Democratic Debates

[lily]

Here is what I thought:

Edwards shined. I didn't expect it from him.

Clinton, Biden and Dodd had their moments, no surprises. Gave about the same responses that they do when in front of the cameras.

Richardson gave some good responses, but looked extremely nervous which diverted my attention. While answering the questions pretty well I have to admit I was waiting for him to stroke out.

Obama.....sorry Professor he did nothing for me and evaded the questions, giving the answers in my opinion to what he had practiced which usually had nothing to do with the questions asked.

Kucinich......I'd like to live in the world he does. Too bad it's not reality.

Gravel......made Kucinich look sane.

[Pookie]

Rats, I missed it! I'll catch highlights tomorrow.
Purrs,

[micfranklin]

I would've caught it if I weren't too busy doing homework.

[Buck Laser]

I just watched the debate and some of the interviews afterwards. I think every single one of the candidates did very well. They pretty much avoided direct attacks on each other, and they wasted NO time trashing Bush, although they made it very clear that all consider his policies with regard to Iraq utterly wrong.

This election is about change, said Barack Obama, and he is exactly right about that. Regardless of who's elected, the changes in Washington will be massive in 2009. We had a chance to get at least a taste of the candidates, and not a single one of them disappointed. I think Mike Gravel is the only one who truly sees himself as a gadfly, and he did it well. Dennis Kucinich did exceptionally well, laying out an agenda well to the left of what will probably fly here, and presenting it in a very convincing manner. Of course, my own personal political beliefs align better with Kucinich than any of the other candidates, so my views might be a little skewed.

I don't believe in declaring "winners," but my man Obama surely lost no ground. Bill Richardson also did well--I don't agree with all his views, but he comes across to me as the most "unpackaged" candidate, and I'd work like hell for him if he got the nomination. And I still wouldn't have any problem supporting Clinton if she gets the nomination. I could vote for any one of them.

[lily]

They pretty much avoided direct attacks on each other, and they wasted NO time trashing Bush, although they made it very clear that all consider his policies with regard to Iraq utterly wrong.

I didn't see it so much as bashing Bush, but using what has happened as their lead in to what they would do different.

I think Mike Gravel is the only one who truly sees himself as a gadfly, and he did it well.

You mean he did it on purpose? I thought he did a better job on the Daily Show, although his comment about the potted plant was good.

Dennis Kucinich did exceptionally well, laying out an agenda well to the left of what will probably fly here, and presenting it in a very convincing manner. Of course, my own personal political beliefs align better with Kucinich than any of the other candidates, so my views might be a little skewed.

Like I said, I'd love to live in Kuchinich's world, but that time is long gone.

I don't believe in declaring "winners," but my man Obama surely lost no ground.

I was expecting better and like I said he came off as avoiding answering the questions and instead went off on what seemed to be practiced speech.

Bill Richardson also did well--I don't agree with all his views, but he comes across to me as the most "unpackaged" candidate, and I'd work like hell for him if he got the nomination.

He seemd genuine and when he brought up how we need to use diplomacy came off as genuine. I just kept thinking of the Nixon debates the way he was sweating and looked so nervous. He should be used to public speaking by now.

[NortheastCynic]

I was expecting better and like I said he came off as avoiding answering the questions and instead went off on what seemed to be practiced speech.
It's amazing isn't it?Â*Â*The man hasn't said anything of substance in a year and a half and he's the frontrunner for the Democratic Party's nomination for President.Â*Â*Truly unbelievable.Â*Â*I'm so beyond tired of hearing about Barrack Obama.Â*Â*He continued to do tonight what he's been doing for months, making general, feel-good statements that everyone can cheer for, smiling and repeating.Â*Â*Can someone...anyone please please please actually stand up on a podium and say this his how I feel about X, Y and Z and this is what I'd do about it?Â*Â*

No one won, especially not the viewers because all we get in these debates are choreographed talking points. Wake me up on November first.

-NC

[lily]

You know, NC.......I really tired to see what people see in him. I thought I would tonight, but nothing.

[sbannon]

I can't vote on a winner, unless I can vote for the Democratic party.

Seriously, no candidate jumped out for me, not that I expected one to in this forum.

Clinton's the front-runner, and presented herself as such. She held her ground when necessary at a few points, but avoided playing the shrew.

Obama has yet to let me (or anyone?) know what he's about. Lots of rhetoric and patriotic cheerleading, but how does he plan to get from A to B with anything? I'm starting to get an impression of him as the Democrat's Bush (and not because of his ears). He's high on ideals, but doesn't seem to sweat the details too much.

Edwards came across as I expected he would, thorough and articulate. I'm not sure how those traits will play out in a Presidential race though, it's been so long since we've seen them.

Biden just makes Clinton, Obama and Edwards look more Presidential. I don't know what else to say about him. I'm still dumb-founded over where he's raising money from at this point.

Richardson is really one of my favorite candidates in this race, but Lily's right on that the man just doesn't do well before crowds. He's ruthless in diplomacy, his record speaks to that, and he's done what appears to be a pretty fair job as Gov. Plus, I think he's moderate enough to pull support from Independents and even moderate Republicans in a general election, if they can just get past feeling uncomfortable watching him speak.

Kucinich and Gravel each make Biden look Presidential. And in my poor vocal impression of Gump, "that's about all I've got to say about them."

However, the one winner I did see in tonight's debate was the Democratic party. 7 top members (Gravel doesn't count), all fighting for the same 1 job, were absolutely civil with one another and united against the failed policies and corruptions of the current administration.

I don't remember seeing that at all last time around, and I think it's a very good sign for the party.

[Elrathin]

I was really disappointed in Obama. Tonight was his chance to shine, but he relied too much on rhetoric and no details.

Obama right now IMO is doing just what Kerry did last election. Lots of "I'll do better" but not saying HOW. He is more and more disappointing me each week. First it was him playing the "race card" on the whole Imus thing, and now he isn't giving any details.

Clinton was well spoken as was Edwards, although I thought Edwards was a little cheesy at times.

[bobbylien]

Richardson is really one of my favorite candidates in this race, but Lily's right on that the man just doesn't do well before crowds. He's ruthless in diplomacy, his record speaks to that, and he's done what appears to be a pretty fair job as Gov. Plus, I think he's moderate enough to pull support from Independents and even moderate Republicans in a general election, if they can just get past feeling uncomfortable watching him speak.
Hey, the republicans last two winners were Bush and Bush. Richardson might not be a good speaker but he blows both of them out of the water. I don't think the independents and moderate republicans are too interested in charisma. Conservatives will vote for anyone who says he/she will lower taxes, no matter how irresponsible or misleading it is to say that.

[Buck Laser]

I don't have any nits to pick with Scott, Bobby, or Elrathin, except that I'm sorry you didn't feel the electricity with Obama. Yes, he spoke in generalities, which is exactly what I would have expected at this point in the campaign. But as I've read his book and watched crowd responses, I've seen a man with the same qualities as JFK and RFK. I couldn't stay to hear him in person when he was in Austin last February because I was a bit ill, but I certainly caught it in the crowd.

The main thing I noted in last night's debate was that all the candidates were focusing on the right enemies, and they weren't bashing. Things look very good for the democrats, and I expect a fairly major leftward shift as the 2008 elections arrive.

[sbannon]

Buck, in all honesty I really was hopeful to be excited by Obama even before last night's debate. With the early enthusiasm he was generating I had high expectations that this guy could grab me too.

Unfortunately, what I've seen so far, and last night was just a continuation of this, is about the same thing I saw from former Pittsburgh Steeler Lynn Swann in the Pennsylvania governor's race last year. A man who can excite a crowd, and talks a mighty big game, but seemingly lacking in substance when pressed for specifics.

Having idealistic vision is great, just keep in mind that Bush has his own idealistic visions... but at this point it's the ability to formulate practical plans for reaching those high goals that I want to hear, and Obama seems unable to provide.

I really don't have anything against Obama, as I said I was hopeful with him early on. What bothers me at this point, isn't even that he won't offer details on how he plans to achieve all that he speaks about, but that so many are willing to rally behind and support another cheer leader Presidential candidate as they have.

I expected more of us to be properly critical of candidates in the '08 race after the last 6 years, and am saddened to see that "someone who makes us feel good" when he speaks is still what many are after.

[Stoner]

I didn't hear anyone answer the questions posed to them.Â*Â*Every time a question was asked to a candidate they ignored it and dove directly into their talking points and Bush bashing.

Not very impressive at all.Â*Â*If they want my vote they need to put aside their partisan views, answer some questions and quick searching for the yearbook answer.

My favorite part was the 12 second delay from Edwards when asked about moral influences.

[bobbylien]

I didn't hear anyone answer the questions posed to them. Every time a question was asked to a candidate they ignored it and dove directly into their talking points and Bush bashing.

Not very impressive at all. If they want my vote they need to put aside their partisan views, answer some questions and quick searching for the yearbook answer.

My favorite part was the 12 second delay from Edwards when asked about moral influences.

Agreed. But do you really honestly believe that the republican candidates would have been any different?

[wonder cow]

Edwards shined. I didn't expect it from him.

by far the best in the Dem field, IMO. If he can weather the oncoming onslaught, (which should start right about……NOW) he will have a good chance in the primary. Remember that I picked him. :)

[potter]

After about 30 minutes of the same old shining promises and same old polital rhetoric I turned it off. Nothing new here...move along.....

I was hoping to be bowled over by someone...Obama at least.

Hillary's voice can peel paint off a can.....

[firefox]

They are all losers in my opinion! 8-) I almost voted for Edwards in the '04 primaries, however, if that means anything.

[micfranklin]

Oh, guess what? Ms. Clinton decided to stop by my state today to get support for elections, and the governor endorsed her, too.

Not surprisingly, the governor is a democrat...

[lily]

Which state, Mic?

[NortheastCynic]

"A fresh start"

That's the only argument I've heard for Obama. The man is all fluff, no substance. Ms. Clinton is a liberal who's been running to the middle for 2+ years, it won't be hard for the GOP to show that. God these two parties suck.

-NC

[micfranklin]

Which state, Mic?


Annapolis, Maryland.