Texas Showdown? Clinton, Obama Mostly Civil

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 21, 2008 — -- After challenging Sen. Barack Obama to weekly debates and ridiculing him in a television advertisement for refusing to debate her, Sen. Hillary Clinton finally had her chance to go "mano a mano" with Obama in Texas tonight.

But she did not use the opportunity to strike a game-changing blow. And it was her final comment of the night — after an hour and 40 minutes of debate — that drew the biggest response.

Asked to talk about the moment in their lives "that tested you the most," Clinton said: "I think everybody here knows I've lived through some crises and some challenging moments in my life."

She then said that no matter how bad things have seemed in her life, no matter how tough the challenges, it was nothing compared to what is happening in the lives of Americans every single day.

Clinton reflected on visiting wounded warriors in Texas recently — veterans who arrived in wheelchairs and on gurneys, a speaker who lost part of his face to a roadside bomb.

"You know, the hits I've taken in life are nothing compared to what goes on every single day in the lives of people across our country," she said.

The call to serve others less fortunate is what "gets me up in the morning," she added. "That's what keeps me going."

And then her voice softened.

"No matter what happens in this contest — and I am honored. I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored," she said, and reached across the desk for Obama's hand.

"Whatever happens," she said, "we're gonna be fine."

Given the tight nomination battle she finds herself in, some may read that comment as a poignant admission that she may not end up as the party's nominee.

But just after the debate ended, Clinton's communications director crowed that the final moment was a defining moment for Clinton.

"It was the moment she retook the reins of this race and showed women and men why she is the best choice," said Howard Wolfson.