TIME's debate "Report Card": "...niggling, hoary questions that bordered on the absurd."

[DeepModem Mom]

HILLARY CLINTON, A-


(C.J. Gunther/AFP/Getty Images)
Hillary Clinton, Senator of New York

Able to look commanding and presidential even as she fielded niggling, hoary questions that bordered on the absurd. Never lost her temper, her focus or her cool, and even dispatched a crowd-pleasing Dick Cheney zinger. Occasionally lapsed into the weary defensiveness she displayed during the health care wars of '93 and various subsequent Clinton sagas. Bottom line: came in the front-runner and leaves in a stronger position.

JOHN EDWARDS, B+

Deftly turned almost every response into a version of his message — that he would be the strongest leader on Iraq, health care, and other national issues. Appeared to get under the skin of both Obama and Clinton by challenging them directly on their records and leadership regarding Iraq and health care. Edwards' taunts weren't pretty or particularly smooth, but his only chance to be nominated is to climb over his two main rivals, and you gotta (make a) play to win.

JOE BIDEN, C+

Vaulted over the other members of the Little Three by speaking loudly, leavened by the passion he showed as a presidential candidate in 1987. Stole the thunder from Dodd on Iraq and the mantle of responsibility from Richardson. Still, however, he came across as more senatorial than presidential, more strident than forceful and delivered more high volume than sharp message. If he somehow becomes the party's nominee, he'll be able to say it began here tonight.

BARACK OBAMA, C+

Tentative, mushy, and sometimes distracted. If his biggest challenge is to project presidential strength and experience, he failed badly in his initial answers, and didn't improve much over time, although he offered up a few solid ideas and the occasional forceful moment. Crisply parried Edwards' challenge on Iraq, but in general seemed more like a process-oriented legislator than the embodiment of change, which, along with his charisma, remains his biggest advantage. His natural thoughtfulness got him swallowed up and occasionally the length of his answers set him adrift.

DENNIS KUCINICH, C...
BILL RICHARDSON, C-...
CHRIS DODD, C-...
MIKE GRAVEL, F...

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1627817_1627816_1627794,00.html?xid=site-cnn-partner

[hijinx87]

1. she did seem to be on her game

. . . and some of the questions were a little ridiculous.

[aquart]

2. Hillary took the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune for 8 years

And never lost her cool in public. No reason to think she'll change.

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. did they grade the Republicans too?

if so, I'd like to see that report card.

[hijinx87]

4. eh. the the chips fall.

we're going to clean their clocks in november anyway. :evilgrin:

[Egnever]

5. Wow does time have a dog in this race?

cause thats not what I saw last night. Hillary did well to be sure and she certainly didnt do any damage to herself. John Edwards however I found shrill and argumentative and he lost most of the exchanges he initiated IMHO. Obamas "you are about 4 years too late line" Pretty much shut him down.

Over all I thought it was a very good showing by most of them and the only real losers I saw were gravel and richardson.

But meh whatever to each his own we have a long way to go and most people arent paying attention at all yet.