1st Debate among Democrats

[WRESTLINGFAN]

I didnt get a chance to see it. I know it was on MSNBC. If anyone saw it. Who came away as the one who did the best job in the debate, Who had the best ideas and opinions.

[K.C.]

Biden actually did the best job of the bunch. There was no clear winner, but the general consensus was that he impressed the most, among all the media types after the debate.

It pains me to do so, but I'd have to agree with them on that...still, nobody watched this thing, so it doesn't matter.

If I'm ranking performances:

1) Biden - Came across very well, showed personality, answered questions directly, and presented clear ideas for managing Iraq
2) Edwards - Showed personality and took the offense on Obama and Hillary...did a pretty good job. He's going to beat Hillary over the head with her Iraq vote, and Obama for his inexperience
3) Obama - For his first time, showed very well. Didn't come across as a dominate personality in the debate, but he didn't need to...he just needed to show he could play the game, and that he did...didn't make any mistakes. Can build off this. Drawback was he didn't go too in-depth into his policies.
4) Hillary - Typical Hillary performance...some will love it, some will hate it...no difference than any other debate/public speaking performance she gives, and she danced around committing too deeply on any policy issues.
5) Richardson - Really disappointed for being a potential darkhorse candidate. Has many similar ideas and policies as Biden does, but Biden overshadowed him.
6) Dodd - Non-existent in this thing...he finished 6th because he came across as fairly rational, but didn't distinguish himself at all. Also falls into the Biden/Richardson camp on policy and was overshadowed by both.
7) Kucinich - Typical Kucinich...he's there to make the other candidates seem more moderate.
8) Gravel - Absolute nutjob...provided some entertaining moments but he has no shot.

If I'm ranking likelihood of winning the nomination after this debate, not much has changed:
1) Hillary
2) Obama
3) Edwards
4/5(tie) Richardson/Biden
6) Dodd
No chance in hell - Kucinich/Gravel

[WRESTLINGFAN]

Kucinich was on Bill Maher the other night. He has absolutely zero shot.

[K.C.]

By the way, as far as specific policies went, this was how they kind of grouped in terms of Iraq:

-Kucinich/Gravel - immediate withdraw

-Edwards/Obama/Clinton - gradual withdraw with exerting pressure on the Iraqi government to take control.

-Richardson/Biden/Dodd/ -better management and training of Iraqis troops, help restructring government, coupled with a gradual withdraw timeline...would entertain the possibility of letting Iraq divide itself into three countries if that's what they want.

[AgnosticJihad]

[QUOTE=K.C.;1290879]Biden actually did the best job of the bunch. There was no clear winner, but the general consensus was that he impressed the most, among all the media types after the debate.

I didn't watch the debate, but I have seen most of the candidates speak at length on other occassions, and I'd have to agree. Biden seems to be the only one who has clearly defined positions on most issues, and actually has ideas!! WOW!!! He seems to be the only one of them who isn't a typical chickenshit politician, and if the Democrats really want to show that their party is capable and that they have a pair, they should go with him (even though he's probably to liberal to win a national election). I still think this country isn't ready for a woman or black president, and thus going with Hillary or Obama will prove disastrous for them; or if they win, some asshole will assassinate them (particularly Obama). Plus, if they went with Biden, I might actually vote Democratic for once.

[AgnosticJihad]

Kucinich was on Bill Maher the other night. He has absolutely zero shot.

I actually like Kucinich and some of what he stands for, particularly drug law reform. But you're right he stands no chance. Also, regarding the Maher interview, I was really hoping he would talk about his efforts to impeach Cheney. Not that I think it will actually happen, but I would like to know more about his basis for impeachment. Plus, I gotta give the man credit for actually trying to do something about these crooked fucks in the white house.

[K.C.]

Biden's not my top choice, even though I'm from his state...he's been a fairly good senator and he definitely knows his shit as far as international relations goes, but I've never thought him to be very strong on domestic and economic policies.

That said, of all the fringe people outside of the top three (Hillary, Obama, Edwards), he has the best chance to gain traction because he's definitely a different type of personality...he talks fairly straight forward, and isn't afraid to show when he's pissed off...some people think it's a drawback, but I think he might be able to tap into something with the American people there.


I think Kucinich has some good ideas too, especially when it comes to social and economic policies...he's dead wrong on how to handle Iraq, though.

And his unelectability has nothing to do with his policies, in reality...it has everything to do with his image...a whiny voice and a keebler elf type of look. That's what American politics is, more than anything...image.

[AgnosticJihad]

[QUOTE=K.C.;1293383]Biden's not my top choice, even though I'm from his state...he's been a fairly good senator and he definitely knows his shit as far as international relations goes, but I've never thought him to be very strong on domestic and economic policies.

Well, I'm glad to hear you don't like politicians just because they are from your state. I'm from Missouri, and there's no way in hell I'd ever support Ashcroft.

Seriously though, if Biden is weak on domestic policies, all the more reason to like him. I personally feel the President should be confined to foreign policy (as the Constitution says). Domestic issues should be decided on by Congress, as they represent a more diverse range of opinions and ideas and are actually elected by the people, not the electoral college or occasionaly the Supreme Court. The President should only be responsible for enacting the will of Congress, not setting or influencing policy (except foreign policy, where they should have some level of authority).