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Tonight's debate

By pharrell

Hillary's solid performance in tonight's debate isn't important because of the minuscule audience tuned in to CNN from 8-10; it's important because it cuts off the downward spiral she'd been in since her mediocre performance in Philadelphia two weeks ago. The headlines tomorrow, and, more importantly, the talking-head commentary over the next few days, will be that Hillary did what she needed to do in Las Vegas: she answered questions directly, she brushed off her opponents' attacks without losing her poise; and she looked good, commanding, presidential. Another error, either in a speech or a staff-driven gaffe like the planted-question fiasco of the last few days could easily drag her down again, but I bet tonight bought her some breathing room.

Obama made no gaffes, at least not any that will last beyond this evening--there's no negative storyline coming out of this debate--but he failed to capitalize on his performance at the Iowa J-J last weekend, and, given that we're what, six weeks out from Iowa's caucuses, positive momentum is critical. He had a strong opening and he closed well during the last 15 minutes but the middle of his performance was soggy.

Having watched Obama in a few of these now, it's clear the forum just doesn't suit him. He's much better in speeches or in one-on-one debates, both things he'd need to excel at as a general election nominee, but that is cold comfort given that these candidate forums receive a disproportionate share of media attention during the lead-up to the primaries. He'll need to be more consistently punchy during the next debate, in early December.

Full post as published by Harrell Blog on November 16, 2007 (boomark / email).