California Dreamin'

Crowds gathered along Hollywood Boulevard to gawk. Celebrities filled the seats, some dressed in their Sunday (or Saturday...) best. And the (potential) nominees took the stage at the Kodak Theater. No, it wasn’t the greatest show on Earth being taped (we’re of course referring to the Oscars). Rather, it was the CNN/Politico/LA Times-sponsored Democratic debate, which was held in the heart of Hollywood, California last night, right down the road from DY Headquarters. Coming head-to-head were Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the first time following the withdrawl of Senator John Edwards earlier in the week. In stark contrast to their earlier meetings, the Senators were amiable and fondly greeted each other before and after the debate.

Just one night before, the Republican candidates met at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library out in the Simi Valley. Not seated in front of the giant jet plane was Rudy Giuliani, who only hours before announced that he would no longer seek the Republican nomination, opting instead to endorse Senator John McCain. Though all four candidates still in the running were present, McCain and Governor Mitt Romney seemed to garner the most air time.

If you didn’t have a chance to watch, you can catch yourself up on where the candidates stand by checking out the transcripts from the Democratic and Republican debates. CNN also has clips available to watch online.

Don’t forget to tune into the MTV/MySpace “Super Dialogue” this weekend, when Hillary Clinton, Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama, and Ron Paul will be on tap to talk to YOU, the young voter, about what issues you find most pressing. McCain and Romney have been invited, but have not yet confirmed their involvement. Find out more about the dialogues by clicking below:

Declare Yourself is the official registration partner for the event, so make sure the spirit moves you and REGISTER TO VOTE! MySpace Picture Dem. Picture Repub. Picture