DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

The Lim Analysis of the just-concluded Democratic debate in New Hampshire

Clinton: Good performance. Precisely articulated her views on various issues. Showed distinct leadership qualities on a few occasions. Intelligent response on Don't Ask Don't Tell. Still a little murky on the Iraq issue. Avoided taking any direct shots at any of the other candidates.

Biden: Except for that one moment where he seemed a little close to blowing his top over the Darfur issue, he gave a brilliant performance in which he clearly highlighted his superiority over anyone else in the Presidential race, Democrat or Republican, on foreign policy issues. His answer on his vote on the recent war supplemental spending bill was very convincing. Did a great job on reminding the audience that any attempts to cut off funding for the war is not a realistic goal given that 67 votes in the Senate is needed. Refrained from long-winded answers which he is historically famous for.

Obama: Much better performance than the last debate. Was able to offer more specific details on his plans for universal healthcare and Iraq. Overall, he was good but not great.

Richardson: Terrible performance. Looked awkward in front of the camera. Tried way too hard to emphasize his achivements as governor of NM and UN Ambassador. He is clearly a moderate Democrat but his attempts to move leftwards on the issues just looks clumsy.

Kucinich: Total waste of time. Does nothing but pander to the extreme left wing. Criticisms of the Senators for voting on authorizing funding the troops in the past was way off. Presence in NH was merely to take up space on the stage.

Edwards: Came out swinging at Obama and Clinton. Like Obama, was able to provide more details on his plans for a range of issues. Did a fairly decent job of trying to differentiate himself from the other candidates. Got a little long-winded at times but overall, like Clinton and Obama, he was good, but not great.

Dodd: Performed above expectations. Can't exactly remember one issue in which he stood out from the rest but remember thinking to myself all throughout the debate that he was doing a very good job.

Gravel: Pathetic. Enough said.