Category: Students

Barack Obama has continually avoided negatively engaging Hillary Clinton throughout tonight’s debate. Instead, Senator Obama pointed out that Democrats must avoid the temptation to tear each other down. Obama was willing, however, to criticize Arizona Senator John McCain’s alleged desire to simply continue the policies of the Bush Administration. Obama’s attack on McCain was met with warm applause by the audience.

The crowd at the debate in Austin tonight seemed less than thrilled with Senator Clinton’s swipe at Senator Obama when she pointed out Texas Senator Kirk Watson’s recent inability to highlight a single legislative accomplishment of Senator Obama while being interviewed by Chris Matthews on MSNBC.

To the surprise of political pundits across the country and the elation of the Democratic crowd gathered in Austin tonight, Senators Clinton and Obama have avoided direct political attacks at one another in the debate so far. In fact, both Senators have employed a civil, complimentary tone while drawing distinctions between each other’s policy positions.

Members of the media watch from the press filing room as Senators Clinton and Obama give their opening remarks .

Radio broadcast reporters watch from the press room as Barack Obama gives his opening remarks at the Democratic presidential debate in Austin, Texas.

As the debate begins, members of the press watch from the “spin room.” Following the debate, staff and supporters of the Clinton and Obama campaigns will give interviews in the spin room highlighting the successes of their respective candidate.

As with any political event worth its salt, various protesters have arrived at the debate in Austin.

Supporters of Barack Obama have gathered outside the debate venue to show their solidarity with the Senator from Illinois.

Individuals able to acquire tickets for tonight’s debate have lined up outside of the press zone and are waiting to enter the University of Texas recreational center where the debate will be held. According to an employee of the University of Texas only 1400 people will be allowed into the debate tonight.