TIME's Debate Report Card: Hillary, A-, Barack, A-

[DeepModem Mom]

The January 31 Democratic Debate
Democratic Debate Report Card
By Mark Halperin

Hillary Clinton

Substance: A-
Style: B+
Offense: B
Defense: B+
Overall grade: A-

Set the evening's tone early on by purposefully smiling and nodding at Obama's answers. Played the experience card deftly without appearing harsh, and the "ready from day one" card using crisp, rarely wonky policy talk. Was able to maintain, or at least feign, a relaxed demeanor throughout, although she was on guard for the slightest slight. Showed relative restraint when her rival reminded the audience of her disastrous response during a previous debate on the issue of drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants. Batted away the expected "tough" questions (Clinton Fatigue, First Lady experience) with prolonged but well-delivered rote versions of her campaign talking points, but stumbled gravely over Iraq in the last quarter of the debate. Bottom line: She reminded her supporters why they favor her, and may have won over some undecideds with her unfalteringly upbeat attitude and air of maturity.

Barack Obama

Substance: B+
Style: A-
Offense: B+
Defense: B
Overall grade: A-

Tenaciously drove his four core issues (change, unity, inspiration, problem solving), and incorporated them into almost every answer. Wisely did not revel in his palpable popularity with the theater's liberal audience, lest he appear ungallant (yet again). Managed to project natural confidence without veering into smug conceit. Seemed far less intimidated by Clinton than in past debates, reflecting what friends say is a growing assurance that he will and should win the nomination and the presidency. Bottom line: Contributed to the dignified tone and frictionless flow that discouraged media melodrama and headlines beyond the much-discussed historical nature of the event itself, and proved himself able to face his fellow frontrunner and make his case for the job.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1708942_1708941,00.html?xid=site-cnn-partner

[REDFISHBLUEFISH]

1. Once again it's style vs Substance! Hillary 08!

She did look very likable!

[jakem]

5. Did you just cheer her substance, then commennt that she looked likable?

um. ok.

:eyes:

[featherman]

2. About right...both did well and made me proud

[DeepModem Mom]

3. We were smiling from ear to ear -- proud to be Democrats last night! nt

[Reciprocity]

4. Here, here they both made me so proud to be a democrat.

I'm a Hillary supporter but both of them did a great job. I keep thinking that we saw the democratic ticket last night. I will be happy with one or both of them. Just think 16, years of peace and prosperity.

[still_one]

6. It is a meaningless evaluation. /nt

[Adelante]

7. I'm glad to see problem solving as one of Barack's core issues

That's been neglected by the media.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

8. Hmmm. How do you average A- with 3 B's? Wish my instructors

did that when I was in school..

[Renew Deal]

9. They both did what they both do

I think the differences between the two are in leadership style. That came out in the debate. It's all up the to the voters now.

[TomClash]

10. I would say

last night Hillary was better on domestic issues and Barack was better on foreign policy/national security policy.