IMO the debate was a draw.

[Armstead]

This is just my opinion, but I don't think the debate pushed eitehr candidate forward, or push eitehr backward overall.

All candidates reinforced their existing "personas" on a personal level. The differences on policy between Bernie and Clinton was sharpened somewhat, but not in a way that would really move people to one or the other.

You want significant change? Vote for Bernie. You want more of the same? Vote for Clinton.

O'Malley's unfortunate position was magnified. He has a good record, and in many ways would probably be a really good president. But his efforts to point to his record come across as self-serving, and he just doesn't have "it" in terms of this campaign and this time.

As a Sanders supporter, I found Clinton's half-truths and pandering instinct and pre-fab emotions infuriating -- But what's new?

However, I also have to admit I wish Bernie was a little more fluid and faster on his feet. He let her get away with too much. I wish he were able to come up with Obama-like quips to hit back more effectively. And also would address things like the possibility of taking incremental steps toward univeral coverage with a public option, instead of all-or-nothing.

I do wish -- in the pony department -- that we could have at least one debate where the candidates sit comfortably around a table in a studio, with a smart moderator like Bill Moyers, and allow them to actually talk and argue like real people.

[firebrand80]

1. Bernie's problem continues to be

that he only throws fastballs. He would be better in a sit-down debate, last nights format puts him in permanent stump-speech mode.

I thought Hillary's attacks on his gun record were effective, the attacks on healthcare fell flat. Hillary did well in other areas, bringing up Flint, MI was a smart move.

Overall I agree, nothing changes, it's all about the ground game now.

[Kalidurga]

2. I agree and Hillary struck out.

Meanwhile Bernie hit one out of the park and broke the car dealership window.

[Armstead]

4. I get really frustrated that candidates are not allowed to respond or interact

There were many instances where the refs (moderators) forced Bernie to drop the ball instead of being allowed to say what he wanted to say in response to Clionton's various little digs.

In fairness, the same was done to Clinton and O'Malley too.

I do think a good old sit down debate would benefit all the candidates, as well as the public. Or at the at the very least if the moderators followed the flow of the conversations, rather than heavy-handedly directing it.

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. She wouldn't stop talking! Another Right Wing tactic, BTW...that's what Repubs do all the time

to dominate a conversation. When her time was up, she just kept running her mouth with her fake outrage shining through.

"He let her get away with too much. I wish he were able to come up with Obama-like quips to hit back more effectively"

Next time, I guess Bernie should be as RUDE as she was. She continually talked over him and wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. Like I said, a tactic Right Wingers use all the time. She took another page out of their Right Wing playbook. By the time he could speak, Hillary's corporate talking head shills moved on or went to commercial breaks, so Bernie did really well considering what he was dealt. It's obvious HRH has been studying KKKRove political moves.

Bernie, the consummate gentleman....wouldn't scream over the Clinton POUTRAGES.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE.

[Armstead]

5. Bernie's my main man -- But I do wish he were somewhat more facile

Ones like Obama or Bill Clinton are really good at defusing filibustering with a calm little barbed quip and/or expression, and brandishing it like a shiv.

[emulatorloo]

6. Agree with your conclusion ...A Draw

"I wish Bernie <snip> also would address things like the possibility of taking incremental steps toward univeral coverage with a public option, instead of all-or-nothing."

I would have liked to heard something like that from Bernie too. He's been very upfront that single payer won't happen overnight. But it would be great hear more about how he plans to get from A to Z. I also wonder what the political strategy/roadmap he's thinking about. While a lot of DU'ers seem to have amnesia about the absolute viciousness of the ACA fight, Bernie lived it. So I'm sure he's got some things in mind on how to navigate the political landscape. I know he pointed to getting rid of Citizens United and doing comprehensive campaign reform as one piece of the puzzle. Excited to hear more.

I want the same pony! Round table debate would be great. More natural and we'd get a lot more information.