Opinion: Change in Cuba sparks first debate question

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

After opening statements in which both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama invoked Barbara Jordan -- an icon in Texas politics, especially for women and blacks -- tonight’s Democratic debate in Austin opened with a topical question, but one more pressing to Floridians than Lone Star State voters.

The two candidates were asked if they would be willing to sit down and chat with the expected new leader of Cuba, Raul Castro. The result was a flashback to a debate last year -- back when the stage was crowded with many more White House contenders -- that focused a lot of attention on Obama.

Clinton responded first, saying she would work to create momentum that might lead to a presidential visit with Castro, but only if there was evidence that the Cuban government was taking steps toward democracy.

Obama, as he did at the forum months ago, said he would be willing to meet with Castro and other leaders of rogue nations ‘without preconditions.’ But he also he stressed that he agreed with Clinton ‘that there has to be preparation’ for such summits, a vague statement but one that served to mute any spirited exchange over the issue.

All in all, a tame start.

Few policy differences surfaced as they went on to two other topics -- the economy and immigration.

But a clear difference emerged in style. Clinton offered her answers with an enthusiasm and verve that hasn’t always been evident from her on the stump of late. Obama was more subdued, in part, perhaps, because he’s afflicted with a cold. A bit of bad luck for him there.

-- Don Frederick