I think Edwards message won the debate.

[kentuck]

Whether or not the prognosticators say he won the debate or not, I think his message appealed to the most people. Just my hunch.

[Andy823]

1. I agree

He "has" a message that the people like, and the more they hear him, the more they like him!

[midlife_mo_Jo]

Agreed

[redqueen]

2. *

[frogmarch]

3. I agree.

Not surprising that he's known as the populist candidate.

Go, Edwards!

[LakeSamish706]

4. One thing that I picked up with one of Edwards answers...

When some were making promises of what they would do in the first year, he was very careful to explain that there was so much to do he did not want to make empty promises... I found that to be a very honest answer. (I really am undecided yet as well... Leaning toward Edwards, but I am very impressed with Dodd as well)

[gateley]

5. I found myself thinking "ooh, he won't win over any on-the-fence Republicans

with that approach" -- thinking more toward the GE.

Personally, I didn't feel this was his best debate.

[Inspired]

8. I don't agree.

Edwards has many supporters who consider themselves Republicans. I'm married to one. Last night I overheard a man go up to Edwards after an event and tell him that he is a former Republican who now supports him.

It isn't always the message. Sometimes it is the appeal of the messenger. Edwards comes across as likable.

[gateley]

10. Well I'm glad to hear that if he turns out to be the nominee. That's reassuring. nt

[balantz]

16. But it is also his message that resonates with some Republican voters.

It is easy to see that any regular joe, right or left, is getting the shaft from our "leaders" and their big-buck corporations. He will fight for us.

[speedoo]

6. His message certainly appealed to me.

I'd be very happy if he became the dem candidate.

[SoFlaJet]

11. he's MY guy

but I'll tell you this I'd be happy with any one of them standing up there over ANY of the republicans-even Hillary, I found myself cheering for her-first time in a long time...

[Pirate Smile]

7. Focus group of Dems on Faux - they had very positive reactions to Edwards and Obama.

They were disappointed in Hillary.

I'm sure the segment will get put up on Youtube soon. It was interesting.

[K Gardner]

13. That was very interesting.. the whole group went to Obama or Edwards..

They were extremely impressed with both of them. At the end, every one of them said the smear against Obama was "dirty politics" and were very put off about it.

[Pirate Smile]

17. Yeah, they asked who thought the Clinton camp bringing up the drug issue was dirty politics.

They all raised their hands. Before that they asked who had a more positive opinion of Hillary Clinton now then they did a month ago and I think one or two raised their hands. They asked the same thing about Obama and over half, maybe two-thirds raised their hands.

It was a harsh focus group for HRC.

[balantz]

9. Edwards had the only clear message,

that we have a big fight on our hands against corrupt Washington, and he will lead the fight!

[midlife_mo_Jo]

12. I think that really resonates with a lot of people

He needs to find a way to capitalize on that.

And since he made his career fighting corporations, I think he has a "them vs. us" mentality. I think that makes him more trustworthy in that regard.

[balantz]

14. He has proven to me by his words that he knows exactly what's up

in Washington, what's at stake for us regular citizens, and how crucial it is that we let him lead us on the fight for our lives.

[in_cog_ni_to]

15. He was very good today and at the DNC Committee convention.

:thumbsup: I'm leaning toward him now. I have until February 5 to decide.:) He seems so sincere and he has that lady I LOVE by his side, Elizabeth. He can't be all bad if she loves and trusts him, right? I trust her judgment.

[DissentIsPatriotic]

18. I work in an orthopedic practice

with about 15 doctors. A small group, about five, of the most Conservative among them, all Republicans, are thrilled with Edwards, and look forward to voting for him. I'm thrilled that they are thrilled. It's also a bit scary though that I agree with them on something. That Edwards is very appealing. My two cents.

[in_cog_ni_to]

19. Welcome to DU, DissentIsPatriotic!

:hi:

That is pretty awesome that so many Conservatives are willing to vote for him. He's not the most conservative Dem candidate either! Pretty cool!

I honestly can't remember the last time I agreed with a Conservative about anything! That is pretty scary!:scared:

[Blackhatjack]

20. I agree EDWARDS did best!