “Barack.” She did not smile at him.

In a Crucial State, a Contentious Debate Clinton and Obama Clash Over Tactics In Ohio Showdown

The debate — the 20th involving the Democratic presidential candidates in the past 10 months — did little to change the overall shape of the race, which may play to Obama’s advantage but will also make the final six days of campaign crucial to both candidates. Earlier in the day, Obama picked up the endorsement of Sen. Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, who dropped out of the race for the nomination in January.

Clinton, Obama trade jabs during debate

Obama sidestepped an issue close to some in Cleveland: his affiliation with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Obama attends the church, whose newest pastor, Otis Moss III, is the son of a prominent Cleveland minister.

But it’s Wright, the senior minister, and not Moss who has been controversial. Some critics say Trinity has a racially exclusive theology because of its motto, “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian,” and its “Black Value System,” which asks members to affirm their commitment to God, the “black community,” the “black family” and the “black work ethic” and to disavow “the pursuit of middle-classness.”

Russert, noting that Wright has said that Louis Farrakhan “epitomizes greatness,” asked Obama how he would assure American Jews “that, whether it’s Farrakhan’s support or the activities of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, your pastor, you are consistent with issues regarding Israel and not in any way suggesting that Farrakhan epitomizes greatness?” Obama answered first by citing his strong support from Chicago’s Jewish community, saying that he has been “a stalwart friend of Israel’s.”

As for Farrakhan, he said, “You know, I have been very clear in my denunciation of Minister Farrakhan’s anti-Semitic comments. I think that they are unacceptable and reprehensible.”

Goaded by Clinton to not only denounce Farrakhan’s support but also to reject it, Obama said, “There’s no formal offer of help from Minister Farrakhan that would involve me rejecting it. But if the word ‘reject’ Sen. Clinton feels is stronger than the word ‘denounce,’ then I’m happy to concede the point, and I would reject and denounce. I did not solicit this support.”

The audience applauded, prompting Williams to observe, “Rare audience outburst on the agreement over rejecting and renouncing.”

Meanwhile Politico noted how Obama seemed to mock Clinton and accuse her of “whining”.

Marc Ambinder noted that the Clinton campaign was not happy with the debate questions early on. At 9:41 he posted “A Clinton adviser: “This feels like it ****is**** SNL.”"

Meanwhile those supporting Obama were unhappy with moderator Tim Russert bringing up Obama supporters Louis Farrakhan and Jeremiah Wright. Talking Point Memo called it “Russert’s Lowest Moment, DailyKos writers and readers saw it as a bullsh** moment asserting that Russert is “truly terrible” and saw the distinction between rejecting and denouncing put forward by both the moderate and clinton as silly.

Mark Halperin gave Obama B+, Clinton B-
Chuck Todd said ” It’s hard to pick a winner; Clinton was more prepared but Obama survived and that’s probably the name of the game for him at this late date in the campaign.”
Rick Klein said “That was an exhausting 90 minutes — just to watch. Probably as close to a draw as you can imagine — really, two very talented politicians and debaters fighting it out extremely closely.”

Non-Debate News
- Things are relatively quiet on the Republican side of the isle. Mike Huckabee would like another Republican debate, it seems unlikely that is going to occur.

- The Politico is looking at how Congressional candidates in traditionally red districts are finding hope in a potential Obama ticket.

- House Minority Leader John A. Boehner is challenging Republican to start raising money for the ailing RNCC.

- Politico sees Texas Hispanics still up for grabs in the Dem primary.

Where Are They Today?
Hillary Clinton – Ohio
John McCain – Texas
Barack Obama – Ohio & Texas