Obama Won (Andrew Sullivan's Debate Analysis)

[THUNDER HANDS]

It was, I think, his best debate in the campaign so far. The one-on-one format elevated him instantly and he commanded the stage and the occasion. Hillary Clinton did not do poorly. All her strengths were on show: the policy mastery, the gaffe-free talking points, the Clinton record in the 1990s. But that made his mastery all the more impressive. The good natured sparring helped him. He neutralized her on healthcare and simply cleaned up on the war in Iraq. But most crucial: he seemed like a president. He was already battling McCain. She was still pivoting off Bush. In his body language, he carefully upstaged her, without looking as if he were trying. By the end of the debate, he was pulling her chair back for her.

I'd say that he won the primary election tonight. She is still a formidable candidate and her massive institutional advantage may eventually give her the nomination. But she hasn't won this primary argument or this primary battle. If she becomes the nominee, it will be because she survived the primaries. He won them.

You know my bias. It's on my sleeve. But I've criticized Obama's performances in the past and couldn't find a flaw tonight. A good closer, as I've been told for over a year now. You can say that again.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/

[Coexist]

1. that is very thoughtful

I never connected the Obama looking to McCain, Clinton looking back to Bush.

That is a great way for the Obama camp to spin this one.

[Neshanic]

2. Why would anyone care about a unsafe-sex trolling repub shill nitwit like him?

Really, he is the last person that should be quoted to support any of our people. Did he miss the night of the living dead last night in Simi Valley?

[DURHAM D]

3. Poor Andrew ..

[Kermit77]

4. Excellent article - thanks for posting

I agree with Andrew and I like how he admits he supports Obama. He is honest.

I just wish the ladies on the View would come out and admit they support Hillary.

[Cosmocat]

5. Eh ...

Andrew Sullivan has the viceral hatred of Hillary that all right wingers have, half reformed or not ... I have seen him talk about her a half dozen or so the last year or so, and he can't even begin to hide his disdainr for her, simimlarly, he is supporting Obama as the D candidate ...

I WANT Obama to win, but well worded or not, this ain't an objective critique ...

[bidenista]

6. read sullivan's "liveblog"

It's hilarious. It could have been written before the debate!

[Neshanic]

8. It probably was, He was out on a crying jag squaring his gayness with his religion.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

7. "If she wins the primaries he still won the primaries?" He's in love, not thinking straight

[VotesForWomen]

11. yep. nt

[ursi]

9. nice ...and I agree

[VotesForWomen]

10. well, andrew sullivan doesn't really like women, and i'm not talking about him being gay. nt

[ShortnFiery]

12. This is good news. Perhaps we can unite the less than bat-shit crazy republicans and democrats

together to FINALLY get *productive legislation* passed in our government. :shrug:

[AnnieBW]

13. Man-Crush On Obama

Andrew Sullivan has a massive man-crush on Obama. Obama could sit there, pick his nose, and spout off Bush's SOTU speech verbatim, and Sullivan would still worship him.

[okasha]

14. Andy and Tweety can have a good cry together

when Obama doesn't divorce Michelle.