My impressions of candidates for the debates... [View All]

[bhunt70]

I'll make my impressions short. These are based on what I just watched. Most of them are critical and I tried to remain objective in my assessments.

1. Edwards - A lot of talk about rising up and getting above the fighting within the candidates. I think his candidacy has taken a shift to trying to be "above all that". He vocalized it enough and to me I think he could have taken on the issues more.

2. Kucinich - Kucinich also stayed above the fray. I think he would be a good domestic presidential candidate if war didnt seem to be america favorite pasttime. Obviously smart but I feel a bit too idealistic sometimes.

3. Kerry - Kerry seems to now have his main goal of taking down Dean. During the debates I think he did himself a disservice by throwing the ball back into Dean's yard and reiterating "old" topics to get in the last word. One of the 3 most "politician-like" candidates.

4. Gephardt - Almost the same as Kerry I think his sparring with Dean did him a disservice. I think he is less focussed on killing Dean's campaign but just as eager to pile on. One of the 3 most "politician-like" candidates.

5. Dean - Dean looks stiff and while he held his composure for the most part I think enough focus was put on him to create doubts from other democrats. A volatile issue like medicare on a day like today is not somehting to take lightly...he never did answer whether he would slow the growth of medicare but he did say he would not cut it. Maybe its hard to stay in stride when people attack but it gets worse as president. One of the 3 most "politician-like" candidates.

6. Clark - Not enough focus on his domestic ideas and too much focus on his military ideas. He almost seemed one dimensional, which I think would be a deathblow in a presidential election. I think he is the most photogenic of the bunch. Seemingly strong of character, I think his bursts of emotion could be disconcerting if he ever forgot to smile afterwards.

7. Sharpton - Sharpton puts things plain and easy. Socially on the right track but tonight I think he was relegated to the role of "say something funny, poingiant and witty Al". Not as strong of a performance I think as some of his last outings but he holds himself well and I think he is integral where others may not.

8. Braun - The belle of the ball, Braun holds herself well and speaks well and I think she has the right mix of international and domestic experience. I was impressed with her tonight. If America were ready for Braun, I think she'd be ready for America.

9. Lieberman - Wasn't there, he may just as well back out of the race.


These are my personal opinions.