538 Wrap up. Clinton - B, Sanders - B, O'Malley - C+

[Godhumor]

Micah asked earlier how we thought the candidates did and whether we expect Saturday’s debate to affect the race at all. Well, we solicited our usual staff debate grades, and — according to our quick, night-of impression — this debate was not a game changer.

GRADE
CANDIDATE AVG. HIGH LOW
Hillary Clinton B A- C+
Bernie Sanders B A- C
Martin O’Malley C+ B C-

Unlike the first Democratic debate, we didn’t see Hillary Clinton as the clear winner. Her average grade was basically the same as Sanders’, who did about as well as he did in the first debate. Clinton and Sanders did beat O’Malley, who earned his second C+ average from the FiveThirtyEight crew.

Of course, this was a Saturday night debate. Most of the perception of who won and lost will be shaped by the media coverage in the days to come. The terror attacks in Paris on Friday are also likely to shape the race, and how this debate is remembered. The Democratic candidates’ most memorable moments came during the domestic policy section of the debate, but how much attention will the media pay attention to them with the story in Paris still unfolding? What we think was important tonight may not be what we think was important this time next week.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/cbs-second-democratic-debate-2016-presidential-election/

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Nothing more at link. Based on most other feedback so far, I think the sentiment is clear--Clinton didn't put Bernie away, but Bernie didn't do anything to make up ground. O'Malley is probably stuck in a distant third for good.

[yeoman6987]

1. Great and correct synopsis that you provided below.