First Read on the debates. Accurate or close or way off?

[Tejanocrat]

Chuck Todd:

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.

Lauren Appelbaum:

The middle school antics continued a bit today with Biden taking a turn to swipe Richardson. Moderator and Des Moines Register Editor Carolyn Washburn stopped Richardson while he was speaking, saying his answer "was longer than Sen. Biden's answer."

"Every one of their answer's is longer than my answers. I think he's color blind," Biden said to laughter, referring to the lighting system indicating when time's up.

Before Dodd went on to answer his question, Dodd said under his breath, "It's going to be a long year."

[maddiejoan]

1. Not sure Obama's Youtube moment will work that well.

Asking for Hillary's advice?

Why not just elect Hillary then.

[TeamJordan23]

2. I think it will work great. Def. the best one-liner of the debate. Overall, debate was boring.

I guess I've just seen these to many times.

[maddiejoan]

3. we'll see

For me the best line was Hillary's

There's one candidate that demands change, There's one candidate that hopes for change, and there's one candidate that will work for change.

Obama's moment was cute and funny, it will play a lot on the Youtube --but it sends a kind of mixed signal.

[Tejanocrat]

10. Link?

[Onlooker]

5. Obama's line would have been great ...

... if he had followed it up with some laughter, but he's just so damn serious.

[maddiejoan]

7. That's why it won't work

In the clip, it's Hillary that looks fun.

What's more -- worthy of taking advice from.

It'll sell Hill better ultimately.

[Onlooker]

4. I thought Hillary was quite good

I don't understand why people thought Edwards did well. It was as if he was trying to steal Kucinich's place by being a true, anti-corporate populist. If his message sells that would be absolutely terrific, but I think it will scare a lot off people. I didn't care for Obama's performance in this debate. The debate was so serious that Obama didn't really stand out. He usually has more gravitas than others; but not in this case.

I must admit I really like a lot of what Richardson said. I thought he was quite good, but again these calls for lots of government programs. I don't think that will fly. Biden is smart, but like Dodd I think comes off as a bit to pompous and bit of a blowhard.

I thought Hillary did best only because she stood out. She made some good points, demonstrated her knowledge, and showed some real personality. Her personality isn't great, but it's better than nothing. She is who she is, and, unlike Gore was, she's not afraid to be herself.

[Adelante]

6. You missed the first sentence in that first paragraph

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.

[Rydz777]

8. Candidates now have to train themselves to talk in 30 second

or one minute soundbites. It's like learning to play a five string banjo. Some learn to do it better than others, and not everbody likes listening to a banjo. I think this is a lousy format for a "debate."

[Tejanocrat]

9. That's certainly the truth.