Hillary Clinton
Related: About this forumReport Card: Clinton Still Leader of the Pack
Front-runner hangs tough; Sanders improves; O'Malley struggles to move the needle
Clinton B+
Focused most of her negativity on the Republican side (especially Trump, by name) rather than on her Democratic rivals. Lived by the aphorism of Clinton '92: specificity is a character issue. Achieved her apparent goal of staying good-humored whenever possible. Staunchly and tartly defended herself from jibes, especially from O'Malley (which she did once again with bountiful, well-memorized opposition research in retaliation). Exposed some potential general election vulnerabilities, but carefully sidestepped significant nomination battle land mines. At times gave off the air of being too lofty to share a stage with her remaining Democratic rivals -- but with a dwindling number of remaining debates and sitting on a lead, may be wise to largely focus on the general election.
Sanders B
Apologized early for DNC data violation, defusing the issue but delaying the groove of confidence and spirit he found halfway through the night, when he began to flash his brand of gruff charm and smarts. Showed off newly-honed answers on gun control. Received a strong reaction from the in-house audience throughout, equal to Clintons own spectator support. Made references to opposing the invasion of Iraq but failed to frame the matter well enough to put Clinton on the defensive. Same on Wall Street ties, where he wasn't nearly as tough or specific as the rapid response press releases his campaign emailed during the debate. Expressed frustration when he was unable to weigh in on topics addressed by his rivals. His strongest debate performance, but still needs to offer a crisper alternative to Clintons agenda.
O'Malley C+.
Confident and conversational, but had trouble with the timing and potency of his attacks and interruptions. His tone veered from largely assured to occasionally whiney. One successful moment: Assertively demanded the floor to make the case he has the strongest record on gun control. Impressive, but not nearly enough of a force to move his low needle up.
http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-12-20/report-card-clinton-still-leader-of-the-pack
Cha
(297,240 posts)Mahalo HNY
Kath1
(4,309 posts)It is very cool. Just putting it all out there. Unedited. I know you'll forgive the language.
Awesome, sister!
Cha
(297,240 posts)"fucking" on this board so much.. I got tired of it and decided to spice it up with asterisks.
LOL
Just wanted to amplify your comment. I have used "fuck" too many times, myself! LOL
Cha
(297,240 posts)Thanks!
Peace, sister
Kath1
(4,309 posts)Especially after he stole that election.
Kath1
(4,309 posts)The combination of Hillary's brilliance, the company of my GFs, too much wine, too much caffeine and too much nicotine had me totally out of control.
We partied until about 4:00 AM.
I've got 5 very hung over Hillary supporters in my house now getting themselves together. My best debate party ever. Hillary delivered. We are tired and have headaches but are very happy.
We will celebrate again when Hillary is elected President!
Rose Siding
(32,623 posts)Geeze, what's a girl gotta do to get an A?
Ellen Forradalom
(16,160 posts)In addition to everything else.
Thinkingabout
(30,058 posts)They just can't beat her in the debates, makes her more presidential in every debate.
Treant
(1,968 posts)in last night's debates, but it's far too little, too late to relight his campaign. Still, if the Fates choose a low probability path and he ends up with the nomination, I wouldn't be upset and I'd be happy to vote for him in the generals. I feel he's frequently undersold by the pundits.
Clinton, I felt, shone. She radiates competent, intelligent, and calm. Everything last night confirmed my decision to vote for her in the Primary and the Generals. She's got extraordinary foreign policy chops and fair to good domenstic ones. No question.
Given the nature of this site, I'll simply say that last night didn't change my feelings for Sanders. I'm not voting for him in the Primary. I'll vote for him in the Generals if I must, but I'm rather ambivalent about it.