I think the 2020 Democratic candidate tonight who had the best night by far was

[mtnsnake]

Joe Biden.

I thought all of tonight's crop of candidates, with the exception of Delaney, would make fine presidents, but I didn't see anyone toniht who struck me as being someone who would become a good enough campaigner who could assure us of being able to actually win. Not that my opinion is like gold or anything, but I just didn't see anyone who seemed to have the kind of charisma it's going to take to be a great campaigner. IOW, I don't think Night One's crop had any surprise Obamas or Bill Clintons.

I thought the 3 women did very well. Gabbard really surprised me in a positive way. Klobuchar always impresses me with her straightforward practical ideas and her speaking style. Warren always impresses me with how smart she is and with how good her intentions are.

I thought Ryan had his positive moments and some not so positive ones. He seemed to lose he cool a little bit.

Inslee impressed a bit.

I thought Beto had a bad night, but he's one of those people who needs more time, not just a couple of minutes, before he gains momentum when he speaks.

What a clown Delaney is. Is he really a Democratic candidate?

In Night 2 of the debates, I think Swalwell is going to impress a lot of people big time. I'll be really disappointed if he doesn't do well. I also think Bennet is going to raise some eyebrows with his charisma and straight talk. I'm hoping Buttigieg does great, too, because I think he would be a really good campaigner if he wins the nomination. And of course it will be interesting to see Biden and Sanders on the same stage.

For now, I think Joe Biden is feeling the most comfortable because I didn't see anyone tonight who I thought could beat him as a campaigner, other than maybe Klobuchar, Gabbard, or surprisingly, Inslee. Warren is my sentimental favorite, and I think she'd arguably make the best president of anyone, but I just don't know if she'd be as effective a campaigner as Biden or the other women. I think Night 2 will be much more interesting than Night 1.

[customerserviceguy]

1. Beto had a tough night

At the beginning of the debate, I saw him hold his hands together, fingers spread out, touching at the fingertips. I figured that was a mechanism to keep from doing his flailing thing, but clearly, it didn't work in the second half of the debate.

[msongs]

2. tomorrow everyone will be trying to squeeze between joe and bernie nt

[BeyondGeography]

3. Biden isn't worried but I'm sure his team is

This was supposed to be the kid’s table and apart from Delaney they all had their moments. It was an impressive group.

Tomorrow’s group is even stronger on paper. Biden has been relatively scarce on the trail, doing more fundraising than campaigning. I expect him to show some rust and wouldn’t be surprised if he comes out somewhat downsized in stature.

[mtnsnake]

4. I agree tomorrow's group is even stronger as a whole.

Not only do Joe and Bernie have to go up against some very tough young competitors, but they'll also be competing between themselves. It's going to be interesting, BG!

[BeyondGeography]

5. Yup...I think it will be fascinating

Can’t wait.

[Dream Girl]

6. I'm kind of nervous for Biden. I wonder if he still has it.

[BeyondGeography]

10. He'll have some great lines ready I'm sure

He’ll be taking some incoming though from at least one or more of Harris, Sanders and Buttigieg. I expect at least one of Bennett, Swalwell and Yang will shine. Biden needs to avoid being defensive and/or condescending.

[crazytown]

14. I'm not looking forward to Gillibrand's contributions

If she had any decency, she would talk about the new rape allegation against the Con.

[JI7]

7. Beto is the best campaigner there is.

debates won't matter much.

[essadaw]

8. Amy and Beto

Amy was much better than I expected. Beto started off guard by all the attacks but ended strong.

Warren surprisingly almost put me to sleep and I didn’t expect that.

Most of the men were very off putting with their screaming and interrupting. I had expected this to be the more civil of the debates- wrong!

[mtnsnake]

9. I agree with your observations

Well said. And welcome to DU!

[Green Line]

11. I also agree with this

[Green Line]

12. Warren will not beat Trump

[JI7]

13. if democrats vote for her she will

[crazytown]

15. A bad case of one-itis,

two Tylenol and a good lie down.

[Indygram]

17. I'm curious how Texans will view Castro after tonight

Texas ADORES Beto. Castro won't win and by attacking Beto like he did I think it will REALLY turn off Texans. Castro isn't anywhere near as popular in Texas as Beto is. He may have really damaged any future political aspirations in Texas.

[LovingA2andMI]

16. If Elizabeth comes to your town....

Go see her as once we did, WE FULLY BELIEVE she CAN BEAT DRUMP and she is a hellava campaigner. Don't let her Policy Wonkness fool ya.