I am writing this before I have read or seen any media spin on last nights’ debate.
Hillary Clinton looked real good, spoke real good and held a no nonsense credible presence. She also had the best line with the most applause when she said anyone on this stage would make a better President than who we have now. I am sure all eyes glanced over to the right of the stage to contemplate that statement in regards to Mike Gravel, which generated a secondary giggle. This debate did her campaign well.
Senator Joe Biden spoke with passion and authority, he looked and acted like a President.
Barack Obama was Barak Obama.
John Edwards got blindsided by the best of the YouTube questions. Asked to rationalize his stand against gay marriage in lieu of our historic propensity to use religion as the excuse for our intolerance, bigotry and racism, his answer did not matter, the question did him in on the issue.
Governor Bill Richardson I suspect will be given the best media spin. He has a fine resume, enjoys that little guy common sense and has a good heart. But he lacks authority and credibility. And he is an NRA whore.
Senator Chris Dodd was everything a Senator should be, not what a President should be.
Mad dog Mike Gravel was likable and did well as Everyman, but his views to eliminate a progressive income tax in favor of regressive sales taxes while advocating school vouchers are perhaps the two worst ideas in American history.
Representative Dennis Kucinich is perhaps the only one many of us could agree with on everything. But his phone number game gave him an aspect of silliness. But to the question asking each to comment upon the person to their left, he had his best moment when from his position on the far left of the stage, he looked left to the empty space and commented that there was no one to the Left of him. I sure like the guy but…