The Democrats Square Off - Democratic Debate

Okay, I admit that I watched the rebroadcast of the Democratic presidential debate. Leaving the in-depth analysis to those who care more than I do, here are some of my thoughts on the performances:

Hillary Clinton - She's clearly playing offense. She answered the questions as though she has the nomination locked up and her only real threat is from the Republicans. Most of the time she looked slightly indulgent as though she was simply a little amused by the attacks from her fellow nominees. Good for her. You know what they say, when you go to a job interview you should act like you already have the job. She nailed it.

She did look slightly uncomfortable at some points because of her stage position between Edwards and Obama; I'll explain that in a moment.

Barack Obama - Not a stand out but I didn't see any major screwups which I think is the best you can hope for in a "debate" with 7 other people. He did complain about the "divisive" questions.

(Suggested tip from staff: "It's not so that all of you can agree with each other, sweetie. Voters are trying to find out what makes you different from the guy or gal standing next to you.")

On a personal note, Obama is the only Democrat candidate that doesn't make me want to jam a pencil in my ear when he talks. Yes, I know, these days that statement coming from me about most candidates, Republican or Democrat? It's nearly a ringing endorsement.

John Edwards - Playing defense and sounding a little shrill. I guess he was trying to impress us with how strong and aggressive he can be. Right. So how do you explain Edwards response to the question of what he would do in the first 100 days of his presidency:

"To travel the world -- re-establish America's moral authority in the world -- which I think is absolutely crucial. The other things become less important and subservient.

What? No trip to Disney World?

(Suggested tip from staff: "Psst, John, you're running for President of the United States not Miss USA.")

In spite of trying to appear tough you could still tell that Edwards has an awful mancrush on Barack Obama. It was obvious that Hillary wanted to step out of the way so the two could get closer. I guess Edwards has decided that if Obama is the presidential nominee he wants to be sure to get the job as his VP.

Bill Richardson - The person who coined the phrase "pompous blowhard" obviously never met Rep./Amb./Sec./Gov. Bill Richardson. If they had the verbiage would be much more harsh. He's the reason that there should be strict time limits on how long a candidate can take to answer a question. Each of his answers took an interminable amount of time because he had too keep reminding us of his resume. I suggest that in the future we just pin a note to his jacket with all his of former titles and it will save him having to remind us Every. Single. Time. he answers a question.

(Suggested tip from staff: "Just answer the damn question!")

Richardson did assure us all that if elected he'll govern just like it's 1979. His suggestion to end four years of fighting and genocide in Darfur? A boycott of the 2008 Olympics! Yes, because that tactic was such a success in the past. And what will Richardson do with the first 100 days of his presidency?

"I would upgrade our schools. I would have preschool for every American, full-day kindergarten. I would pay our teachers what they deserve. I'd have a minimum wage for our teachers, $40,000. I did that in New Mexico. We went from 49th to 29th.

"Bill Richardson - Because one term of Jimmy Carter just wasn't enough!" Is that too long for a bumper sticker?

Joe Biden - Kudos for standing up for his vote for funding the troops. Too bad that won't play with his base, but kudos. From me. A Republican. Um, I'm not exactly the vote he's going for so I think that may have been losing effort.

Dennis Kucinich, Chris Dodd, and Mike Gravel - I'm not wasting pixels on them except to wonder how they got a spot on the stage. Can't we send these guys to the kiddie table with Ron Paul and Tommy Thompson so the adults can have a real conversation?

The winner of the debate - Former president Bill Clinton. The majority of candidates agree that they would make Mr. Clinton a world roving U. S. ambassador tasked with repairing our reputation with other countries. For some reason the assignment brings to mind Captain James T. Kirk and his, um, enthusiastic pursuit of women.

[Cross posted from A Lovely Infidel].

Posted by JanetteS at June 5, 2007 08:54 AM