Legal Commentary

Chuck Todd's Take On The Debate

By Big Tent Democrat

By Big Tent Democrat

Both Jeralyn and I like NBC's Chuck Todd's work quite a bit. He is smart and a straight shooter and so I think his reaction to last night's debate is worth looking at:

As for the big picture, the question for everyone watching this debate is: Did Clinton do anything tonight to change the trajectory of this race? And the answer is no. Did she potentially win this debate on points; I think so; it was close but she had a couple of VERY good moments on health care and the economy that probably scored well in the various focus groups of undecided voters watching this debate. Obama was uneven, at times great (like in his answers on Iraq and his speeches) but sometimes he seemed to go through the motions. It may be because he was a bit stuffed up; he was good tonight, not great. But he made no major gaffes (for the primary) and more importantly the one great rehearsed attack line Clinton had for Obama (about change you can xerox) seemed to fall flat. But Clinton needed a game-changing moment and she didn't get one tonight. And this is how this debate will be judged.

I disagree that Clinton could even have a game changing moment nor did she need one. First, there is another debate in a few days. And second, and more importantly, Clinton needs a game changing two weeks, not a game changing night. That will only come with hard work and continued focus on reconsolidating her base. Focus on health care, the economy and her personal image can do that. She accomplished all 3 last night. For the Media, Hillary did not change the game last night, but Clinton needs to understand she will never win in the Media. She needs to win with her voters in Texas and Ohio. Last night she kept that focus.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on February 22, 2008 (boomark / email).