I believe Edwards' and Clinton's numbers will go down after this debate.

[calteacherguy]

Edwards' made it too personal in his attacks, and that will hurt him in Iowa. It depends how many Iowans saw this debate. I expect his numbers to go down after this.

Clinton's numbers will go down because, frankly, a few times she came off as less than candid.

Obama won the debate. He was direct in his answers (for examle drivers's licenses for illegal immigrants and social security) in contrast to Clinton, yet did not make his attacks as personal as Edwards did.

[babylonsister]

1. Pipe down and go to bed. No Hillary no care tonight. nt

[Colobo]

2. I agree with you cal and frankly

I wish I could tell you: "Welcome back, cal".

Still, I agree with your assesment. :)

[bluestateguy]

3. Edwards was superior in this debate

Obama was mediocre. But Edwards never lost his groove.

[Colobo]

4. Obama wasn't mediocre. He had a great performance.

[calteacherguy]

7. I honestly think Edwards is going to be hurt by his performance tonight.

I know he will get more popular at sites like DU, but out in the real world I don't think that will be the case.

I think he's going to be hurt by the style of campaigning he is now engaging in. Obama is making a contrast, but he's not engaging in the implicit character assasination Edwards is. I'd be surprised if this help Edwards beyond places like DU.

[Colobo]

10. Obama's comeback might have just started, dear cal.

[Inspired]

18. The REAL world doesn't even watch the debates. n/t

[Mojorabbit]

5. Perhaps

but I also found Obama less than clear in his speaking tonight. It was almost as if he were overtired and slipped over his words a bit. I am not explaining it well.

[Colobo]

6. Dude is tired and still managed to look great.

[emilyg]

8. I would imagine they are all tired.

[Colobo]

9. Hillary did look more rested than Obama and Edwards.

She did look fresher.

[aquart]

11. Really? How many people watched?

[calteacherguy]

12. Good point. I have no idea.

I hope a significant number in Iowa did, especially likely caucus goers.

[More Than A Feeling]

14. I hope they did, too, but for the opposite reason that this was the best I've ever seen Edwards.

He was every bit the passionate, clear, and substantive advocate for a more egalitarian society and a foreign policy that will win back the world's respect and still protect America.

[saracat]

13. Right.Like no one will notice that Clinton proved Edwards right. What you are saying might have been

true but Hillary validated Edwards herself.And everyone noticed, including the talking heads. Edwards kicked some serious butt and said what needed to be said.he called her out and she validated him.

[Bluebear]

15. "I expect his numbers to go down after this." I'm sure you do. nt

[CyberPieHole]

16. Obama was a bumbling bystander...

John Edwards was, unfortunately, too obvious in his attacks...he came off as overly aggressive. Biden connected with me the most in this debate.

[karynnj]

21. I agree with you

If Biden were always like he was here, he would be in the top tier - and people would gradually see that he has the experience and knowledge that Edwards and Obama lack.

[AtomicKitten]

17. An interesting analysis that holds water.

Obama did confront her on the secrecy issue, but it was direct and straightforward. I loved Edwards out front on the attack and, the truth is, Obama benefits as a third party to the slaughter.

[Kahuna]

19. While a lot of people, dems and pubs will agree with Edwards..

attack on the system his problem is his lack of experience. So while he may have all of these great insights (and he does), one is left to wonder how with his lack of experience he can execute change.

[Perry Logan]

20. I believe Hillary's numbers will skyrocket. This puts me in a better mood than you.

[geek tragedy]

22. Edwards's approach plays better on blogs than it does

in Iowa.

Hillary, did you not see this coming?

[Freddie Stubbs]

23. Perhaps, but will their numbers go down enough to alter the race?

Danmed if I know.

[Evergreen Emerald]

24. Edwards and Obama really messed up tonight. Even Richardson told them to knock it off

And the visual was really bad for them. Two taller men attacking constantly the smaller woman in the middle. Their hand gestures, their body language was aggressive. It did not look well for either Obama or Edwards.

Clinton did a great job withstanding the attacks. I would like to see how any other candidate would handle those attacks.

The media was biased and attempted to take Clinton down. Don't celebrate too hard at what the media did--your candidate will be next. And that is why the "electibility" question is not reasonable. Clinton withstood 8 years of those types of constant attacks. When Obama and Edwards stands up to the same scrutiny--then they can talk.