Review and Analysis of ABC's Democratic Debate

Pulling their chairs to the table with ABC's Charles Gibson, Democrats met face to face in their first debate during their short stay in New Hampshire. Democratic candidates at Saturday evenings New Hampshire debate included Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson.

The second of two debates on the evening of Sunday, January 5, 2008, the Democratic debate was aired immediately following the 7pm EST, republican debate. ABC News carried the debate, broadcast live from Saint Anselm College. The debate was moderated by Charles Gibson. In the last thirty minutes of the debate WMUR anchor and political director Scott Spradling asked questions.

Prior to the beginning of the democrat debate ABC orchestrated the appearance of both republican and democratic candidates on stage. Charles Gibson said the purpose of the public meet and greet was to show the nation that despite differences, all candidates are united in their desire to see a strong, united, more prosperous America.

Following an intense Republican debate Charles Gibson tossed softballs to democratic candidates.

Hillary Clinton came to the debate needing to better define her campaign and display statesmanship and tenacity in light of her 3^rd place finish in Iowa. Hillary had a great night. She picked up Obama and Edward's call for change, adding a twist of her own. Clinton agreed that change was needed, and cited her 35 year record of initiating change as opposed to a few years in politics talking about change. She was very clear in the distinction between rhetoric and action, punctuating her perspective with a pointed question, asking what greater change could there be than a woman in the White House. She followed up by re-iterating she has spent her entire career as an agent of change, saying she is the one with the experience and know how to bring about change. Again and again, she directed voters to her record.

Barack Obama entered the debate with an aura of enthusiasm and confidence. In Barack's initial response he threw in a lot of names of Washington insiders. Initially it seemed he was trying to validate his credentials based on his work. He tried to establish and capitalize on his experience. It wasn't long before Obama backed off talking about experience. His credentials looked flimsy when compared to Hillary. Nonetheless, he continued to speak with confidence using terms and phrases that indicated he will be the next president. Candidates often use such terminology, but Barack's comments had an air of over confidence. Others showed measured confidence, lest they turn off voters.

Edwards sided with Obama, despite Clinton's statement defending his record of experience. He spoke with intelligence about foreign policy, but on stage, he looked like a bewildered deer. His southern, casual style didn't come across as presidential, unless you think of Jimmy Carter. As usual, he played the emotional card reminding the other candidates and viewers that this race was deeply personal for him, because his Dad grew up working in a mill and his grandmother was a sharecropper. He talks as if his pursuit of the White House is a mission. He acts as if he is called to protect the middle class. Unfortunately, Edward's lifestyle doesn't ring true with his rhetoric.

He understands the plight of the middle class. He may actually work to support the middle class should he become president. His altruistic motives are hard to believe. He is a former lawyer whose work chasing big dollar lawsuits flies in the face of capitalism, preserving jobs, and keeping the cost of living down. Is his idea of helping the middle class taking from the rich and redistributing their money? There is then no reward for those who take risks, pursue innovation, and invest in creating goods and services to improve our world. Edward's whole presentation comes across as hokey and his poor boy story is getting old.

Richardson did surprisingly well. He was informed and articulate. His insistence on diplomacy in foreign matters went a little over the top. Richardson expressed endless optimism that diplomacy and leverage would work, even in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Diplomacy has been tried and failed. A true bleeding heart liberal, Richardson squirreled away from the military on every question. He said he would ask Mushariff to step aside. He really seems to believe that most of our objectives can be accomplished through diplomacy. The problem is we may lay down our weapons, but our enemies refuse to do so.

On the whole, Hillary Clinton made John Edwards and Barak Obama look like little boys. She was tough, well informed, and articulate. She, among all the candidates at the democratic debate, was able to back up talk with substance. Edwards and Obama continue to rely on rhetoric and charisma. Clinton begs the question whether you want someone you like in the White House, or whether you want someone who has the proven ability to get things done.

Obama is immensely likeable. He is charismatic, intelligent, and an exceptional communicator. He seems, however, to be riding on youthful ideology. His energetic supporters buy into the rhetoric because the picture he paints is what all Americans want. In time, Obama will gain the experience that would enable him to take the helm of our country.

The reality of our world, the condition of our nation including healthcare and a faltering economy will not be fixed by Obama walking into the oval office. The issues are tough. The problems are complex. I fear that Obama is too young, and lacks the experience necessary to occupy the highest office in our nation and be the leader of the most powerful country in the world.

I don't care for Hillary, but she put the boys under the table last night. I'm not sure, however, that desperate people, longing for amelioration are willing to take off their rose colored glasses and see that Obama is not equipped for the White House.

The next time you watch a debate, listen for rhetoric with no concrete plan to back it up and listen for substantive arguments, plans, and insights. Voters who step away from media indoctrination and take a look at the issues, I think the best democratic candidate makes her case day to day. Obama rides the crest of hopes and dreams, and Edwards rides the already broken middle class. Richardson has experience and wisdom, but his heart seems to get in the way of prudent decisions.

Hillary took the reins at Saturday night's debate in New Hampshire. She now has to get her political machine in action to make it to the White House.