Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton seemed to glide through the Democratic Debate tonight.  There were minor differences, but if there was one common thread it showed that the two remaining candidates can get along, at least long enough to talk about the issues.

Perhaps one of the more convivial debates of the season, Obama and Clinton discussed their differences on health care, ending the Iraq war and economic policy.  Granted the differences came down to splitting hairs, but there are slight and significant differences. 

The candidates positions on the issues, as stated on CNN are: 

Obama on healthcare:

Would create a national health insurance program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care and who do not qualify for other existing federal programs. Allows individuals to choose between the new public insurance program or from among private insurance plans that meet certain coverage standards. Requires employers who do not provide health coverage for employees to pay into the national health insurance program. Does not mandate individual coverage for all Americans, but requires coverage for all children. Allows individuals below age 25 to be covered through their parents’ plans. Cost estimated between $50 billion and $65 billion, to be paid for by eliminating Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250,000.

While Clinton:

Mandates individual health insurance coverage for all Americans. Offers federal subsidies for those who cannot afford it. Allows individuals to choose from among several private plans also offered to members of Congress, as well as a new public insurance plan modeled after Medicare. Requires insurance companies to offer coverage to anyone who applies, and bars insurance companies from charging higher premiums to those with pre-existing conditions. Requires large businesses to provide or help pay for employee coverage. Expands Medicaid and federal children’s health care programs. Offers tax credits to limit health care premiums to a certain percentage a family’s income. Cost estimated at $110 billion annually, to be paid for by eliminating the Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250,000, as well as by reducing waste and inefficiencies in the current system. Also limits the amount employers can exclude from taxes for health care benefits for those making over $250,000.

On the issue of immigration, Obama:

Supported Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Voted to authorize construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.

While Clinton:

Supported Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Voted to authorize construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.

On the war Obama:

Opposed use of military force in Iraq. Voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Supports phased redeployment of U.S. troops. Opposed Bush’s plan to send additional troops to Iraq. Had once called for troop withdrawal to begin by the end of 2006.

While Clinton:

Voted for use of military force in Iraq, but now says she would have voted differently “if we knew then what we know now.” Supports de-authorizing the war. Voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Opposed Bush plan to increase the number of American troops in Iraq. Supports a phased redeployment.

Well, there are other issues and again, the Dems are down to splitting hairs.  But, if there is one thing there is no disagreement on, at least this night, it is that whoever the nominee is when the convention rolls around, the Democratic party will have one hell of a ticket that we can be proud to support.  There will be no losers going into November. 

Now, if we can all just stay on point and discuss the issues between now and then. 

So, what’s the bottom line going into Super Tuesday?  I’m still undecided.  But, I suppose I will be forced to decide sometime before the polls close on Tuesday.  In the meantime, I’m getting ready for the Super Bowl.