Admitting Mistakes at the Democratic Debate in Nevada

Tue, January 15, 2008 - 9:27 PM

We’re 20 minutes into the Democratic debate in Nevada, and Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama, and former Sen. John Edward have all argued that the infighting – largely over race – that has defined the Democratic contest for the last week must end. It’s time to go back to talking about issues like health care, the economy and more, they said.

And the moderators, NBC’s Brian Williams and Tim Russert, have obliged by … asking question after question unrelated to a single policy issue. Lots of questions over campaign infighting.

Brian, Tim, perhaps you’ve heard that the level of economic anxiety is creeping up to levels not seen in five years, as economists debate over whether we’re headed to a recession. The candidates have all in recent days talked about economic stimulus plans, with vastly different components. Maybe we could get a few questions about that.

A few early thoughts. Russert, a master questioner, has already got Obama and Clinton to admit that their campaigns had made mistakes in recent days. With Obama, it was a comment of his about Clinton’s likability that some viewed as disparaging to her. With Clinton, it was a comment a supporter of hers made on Sunday – BET founder Bob Johnson – widely viewed as a crack on Obama’s teenage drug use.

Not that notable, perhaps, except when viewed in context of the current administration. During President Bush’s terms in office, Bush has been famously reluctant to admit mistakes.

If Obama or Clinton win, will admitting mistakes once again become en vogue in Washington?

--Sean Mussenden