Clinton and Obama : Very Different Approaches

An interesting dichotomy is emerging in the responses of Clinton and Obama to the questions asked by moderator Tavis Smiley and the panel of reporters.

Clinton has repeatedly emphasized what she has worked to accomplish while in the Senate. On HIV, Hurricane Katrina recovery and several other issues, Clinton has made sure the audience at Howard and watching on television knows she has been there and done that. It's no surprise as Clinton's strongest point over Obama is her experience versus his inexperience.

Obama, on the other hand, has sought to paint nearly every question in broad terms -- focusing on the big challenges that face the country. Obama has "the vision thing" down pat, and the more he can focus the debate on his plans to fundamentally change the political debate and dynamic in the country, the better he does.

As the debate winds down, watch Clinton and Obama to see their different philosophical approaches to the questions.

-- Chris Cillizza