Local Reno audience finds no clear cut debate winner

[jefferson_dem]

Local audience finds no clear cut winner
Guy Clifton
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
November 15, 2007

Northern Nevadans who watched the Democratic presidential debate today differed on which candidate fared the best, but most agreed there were less personal attacks and more focus on issues than in previous debates.

“I thought it was a good debate,” said Lynn Brosy, who hosted a party for a group of Bill Richardson supporters. “All the candidates had a chance to be part of the discussion, so I like that. I think they did less mudslinging.”

The 90-minute debate looked as if it would have plenty of mudslinging at the beginning, with U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards criticizing frontrunner Hillary Clinton, but the initial exchanges where short-lived.

“After that first four minutes, it seemed to settle down and focus more on the issues,” said Brent Busboom, a Reno High School teacher who joined about 100 people at watch party sponsored by the Obama campaign.

Clinton drew laughs from the crowd when she said she was wearing asbestos pants, and when she responded to a question about her “playing the gender card,” against criticism by saying, “They’re not attacking me because I’m a woman. They’re attacking me because I’m ahead.”

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Stephane Rector, an Obama supporter, said she felt her candidate did the best but also was impressed with Richardson, the New Mexico governor who has spent more time campaigning in Nevada than any other Democrat.“I thought he had a lot of good moments,” she said. Dorothy Nash Holmes, also an Obama supporter, said all the candidates handled themselves well, but she was staying with Obama.

“Obama is the first candidate I’ve been excited about in 15 years,” the former Washoe County district attorney said.
Ralph Stephens of Reno said he was impressed with U.S. Sen. Joe Biden’s performance.“Obama and particularly Biden came off very strong,” he said. “I think Biden had the most credibility. His competencey, his character, he showed more charisma. I think that’s very positive.”

Several debate watchers said Edwards had a poorer performance than in some of the past debates.
“That surprised me,” Brosy said. “He seemed weaker than he has in the past.”

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