Democrats go head-to-head

Barack Obama spent much of his 21st televised debate with Hillary Clinton on the defensive as the moderators spent the first 45 minutes of the 90 minute encounter concentrating on past gaffes.

Six days before the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, Obama was once more forced to defend his comments about 'guns and religion'. He compared his predicament to his rival's own experience of the media picking up on loosely phrased statements.

"I recall back in 1992, when she said, 'what do you expect, should I be at home baking cookies?' And people attacked her for being elitist... I remember saying, well, that's not who she is; that's not what she believes; that's not what she meant. And I'm sure that that's how she felt as well."

A series of difficult questions from the two moderators, both ABC news presenters, suggested widespread criticism that the media has in the past given Obama an easy ride had hit their mark. As well as his inconsistent wearing of an American flag lapel badge, Obama was quizzed about his association with the controversial pastor, Rev Jeremiah A Wright, and members of the militant leftist group Weather Underground. Obama hit back: "By Senator Clinton's own vetting standards, I don't think she would make it, since President Clinton pardoned or commuted the sentences of two members of the Weather Underground."

When questions of policy finally came up, both candidates promised not to increase taxes on those earning $200,000 or less - the American middle-class - although Obama was more hawkish on capital gains tax, which he said he would consider raising from 15 to 28 per cent.

The debate was widely regarded as Obama's weakest performance yet, although Clinton should be wary, since voters have in the past been turned off when she has shown her aggressive side.

FIRST POSTED APRIL 18, 2008