Democratic debate

Sen. Barack Obama meets well-wishers after his debate with Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The event was the first head-to-head showdown between the two main surviving Democratic contenders since former Sen. John Edwards suspended his campaign Wednesday  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton receives a kiss from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa after her debate with Democratic rival Barack Obama at the Kodak Theatre.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton kept it serious but cordial during their debate at the Kodak Theatre with five days to go before the California primary and other Super Tuesday contests from coast to coast.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

A CNN technician works as Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton debates Barack Obama at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The cable network joined with the Los Angeles Times and Politico in sponsoring the debate.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

The Kodak Theatre, home to spectacles like the Oscars, became a political battleground as Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama met to debate. The two Democratic contenders struck a congenial tone as they tried to draw distinctions between themselves and whoever emerges as the Republican presidential nominee.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Candidates Obama and Clinton faced a celebrity-studded audience at the Kodak Theatre but struck a more serious tone onstage as the first hour of their debate focused on immigration and healthcare.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama weren’t the only ones bringing star power to tonight’s Democratic presidential debate in Hollywood. Diane Keaton was among the show business notables in attendance at the Kodak Theatre.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Leonardo DiCaprio was among the celebrities attending the Democratic presidential debate at the Kodak Theatre.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, center, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa watch as Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama debate at the Kodak Theatre.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Sens. Obama and Clinton debate at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood in the final such event before Super Tuesday next week. At stake for the two main surviving Democrats are delegates from California and other key states.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sens. Obama and Clinton have the stage all to themselves at the Kodak Theatre, in a debate sponsored by CNN, the Los Angeles Times and Politico.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Sens. Obama and Clinton arrive onstage to debate the issues five days before the California primary, one of many key Super Tuesday contests for the two Democrats.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sens. Obama and Clinton wait backstage before their televised debate at the Kodak Theatre.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Clinton supporters rally outside the Kodak Theatre before this evening’s debate.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

In Hollywood, the Elvis impersonators just come with the scenery, even when the event is as serious as the Clinton-Obama debate.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)