Hate to say it, but I thought Hillary did well tonight

[jgraz]

Edwards was clearly the best, IMHO, but I thought Hillary gave one of her better debate performances tonight. I thought the "angry" Hillary looked forceful and her "hurt my feelings" comment was well-delivered.

Obama looked the worst of the three, showing a definite lack of substance compared to Edwards and Clinton. His "you're likeable enough" response looked surprisingly bitchy from my POV.


I really hope most people disagree with me. My fear is that Hillary may have helped herself to a win in NH.

[avrdream]

1. Coming from you, I am shocked.

I don't recall you ever saying anything good about Hillary.

Edwards did deliver well but his desperation showed to me.

[jgraz]

2. Don't worry, I'm not changing my vote

In truth, I was pretty disappointed in how well she did. I caught a late broadcast of the debate and, given DU comments, I was expecting a complete meltdown on her part. Edwards looked the best, IMHO, but Hillary certainly didn't hurt herself.

[avrdream]

4. I don't think any of us are changing our votes at this point.

That's why it is so much fun to come here and watch these days. Nobody is convincing anyone whatsoever. We are already too educated about our specific issues to change. That's okay - I'm behind the eventual nominee because I think we are MILES ahead of the Republican nominees.

Cheers!

[emilyg]

3. Wow. From you

that's quite a compliment.

[jgraz]

5. Kind of backhanded -- I thought she finally seemed sincere tonight

The impression I got from previous debates was of someone reading from a script and being careful not to say anything too controversial. Of course, they stayed away from many areas where she might be vulnerable (trade policies, etc) and she seems to be coming around on the Iraq occupation.

I'm still a huge detractor of her record and her policies, but she did OK for herself tonight. Crap.

:P

[2rth2pwr]

6. Cool. nt

[mrreowwr_kittty]

7. I think she did well too

However, I think most voters in NH will rank it as Edwards, Obama, and Clinton. I thought she did a great job fielding the questions (particularly that bullshit sexist one about her likeability), but Obama's opposition to the war from the beginning and his take on why the surge isn't working will carry the day. In the end, Edwards' fiery populism made him the clear winner.

The thing is, we have incredibly intelligent and thoughtful candidates, and we should be grateful for that.

[jgraz]

10. Hmmm....I was least impressed with Obama tonight

He just seemed a bit detached compared to Angry Hillary and Passionate John.

[saracat]

8. I agree! Hillary did well tonight.Edwards won, but she acquitted herself well

[K8-EEE]

9. I totally agree 100%

I thought the same.

[2008]

11. I agree. My choices are Edwards, then Obama, then HRC, but...

...well, what you said: Edwards shone, HRC improved, and Obama wasn't at his best.

[Beacool]

12. Wow, first time I fully agree with you!!!!

Thanks for the honest comments. As for NH, I think that due to the percentage of independents who get to vote in that state that Hillary won't win there. Despite these setbacks, I'm positive that she will prevail on Feb. 5th.

[Lord Helmet]

13. she comes off as just plain nasty and mean spirited

[jgraz]

15. "Nasty and mean" are her strong points, IMHO

My problem has always been with how programmed she is. I think we saw more of the "real Hillary" tonight. Genuine is always better than fake, even if your true personality may rub some people the wrong way.

Hillary is not a warm person, and she's really not that likeable. She's a smart, take-no-prisoners ass-kicker who will fuck you up if you get in her way. If she played to that strength, I think many people would be more comfortable with her.

[Lord Helmet]

17. it's just sad that you are cheering that shit on

she's part of a two family crime organization

[jgraz]

18. Not cheering it on at all. I have no intention of supporting her.

I just think it's interesting that she's more appealing when she lets her true self come out.

[wiley]

14. Hillary won. Obama didn't do well. Edwards got some media attention. Wow.

Some real passionate Obama fans lost a lot of respect for him tonight. Now if the sloths would move out of the house and start to accept some adult responsibilities I wouldn't really have to hear about Obama's magic wand anymore.

In the Northeast, at least, we don't take well to beating on women who are "showing emotion". I'm voting for Hillary now, regardless of what Kool-AID anyone else is drinking.

[jgraz]

16. It's too little, too late for me. She's been on the wrong side of too many issues

But she may just have edged past Obama and moved into second-to-last place on my list. Just maybe...

[musicblind]

19. thank you

Thank you for an honest opinion. I'm big on Edwards and Clinton both, and I really think Clinton nailed it. She made me and my friends James both applaud in our living rooms during her Change speech. I also thought Edwards did great, but wish that he would distinquish himself not ONLY from Clinton but also from Obama too. I am also pissed that it doesn't seem to matter WHAT Edwards does, the media will NOT give him the time of day. How unfair is that?

Seriously, however, I think that this debate did two good things for Hillary. One it gave voters a fresh look at her, she made a strong case, and made it clear she was no longer playing games. Two it was a great moral boost for the choir. Some of what she said will probably do a better job of getting her disheartened faithful fired up again. That IS something she needs to do.

I'm planning to send a donation to her and Edwards tomorrow.

[creeksneakers2]

20. The squiggly line graph showed the debate as a tie

among Democrats but Hillary was unable to impress independents. Independents gave the other candidates good reviews. Hillary sacrificed some political capital by going negative against the other candidates. If the media follows up on what she said about Obama then the sacrifice might be worth it.

From my perspective, she made the best case for herself. She gave an honest realistic definition of how change is achieved and what can be achieved. I liked her better afterward.

Did Obama really change his position on health care? Maybe they'll report on that.

[ElizabethDC]

21. Glad to hear it. I know you don't really care for her

so your opinion on this means a lot. I also thought she did well, but I'm completely biased.

[jgraz]

23. Sincerity was the key

I think that most normal people (i.e. not pundits) won't care that she's "harsh" or "shrill" if they're seeing authentic reactions. Whoever's been advising her in the previous debates should be shot.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

22. so do I