My breakdown of the debate, by candidate.

[TheWraith]

In order determined by my brain:

Obama did alright, but didn't show himself to the best effect the way a lot of his speeches do. He came off looking wise and reasoned, though, which benefits him.

Hillary neither gained nor lost. She did nothing to hurt herself, but she also didn't make any real converts. She's really got to find another way to deal with her IWR vote, though, otherwise that non-answer answer is going to keep garotting her until the elections. Better to get an apology out of the way now, and have time for the issue to go away, rather than have to do it out of desperation later.

Mike Gravel definitely benefitted most. While his tone seemed harsh and overly angry at times, he got the best shots and statements in of any of the candidates, and made some points that no one else was willing or able to make.

Biden helped himself a bit by undoing some of his foot-in-mouth disease, and presenting a more statesman-like public face.

Kucinich was, well, Kucinich. He said good stuff, but he sometimes goes a little over the top and hurts himself, such as when he talked about getting rid of our nuclear weapons.

Edwards lacked punch. If he wants to make headway, he's got to let himself be a little bit more agressive, a little more the trial lawyer, rather than trying to nice-guy his way to the White House.

Dodd did surprisingly well, and although I don't think that he'll get a major boost from this, he did come out quite well compared to the low expectations for him.

Bill Richardson came off worst of all the candidates--he seemed off his game, and some of his answers seemed almost defensive and off-key. Maybe it's just his nature as a moderate western Dem, but he seemed almost like he was trying to stake out the center a little too clearly.

[Colobo]

1. Superb analysis

Although I think Edwards did well.

[Frustratedlady]

2. Edwards needs to stop quoting facts...

When he is answering a question, he often goes off on statistics or throws in numbers and facts that immediately put people to sleep. He needs to be more spontaneous and not sound overly rehearsed. I like him, but I can't listen to him long, and I hate that.

[TheWraith]

4. Edwards was okay, but he should have been better.

You don't become a successful trial lawyer by being as laid-back as he was tonight. He'd do better if he let his fire show.

[ellenfl]

3. too many soundbytes. i was

particularly disappointed in kucinich. he was campaigning, as was richardson. too many non-answered questions as well. altho' i thought hillary did fine with her response re her iraq vote. gravel was great! the only one up there who spoke his mind no holds barred!

ellen fl