2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumBernie keeps improving in these debates
I'm sure his confidence, in part, is due to his frontrunner status; and the fact that he won so handily in NH.
Bernie is looking more presidential and like he's really enjoying the debate process. He was humorous at times, and I liked how his tone was very conversational--not cold and preachy. I think he really makes a connection in these debates because his style is so friendly--like he's talking to friends at dinner.
I'm sure it helps his confidence to know that he's got incredible support, in the form of votes won and record-numbers of campaign contributions.
His message and his ideas continue to be popular and are resonating with a growing support base. He's never wavered from his original messaging; whereas Clinton is still strughling to find her voice and a central campaign message--amid rumors of staff shake ups.
I thought she seemed subdued and off; she looked weathered; quite a change from some of her strong debate performances.
I loved that Bernie hit her hard on Kissinger. Not a Democrat that I know--likes that war lord.
Bernie also crystallized that she was overstating his criticism of Obama. He has disagreed with Obama. Many of us have. And many of us hope that Sanders continues and builds on Obama's legacy and goes farther. That's the hope. Sanders laid out his extraordinary support of Obama--how they've campaigned for each other. I think that should put to bed Clintons overstated musings about Sanders as it relates to Obama.
Clearly, Sanders won this one. Hillary seemed in first or second gear most of the night.
It's obvious that Sanders is feeling comfortable and confident as the frontrunner. Very proud of Bernie!
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)eom
SoLeftIAmRight
(4,883 posts)sinking ship
AtomicKitten
(46,585 posts)Poor baby. He's keeping up a brutal pace. I hope he can get some rest.
Larkspur
(12,804 posts)Before the debate, the focus group was split evenly, 17 HRC - 17 BS, on who would win the debate.
After the debate, the focus group went 25 BS and 9 HRC.