Jan. 31st CNN Dem debate in California **live commentary thread**

[Joe Biden 2020]

Good answer.  No government intervention on parental issues.

Um... that might be a stretch to take that from what he's saying.

Possibly.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

MSNBC calling this debate "Barack Obama's best debate performance".

That wouldn't exactly be hard.

[Joe Biden 2020]

MSNBC calling this debate "Barack Obama's best debate performance".

That wouldn't exactly be hard.

I think it was his best one.  He really impressed me all night long.

[Saxwsylvania]

MSNBC calling this debate "Barack Obama's best debate performance".

That wouldn't exactly be hard.

I think it was his best one.  He really impressed me all night long.

lol

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

MSNBC calling this debate "Barack Obama's best debate performance".

That wouldn't exactly be hard.

I think it was his best one.  He really impressed me all night long.

From the snippets I was able to hear he did do very well. He FINALLY got substantive policy stuff in... even though his immigration plan is the only one I prefer to Clinton's (it wasn't covered... but in general)

You're filthy Vands.

[Speed of Sound]

MSNBC calling this debate "Barack Obama's best debate performance".

That wouldn't exactly be hard.

I think it was his best one.  He really impressed me all night long.

lol

How would we keep our discussions sophisticated and knowledgable without you, Vander Blubb?

[Joe Biden 2020]

He really struck a chord with me tonight.  I was really impressed with how well he presented himself and how presidential he sounded.  I am confident that either one of these two will be prepared to be president on day one.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

It looks as though Obama has gotten the message that oratory "group hugs" isn't going to get the job done - and if you want to get your policy message out you cannot rely on the net, since there are many people (especially older) who are very uncomfortable with the internet, and he HAS to get the nuts and bolts out.

[angus]

I was really impressed with how well he presented himself and how presidential he sounded.

I was really impressed that he controlled the urge to say, "Hell no!" when asked whether he'd consider an Obama/Clinton ticket, but at the same time he didn't come out and lie about it.  He didn't say, "Oh sure, I'd definitely consider her as my running mate.  I think about asking her to drop out of the race on a daily basis, in fact, and the reason that I do is because I want her as my running mate because I relish the thought of spending the day with her every day for the next four years."  That's a fine line to walk, and he walked it very well.  He said no without saying no, and that was very politically savvy. 

And she answered the question even better:  "what he said."

[Flying Dog]

My opinion is that the debate was a draw. This, I think, ends up being a victory for Obama as he continues to steadily gain Edwards voters and undecideds. It also shows he can play both policy wonk and motivational speaker. Just imagine if he could bridge the gap between the two and combine them. He'd be the best debater ever.

[Angel of Death]

Someone should time that debate; I think Clinton almost got the entire time slot originally intended for Edwards! Notice how many times Wolf tried to interject her compared to Obama.

Although there was no clear winner, the fact that in this debate Obama got to be specific on the issues, allowed him to address his main weakness head-on. The more the voters get to know him, the less anxious they'll be about voting for him.

[Lief 🗽]

Both Obama and Clinton did exceptionally well. My opinion of both candidates has increased greatly, and I think after tonight I might be able to maybe one day bite the bullet and pull that lever for Hillary. Maybe.

[exopolitician]

Sadly I didnt get to watch the debate tonight, but I read through the thread and apparenty it was a boring one but a fairly decent one for both Candidates. MSNBC is praising Obama while CNN is praising both...hopefully they will air it again [dont the usually?] later tonight so i'll watch it and make my own assessment.

[Sam Spade]

MSNBC has become so much for Obama nowadays, they really aren't worth paying attention to.

That being said, I did not watch the debate, so there.

[Eraserhead]

MSNBC has become so much for Obama nowadays, they really aren't worth paying attention to.

That being said, I did not watch the debate, so there.

Great job.

[Sam Spade]

MSNBC has become so much for Obama nowadays, they really aren't worth paying attention to.

That being said, I did not watch the debate, so there.

Great job.

If I want to watch an all-Obama newscast, I just tune into this site. 

[TomC]

Both Clinton and Obama need spokespeople that are more interesting to look at and more energetic. Both Penn and Obama's guy are creepy and dweebish.

[Democratic Hawk]

I wish Obama's debating was as good as his oratory but he's improving

Dave