Debate wrapup: Did Clinton surrender to Obama?

The Associated Press

Are they nearing the end?

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Debate wrapup: Did Clinton surrender to Obama?

The latest debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton was underwhelming -- few fireworks, and lots of agreement on the issues. The major difference: The never-ending debate over their health care plans. The lack of debate at the debate, in fact, prompted some observers to suggest that Clinton is surrendering to Obama.

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Jim Geraghty/The Campaign Spot

Other than the Xerox line, it was tough to find moments where Hillary really seemed to pound home an argument to Democrats, "you can't nominate this guy, you're on the verge of a catastrophic mistake." She needed to do that tonight; I'm a little surprised that she didn't try to maul him, or to provoke some sort of unflattering reaction out of him. He's so unflappable, I don't know whether it would have worked. But when you've lost 11 in a row, you have to start throwing some Hail Mary passes.

Joel likes: Clinton seemed to surrender

John Nichols/The Nation

Hillary Clinton, after what came across more like a valedictory statement than a rallying cry, turned to the man who so soundly defeated her in this week's Wisconsin primary and said, "No matter what happens… I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored."

The statement, with which she closed Thursday night's 19th Democratic presidential debate, was so heartfelt, so sincere, that Obama put one arm around his opponent's shoulder and reached a hand across the table to warmly shake her hand.

It was an oddly disarming moment that belonged to the New York senator but not in the way that she or her supporters could have wanted.

Clinton seemed to surrender, graciously.