First Impressions, Day 2

Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:33 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
I have to admit, I can't sit here and say, "this person won" or "this person lost." It was very similar to yesterday where the format basically prevented any back-n-forths; The mood was chipper on that stage and that kept everyone comfortable.

Perhaps no one benefitted more from this subdued format than Obama since he's the guy with the momentum. Clinton, oddly, didn't get as much time in this debate (or forum) than she has in previous ones which may lead some to believe she was not at her best. But she had plenty of good moments, just not enough air time. (Can't believe I'm saying this about a Clinton that they didn't get airtime at a debate!) Obama did get the YouTube moment with the shot back at Hillary on Clinton advisers.

All of the candidates seemed overly prepared with this debate as if they got all of the questions in advance (oh, wait, in some cases they did!).

Biden, as usual, came across very well, if anything, though, he was too emotional (which isn't always presidential).

Edwards seemed to do a good job of talking to Iowans specifically; he strikes me as being the John Edwards of late 2003; Could he be on a similar comeback trail that he experienced in '03 in Iowa? Time will tell.

Dodd and Richardson clearly were the favorites of the moderator and that may help them if plenty of Iowans watch this debate today and tonight.

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Comments

I guess when your wife and daughter are killed by a drunk driver and you have two brain aneurysms, you can't get emotional
Joe Biden 08

Fred, Fort Wayne, IN (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:37 PM)

Who won the Des Moines Register Democratic Debate in Iowa?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1296

.

PollM, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:38 PM)

Here is my grade:

Obama - A+
Clinton - B+
Edward - A-
Biden - A+
Dodd - B
Richardson - B

The best line goes to Obama; I like it when he came to Biden's rescue. He is a man of character.

Bee, NH (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:40 PM)

Really. Obama got the You Tube Moment? The audience laughed more when Clinton said "I want to hear this." Obama seemed mean and overly serious when he responded to her and only a few laughs from the audience. I really love media spin!

Mark Cary, NC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:42 PM)

Chuck Todd, I just happened to flip over to Fox News to see Frank Luntz's focus group...three people went in supporting Edwards and when the debate was over almost HALF said they were supporting Edwards. Obama's support remained the same and Hillary's' supporters were vastly disappointed and most in the group of close to 30 switched from Hillary to Edwards and some to Obama.

I just thought I'd relay that info...CNN is still compiling their focus group data.

Daniel (Lafayette, CA) (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:43 PM)

For all the points you have made, Obama won the Debate because at a minimum Hillary was supposed to stop his momentum and she did not.

Even Hillary referred to him as "President Barack.

diogu, Houston, Texas (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:44 PM)

AMERICA WINS WITH "HILLARY"... HILLARYCLINTON.COM

BETH (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:45 PM)

Is this not an Insult, to want to be the next President and have a record of conjecture, failure past and present. Thus meaning these six continue to demand meaningless solutions "which prove failure"".

This is why there is a failed congress!

Fac/azt (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:47 PM)

Have politics become so boring that a simple joke made by Obama is suddenly a "YouTube" moment? Come on! Can we focus on other matters? I hate it when the media makes such a big deal about a sound bite that means absolutely nothing. I think Edwards won the debate but I'm still voting for Hillary!

WiseGirl, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:47 PM)

The comment Obama made to Clinton was classic! They showed a close up of her afterwards and she was steaming!!!

Charles W, Ontario (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:49 PM)

Clinton did great----so did Edwards---they all did well---obama admitting he would ask clinton for advice was refreshing---if he is the one he will need the clintons.I thought there was a big difference from yesterdays debate---more substantial and the Iraq war was discussed.Maybe they republicans were not asked about the war is because they are all all for war and more war---they do not stray from the Bush administration.Ron Paul is the only one to have the guts and backbone to stand up to Bush.Mr Todd----what you have to say means less and less---when you were on c-span you were a more honest guy.

HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:53 PM)

Hillary did well and I think she might have picked up some support!

Aidyn, NY (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:57 PM)

WiseGirl, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:47 PM)

I gather that the only reason why you are voting for Hillary is because she is a "woman" and you want to see "a woman president"!! What a joke our democratic system has become!!

Kym (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:58 PM)

The difference between Biden and the rest is that Biden speaks from his heart. The others use campaign speak.
When Biden talked about his New Years Resolution, that was one of the best moments of the debate.

I like a candidate that has emotions, that has a heart. So unlike the ones we have in DC right now.

jillian, Chandler, Az (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:58 PM)

Edwards is going to win Iowa. he's the safest of a good crop of candidates. Obama is nice and a good option. Hillary is too risky and the others just ran in a bad year. You heard it here first.

Kristian O (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:06 PM)

Hillary was really impressive! She's got my vote.

Sunny Day, Gold Canyon, AZ (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:06 PM)

Joe Biden was great again in this debate and I think Barack Obama maintained his momentum. Any combination of Biden/Obama or Obama/Biden would be a great ticket.

Bryan (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:08 PM)

Daniel - If you watched FOX and Frank Luntz right at the end, Brit Hume asked him to ask that focus group who they would actually CAUCUS for - OBAMA won by a large margin - Edwards came in second and Hillary third.

Jackie, Boston (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:13 PM)

Amazing to me that we Democrats have complained for the last 7 years, among other things, of the division created by the Bushecons. Putting the "reasons" of the divide aside, we all can agree that the divide in itself, was largely to blame for some of the issues we are facing today.
With that said, why would we as Democrats choose the most polarizing figure in our field as our Nominee? Is this going to be a "you screwed us, now we're screwing you" kind of nominee? Because thats what Hillary being our nominee would be. Another 4 years of divide.
We want to walk into office in Jan. 09 with a political divide ALREADY IN PLACE? Ask yourselves, is thats what best for AMERICA?
I believe the type of divide created by the Clinton administration was not good for AMERICA. I didnt personally care about his affair, but that divide hurt US as a country. When casting your vote, place the needs of our party and this country first.

Micah, 1 America (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:14 PM)

The real question is why do all of Bill Clinton's advisors think Barack Obama is the better candidate?!

Dan, TX (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:14 PM)

I think Obama and Edwards did the best by in large, giving the edge to Obama for not faltering at the only contentious parts of the debate. I thought the forum to have all candidates put forth their ideas equally was a RGEAT, and FRESH format though. Despite, that Hillary seemed a little overly anxious to find some way to poke at Obama, which hasn't been out of character the past few weeks, by interrupting the flow of the debate to try and make his response a "GOTCHA" (her term) response on using Bill's advisors. All in all, Hillary didn't slow Obama's momentum, Obama looked cool under fire. Bring on January!

Alex, Arlington, Virginia (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:15 PM)

Yes - Obama's retort to Hillary was classic - as he was determined to BURY the fact that a horde of Clintonistas are advising him.
Obama may rock the vote - but he won't rock the boat!

Lobbyists have driven Obama's political career -
http://www.rollcall.com/politics/kstendorsements.html

Margaret, NYC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:15 PM)

Obama won - Edwards came in second - Biden third.

Hillary seemed nervous - not a good debate for her.

Charlotte, NYC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:16 PM)

No more plants! No more Bushes! No more Clintons!
No more 90s Back to the Future!

John Edwards will be a great President - and move us FORWARD!!!!

Alise, GA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:18 PM)

CNN reports that Edwards won their focus group poll as well. Hillary was 2nd and Obama was 3rd. Things are changing in a hurry.

Kristian O (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:23 PM)

Ok I have to say I'm an Obama supporter, but did anyone notice how many are saying what Obama has been saying all along. Clinton talked about a transparent government, that is what Obama has said all along. Now the difference seems to be Obama is already that way, I have to wonder when Hilary will start her transparent Government?
I also thought Obama had a huge opening when asked about Clinton advisers, besides the so called youtube moment he could have easily made reference to the fack that they jumped ship and are now his supporters.
And I have to say although I missed it I'm glad Clinton finally understand it's President Obama LOL!!!

Jeff (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:28 PM)

i don't think anyone won. i think they all faired well. i see a good representation across the board. just being truthful not emotional.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:34 PM)

Biden wasn't EMOTIONAL, HE was SICK. Didn't you hear that at the beginning Chuck?

He has a cold for christsakes! Cut the guy some slack, will ya!?!

Lynne (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:39 PM)

My grades:

Obama - A+

Edwards - A

Biden - A-

Dodd - B

Richardson - B-

Clinton - C-

I was being charitable giving Hillary a C- as she really had a bad day. She seemed very tightly wound. Looked like the collapse of her campaign is taking a real toll.

Gina, Charlotte, NC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:39 PM)

I agree with you "Mark Cary"! Media spin is ridiculous. This one liner by Obama was not that funny. I don't get it at all. Just because someone shows a bit of humor the debate goes to him? Ridiculous. I think Clinton and Edwards did just as good of a job as Obama. Lets focus on the issues.

WiseGirl, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:39 PM)

Hillary won this debate because she gave the best 30 second info-commercial. It's up instantly on her site: www.hillaryhub.com

Also, journalists should continue to ask Obama how he can bring new and fresh ideas with the same Clinton people. I generally support them also, that's why I support Hillary.

craigfarmer (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:42 PM)

Obama and Edwards were the clear winners. Biden did well, too. The format was still too rigid, but it wasn't as deadly dull as yesterday's debate!

Jill, Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:59 PM)

Jackie-

No, I did not see that, I only saw the first part of Luntz's focus group.

But either way, I think it shows that Hillary has gotten stuck in the mud and Obama and Edwards are now battling it out for Iowa. The majority of people in the room, according to the first part of Luntz's presentation, were Hillary supporters and then they switched their support.

Daniel (Lafayette, CA) (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:03 PM)

I like Sen. Edwards, but my heart is with Sen. Obama. Under normal circumstances Sen. Edwards might have had my vote. However, this election is probably one of the most important in my lifetime. Edwards does not have the money or the organization to carry any potential Iowa victory past Iowa. That may set up the stage for a HRC win. People you have to keep that in mind. I do not think for a second that Sen. Clinton is capable of winning in the general election. People do not like her, her negatives are way too high. I think it is important for people to keep in mind that Sen. Obama is the only viable alternative to Sen. Clinton.

Sonja, Cross, SC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:13 PM)

Doesn't matter who everybody thinks won or lost. Edwards is still the only chioce for REAL change.
Edwards/Obama '08

SoCAl for Edwards (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:14 PM)

Yeah---who could yearn for the awful past of the 90's----all that peace and a great economy with people just working one job instead of 3-----we did not have the good times we have now.The horrid middle class was abominable and thought they had a good future for their kids.How much better things are now and what a wonderful future we are looking forward to.

HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:16 PM)

...obama admitting he would ask clinton for advice was refreshing ...
HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:53 PM)
HMT, you really spun that comment well, I honestly mean that. The Clinton campaign or any campaign for that matter could use somebody of that caliber.

: )

--NSMSNBC (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:21 PM)

Obama's response to Hillary's interruption was a great moment that captures why Hillary's campaign is in such trouble. Hillary seemed to think that Bill Clinton's team choosing Obama over her was a good thing! His retort, "looking forward to you (Hillary) advising me, too", was perfectly timed, witty and struck home. Watch her face as his response sinks in and the audience cheers/laughs - she knows she has made a major mistake.

Search YouTube for "Des Moines Register Debate: Advisers" for the clip.

Steven, Santa Fe, NM (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:22 PM)

If you are an American who yearns to finally get beyond the symbolic battles of the boomer generation and face today's actual problems, Obama is your man. Who wants to spend the next 8 years refighting the same fights that have been going on for decades?

Micah, 1 America (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:23 PM)

I'm flummoxed that so many people are moved by John Edwards. To me, he comes across as insincere (as he did in 2004), and willing to say anything to get him elected.

As usual, I felt Biden gave the best, most enlightening answers, although I think he wasn't "on" today because of a cold.

Biden's the one who gets my vote still. He's got the chops.

MEG Clayton, NE (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:35 PM)

Wisegirl and Mark Cary -- did you actually watch the debate? Listen to the laughs that Clinton got vs. Obama:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nKHBSFSosY

Clearly Obama got the bigger laughs and applause. Maybe the grating Hillary cackle made you think that a lot of people were laughing?

Mort Zuckerman (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:35 PM)

Edwards is correct about coporate greed. Thats why major news outlets tend to ignore his campaign. We all know who owns MSNBC, FOX etc.....

MJ WileyMedia, PA (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:39 PM)

maybe they changed to obama because they knew that hillary wasn't the change agent at all. on the inside they may have been privy to a truth that caused them to say it would be better to head up instead of fooling the public. maybe if edwards, biden, richardson or dodd asked first they may have been there. that many top brains don't leave because you are on the right track.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:43 PM)

Again, for the 800th time I ask you to tell me why you won't post my comments. I don't attack, use profanity, or anything unacceptable. If I am banned, please let me know why. Thanks.

Nancy in Ames, Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:51 PM)

Hillary wants "transparent government," huh? Excepting First Spouse records, I'm sure. Who know what Billy will be up to under the cover of Hillary's "First Spouse Immunity" doctrine...

Take a fresh look at Biden, people. He's by far the best option in every way that matters.

Gerry, Anchorage, Alaska (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:52 PM)

re: "I believe the type of divide created by the Clinton administration was not good for AMERICA."

The divide was NOT created by the Clinton adminstration. Clinton is one of the most successful Presidents America has ever had. His approval ratings are still high, and 70% of the nation thought we were going in the right direction when he left office.

What the Republican Party wants you to do is blame the divisiveness on the Clinton administration. No, we are divided because of the Republican Party.

And, personally, Bush is the one who said we are either for him or against him. I'm AGAINST him. Let me know when he apologizes.

I can't wait to give "the Clinton administration" another chance to clean up this mess!

Jan, Nashua, NH (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 5:53 PM)

Edwards won, in my opinion. Now maybe you so called journalists will give him a little attention. Pretty Please?

Amazed, Atlanta (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:26 PM)

Barack Obama vs.the Hillary Cackle.

Video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhPxSm9Es0w

Mr. Unite Us (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:46 PM)

i don't think edwards won. i think they were all pretty even. edwards,clinton and obama ducked a question. you can't be a winner and duck questions.

ace p washington, d.c. (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 6:59 PM)

I agree with one of the comments above that the abilities of Obama and Biden combined would be formidable.

So I completely agree. A Biden/Obama or Obama/Biden ticket would be unstoppable.

Ruth Bethinger, New York, New York (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:09 PM)

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