( dpa ) - Democratic front-runners Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama squared off Thursday in their first one-on-one debate as Clinton tried to stop Obama's momentum before the critical super Tuesday races in 22 states.
The debate was held in the Kodak Theatre, which will host the Oscars later this month. But there was drama in the air Thursday as the candidates sought to influence the most important vote to date in the election cycle.
But there was little of the bad tempered squabbling that erupted in the Republican debate a night earlier and the two Democrats stressed their common differences with the current ruling party on immigration, health reform, tax relief.
"I was friends with Hillary Clinton before we started this campaign. I will be friends with Hillary Clinton after this campaign is over," said Obama, 46.
"Just by looking at us you can tell we are not more of the same," said Clinton, 61, moments later. "We will change this country."
But they sparred over the war in Iraq with Obama blasting Clinton's support for the pre-Iraq war resolution that authorized President George W Bush to use force. Obama also criticized the former first lady for failing to commit to a timetable for withdrawal. "I made a reasoned judgment - the person who actually got to execute the policy did not," she said.
Obama meanwhile brandished his anti-war credentials. "I think I will be the Democrat who will be most effective in going up against John McCain...because I will offer a clear contrast," he said. "I don't want to just end the war, I want to end the mindset that got us into war in the first place."
The showdown came hours after the Obama campaign revealed it had raised 32 million dollars in January from roughly 170,000 new donors. That amount will allow Obama to significantly expand his television advertising in the competing states holding primaries or caucuses Tuesday.
Obama and Clinton are competing heavily for votes in California, the richest prize on Tuesday in terms of delegates and in Clinton's home state of New York. Polls have shown Clinton ahead in both states, but Obama eroding her margin, particularly in California.
Clinton's best moment came when she took an internet question about the Bush and Clinton families occupying the White House for the last 20 years. "It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it might take a Clinton to clean up after the second Bush," she said.
She also brushed off assertions that she could not control her husband, former President Bill Clinton. "At the end of the day it's my name on the ballot and...I will have to make the call," she said. "It's a lonely job in the White House and it's the president of the US who has to make decisions."
The cordial atmosphere continued to the final words when both candidates were asked whether they would accept the other on a Democratic dream ticket. "Hillary will be on anyone's shortlist," said Obama. "I have to agree with everything Barack said," replied Clinton.