Well, that sure was an uncomfortable debate to watch last night. You think maybe Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama don’t like each other these days?

I think last night’s debate was more of a meta-debate. It was less about the candidates’ positions on the issues and more about how the candidates handle conflict and challenge. And Obama disappointed me there.

This piece explains it: Big Speech Obama is not the same as Debate Obama. Clinton played loose and unfairly with the facts at times, — for instance, harping on Obama’s “present” votes in the Illinois legislature. Obama tried to explain those votes, but I don’t totally understand his explanation, even with the help of this. Then she attacked him for what he’d said about Reagan, totally distorting his words. It was dirty.

But unfortunately, the meta-debate is what mattered last night. And Obama is just not good at arguing with Clinton. He’s not good at arguing with anyone — not good at the rough-and-tumble, while Clinton excels at it. She is tough. I think she’s going to get the nomination and she’ll be a much better candidate than Gore or Kerry was. I was thinking last night that I can’t wait to see her in a debate with the Republican nominee next fall.

Obama has had the misfortune in these primaries to go up against her, because she seems to be the best debater out of all the candidates in either party this year. But honestly, if you’re not good at the rough-and-tumble, you won’t make a very good president. Obama defenders, feel free to disagree with me, but that’s where I see things.

I think Clinton’s going to get the nomination. And it’ll be nice to have the person who plays tough and dirty be on our side for once. We don’t need another milquetoast Democrat running against the Republicans.