I didn't watch the debate last night.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

Instead, I watched a NOVA show about cats on PBS. But I thought it would be interesting to look at the responses and comments on DU and elsewhere to determine whether there was some consensus, and also to read the reactions of people with declared favorites. Predictably, people with declared favorites usually (but not always) claimed that their favorite had either won or at least had done well. Confirmation bias, anyone? The Klobuchar supporters were the most realistic; the consensus on DU and elsewhere seems to be that she didn't do very well, and her supporters were honest and objective enough to acknowledge that. Overall, the ranking seems to have shaken down like this:

1. Warren
2. Biden
3. Buttigieg
4. Sanders
5. Klobuchar
6. Bloomberg

Almost everyone seems to have agreed that Warren was all fangs and claws this time and that she managed to tear Bloomberg a new one. There seems to be general agreement that Bloomberg sucked, that he was arrogant and unprepared, and that he was the worst performer apart from his zinger about Bernie being the best-known socialist millionaire with three houses. Bloomberg supporters mostly maintain that he was the most composed and "adult" of the bunch, but most others seem to think he really bombed. Biden seems to have done well and put in a strong performance, and even his detractors don't seem to have many negative comments. Buttigieg was reported as being his usual calm, smart self, but lost points for picking on Klobuchar over relatively minor issues. The Sanders supporters to a person declared that he'd won and found no fault at all with their guy because they never do no matter what he does or says; but many others thought he was shouty and had nothing new to say. Klobuchar was faulted for seeming flustered and lacking good responses to Buttigieg's needling, and even her supporters acknowledged that her performance was weak.

I might go back and watch some excerpts; I'd especially like to see Warren's takedown of Bloomberg. Warren had been opposed to the DNC allowing Bloomberg to participate in the debate but I'll bet she's happy now.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Amazing

That's just about how I viewed the debate, though I only watched parts, though I might shuffle #3,4,5. I don't think Amy and Pete did themselves any good by getting into it. Wonder if them being side by side kind of escalated their issues.

[beastie boy]

2. With Sanders and Bloomberg at each others throats, Warren and Biden are the clear winners.

Even if they do nothing but sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

[highplainsdem]

3. That matches my assessment.

[nobuddy]

4. I watched it

granted, fell asleep about 10:30. Swap Pete and Bernie is my take.

[IrishEyes]

5. I also didn't watch the debate. I watched an old Cary Grant film.

However, I read the comments on here during the debate. I came to the same conclusion that you did. I will probably watch some of the debate later.

I will probably watch the next debate. I just wasn't in the mood to see it last night.

[Old Terp]

6. Was going to watch, but first question went to Bernie

Bernie started screeching and I had to turn the debate off. I know the Kindle has a mute button but I couldn't find it soon enough.

[Baclava]

7. LOL, I watched Cat Tales and recorded the debate for later, it was a fang and claws wildcat night!

[2naSalit]

8. I watched it

and then watched most of it again.

I agree with most of your assessment though I have a different feel about Amy. She didn't have the best night but I think she did better than Pete.

Warren truly took out the brass knuckles and nailed Bloomberg right off the bat. And as "Hardball Chris" put it, she pretty much wounded him and kept hitting hard in the same bloody spot and making the hots count. She had him from the first comments and nailed him hard at least three times. She had him flustered in the first ten minutes of the debate and it only got worse for him after that.

My two takeaways from the night were; it was definitely "ladies night in Vegas" and Bloomberg is toast.

[Laelth]

9. I found myself applauding what Bernie was saying more often than other candidates.

Still, I agree that Warren gave the best performance. I would switch Sanders' and Biden's respective positions on your list, personally. Otherwise, I think you have it.

I thought it was a great debate. I enjoyed watching it.

-Laelth