The Democratic Candidates offer a choice light years beyond any Republican

[berni_mccoy]

The Democratic Candidates all did very well in the debate last night. And it was a great debate because many issues that need to be debated were debated quite well in front of the American people. Iraq and Iran, Health-care, the separation of powers, taking care of the poor and as Senator Obama stated, "taking care of life here on Planet Earth."

I thought all candidates spoke very well to the issues and clearly established a consensus of how a choice of any of the Democratic candidates for president would be light years beyond what any Republican candidate can offer. America needs change, now. Some of the Democratic candidates offer more change than others, but they all will take the helm of the Presidency and set us for a good course correction. Serious plans will be implemented that will have America seeking new forms of energy, taking care of the poor and sick and applying strong diplomacy instead of saber rattling to rebuild America's global relations and re-establish our once great reputation in the world. When I watched this debate, I felt a sense of relief and was given hope that we can once again become ourselves, what we truly are, instead of being led down the path of destruction. I would be satisfied with any of these candidates.

When I watch the Republican debates, I am filled with dread that we will continue down the path of chaos, destruction and yes, evil. America is on an evil path with the Bush Administration. We can't even get the nominee for the Attorney General to admit that water boarding is torture, something America and the International community has prosecuted others for as a war crime. All the Republican candidates have to say: "Tax-cuts, 911, kill the islamo-fascists, whatever it takes, hail-President". In other words, greed, death and destruction. If America chooses a Republican, you can be guaranteed we will see World War III.

As for individual performances, I thought all were good. It was natural for Clinton to be on the defensive as she certainly has been the focus of attacks from both sides. Obama spoke very well, but also was called on his double-speak by others. And I think it's certainly ok for candidates to attack each other, as they are, fundamentally competing, contrary to Richards "let's use our energy to attack the Republicans" mantra. Edwards was definitely on a run and I found it ridiculous that the media was asking Kucinich about his personal UFO experience. I'm glad that all the candidates attacked the moderators for that instead of Kucinich, as he had great points on relevant topics and it was awesome to see him call for Impeachment on the debate floor. Dodd and Biden should be doing far better than the polls show as they are so much stronger on point, which makes me wonder why Clinton is doing so relatively well given her waffling on some topics. Oh, yeah, I forgot, money matters in a Presidential race, and that is an unfortunate reality. She has far more than Dodd or Biden who are consistent in their points. But when Clinton was on point last night, she was solid and spoke well. I think she is getting tired from the attacks.

It's going to be a great run and whoever the Democratic choice is, I will support them. My only regret is that Gore is not in the race.

[insanad]

1. What makes a good leader

When I watch these debates I'm in awe of the stamina and grace that any of these candidates must muster. The questions can set one up for a disaster and a cool head, thoughtful but quick and focused answer must be given. Every nuance of a facial gesture or tick is noted and analyzed for signs of honesty or emotional reaction. Then there's the time limits that force the one answering to give in essence, a committed yes or no, even if there's qualifiers.

From a debate standpoint, from a perspective of who can take charge even when they're not in charge, from a measure of one's grace and quick decisiveness, a sense of humor, an ability to stay on message and turn trick questions in their favor BARACK ROCKS!!!! I loved his response to the UFO thing, his response to the Social Security mess, his Halloween response, and the absolute dignified and intelligent demeanor he exudes when he's on stage. God I hope he can win. Not because I'm caught up in his electrifying charisma, but because his ideas, his leadership, his ability to reflect strength and diplomatic reason are all the kinds of things our nation needs to help us heal from the years of George Bush and his disastrous presidency. If anyone can take this bag of broken glass that is our nations economy, military, and reputation and make a virtual stained glass window to illuminate the goodness that is inherent in America, then I believe Barack Obama can.

[Frances]

2. I am pleased that there have been so many debates

because I think whoever wins the Dem nomination will be better prepared for the campaign against the Repub nominee.

I have not made a final decision myself, but I thought that all were better than the best Repub.

I think Hillary is a great speaker: poised, intelligent, and in command. She can be faulted for not being specific about her plans for Iraq and Social Security.

I think Barack is a very deep thinker who sees the complexity of each situation. The debates are especially good for him because they give him experience in communicating his thinking.

There is no question in my mind that John Edwards is right on the issues. If I were his advisor, though, I would not use terms like have-nots. I would use middle class. Even the have-nots and have-less prefer to think that they are in the middle class. I think he would have a more unifying effect on the Democratic party if he sounded more inclusive.

I thought Biden was a very effective speaker last night. Like other DUers, I liked his take on Rudy's sentences: a noun, a verb, 9/11.

I thought Dodd had the physical appearance of a thoughtful president.

I don't think Richardson was a good speaker. And he talked too much about his accomplishments. He's a good Dem but I don't think he's connecting with the voters.

I agree with Dennis on most issues, but I don't think he is making a voter connection either.