My Thoughts on the Democratic Debate

So last night, me and about a dozen other people (i'm exaggerating) watched the Democratic debate from Manchester, New Hampshire on ABC. Let's state the obvious- Saturday night debates aren't exactly a showcase. Let's also state the obvious- that helps the front-runner. With those two things stated, let's state one more thing- that was a much higher quality debate than the Republican debates.

Hillary Clinton had a really good night. She showed herself to be smart, tough, and compassionate. While she showed herself to be a solid progressive, she did not make the kind of gaffes that end up costing you an election later. She laid out specifics, she made realistic promises, and she showed a mastery of the facts. Hillary Clinton showed a mastery of reality that no Republican candidate has shown yet. She showed why she should be nominee and President.

Bernie Sanders also had a very good night. Any Democrat watching him is going to agree with most of the things he says. I appreciated the passion he showed when attacked on his gun positions, and with the contrast he put forward with Clinton on Wall Street and Syria. Bernie Sanders more than represented himself and his supporters well.

As for Martin O'Malley, I think reality sets in a bit here. Was his generational comment a bit tough? Was his push for time on the questions a bit desperate? Did his continual return to "his record" as Governor become a tired refrain? Sure. The reality though is that he has to do these things. He needs to pick up some level of support to help his landing after this race is over. He was supposed to be Hillary's top challenger in this race, and he was a very good Governor. He is not going to be the nominee for President or Vice-President though, so if he crashes badly in the early states, it'll be hard for him to keep any sort of profile.

The debate was heavy on substance, which is appropriate for the office they seek. I was happy to hear issues like heroin-addiction be discussed on the same stage as Syria. The only complaint I have with the substance of the debate was the lack of climate change discussion. They were bound to miss something, but that issue is a bit too big to miss.

For those of you out there who could go either way in this election, I hope you watched both debates this week. In the one debate, you had arguing, personal insults, candidates citing dead people as their top partner in fighting ISIS, race-baiting, and generally inaccurate banter. In this debate, you heard plans, substance, and debate of policy differences. The Presidency is a serious job. Last night you heard a serious debate. Hopefully that sways you.