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Congratulations, Austin, TX. You won last night's debate.
For more years than I can remember, the University of Texas at Austin and the community it lives in have been among the country's true bedrocks of progressive politics. You volunteer. You get out the vote. You protest unjust wars, stand up for a woman's right to choose, mobilize against racial and social injustices, embrace the freedoms of speech and religion -- all while taking a dip at Barton Springs, drinking on Sixth Street, and singing the Eyes of Texas at Royal-Memorial Stadium.
Last night, next door to Royal-Memorial, two of the greatest candidates the Democratic Party has ever been blessed to call its members took the stage to engage in one of the most influential debates we've had concerning the future of this country.
Together -- whether it was those lucky enough to be in the room, those watching it at bars and hotels and restaurants around the city, or those displaced souls 2,000 miles away -- Austinites gathered to see two true champions of the Democratic Party first hand. And one day, they'll be able to tell their families what they saw.
They can say, "I saw when Senator Clinton and Senator Obama engaged in a substantive policy discussion about how we, as a country, approach hostile leaders and unfriendly countries."
They can say, "I saw when Senator Obama and Senator Clinton had a spirited, passionate debate about how to achieve one of the grandest visions of how the government can improve the lives of millions -- when they spoke fiercely about the nuanced policies of how to achieve universal health care for all Americans."
They can say, "I saw when Senator Obama and Senator Clinton showed our country that Democrats have ideas...that Democrats have leadership...that Democrats are strong, independent, extraordinary fighters who will never back down from the opportunity to make this country great."
They can say, "I saw it all -- and it all happened in my hometown of Austin, TX."
My mother and my father were at last night's debate. Two of my best friends attended the watch party, and my extraordinary colleagues of the Burnt Orange Report covered all aspects of the evening -- and their reports will be coming up throughout the day, and into the weekend. But before we engage in the amusing discussions of who won, what happened, and what it all means -- before we dive into the enjoyment of scoreboard politics, I wanted to step back and focus on the broader sky surrounding the city.
I can see the light of the Lone Star State shining from 2,000 miles away. And if it weren't so doggone cold outside, I'd be out on the porch looking your way, raising my horns, and smiling right back at you.
I am proud that Austin, TX is my home, and that Texas Democrats showcased to the world how forcefully good we can be when we sit down and talk. No guns. No violence. Just words.
Take a bow, Austin, and all the Democrats therein. You deserve it.
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