Analysts: Debate had no 'crystallizing moment' (Union Leader)

[Maddy McCall]

By MARK HAYWARD
Union Leader Staff
23 January 2004


GOFFSTOWN — No Lloyd Bentsen-like “you’re no Jack Kennedy” moment emerged from the Democratic debate last night, but candidates and their supporters said they were able to deliver their message.
.....
“People who tuned into this debate saw two candidates ready to be President, John Kerry and Joe Lieberman,” said Katrina Swett, a co-chairman in Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman’s campaign.
.....
“I think we spend too much time on the Defense of Marriage Act,” (Edwards) said, noting two of the three questions asked about the legislation were directed toward him.
.....
Bruno said Clark maintained a high tone and was able to emphasize his national security credentials and outsider image. The reporters engaged in a game of gotcha,” Bruno said. “I think he held up to the media pretty well.”

More at: http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=32148

[maddezmom]

1. thanks for posting :)

the debate was a let down.

[Jerseycoa]

2. The worst

I want the League of Women Voters to take them back.

[Maddy McCall]

5. Yes. The LOWV in Mississippi is a powerful organization...

and is nonpartisan, so it would be much more fair. (The LOWV here, though, is presided over by a very liberal sixties feminist--Cora Norman--and she is respected by all state legislators because they fear her. :-) )

[Maddy McCall]

3. Yes, like shooting fish in a barrel

And that was what it was intended to be. Considering that, though, our candidates did well last night--all of them.

Democrats are at a disadvantage this year. Bush won't have to debate Republican opponents in front of a "liberal" panel.

I wish one reputable Republican (oxymoron?) would run against Bush for the Republican nomination.

[fjc]

6. I agree. No sparks, everyone in a holding position.

But I found the panel of questioners to be a bit hostile. That question to Sharpton about the Federal Reserve was intended to reveal his weaknesses. I thought Edwards flubbed the question about bigotry and Bush's support of the defense of marriage act. It is bigotry, and he or one of the other candidates should have said so. But on the whole, it was a big yawn.

[xultar]

4. Clark maintained a high tone...Yeah HOO!

Bruno said Clark maintained a high tone and was able to emphasize his national security credentials and outsider image. The reporters engaged in a game of gotcha,” Bruno said. “I think he held up to the media pretty well.”