Clinton Delivers Skillful Debate With Key Assist From Sanders

[Godhumor]

From NBCnews (internal title for article is "In First Debate, Sanders Gives Clinton a Big Assist on Emails", which is different, for some reason than the title on the homepage as quoted in my subject line):

Hillary Clinton was a winner at the first Democratic presidential debate, but she has Bernie Sanders to thank for coming out of the contest mostly unscathed.

By saying early in the night that Americans are tired of the controversy surrounding Clinton's use of a private email account, Sanders essentially neutralized the Democratic frontrunner's biggest weakness during the two-hour long CNN debate.

...

Unencumbered, Clinton turned in a solid, gaffe-free performance, skillfully deflecting other rivals' criticism of her record and forcefully hitting the Republican field on issues like Planned Parenthood and immigration.

...

Without a major stumble from the party's top two candidates, the likelihood is fading that Democrats will beg Vice President Joe Biden to enter the race. And if Biden remains on the sidelines, Clinton will remain the huge favorite to win, because of her strong support with the party's establishment and among moderate, conservative and non-white Democrats.

http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/first-debate-sanders-gives-clinton-big-assist-emails-n444121
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Biggest takeaway from this evening is that the window on a Biden run is almost closed. I believe our primary field is set.

[gwheezie]

1. Great debate, what a contrast to the gop

Neither Bernie or Hillary lost and they were able to present their differences. It reaffirmed my support for Hillary. I'm sure if you are a Bernie supporter you feel the same way. Both did well.

[NanceGreggs]

2. I never thought for a minute ...

... that Biden would run after his son's passing. And I never bought the story of Joe waiting in the wings to "save" the Party if HRC screwed-up.

But that's just MHO.

[delrem]

3. MSM NBC MSNBC approval!!!!!

That must mean ...

TRUTH!

Now wait for the

RAPTURE!

[JDPriestly]

4. This article misses the most important win in the debate, and it went to Bernie.

The issues discussed in the debate were not Hillary's issues but rather the issues that Bernie has brought to the campaign and catapulted into THE ISSUES FOR THE ENTIRE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

I don't remember a debate in which economic injustice, the disparity in wealth was the top issue. And it was in this debate.

That is the issue that Bernie Sanders wisely brought to the campaign for the Democratic nomination.

So I have to disagree with NBC.

Bernie Sanders won this debate before it even began.

This debate was about Bernie Sanders' issues and it was run on his terms. He was the master of ceremonies on that stage.

That's why the on-line polls show that Bernie won the debate.

I think the Young Turks agree with me on this.

From the first question, it was quite obvious. This is Bernie's debate.

No way he can lose the debates. He is out there. He draws the crowds. He tackles the issues. He is the strongest one up there in every respect -- his arguments, his person, his caring -- no one can touch him although they are all good.

And in that moment when Bernie dismissed discussion of Hillary's "damned e-mails," he took charge and owned the entire stage.

That was a work of art.

[delrem]

5. I agree, but I'm already prejudiced.