The Great Debate
I enjoyed the Democratic debate in New Mexico last night very much. If you look at the overall picture, the candidate pool is a fairly good representation of the entire party (an Hispanic candidate would have been nice last night though). They are all well spoken, respectable and together give an impression of true compassion. The Dems should run these debates as often as possible because people need to see what a party with thoughtful discussions about real issues looks like.
I like Howard and have since January. I'm right with him on almost every issue (except the death penalty), and he's got the base going like I've never seen - pouring dollars in like they will be worthless tommorow (which may well be given the current state of affairs). Internet fundraising and organizing is important of course, but the key to Howard's success is his willingness to let the energy bubble up around him and not try to control too much from the top. Rigid discipline is the GOP way. Dems need a more Zen approach to corral all the cats.
My ticket is Dean/Graham. Although the Florida Senator/former Governor hasn't really inspired too many of the red meat crowd; demographically, politically, and temperamentally I think he's the perfect complement. (I get the impression from the debate that he may already be schmoozing Howard for the job.)
Howard, though, wasn't at his best last night. He played it too safe - perhaps expecting a tougher fight, and is still getting used to the cameras which is natural at this point in his experience. Still, there's plenty of time to get over a bit of stagefright.
I'm not sure what Joltin' Joe is trying to accomplish unless he thinks he can win the nomination by alienating everyone. The current gossip seems to be that he's trying to torpedo Dean to clear the field for Hillary in 2008. Really hope that's not true. Even so, I think having a Republican-lite sparring partner in the ring is good for Dean. A Dem love fest may be good for the party, but it won't prepare Dean for the big time the way someone taking a few right-handed shots will.
Gephardt gets points for pulling out his trademark, union rabble-rousing schtick, but he went over the top by repeating the 'miserable failure' line again and again and fillibustering over his time. Trying too hard.
Kerry is droning big time. Poor guy, he really looks like a deer caught in the headlights. Unfortunately for him, the Viet Nam vet angle simply has no traction within a party base that thinks military matters are overemphasized to begin with. If Clark (is he even a Democrat?) gets into this I think he'll discover the same thing.
Edwards did himself a favor last night. Man . . . he sounds like Billy sometimes. Nice story about Dad and a good punch line. He's still weak on policy however, and it shows. Why didn't he wait a few years? Also, he really should be trying this from the NC governor's chair.
Kucinich has that wacky, Naderite fringe thing down. He's confident and well spoken. He's juvenile though. The WTO shot at Howard was potentially a good left hook, but ending it with 'DUH!' meant it didn't need to be answered. He's kinda looks like the Chess Club guy running for Student Council President. It's good that he's there though, WITHIN the party fold. The Dems should make damn sure he doesn't get carried away with all the attention and pull a greenie/independent move after he loses.
Believe it or not, Carol Mosely-Braun actually performed the best last night. She really knows her stuff on health care and took on all comers. She also made some very important points on womens' and minority issues. Her time as ambassador has really groomed her. I was pleasantly surprised. Secretary of HHS might be the spot for her in a Dean Administration.
Finally, where was Al?
Posted by Night Owl
at 6:27 PM PDT
Updated: Friday, September 5, 2003 8:24 PM PDT
