Schneider: Clinton gets to healthcare discussion

AUSTIN, Texas (CNN) - Clinton successfully brought up the issue of healthcare - an issue where she clearly thinks she has the upper hand over Obama.

She is calling for mandated coverage, while Obama is calling for reduced costs that he says will result in everyone buying coverage.

On the substance of this issue she has a very strong case. Most economists agree Obama's plan will not result in universal health care. Why? Because no matter how cheap it is, if given the option, some people will still prefer to purchase something else.

But Obama tactfully used the issue to make a larger point he has been repeatedly been touching on tonight. He says even if the two disagree slightly on the issue, he has a better chance to get it passed because of his fundamentally different approach - he paints himself as a consensus builder while Clinton is a partisan fighter.

It’s an argument that is central to his change theme.

- CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider