An unusual, but possibly historic, conversation

They're like messages conveyed by drumbeat across miles of impenetrable forest, but the messages are taking on the aspect of a conversation.
Hillary Clinton describes Sarah Palin as a "composed and effective debater."
"It's amazing, you know, she's been thrust into the national spotlight with very little preparation and I think that, all things considered, you saw a very composed and effective debater last night."
The comment is a little unusual in that Palin, a Republican, and Clinton, a Democrat, are nominally adversaries.
Put the word "nominally" in italics.
Clinton's message is intended not only for Palin, but also for the 18 million who voted for Clinton in the presidential primaries. About 6 million of them won't support Barack Obama, who defeated Clinton, according to pollsters.
Palin has answered back, her words also intended for those 18 million.
If the conversation bears fruit, Obama will have a hard time winning the election and, four years from now, Clinton and Palin may be debating each other as candidates for president.

Earlier post: The Republicat party is born