Clinton and Obama frost alert

By Stone Martindale Aug 7, 2007, 16:53 GMT

which way Dems? REUTERS/Chris Keane

As time progresses and the rhetoric heats up for both parties in CNN and FOX debates, the Democrats two leading candidates, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, are reportedly becoming less and less cordial on the stump tours.

According to Jeff Zeleny of the New York Times, they have "barely spoken to each other — at least in any meaningful way — for months."

The tension has been steadily intensifying since January claims Zeleny.  But who will be the more political animal and savvy sidestepper in the next scheduled volley of debates?

More than any other candidates, Clinton and Obama's camp are vehemently critical of each other.  Despite on-camera politesse and manners, the word from insiders is the two are not breaking bread any time soon.

Zeleny reports the two are masterful of turning on the charm when on camera, displaying "good sportsmanship."

The tensions were detailed by Zeleny, who journaled a body language play by play at a recent debate:

"Consider a scene from the Capitol on a recent evening...Mrs. Clinton, of New York, and Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut came first, laughing as they made their way to the Democratic side of the aisle. A few paces behind was Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, who quickly joined them. Mr. Obama, of Illinois, entered the Senate floor alone. He glanced at the other three, then pulled out his BlackBerry and paused for a few seconds before taking a seat next to three freshman senators. As the evening passed, Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton each spoke to several Republicans and to nearly every Democrat — except each other."

According to Zeleny, it was when Obama floated the gee, I can be president balloon, it set Hillary off into the Arctic zone.

As time progressed, and it was apparent that Obama was ratcheting up the presidential bid push, the ex First Lady and now Senator went into overt avoidance and distancing on Capitol Hill.

Both are fighting for the hearts and minds of the Democrats, who also are considering Edwards as a strong third candidate.

Zeleny notes that now the stakes are higher, with Secret Service details and political posses, it keeps the awkward moments at bay momentarily.  Zeleny writes that "one impartial Senate observer could remember the two standing together without tension was when lawmakers gathered around a television in the cloakroom as Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of another Democratic presidential contender, John Edwards, announced that her cancer had returned."

If the choice were between Obama and Hillary for the Democrats, who would you choose?