I think this was Obama's best debate.

[calmblueocean]

Several of the debates in the past have been snoozers, where there was too much agreement among the candidates. Getting attacked on both sides revealed the real heart in his responses. You could see him earnestly grappling with how best to explain the issues and connect with voters, not trying to figure out ways to attack the other candidates. Maybe a lot of DUers don't find that refreshing, but I do, and I think a lot of America does as well.

[Kahuna]

1. I think so too. nt

[mckeown1128]

2. I am normally very rough on Obama's debate performances...

but he was phenomenal tonight. WOW!!!

[Renew Deal]

3. He did what Clyburn said he'd need to do.

He was way tougher than usual.

[Rockholm]

4. Really? I would have hated to see his worst one.

I thought he was pretty bad.

[BluegrassDem]

5. Barack was on FIRE TONIGHT!!!!!!!!

[Unsane]

6. He was on fire.

[ursi]

7. He handled getting pounded from both sides very well

that wasn't easy. If you think it was, you try it.

[OhioChick]

8. Agreed.

He Made it Known That He Can Be Tough.

[HughMoran]

9. I'd say it probably was too

he was a bit more lively tonight.

[jab105]

10. This is the third debate I've seen - and the only one

where I really got fired up...

Ionly wish that he had defended himself sooner, the attacks of the previous weeks have done some major damage because he didn't defend sooner...

I also wish he'd have more of a chance to defend his present votes...

[Califooyah Operative]

11. I agree! nt

[1corona4u]

12. Of course you do...

[calmblueocean]

16. Kucinich is actually my favorite, but I can find something to like about all our candidates.

Hillary is hardest for me, for example, but one thing that impresses me about her is her command of facts and figures. She does a better job of rattling off complex stats than anyone else.

I just think tonight was Obama's best debate. No spin about it.

[gulliver]

13. I agree. His worst and best.

He wavered a few times early under fire from Clinton and Edwards. Looked lost. Worse than I've ever seen.

But then he came back funny. That's resiliency. People won't remember that he was on the ropes at the beginning. All they will remember is him being funny at the end.

This is something that Bush is good at--and I don't mean that as a put down. The ability to come back funny and change emotions is a skill.

[tokenlib]

14. Obama is more a thinker than a fighter--but damn I'm proud of him!!!

A man deserves to defend himself. Even against a woman!! I won't tell my wife that though, she takes good care of me. HA,HA!!

[ihelpu2see]

15. Both Obama and Edwards did very well. nt