I watch him every day and was shocked to watch Chris Matthews read the results of the text message poll after the debate tonight incorrectly. He said that Edwards came in third and Biden fourth when the results shown clearly on the screen showed Biden was third. I hope this was a mistake not a deliberate mistatement of factsas Chris seems to like Biden.
I do think that not giving proper credit to Joe Biden for his actual showing on a national debate deserves at least a correction and apology on his show tommorrow and I will be watching. Please give one of the few really honest candidates his do.

In another debate, Sen. Biden once again won when it comes to the substance of the issues.  He is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable on the issues.  He also had the best one-liner of the night with his Rudy references.  

Sen. Clinton continues to evade the tough questions and won't detail specifics.  

Obama delivered a devastating punch on her secrecy and experience at once asking why she doesn't release the records that supposedly show her experience. For the rest of the night Edwards was more sharp against her. With all these attacks one wonders if Clinton who seemed rattled will present herself as a victim...

Before anything else, I would like to express my disappointment on the moderators. I thought we had responsible moderators from MSNBC but what I saw instead were Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity dressed as lambs.

It's sad to see the debate moderators, particularly Tim Russert, joining the targeting of Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton. I understand Obama and Edwards doing their best to bring her down but when you see a distinguished moderator fueling the anger towards one candidate one can't help but say "foul"! This is unfair not just to Senator Clinton but to the other candidates as well. On the one hand, the only woman on the stage looked like little Red Riding hood in the midst of a pack of wolves, and you would expect the moderators to 'moderate' and not metamorphose into a wicked wolf in Grandma's clothing. On the other hand, other candidates do not benefit from the lynching as they can be perceived as masochists and over-the-top. Kucinich was right is asking if "this is a debate!"

My assessment of this debate is, Clinton won but not on her own account and debate merits. Obama's goal was to distinguish himself from Clinton by drawing clear distinctions between them. So was Edwards'. But the two of them seem to have been finishing each others sentences in attacking a woman candidate. Sure, they have made distinctions between them and Hillary but they haven't made a distinction between Obama and Edwards. This just goes to show that Clinton's strategy of staying positive and not losing her eyes on the target--Bush,Cheney, and Republicans-- is the winning strategy. And none might agree with me but I like her "gotcha" moment which sums up Tim Russert's line of questioning.

I won't be surprised if Obama and Edwards spinsters will come up with headlines saying that their respective candidates won. I say, that will be stretching it a bit too much. They attacked but they missed their targets because Senator Clinton "just ain't bothered" by the boys next to her.

My verdict, and this is just considering the top three candidates-- Hillary won the night and it's still a waiting game for the other candidates on whether they can live to fight her another day. Taking into account the other candidates however, I would credit Biden for his one-liners and headlining statements re Giuliani.

Biggest losers-- Obama and Edwards for singing a lousy duet throughout the debate.

My summary: Clinton attacked Bush; Obama, Edwards and Dodd attacked Clinton; Kucinich attacked everybody; and Biden delivered clever one-liners. The result: Obama and Edwards did what they needed to do, but Clinton (barely) managed to stay afloat...

Full analysis here: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/10/philadelphia-debate-no-more-mike-gravel.html

There are two people I can think of who should never be near or moderate a debate for any party: Tim Russert and Chris Matthews. Shoo them away if you can. Brian Williams is a good choice.

Tim and Chris both make it abot them: answer my question goddamit!

I hate them both. Love NBC news otherwise.

Great debate, B Obama. Her royal highness was dethroned tonight. Obama came out on top with 29% text vote. I think Kucinich hurt himself with the UFO thing. Loved B Obama response about taking care of people on this earth(in response to UFO sillyness).

I heard the hype about the planned attacks on Hillary. I watched the debate. I have to say, that Obama and Edwards sorely revealed why they are stuck in stagnant campaigns. The ease at which they alluded to personal attacks is what America needs to get past. Hillary was the only one who didn't attack tonight- along with Bill Richardson, who heroically pointed out that Obama and Edwards were visciously attacking the leader.
Hillary held her own tonight, she clearly solidified the image of a commander in chief.

are these comments from viewers that watched the same debate that I did? It was crystal clear that Hillary Clinton was reeling and the evasion and slick campaign tactics finally nailed her to the barn door. Obama and Edwards both carved themselves out some running room, and frankly Joe Biden put some daylight between him and Clinton, too.
If the democrats go forward with this Clinton nonsense, then you can imagine what a republican will do to her. She cannot hope to govern and Iowa will be her waterloo. In the meanwhile watch her poll numbers take a nose dive. They were not real to begin with.
I almost felt sorry for her tonight

are these comments from viewers that watched the same debate that I did? It was crystal clear that Hillary Clinton was reeling and the evasion and slick campaign tactics finally nailed her to the barn door. Obama and Edwards both carved themselves out some running room, and frankly Joe Biden put some daylight between him and Clinton, too.
If the democrats go forward with this Clinton nonsense, then you can imagine what a republican will do to her. She cannot hope to govern and Iowa will be her waterloo. In the meanwhile watch her poll numbers take a nose dive. They were not real to begin with.
I almost felt sorry for her tonight

Rather interesting that Ron Paul ruled the Democrat debates - look out I think we found a winner

Ron Paul 2008

From a Conservative's point of view, Edwards was the clear winner

Immigration is a **big** issue in IA, and Edwards really made a sharp distinction with Clinton, nicely done.

In both 2000 and 2006, Hillary faced laughably weak Republican competition.  Dems need to keep this in mind:  she has never, ever run a tough race, and the piling on by Dodd, Biden, Edwards and Obama seriously rattled her.

That being said, she still has to be considered the prohibitive favorite.

I think that Hilliary did not do well tonight.
She contradicted herself a lot.  The covering was off.
She needed Bill tonight.  I think that Obama, Edwards,
Dodd and Biden did much better tonight.  I think that
Obama is going to be competition.

I am still sticking by the candidate I have stuck by since the beginning, Obama simply is the best guy for the job... I simply want someone not attached to the typical Washington ways... We need something new, and tonight Obama stepped above Clinton, and showed he can lead.

Edwards did very well tonight too.. but Hillary choked as I figured she would, and proved she can't and would not be a good leader for this country.

Obama in 08'!!

Clinton showed why she will not be able to get elected. 50% before the debate said they wouldn't vote for her and I suspect she added another 10% to that number after the debate. I truly believe that when it gets down to two or three candidiate debates she will fall apart and be unable to regain. Can you believe her answer on DL's for undocumented aliens!

Was it my imagination, or did I see Ron Paul signs and hear the "Ron Paul" chant in Philly tonight? There is clearly an element in both parties that favor restraint of government power in both foreign affairs and domestic civil liberties.

I think that Hilliary did not do well tonight.
She contradicted herself a lot.  The covering was off.
She needed Bill tonight.  I think that Obama, Edwards,
Dodd and Biden did much better tonight.  I think that
Obama is going to be competition.

I was blown away by Barak Obama!  He came across as smart, compassionate, honest, and full of common sense- just what we need at this point in time.  I think he has the greatest chance of any of the Dems of beating ANY Republican running.

I was leaning towards Hillary until tonight. While some say she did not get rattled, I saw the "disapproving mom" look several times. It seems clear that if the Democratic Party nominates Hillary, the Repubs will have reason to celebrate.

Edwards and Biden won me over. They both appeared sincere and strong.  I will be researching their websites for more info.

In looking at the pre and post debate shows you'd think RON PAUL won the debate!

Hillary won, the others played dirty politics in bashing whom ever is ahead of them an dshe is leading them by a bunch. Who is Ron Paul?

Senator's Dodd answer to the immigration question is the reason I can't vote for him or most of the Republicans.  

Driving is not a privilege, it is a right.  Freedom of movement is a fundamental right.  Driving is an expression of that freedom.  The state issues licenses because cars are dangerous, not because it is a privelege to move.  Movement by vehicles is regulated through licensing for saftey purposes.  The notion that a license is a privilege is absurd and would not withstand a constitutional challenge.  

Barack Obama was 100% correct in his answer addressing this issue.  This is the reason that Ron Paul is at odds with most Republicans.  A true constitutional conservative would never see this argument framed in a manner of rights vs. privileges.  Immigration is a federal issue.  Licensing is a state issue.  If the voters of a state do not want to their state to issue licenses to illegal aliens then they can elect officials who agree with them.

Hillary is a WOMAN. She is the victim. The only thing she wants is to be a "woman" President. Don't attack her.

Ron Paul presence at the Democratic Debate... can't go wrong there... NO INCOME TAX, CUT THE OVERSPENDING and BRING TROOPS HOME NOW... what more could one ask for!!!!!

Ron Paul 2008

I HAVE TO LAUGH, IF THIS ALL ALL THE SUBSTANCE THE DEMS CAN MUSTER FOR A DEBATE "IF YOU WANT TO CALL IT THAT", THEN THEY ARE GOING TO GET THEIR ASSES HANDED TO THEM BY ANY ONE OF THE REPUBLICANS. WHEN I WATCH BOTH DEBATES A SEE A ONE STAGE FULL OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLIGENT IDEA'S AND REAL DEBATE SKILLS ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE VS. A BUNCH OF STICK TO THE SCRIPT, NOTHING NEW, ANSWER AVOIDING, SOMETIMES CHILD-LIKE DEBATE SKILLS FROM DEMS. LOL

Clearly, something must have happened between the control room and TVs Chuck Todd (and Craig Crawford) and some of you were watching to scrabble the signal. (A UFO, perhaps?) The debate I saw showed Hillary Clinton losing to Barack Obama and John Edwards. It showed everyone else (except for Bill Richardson) getting in some good shots, too. It exposed her vacillation and triangulation and yes, good ol' obfuscation and fibbing.

It is a shame that the media is so entrenched (or in Hillary's purse so deep they can't get out) that her obvious failure gets spun into "well, she didn't cry, so she won!"

Hillary lost tonight. Craig Crawford was looking for the "knockout punch." Let me remind him that in boxing, the refs score the fight and you can lose by decision. This time it was unanimous: after 10 rounds and 2 hours, Barack "Rocky Balboa" Obama wins.

So how about those Ron Paul signs in the background for HardBall. I mean what's up with that?

Geez, the debate tonight was very professional compared to the Republican debates.  Obviously, Clinton showed her true flipflop colors.  I support Ron Paul and it fascinated me to see that Edwards seemed to be the most compassionate Democrat speaking tonight.  Hillary really scares the American people and I really think these stinkin polls are truly not a reflection of the American people...Wake up America...Ron Paul is the only hope for America!

Great debate tonight. Some of the previous comments about the moderators are dead-on.  I don't think either did that great of a job in staying professional.  And who designed the set and arranged the candidates?  Does anyone else think that it was wrong to place Hillary in the center (especially with all the buzz about the impending Clinton attacks...), as well as the placement of Edwards and Obama on either side of the lone female candidate?  Doesn't this send the wrong message?  Aren't debates supposed to be all about letting the public hear each candidates position and plans?  Well, with the set-up of tonight's debate, one might think this was a three-way debate between the front runners.  Come on, NBC,  I know you can do better.  Also, the moderator's desk looked awful sloppy.  Ok, now that those criticisms are out...

I thought Senator Clinton was off of her game a bit, and she definately did not keep her cool, like her counterpart, Bill, would have during her tiff with Senator Dodd over driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.  

Poor, poor Rep. Kucinich, I thought he had some of the best, solid responses of any of the candidates...until the UFO incident.  All I can say about that is: it is a good thing that he isn't a front runner, that would have been disatorous.  

I have always been a huge supporter of former Senator Edwards, and continue to be.  I thought he did well tonight, but I was  little disappointed in the attacks he and Senator Obama made on Senator Clinton.  Yes, I understand that this is what happens during debates such as tonight's; however, both Edwards and Obama continue to say that their respective campaigns will bring new politics to Washington, and well, all I saw was typical, old fashioned mud slinging.

Senator Biden's witty comments were very refreshing, I thought.  He does an excellent job of bringing out the humanity in all of this political craziness, and I wouldn't be surprised if after tonight, we start to hear more of the Delaware senator.

Overall, I think that Governor Richardson and Senator Dodd gave mediocre 'performances' though neither made any huge waves.

Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little here, but I see an Obama/Edwards 08 or Edwards/Obama 08 ticket in our near future.  Both are fresh faces to Washington, each with high likeability scores.  Let's face it, while Hillary may be qualified, smart and probably the most experienced with the White House- a lot of Americans simply don't like her and the last thing this nation needs is to be divided in half for another four years.  

Go Edwards! Go Obama!

After watching this debate along with "Hillary: Uncensored" I am really shocked by any American who could still support Bush-Clinton politics. Obama-Edwards seems like a much stronger ticket.

 i'd like to ask Adam Columbus: who did Obama beat to get his Senate seat? And remember how Edwards turned into Huckleberry Hound when he faced Dick Cheney in their debate.  The Democrats don't have a set of really combative people here.
 And this must be a different debate than the one NBC News reported in the local late news. They said that Obama failed to carry out his attack, leaving Clinton untouched.

I really am tired of the pundticracy, yourself  included, piling on Hillary in a  desperate attempt to make news and discredit her. Matthews is particularly contemptuous regarding Ms Clinton. More vulgar than normal , and that is saying something. you Mr Todd sound like some college radio station jock enamored in the sound of his own seriousness. These people all hate HC but they should love her because they all came into prominence with their mock outrage during the Clinton years of scandal which were minor compared to the war crimes of Bush. Andrea Mitchell with her holier than thou jealousy  acting like some virginal college girl newbie. I actually think they are afraid if HC is the next Prez the payback will be awful and that s certainly what these journalistic pundit millionaires don't want . they loose much of their power particularly Matthews and Russert a real cretin. the King of Gotcha dumb questions that mean nothing!Billy Cioffi

Mark... I'm with you.  CLEARLY Senator Clinton was not only 'dethroned,' but at times her demeanor came across brash and almost mad.  At one point, I seriously thought she was going to burst out in tears.  

Edwards nailed it when he said, "a vote for Hilary will be voting for the status quoe..." and Dodd nailed it by saying, "there's an electability problem with Hilary..."  Both VERY true...

Obama/Edwards '08...

I think Edwards was the clear victor in this debate. Obama got his shots in as well (especially with regard to secrecy), but at times he looked nervous and somewhat surprised to have been called on. Edwards was solid throughout and delivered his best performance to date. I'm glad someone finally came out and spoke bluntly about the corruption of our system of government - that's a message a lot of us have been waiting to hear for a long time.

Clinton started out on defense, and did well enough at first, but eventually she got tired and started falling back too hard on scripted answers to questions that weren't asked. At times she looked almost desperate to change the subject (the secrecy question, again). I personally wasn't confused at all by her answer on illegal immigrants (it made perfect sense to me), but given the atmosphere of the debate and that issue she could have handled it much better.

Biden was brilliant once again. He is, hands down, the most knowledgeable voice on foreign policy that his country has seen in a long time. It speaks volumes about the strength of the Democratic field that he isn't a front-runner.

Dodd was somewhat less than impressive. Not bad, but not great, either. I don't know what it is about him - he's got all of the pieces, but he's missing that extra oomph that could make the whole more than just the sum of its parts.

Richardson looked a little desperate tonight. He's a competent and very experienced man - probably would do great if he got a shot at the job - but he never seems focused enough to give the impression of a solid leader. I think it's safe to say that he's now campaigning for VP.

Kucinish and the UFO. I think that pretty much sums up the essence of his campaign.

Obama and Edwards were very effective in showing Clinton's unwillingness to be straightforward with her answers.  At the point where she was going on and on about "processees" in a ridiculous non-answer about her sealed records from the White House, Obama turned around and decked her for her lack of honesty, and the irrationality of claiming Presidential experience via the position of first lady, and then sealing the records that show that history for voters to judge. That was probably the strongest point made by anyone all night.

Edwards also scored big on what may have been his strongest performance to date.  Dodd did very well for the most part, too; decriminalization of marijuana has much higher support among average Americans than is generally assumed, and Dodd showed bold progressivism by advocating it.

I'd say Obama did the best, followed closely by Edwards, then Dodd.  All three campaigns advanced their causes forwards as a result of tonight's debate.  

Why were there so many Ron Paul supporters at the DNC?  Did he convert that many people while he was on Jay Leno?

What was the deal with all those Ron Paul signs in the background of the DEMOCRAT debate?  Isn't Ron Paul running under the Republican party?
Are Democrats now abandoning their own liberty-loving candidates (Kucinich and, to a lesser extent Gravel) for Ron Paul?  Maybe there is something to Paul's grassroots appeal after all?

From a conservative Republican perspective I could not have been more pleased.  Hillary is the best of the bunch and she cannot be elected.  That means we get 8 years of Rudy.  I can live with that.  I will say if I had to go into a dark alley to defend myself and was looking for someone to go in with me.  Out of the democrats on the stage tonight I think I would choose Hillary.  I am sure she is the only one who would not have to debate with herself about whether she should fight back or not.

I am an Obama supporter and I think that, although he did not reach his zenith tonight, he certainly has improved.  I know that his handlers (David Axelrod in particular) want him to hold back (fearful of an Iowa backlash if he appears too aggressive) but I would really like him to treat Hillary as though she is genderless so that he can call her out for her ingenuous votes and policy positions.

I admit it; I'm real angry with both Hillary and Bill.  I used to be fans of theirs but I feel that they've become 'one of them' along the way.  Also, I perceive their sense of entitlement to the office of the presidency and the smugness that comes across from Howard Wolfson and Terry McAuliffe is very offputting.  Their cynicism is obvious when they exhibit their triangulation politics and their association with the likes of Mark Penn is no different than was that of Bush with Rove.  They've lost their bearings and are now aligned with corporate America and that to me is the antithesis of what this country is about.

I will say that I thought that Tim Russert was tougher on Hillary than the others and I have to assume that this is because she is perceived to be the front runner at this time (a fact with which I don't agree).  It may also be that MSM is finally awakening to the fact that their coverage prior to tonight has been biased in her favor (coronating her with the nomination) and they wish to correct this bias.  They have been deferential because she is the former FLOTUS and because it is amazing in that she is breaking the glass ceiling (and to this accomplishment, I must offer my kudos).

But now the race is getting down to the wire and Hillarophiles (I feel like I have to apologize) will have to realize that there are a lot of us Democrats who not only prefer other candidates but strongly feel that she doesn't represent us.  We are going to fight her nomination strongly because that is what this system is about.  

My particular candidate (in my case Obama) is a representation of what I want this country to become - a true multiracial meritocracy with a foreign policy that not only protects our interests but is one that wins us respect abroad.  I just don't get that from Hillary when she votes with Bush on these war efforts and when her associations with corporate America and lobbyists smack of elitism.
On to Iowa - Obama'08

my question is, unless there is something in it for you. would anyone in there right mind, vote for any of these liberals??  wow simply amazing. by the way has anyone told hillary that iran does have lots of sanctions.  

Some are criticizing the candidates for attacking Hillary, but if she can't handle attacks from her own party how can anyone expect her to handle the attacks from the Republican party.

Edwards was the only one that got sort of personal but as far as the others it was all clean debating.

I think Obama won the debate, Biden had the best one liners and finished 2nd, Hillary continues showing how phony she was, Richardson took a hit as well, Edwards did ok. The other 2 didn't gain any ground.

I think Obama edged out everyone else in the debate, with Edwards a close second. Clinton did not seem to be at the top of her game, especially as the debate moved on. Unfortunately, until the debate format changes, the candidate best prepared for TV sound-bites will appear as the winner until the field narrows down to where a real debate of substance can take place and one needs more than a plan ticket to stay in the race and appear on stage, creating false credibility. When candidates get to rebut each other, and expound by follow up to another's comments, these debates won't prove much other than who can be prepped for two or three minute, round-robin, answers, which favors the Clinton planning team, but Obama and Edwards are getting better at. However, with such early primaries, it may be over before the nation gets to hear a real deabate where ideas and substance win out over style. A professor-typed, lectured. campaigner like Obama has a higher learning curve to adapt his message to this type of format, but tonight he prevailed, but only slightly, due to Clinton's stumbling on immigration and the N.Y. driver's license issue, which Edwards nailed her on as she waffled. It seems clearly a three way race, still.

So much for that debate. Obama had previously announced that he would "attack" Clinton. In fact he started off as a stammering high school boy. He was rescued by Edwards who in turn was egged on by that Russert fool. Russert has lots of experience and should know better than to take sides in the debate but, after a while it became crystal clear that this was a planned attack, at least planned by Russert, three against one. The other participants, at this time, must nave wondered why they bothered showing up. My impressions are: Edwards is fighting for his political life. After a less than distinguish campaign as the VP nominee four years ago he has not a snowballs chance of being picked again. Obama is a nice guy, charismatic and all that but not ready for prime time. Clinton is campaigning against republicans. She cares less about this primary campaign than perhaps she should. (remember Howard Dean four years ago) But she knows that the vote she was attacked for this evening by her fellow democrats she will be attacked for, had she voted against the motion, in the general election. I can see the republicans now: "You voted against doing something to Iran." She avoided that trap with that vote. Richardson showed class by being the first to say that they should stop fighting amongst each other. Why were the others there except for good old Joe Biden providing comic relief?

I think, that is intesting that Comcast chose tonight to discontinue MSNBC, until a new converter is instaled...Last night MSNBC, tonight no NSNBC---would like someone to look into this, sounds very supicious.
Reggie

Clinton again showed she has "no" leadership traits! Conjecture and evadeing the real issues. This style is her Wahington self serving paper hanging discoures to reality.

Again, America has seen clinton bungle the present day issues. Why would America want one who can't function to lead this nation tomorrow????

I agree that the moderators should not take aim at one candidate, as with Sen. Clinton, and go after just her.  If the other candidates want to do that, well, that is another story.  Tim Russert thinks he is something always trying to trip Hillary up.  Hillary did a fine job when you consider everyone was after her, even the moderators.  If Obama or Edwards win the nomination, I, a forever Democrat, will vote for Rudy.

Biden killed them all. The guy really looked Presidential. Clearly he understands the foreign policy stuff, which is more than a bit relative right now. He definately gets my vote and my money. Obama is not ready for prime time yet, Edward's fake populist routine is wearing thin, and Hillary is like a wooden Bill Clinton wannabe. Proximity to the man is not being him!

Hillary was absolutely brilliant.  Her reaction to  the attacks on her was amazing.  No one could have expected that anyone would be able to endure the personal and vicious attacks on her, launched mostly by Tim Russert.  Obama and Edwards were fairly good, insofar as the issues were concerned, but were desperate and cowardly in their appalling attacks on Hillary.  Chris Matthews was incapable of containing his lust to attack this remarkable woman.  Amusingly, a post debate commentator made the idiotic observation that Hillary showed signs of strain when she was under attack.  What an incredible comment.  There wasn't a "man" on that stage, that could have handled 1/2 the attacks that Hillary was forced to endure from every direction.
Bravo Hillary!

I was horrified by the way Hillary was attacked tonight and especially upset with Tim Russert for joining in and even adding fuel to the fire. I felt like this debate was all about how bad they could make her look and really not about the issues. Obama and Edwards came off looking like bullies and it never fails to amaze me when Obama talks about how he was against the war. He was not in the senate to vote so it does not matter and he did not vote on the iran resolution so he needs to be quiet about that. I have liked him and thought that he may make a great president some day but tonight I really changed my mind. One thing I have always noticed about him is he never really gives any of his own plans or ideas. He always says I agree with ... whoever spoke before him.

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