Democratic Debate Review

Jimmy D: The first debate is always about cutting the fat and posturing for the future. I'm glad the Democratic Party has 1/3 of the Republican Party as far as candidates go. It allows for more back and forth. But mostly, it allows for them to say more. Lincoln Chafee is the fat that is being cut. He didn’t stand out and had a terrible moment where he pretty much stated “I didn’t know what I was voting for.” It was an honest statement from an “ethical” man. It was unfortunate for him, but that is why we have these debates. Martin O’Malley looked good on the stage and postured himself as the guy who has “did that” in his own State as Governor of Maryland. The problem is he didn’t exactly resonate with me. I just don't know if he can hold his own against a serious Republican Contender. Jim Webb looked really good but really boring on the stage. He postured himself as the most moderate of the group. If you’re looking for someone who can cross the aisle, Jim Webb is your man. But moderates don’t win primaries. Charismatic people do. Bernie Sanders did exactly what he wanted to do. He in no way wanted to reach moderates. But that isn’t his ‘play.’ Much like Ted Cruz of the right, He is trying to rally the base and hope that carries him forward. I'll be listening more the next time because he's said most of what he needed to say. Hillary looked like she belonged on the stage. She looked Presidential. She pretty much aligned herself with President Obama. I’m sure that is the way she wanted it to go. President Obama is still really popular among progressives. It's a smart play as she really doesn't have to go out on a limb. She'll get a lot more TV time simply because of her name....and her upcoming public hearing. All in all, it’s pretty obvious who the two frontrunners are and why. Hillary and Bernie will be around until the end. Martin O’Malley and Jim Webb have some work to do. If you asked me to pick a winner I couldn’t do it. Bernie Sanders won this debate by sticking to his guns. Hillary won by keeping her position. Ronnie R:

The first Democrat debate was, as it was anticipated to be. Lot's of pandering to the special interest, 'single issue' voters, just like the Republicans. They squabbled over who was more progressive and extreme than the other. Having said that, here is my take if I were an objective observer. Lincoln Chafee looked awful. Plain and simple. He stumbled over himself repeatedly, invoked his father several times (who is also someone nobody knows) and looked lost. In an effort to expose the flip flopping of the other candidates, he exposed his own flip flopping tendencies. Martin O'Malley proudly proclaimed his executive experience as a mayor and governor. He looked presidential and confident. Problem is, what was actually coming out of his mouth was ridiculous and mostly inaccurate. The reason he is next to last in the polls was personified in his closing statement. He told ridiculous untruths about how Republicans hate women, minorities and poor people, while being racist, bigoted, climate deniers. The voters are tired of the name calling. Jim Webb looked like the only sane individual on the stage last night. He was the only one that wasn't desperately trying to be just like everyone else. He wasn't afraid to be the only one disagreeing on an issue and correctly called out CNN for not giving him equal airtime. That however, is the problem. The primary voter for either party, does not care if you get equal time or not. Stand out or get out. Bernie Sanders was his typical self. Played the 'old wise grandpa' card to perfection. He is a likable guy that I would love to have a beer with. He showed some of his libertarian side, which shows how he can have some broader appeal. Unfortunately though, the majority of his time was spent espousing typical socialist principles and platitudes that all sound good in theory, but have never worked. Hillary Clinton actually showed up for the debate and allowed someone else to talk to her! That in and of itself is something newsworthy. She unveiled Hillary 9.0 and the officially licensed re-brand as a 'balls to wall' fighter is now being market tested. While all that is great, nearly everything that came out of her mouth was a lie. It's okay though, she is a Clinton and they don't have to tell the truth. All in all, the candidates all knew their audience. They were passionate and sharp on the issues and can be eloquent when they aren't bashing Republicans. It will be interesting to see if the race opens to a third person here or if Bernie and Hillary will continue to keep this a two candidate race.

#discussion