I bit the bullet and I've just begun watching the debate on YouTube. nt

[gateley]

EDIT -- 1st question to Obama - about Pakistan and nukes. Abysmal answer. Painted Pakistan as a democracy, when we know that's not true.

Edwards answering now. Much to my surprise, I actually liked his answer.

[frogcycle]

1. despite being more "glamorous" (house, hair)

than some, I see Edwards as less egotistical - well, I mean, I am sure he loves himself and thinks he's great, but at least as far as thinking he has all the answers - I think he has been listening closely to Joe and doing his homework, whereas the others just have people prepare "positions" and "statements" that they themselves barely internalize, if at all.

What makes Joe so inspiring is that he has the knowledge in his encyclopedic brain and is more than glad to share with you - to educate. Edwards may (does) have a long way to go, but at least he appears open to learning, rather than just claiming to be the uber-hoper who will "bring everyone together" and the lion will lie down with the lamb...

Or just claiming to be so experienced as to be infallible, but not condescending to actually explain. To me Clinton's refusal to actually just talk about the IWR vote, what she really thought then and what she thinks now, rather than just making a few clipped statements and acting like it is none of our business turned me off. She acts like she thinks she's royalty - she'll give us the "royal wave" and expect our votes, but as to just talking with us, and LISTENING, well, that's beneath her.

I see Edwards as having the right attitude toward the oligarchs (fight, not accommodate) and willing to learn (meaning, also, willing to surround himself with people smarter/more knowledgeable than him). The others - not so much.