The first question in tonight’s Democratic debate invited the candidates to address an important issue: Withdrawing troops from Iraq. Tim Russert asked each candidate, starting with Obama and Clinton, whether they would assure that all troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by 2013, the end of their first term. Russert followed up aggressively with each speaker.

Obama, Clinton, and Edwards criticized both the war and the circumstances, but would not commit to a complete withdrawal by 2013.

Richardson said it could be done within a year. Kucinich said he needed three months. Dodd had a nuanced position, but said he would withdraw during his first term. Biden talked about the need to withdraw without leaving chaos behind. He claimed that his plan for a stable Iraq, like Bosnia, would achieve a political solution. If there is “not a political solution, they are just fodder.”

Gravel got a different question: What would he do if he were a Senator right now. He turned to the other candidates and told them to vote against the war at every opportunity, voting to override the President’s veto to generate public support. He pointed out that there was “a vote in the Senate today” on a resolution that provided a “fig leaf” to go to war with Iran. He congratulated Biden and Dodd for voting against it. Turning to Clinton, he said, “I am ashamed of you, Hillary, for voting for it. You are not going to get another shot at this.” He also noted that Obama was not even there to vote. Russert invited a response from Clinton. After laughing, she noted that the Revolutionary Guard in Iran was promoting terrorism and opposing our troops in Iraq. The resolution was needed to impose sanctions in dealing with the failed Bush diplomatic efforts.

Dodd, given a chance to reply, said that the key was to vote on funding resolutions, using the power of the purse vested in Congress.

This was an interesting and important discussion. Assuming, as seems extremely likely, that the Iraq situation is not resolved before the general election, it will be the most important issue. These answers suggest what a Democratic platform might include — depending upon the candidate chosen.