April 27, 2007
We Were Thinking ...
Our thoughts immediately after we exited the debate:
Bill Richardson : Has shined in these forums in the past- recall the DNC Winter meeting and Nevada cattle call. But he didn't live up to the expectations -- sweating, pacing, and, during some moments, talking to someone off stage.
John Edwards : Showed restraint last night. He's traditionally taken on the role of the aggressor, but last night he was reserved. He even waited till the second time he spoke to mention the mill. He also waited some time before he reminded everyone, "I was born here in South Carolina."
Hillary Clinton : Was wearing some serious bling, and she proved that she could pull it off. She seemed comfortable, polite and attentive. She has, of course, had plenty of time to perfect the stare-and-nod.
Barack Obama : Avoided looking at Hillary directly and thumbed through his note cards. This is where his inexperience shows the most: he was nervous.
Joe Biden: No one benefited more from their position, both literally and figuratively, during the night. The debate focused on Iraq, his forte, and he was dead center in the line-up. He also had the night's biggest laugh with his answer to the question of whether he could assure the public, that despite his reputation as too verbose, he could be disciplined. He answered simply: "Yes."
Mike Gravel: Was shifting his weight around. He served as the night's "woe is me" candidate, letting Brian Williams know he thought he was being slighted on time.
Dennis Kucinich: If he has an advisor, here's what she/he told him before the debate: Smile and look off into space. He showed good posture tonight. For someone as short as he is, the guy stands up pretty tall.
Chris Dodd: We barely knew ya. Still [NORA McALVANAH].
Posted at 09:11 AM
Comments
As an Obama guy, I was disappointed in him at the beginning--clear nerves showing.
Once he settled in, however, he was much better--hitting a homerun, in fact, with the question that, ultimately, mattered more than any other to the assembled crowd: the Confederate Flag.
Also smart of him to come back to his terrorism and refine his answer--forceful, Commander-in-Chiefish exchange with Kucinich.
Overall not stupendous, but has time--and, in truth, didn't lose any support last night (which is really all any of the top tier was trying to do...).
David | 04.27.07 09:26 AM
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Well, admittedly my expectations were low. There isn't really a lot to chew on this far from the first decision point. But who was the real target audience for these candidates? Probably not Mr. & Ms. America.
Biggest calls of the night: did Richardson damage himself with his unique base -- those who want credentials to matter more than appearance (remember Barney Frank's memorable slogan? "Neatness isn't everything"?)? Did Obama's fidgets affect those who have to see him as capable (presidentially capable) in addition to just "new?" Did Hillary appear enough "above the rest"?
And probably most important: how did funders and movers react, particularly moguls, unions and trial lawyers? Didn't really see anything for any of those three power determinants.
So on the whole, not really much here.
pining for chuck todd | 04.27.07 09:45 AM
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Who won? Ask SC voters...
http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=ba1ebc70-a734-4185-8532-2e4a9ba45d96&q=39848
It begins... "U.S. Senator Barack Obama emerged a clear winner in tonight's debate ... "
The result: Obama 31%, Clinton 24%, Edwards 14%
Chuck | 04.27.07 10:14 AM
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In post-debate interviews, it seemed like the sweaty, unfocused Richardson was regretting the extra helping of enchiladas he ate before the event. Did anyone catch if his campaign manager slipped him a bottle of Imodium AD after leaving the stage?
Aron | 04.27.07 11:58 AM
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Poor Richardson, he looked like a deer in the headlights. Clinton did well and as much as i like Obama his lack of experience showed, it looked like it was his first time at the rodeo. Biden was the surprise of the night, he must have new handlers and that was money well spent. Gravel reminds me of Ross Perot but a little more off his meds, a breath of fresh air and i found Edward's to be a little flat.
Pundit Chris Matthew's was the worst of the of the night, thank goodness Keith Olbermann was there to help keep Matthew's in the earth's orbit.
yourmom | 04.27.07 12:01 PM
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Post debate reaction was very favorable to Hillary – she came across as calm, poised, confident and, most importantly, presidential.
Nearly all of the post debate analysis agrees that Barack Obama was a disappointment. He clearly underperformed.
csh | 04.27.07 03:02 PM
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