Democrats Debate at Howard University

[DeepModem Mom]

WP political blog, "The Fix," by Chris Cillizza
06/28/2007
Democratic Debate Roundup

Tonight's Democratic debate at Howard University (broadcast on PBS) was more a series of mini stump speeches than an actual give and take between the candidates.

The two leading candidates -- Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.) -- nicely distinguished themselves, scoring two of the most memorable moments of the night. Clinton drew a standing ovation in response to a question on the problem of HIV/AIDS in the black community; Obama's early acknowledgement that only by the work of many African American before him was he able to stand on the stage was poignant and powerful....

Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) cast himself as a doer throughout the debate, noting that he had announced his candidacy in New Orleans, worked in a mill and started a center devoted to understanding and solving the problem of poverty.

As for the other three candidates, none stood out -- slowed by a format that led to long breaks in between answers by each candidate. Moderator Tavis Smiley did his level best to move the debate along, but the candidates regularly went over their allotted time. And, the format did not recommend itself to candidates engaging one another, a necessity if you are a second-tier candidate in hopes of making an impact in the debate.

The most intriguing element of the debate was how Clinton and Obama used the various questions asked of them to present their separate strengths. For Clinton, the debate was all about experience -- she mentioned her work in the Senate over and over again when asked how she would handle education, poverty and race relations. Obama focused on his vision for the country, repeatedly seeking to broaden the question asked of him and demonstrate his willingness and ability to change the parameters of the political debate....

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/?hpid=topnews

[rocktivity]

1. Well, when you have so many candidates, maybe "mini-stump speeches"

is the smartest way to go. This forum was certainly more watchable than the ones Tweety and Wolfie hosted.

:headbang:
rocknation

[DeepModem Mom]

2. You are so right -- no silliness from the "moderator"! nt

[rocktivity]

7. Tavis understands that the moderator is not the star of the show.

When I was asked about who was best moderator of the Bush-Kerry debates, I said, "It had to be the moderator of the first one, because I noticed him the least."

:headbang:
rocknation

[rwheeler31]

3. Who is this Cillizza guy?

He seems so snarky to dems.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. He writes strictly about campaigns and elections -- politics -- from a handicapping...

point of view. I read about all his stuff, and don't find him so bad. He, for example, predicts in his early assessments for Dems to pick up House and Senate seats, as well as governorships in '08.

His work in the WP is the first I've seen from him. Don't know if he wrote elsewhere before. Sometimes he's on "Countdown" with Olbermann.

[benny05]

5. The Fix is a blog column and regular

A few times a week.

I thought John Edwards did the best in having substance in his answers. It was unfortunate that he had to follow Richardson, who purposely went over time and cut into others time. It was disrepectful towards the other candidates, like Kucinich, who got less and less time over the forum because of Richardson.

Richardson needs to get a better debate coach.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. Good observations. I saw Richardson speak to a smallish group...

and then answer questions off the cuff, and he did an excellent job. I don't know what's with his debate performances. A smart man, and a diplomat, years in public service. It's puzzling.

[Like It Is]

8. He can't handle debates!

His Debate performances have been awful. One on One against a top Republican, he would get slaughtered.