The outcome of the Saturday night drama had actually been sealed earlier in the day, when two Democratic senators who had not pledged their support for the bill announced that they would vote for it to advance to debate.

VOA: standard.2009.11.23

Tuesday night in Philadelphia was not the first Democratic debate where Senator Hillary Clinton has been the target of attacks from her rivals.

NPR: Clinton No Longer Unscathed Front-Runner

By using litigation to achieve goals that properly belong to legislation, the suit would short-circuit democratic debate on public issues.

ECONOMIST: Uncle Sam v Big Tobacco | The

Not so stormy last night in Texas at the Democratic debate there.

NPR: Democrats Feud; McCain Stews over 'Times' Piece