A nice solid debate, a very solid field.

[bklyncowgirl]

By and large this was a pretty enjoyable debate. I particularly enjoyed the "Elephant in the Room" segment which many here objected to--provided of course that they ask the same sort of questions to the Republicans. It's always good to clear the air if you can early on--this give them a chance to do so.

Hillary Clinton--Nice performance, smooth but not too smooth. Format helped her very well rehearsed performance. Will not make a believer out of me but she is a pro indeed. Best rehearsed non-answers to questions of the night.

Barack Obama--The need to be brief did not help him but he had his moments. I really enjoyed his exchange with Dennis Kucinich. He's great when he gets his dander up. Needs to get a bit more specific in his policy stuff.

John Edwards--Smooth, smooth, smooth. Had a bit of a problem with that "who is your moral guide" question--easy answer for any candidate professing an allegiance to Christianity--Jesus.

Joe Biden--Best one liner of the evening. Showed a great deal of knowledge in foreign policy--his strength. No real mistakes.

Mike Gravel--Gotta love the old lion. Angry old man speaks for me.

Dennis Kucinich: The voice of purity and outrage--and oh yeah my husband is ready to dump me for his wife--a hero for homely guys everywhere.

Bill Richardson: The format did not favor his style--needs to practice being succinct and punchy. Actually did better with Keith and Tweety than he did in the debate. Needed to score big in this one and while he did alright did not command the field.

Chris Dodd: Nice performance but didn't give me any more reason to support him.

What's impressive is the depth of this field--the Democrats should do alright with these folks.

[karlrschneider]

1. It was basically an 8-way tie. Any one of them would be immeasurably better

than the shitbag sitting in the WH right now.

[illinoisprogressive]

2. We have an impressive field. that is why I don't understand the people

who keep pinning away for Gore who is not running. I love Gore but, he ain't running. But, some are just wasting time waiting and don't look and see we have the strongest field in forever. We have great candidates.

[bklyncowgirl]

3. I'd be thrilled if Gore ran, but there are decent candidates here if he does not.

I didn't hear anyone that I could not support as the nominee and several that I could get excited about it.

Gore tops the list but if he chooses not to run I will not be heartbroken.

[Merlot]

4. I have to disagree with your point on Edwards

And am very glad he didn't give the "Jesus" answer. A pause can mean the person is honestly answering the question, instead of spouting their reheraed lines.

And didn't bush give that "Jesus" answer?