YouTube hosts Democratic presidential debate

THE media took a novel approach to the latest Democratic presidential debate by hosting the event with the video-sharing website YouTube.

Young Americans submitted questions on homemade videos. There were emotional questions from cancer patients, parents of soldiers in Iraq, a couple from Darfur — and humorous ones from a melting snowman about global warming.

The debate was expected to attract a younger audience who typically get their news from the web.

Domestic issues dominated as Democrats were asked about race relations, gay marriage, gun control, health care and the environment, but the only real difference was format as candidates combed over the usual talking points and engaged in little actual debate.

Senator Barack Obama made some interesting comments. Senator Joe Biden aggressively tried to separate himself from the pack. Senator John Edwards was gracious though forgettable, and Senator Hillary Clinton dominated the debate.

Asked by one viewer how they would be different from any other administration, Sen Obama said that by not taking campaign funding from special interest groups he would not compromise his duty to the national interest. He was seconded by Sen Edwards.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, the most left-leaning candidate, said the most effective way to elicit change is to “never send the army after a political agenda”.

Race was a significant issue, with most candidates rejecting the making of reparations for slavery in favour of addressing health and education reform in the present.

In a strange twist, Sen Obama was criticised for not being black enough.

Wearing a pink jacket, Sen Clinton — who is criticised for not being feminine enough — was asked how she could be taken seriously in the Muslim world where women were second-class citizens.

She responded by listing her many meetings with Arab leaders as First Lady and as Senator, then to loud applause added “there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that I can be taken seriously”.