If you’ve been watching the national news media’s coverage of the events held in Selma Sunday, you might get a distorted view.

Most in the media are using terms like “showdown” and “battle” when referring to the appearance of two presidential candidates at the 42nd anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

But those who witnessed the events tell a different story.

Certainly as the 2008 presidential primary draws closer, the campaigns could get ugly.

It may, indeed, end up being a very volatile race to the White House.

But, in Selma on Sunday, it was nothing of the sort.

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was complimentary of his opponent – and colleague – U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Clinton also was respectful to Obama.

Both recognized that the Voting Rights Act passed after the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965 opened the door to their run for office.

In public, at least, they were friendly and respectful of one another.

Obama left the stage when former President Bill Clinton was inducted into the National Voting Rights Hall of Fame.

At times, Hillary Clinton and Obama were seen hugging.

And Obama appeared to be as star struck of Bill Clinton as everyone else in the crowd that swarmed him.

Sunday’s march re-enactment was peaceful, with no reported problems among the thousands who attended.

The spirit of cooperation and respect for the events of 1965

and those who participated

was evident to anyone in attendance.

Unless, of course, you were looking for something else.