I watched a political debate...and liked it

Over the weekend, I was flipping through channels and came across a rerun of last week's California Democratic Debate. Normally, I wouldn't have even hesitated before skipping past CNN to watch something more hangover-appropriate like Degrassi or Meerkat Manor.

However, for some reason, I stopped at CNN, put down the remote and actually absorbed what Hillary and Obama were saying. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

I've always been daunted by political debates, thinking I wouldn't have a clue what anyone was talking about, so why waste my time listening?

But this debate was different. Moderators posed interesting and poignant questions. One of my favorites was about the danger of continuing a 20-year dynasty of Bushes and Clintons in the White House, prompting Hillary to say, "It did take a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush, and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush."

For the first time during this entire election process, I became interested in the actual issues at hand, the very things that people should be basing their votes on.

Like the issue of driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Not going to lie- I didn't even know that was a prominent issue in this election (probably because I've been too busy watching Meerkat Manor...but that's beside the point).

What I'm getting at is this: this debate was open, honest and human. After all the negative media attention the two democrats have received recently for their child-like banter, I'm sure some PR pros stepped in and helped to calm the storm.

There are those who were disappointed with the debate, though. Considering this was the last debate before Super Tuesday, many political junkies thought it would be more of a knock-down, drag-out fight to show which candidate better deserves the Democratic nomination.

And maybe it's because I'm still somewhat naive about politics, but I enjoyed the lack of bickering between the two candidates. I liked seeing Hillary and Obama agree on issues, even complimenting each other at times. As Obama pulled out Hillary's chair for her at the end of the debate and the two embraced in a friendly hug, I felt like they genuinely like each other.

Or maybe I'm just that sucker who fell for a well-devised PR move to show how united the Democratic Party is.

Either way, congratulations to the strategists behind this debate. You held my attention and got me to care. That, in and of itself, is quite the accomplishment.