Debate Trail: Off Stage In Philly

PHILADELPHIA -- I've been to more debates than I can count fingers on one hand. I am not complaining (especially since this filing room is filled with people who've spent more time than me on the Trail). In fact, an anonymous member of Hillary's Press Corps, who has been to more than 30 debates, said the only difference "is that we are watching a black man and a white woman on the TV screen." That may be, and yet redundancy on the airwaves is running a muck.

Each debate has its own special flavor. From a behind-the-scenes perspective, ABC News runs the tightest ship. The atmosphere is different, too. At one end of the spectrum, the CNN-LA Times-Politico Debate at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood seemed like an award show. At the other, the Iowa Public Television Debate in Des Moines was intimate and no frills. Given Philadelphia's history, though -- we're across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell -- the feeling here is... more full of import, like something has changed.

How so? Senator Obama's "bitter" comments and Senator Clinton's desperation are in the air, hovering, like spring, but not as nice. Inside it was business as usual. So I hit the streets outside the National Constitutional Center to find out what people were thinking.

The Clinton Campaign had an overwhelming influence along Arch Street. Hillary's staffers were all over, and there was a concerted effort by her campaign to ask volunteers from Texas to support her in Philly. Carlos, a college-aged volunteer from San Antonio and candidate for district delegate said, "[the rallying] is beautiful, and words can't describe it." Rosemary Parra, also from San Antonio, agreed. "This is a dream come true." Three Obama supporters (and by the way, all three are college students in Pennsylvania who donate to Obama's campaign) discussed their campaign's lack of presence. With a calm, confident smile Jorge Perdomo said, "most of the organizers are out knocking on doors and at the phone banks. Making a lot of noise outside this debate is a poor use of money."

Fair enough, but Lisa Yourman from Northern New Jersey representing the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease held a different opinion; "The [feeling in the] air is that we need something new, and [we need] to shift the focus away from the world to our own backyards." Health care and the mortgage crisis are real issues for Lisa. Her 18-year-old daughter suffers serious health problems.

On the street outside the National Constitution Center, the heightened energy was inline with the 80 percent of Americans who feel the country is on the wrong track and less to do with the squabbling within the Democratic Party showcased inside on stage.

Comments

[busybeez]

Hillary is good at the stagings of looking like a vital candidate. She almost convinced me she was still in the race. It would have been in her long-term interest to have skipped this debate because it will not serve her well in the Democratic Party over time. The last flickerings of the Clinton legacy dimmed more during the debate, and I believe she has officially and forever become the most hated woman in American history. Sad legacy for such an intelligent woman, who should have made so many better choices for herself during the campaign. Self-destruction is not pleasant to watch.

[mediahack]

CNN reported that the crowds outside the Debate venue were 4 to 1 in favor of Hillary. They were so happy with the debate they all jammed in a local bar and pounded back crown royales

[PistonMoaned]

Running a muck? Try running amok: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amok

I don't even have a college degree, let alone one in English or journalism, yet I can see the level of discourse in America degrading every year. I'm afraid we've begun circling the drain.

[FreedomLoverX]

Did you say something?

[bluelovingit]

I was so disappointed in the debates only more negative attacks??? No plans or policies this is not a childs game this is our country and we want it back. What a obsurd sabotage attempt to derail Barack it hurt her more than it hurt him.

[CeciliaBertrand]

I feel like I just read the inside of an empty cracker box?????

[rosal]

And they called this a Debate? More like a shameful circus. The MSM has sunked to new lows. As long as they have an audience who care more about charades, than real issues, this will continue.
I hope there are steps people will take against the MSM. The only thing they care about is the bottom line. This is where the country can get together, and make a difference.