April 26, 2007
Second Takes: Post-Debate Spin
It's the circle of life. Reporters ask campaign officials who won. Then campaign officials ask reporters who won. Then reporters tell other campaign officials about what they were told. Campaign officials tell campaign officials who tell reporters, and the circle is complete.
The collective perception of the national press corps will drive tomorrow's news coverage, and it seems as if the press, right now, has some ideas about Obama.
Either Obama did fine but not as fine as HRC and Edwards, "Obama O'Bombed," or Dennis Kucinich, by virtue of engaging Obama on terrorism, saved Obama from bombing. Granted, that spin is self-serving. Going into the debate, Obama was the night's biggest target, and the volleys continued in the spin room.
Everyone seemed to think that both Hillary Clinton and John Edwards acquitted themselves admirably, although there were a few mentions of Edwards's long pause before responding to the "moral leader" question, and a few counter-volleys about Hillary Clinton's alleged shrillness.
Everyone also seemed to think that Sen. Joe Biden distinguished himself from Sen. Chris Dodd and Gov. Bill Richardson. Not only did Biden have the best line of the night, he was able to show the television audience his good side.
One correction: Bill Richardson was the first candidate to mention Darfur; Biden was second.
And the Clinton campaign insisted to us that none of their supporters was paid for their efforts. No one received any money to attend on Clinton's behalf, two Clinton aides said. Rumors and and our one anecdote aside, we have no hard evidence that Clinton or her allies or consultants paid anyone.
Posted at 09:28 PM
Comments
I was relieved that Edwards took a while to think about the "moral leader" question and didn't give a pat answer. At least he didn't talk about the voices in his head telling him what to do, like George Bush might. I think anyone who could answer that question quickly just isn't being thoughtful enough on the question. It was refreshing to see someone who actually thinks when asked a spiritual question.
Laura | 04.26.07 09:48 PM
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Biggest diappointment: Bill Richardson. He failed to look presidential and he had the most to gain but blew it.
iceman | 04.26.07 09:51 PM
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Biden impressed me the most. He was able to appear knowledge, but concise.
I thought Richardson talked too much, but that's not surprising given his campaign appearances thus far. He clearly has a lot to say and wants to get it all in, but it did turn me off a little tonight.
I found nothing memorable about Chris Dodd's performance.
Obama seemed flat and unsure early on. His answer to the Confederate flag question was surprisingly unprepared.
Edwards' pause was long and awkward.
I think Clinton came out the best of the big three, but that also didn't surprise me. She has always been calm and calculated. Nothing impressive, but nothing turned me off.
Mike Gravel? Hoo-wee. He and Kucinich were the only guys who seemingly were there to make news. The rest just were trying not to mess up and leave a good first impression.
Of course, the whole debate idea is fairly contrived. I don't need a president who can make the best decision in a split second. I want one who will make a smart move after examined thought.
Andy | 04.26.07 09:51 PM
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thanks for the correction on the Darfur error from the last post. Please also consider posting a correction WRT the GWOT "show of hands" question - Edwards did not raise his hand in response to that question.
tina haas | 04.26.07 09:58 PM
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Weakest link tonight was definitely Gov Richardson. I really think he tried too hard at times and came across as a phony. Just my two cents. For what its worth --- Obama I gave a B+, Hillary a B, Edwards a B-, Biden a B, Dodd a B-, Kuccinich a C-, Gravel a D, Richardson a D(because of higher expectations).
I voted for Bush in 2000, Bush in 2004 and could see myself voting for either Hillary or Obama at this point.
Benjaimin K. - St Louis, Missouri | 04.26.07 10:15 PM
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I think Edwards did very well. He was precise and likable.
Hillary also did well. She looked presidential.
Obama did ok and was not at his best.
Richardson did stand out on an ocassion or two.
Aaron | 04.26.07 10:50 PM
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I feel that Obama did well with the time he had to answer the questions. The PRESS is saying that Hillary won the debate, but if you noticed, when MSNBC asked the viewers to rate the candidates, Obama was the winner in all six catagories. The press never gets anything right. Hillary sound as though she had been rehearsed by Bill. However, she didnot impress me at all.
It doesn't matter how the media try to pull Obama down, he is the strongest candidate and he has my vote, my family vote, my co-workers votes and everyone else's vote in my neigborhood, WE LOVE OBAMA.
Mitty | 04.27.07 09:06 AM
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OK, let's face it. No news here. Nothing to see, folks. Move along.
pining for chuck todd | 04.27.07 09:35 AM
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Madame President!
JoeCHI | 04.27.07 11:32 AM
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I think that the debate was weighted to hold the top tier sacrosanct, with the majority of the truly relevant questions going to the three top contenders. I felt, though I confess I am a Richardson supporter, that the initial question posed to Governor Richardson about Gonzales was framed in both verbal and body language by Brian Williams as a very antagonistic one, there was definate snark to his tone when he asked smugly, "Do you think this is a good way to make personnel decisions?" Richardson was right to stick by his guns, though I wish he had said more clearly, "Yes, I said that because he is hispanic and I know the guy, and was personally hoping for more from him, and I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait for his testimony. He did so poorly that I agree he needs to resign. " (maybe that wasn't more clear, but you get the point I hope.) I liked that he was not apologetic, that he has the integrity to stand by his positions even if they are not the most popular with different groups.
I wish they had spent a little more time with the SC decision on abortion and how they would appoint justices. I could have done without knowing who Edwards considers his moral leader or if Hillary only uses one square, or if Obama supported Sanjay.
It seemed pretty trite at times.
Gravel was quite amusing.
Kucinich's wife is a hottie!
Just random thoughts.
Cara Valente-Compton | 04.27.07 12:00 PM
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I thought Obama came off as thoughtful, alot of depth and understanding of issues and presidential and professor at the same time.
Being no fan of Hillary's at all, I have to give her kudos to a solid performance and she was pretty good.
Biden was refreshing.
Edwards came of snotty and aloof.
vwcat | 04.27.07 12:30 PM
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vwcat comes off as snotty and aloof.
Clark | 04.27.07 05:03 PM
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