2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Rumble [View all]H2O Man
(73,536 posts)I thought that debate was going to change the outcome, too. I try to watch -- and "score" -- debates as objectively as possible. And I thought that Bernie was much stronger, especially in the second-half.
Campaigns can be physically and mentally tiring. I think that showed through. It might be a large part of why Hillary attempted to "be in control" of the debate .....by ignoring the time-limits, and talking for twice as long as she was supposed to, virtually every time she spoke. Now, that tactic is mistaken for an alpha-quality in republican debates, but it does not translate the same here. It came across as programmed as Marco Rubio at his worst. More -- much more -- it was plum rude.
The moderators struggled to get Hillary to respect the rules -- which means to respect the format, and the audience. That she refused -- again, virtually every time -- showed a contempt for the process. Thus, Bernie addressed it in a manner that focused the spotlight on Hillary's rude behavior.
This is, like her refusal to release the Goldman Sachs' transcripts, an un-forced error. Hence, her campaign was forced to try to spin it to portray Bernie as Mean Mr. Mustard. And that is so weak, that it could only appeal to the bitterest of the bitter.
What did you think of last night's show?