Moskie

Anyone check out the debate that happened today? I found it pretty interesting, and was actually able to watch it all the way through.

Kerry and Clark seemed to make the most sense to me. They seemed to have a lot of good ideas, presented them intelligently and weren't too fanatical about it.

I'm starting to not like Dean. He seems to be the quickest to go on the defensive, by responding with personal attacks (right after he asks for them to stop). Him and Gephart traded some very unfriendly glances. Also, something superficial that bothers me about Dean: when he's not talking, he always looks like he's seething with pure contempt for the people around him. Not that he doesn't like the particular people around him, just that he doesn't like anybody.

Lieberman cracked a joke or two also. I always thought of him as an out of touch guy. Maybe he's not as much of a tight-ass as I thought he was.

Well, if anyone else watched it, I'd like to hear some other takes on what people had to say...

JamesS

I agree that Dean seemed on the defensive.. probably because he's been under heavy attack by Kerry, Lieberman and Gep in recent days. He's probably trying to stem off the negative media coverage that killed Gore in 2000.

Most of the domestic issues are similiar between the campaigns (example: arguing over *how much* of Bush tax cuts to repeal). Foreign policy wise I think Clark and Dean are on the right track. I don't really care for the Bush-lite Lieberman style of policy.

Honestly, I would love to see a Dean/Clark ticket. You combine a southerner General with the guy who single-handedly matured internet politicking and you got a balanced ticket, in my opinion.

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Zeld2.0

I dunno why but it seems lately Clark has the biggest thing going for him. Southerner + General = big vote getter, if anything.

Moskie

Regarding some foreign policy issues that Kucinich mentioned, I really didn't like some of what he said, mainly how he wants US troops to come home *now*. I suppose he's exagerating, in that he wouldn't leave Iraq to completely fend for itself, but I still didn't like the idea that his choices would revolve around what would bring our troops home the quickest, as opposed to what's the best for Iraq, US foreign relations, etc.

mml

With so many candidates, it was difficult to get a real read on anyone. Dean, for some reason, just bothers me. He is a strong politician and I like some of his ideas but I can't shake my dislike for him. Gephart is lining up his "old school" Democrats and Labor and his remarks were made for that audience. Leiberman came across flat, Kucinich and his "Department of Peace" is a joke. I like Edwards, but he just isn't going to do it. Clark did fine, and since this was his first debate and his first foray into politics, I think he did well. He must, however, get more of his policy platform set and memorized or the "I'm the new guy, give me a little while" routine will get old. Overall, I like Kerry the best. I don't think he won the debate, but to my sensibilities he seems the most on target and presidential. In my opinion, the Democratic Party would be well served if Graham, Edwards, Mosely-Braun, Kucinich, and Sharpton dropped out of the race. Let Clark, Dean, Gephart, Kerry and Leiberman fight it out in the early primaries and see how things shake out.

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Redlemon

I have to admit, I haven't been paying attention, but for two good reasons:
* The primaries are so front-loaded that by the time they reach my state, the nomination will be wrapped up already; and
* I'm voting for whoever runs against Bush.

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