Personally, I think this was the best debate yet. Because the questions

came from all across the country, they varied greatly and discussed

issues rarely seen on the campaign trail, such as sex education, gay

marriage, slavery reparations, and the draft. The fact that these

questions were raised shows that many issues (like these) need to be

addressed at some point, just as the War in Iraq, immigration, and

universal healthcare need to.

Joe Biden: A-. The man is brilliant, and I agree with his Iraq policy.

While I don't agree with the war, nor its premise, America did invade

Iraq and cause the chaos currently in the region to happen. We must be

responsible for it. Allowing the Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds to solve

their problems while separated will allow for the eventuality of three

main parties at a negotiating table, instead of hundreds of small

factions. WEAKNESS: He sometimes gets out of control and angry. But

with how the administration has handled the last 8 years, how could he

not?

Hillary Clinton: A-. Once again, she seemed strong and presidential.

Her line about a woman being the best for dealing with the Middle East

was exactly what was needed, as was the line about not being able to

run as anything other than a woman. WEAKNESS: She hesitated before

answering some questions, such as the direct dealing with dictatorial

leaders from nations like Iran and Syria. But, ever the brilliant

person that she is, she recovered well.

Chris Dodd: A. The man finally looked like a president for the whole of

a debate. It does seem like he's the wrong man with the right message.

His national service proposal is groundbreaking, as is his global

warming plan (not really discussed tonight). Any Democrat can see that

he's qualified to be the nominee. WEAKNESS: Voters don't know him, and

while many of them like him, they don't like him the MOST. And, you've

got to be the first choice to get the votes.

John Edwards: A-. We finally saw some passion when he spoke on poverty.

It was great to see him take his poverty tour through the South, trying

to stir up feelings of Bobby Kennedy (even though he knows he's not

him). And the video that tried to laugh off the hair thing...well, they

should clean it up, and air it en masse in Iowa (to firm up support)

and New Hampshire (to stop the Richardson "good ad" monopoly).

WEAKNESS: He's just not moving in the polls. He must win Iowa to keep

going, and he knows it.

Mike Gravel: C. He had a couple of good moments. Liked his YouTube

video: straight and to the point. WEAKNESS: He's becoming senile. Too

cranky, and hard to understand. He seems to almost make a point, and

then he just can't bring himself to say that key phrase.

Dennis Kucinich: B. Had some funny moments ("No one could be further to

the left than me"). He is firm in defending his stances on issues, even

though they are extreme for many voters. WEAKNESS: He's just not

"presidential." And "Text PEACE"? What is he doing, running a game

show?

Barack Obama: B. Solid, no real mistakes, but I'm sorry; I just don't

find him inspirational at all (personal feeling). He always has some

good lines, but whenever he's asked a question, instead of saying,

"Here's what I'll do," he says, "Well, we should consider this, and

consider that." It's as if he just has a problem taking a stance on an

issue. WEAKNESS: Stated above.

Bill Richardson: C+. At least he didn't have a "needles" moment. He

does, as always, have great credentials, especially for defending his

positions (Darfur especially). Almost got nailed on the gun issue

though, if there would have been more debate. WEAKNESS: I've met the

guy (along with Clinton about 5 times, Obama, Edwards twice, and Dodd),

and he's hilarious, down-to-earth, and great to sit around a table and

talk with. And he has to be good at what he does to have been in the

places he's been in. Does someone want to point out what I'm missing

here? Because he just doesn't seem like he can handle the pressure of

the national spotlight, especially when forced to think on his feet

like in the debates.