Cowgirl's totally frivolous debate roundup.

[bklyncowgirl]

Alright, enough on substance, enough on who said what about what. Let's get down to what really counts.

Most improved Debater: Barack Obama.
In the first debate Obama had difficulty with the format and was maddenly vague on the issues. Last night Barak rocked! He was forceful, detailed and brief. That little stumble over the VA issue aside, the man from Illinois did great.

Most consistent debater: Hillary Clinton
Senator Clinton always delivers a professional performance and she was especially good last night coming off as a bit more warm and approachable than before. Runner up: John Edwards also very articulate and professional.

Debater most in dire need of coaching: Bill Richardson
He's a substantial, experienced guy but if he really wants to be president he needs to work on his TV presentation skills and do it quick. Maybe Obama can give him the name of his debate coach. Also the guy has a nice wavy head of hair but whoever did his doo last night should be sued for malpractice. Talk about helmet hair.

Miss Congeniality: Hillary Clinton
Senator Clinton had something nice to say about just about everyone--well with the possible exception of Barack Obama and John Edwards.

Best Hair: Tie Clinton and Edwards
Hillary Clinton looked fabulous tonight and so did (no surprise here) John Edwards. Maybe Edwards can give Richardson the name of his stylist.

Biggest surprise: Joe Biden
Wow, Biden can be passionate and succinct too. Who'd a thunk it!

Biggest disappointment: Mike Gravel
He toned it down a bit this time and it didn't work. I WANT MY CRAZY UNCLE MIKE BACK!

Most inspiring candidate: Dennis Kucinich
It's a tough call, on a night in which we saw the first serious (as defined by the media not by me) woman candidate standing between the first serious African-American candidate and the first serious Hispanic candidate the guy who probably inspired more people to aspire something they had never hoped to dream of was Dennis Kucinich. The moment his tall, gorgeous red headed, young wife stepped on the stage to join him, short, homely, somewhat geeky young men all over America saw that maybe, just maybe somewhere there is a beautiful woman out there who is ready to fall in love with their minds. GO DENNIS!

Edited to correct spelling--Sorry Senator Obama!

[theoldman]

1. Just to let you know that I enjoyed your post even though

no one else responded.

[Byronic]

2. I enjoyed it too!

Thanks bklyncowgirl :hi:

[bklyncowgirl]

8. Why thank you! I appreciate that. nt

[churchofreality]

3. Good stuff

Hillary is clearly the best, but the cream is starting to rise. I think Dodd is great, just not sexy enough to make the top tier. Gravel and Richardson need to bail out.

[bklyncowgirl]

13. I'm giving Richardson another shot--but he's got to get his game on.

Because Richardson has such remarkable experience, I'm willing to give him another shot. I also like his positions on energy and the environment and also on Iraq. Problem is he has a great deal of difficulty articulating them in a clear succinct manner when the time is ticking. In a way he reminds me a bit of Howard Dean who also struggled a bit in these debates and in some TV interviews. Dean's a good example of the fact that these skills can be learned--he now eats guys like Wolf Blitzer for desert when he's on his game. I also have a soft spot for Richardson because the guy has horses and as an equestrian, I'd like to see another equestrian in the White House--one that's not a Republican, of course.

As for Gravel, he was a bit too subdued, I was looking for an appearance by the Democrat's angry grandpa and instead got a grumpy old man.

Joe Biden set off a few fireworks, though.

I'm not sure I'd say Hillary's the best--she is certainly the most consistent and professional. Obama's catching up, however, and with his natural instincts could walk away with the next debate.

[wyldwolf]

4. Hey, good stuff. Though I'm always surprised when people are surprised at Biden

[bklyncowgirl]

9. I've seen Biden be at times be terrific and at other times be Godawful.

Last night he was terrific.

[zanne]

5. I was surprised at how pissed off Biden looked and sounded...

I don't know if it was intentional or not, but SHEESH, Joe! Relax!

[Auntie Bush]

6. Excellent roundup cowgirl.

Got them all at the gate and examined and no one has mad cow disease...except for maybe Mike Gravel.

I agree with your excellently written synopsis except I believe Hillary won...if we have to pick a winner. I actually think she looks presidential. Everything you said speaks my mind. Thanks.

[durtee librul]

10. She should look presidential...

she's bought and paid for.

[Auntie Bush]

12. So is most everyone else...which is why we need public funding. n/t

[slackmaster]

7. I had to work last night and missed the whole thing

I appreciate these threads.

[polichick]

11. Not frivolous at all...very insightful!

:toast: