This was a much more aggressive event tonight.
Those who did what they needed to do:
Kamala Harris – She needed to have a Booker type performance, and she did well.
Joe Biden – Clearly the leader, he was almost as much of a target of vitriol as Trump. He held up well, but he wasn’t anything exciting. Frankly, he didn’t have anything to prove and did what he needed to – address allegations and convey his statesman stature.
Those who didn’t help themselves:
Kristen Gillibrand – This is a tough call. She was fiery and passionate, but I think it is highly likely she rubbed a lot of voters the wrong way. She suffered being on this panel and would have benefited from a night 1 selection.
Bernie Sanders – Yikes, he was out of control and, at times, reminded me of Perot’s VP candidate Stockdale. He seemed old and cranky. He also was determined to not answer questions directly. I think he had to have done more damage than good for his candidacy.
Pete Buttigieg – I think he is just too good of a guy to do this thing. Clearly one of, if not the, smartest person in the room. He clearly has a strong grasp on the issues, but he struggles with conceptualizing policy, like Warren does. He seems to lack the passion that many of his competitors demonstrate.
Need to drop immediately:
Michael Bennet – Seemed to say stuff, but was just swallowed up.
Eric Swalwell – Not ready for prime time. Hit the Senate and build a name that leads back here in a decade or so.
John Hickenlooper – Seems to want to separate himself from the rest by attacking socialism. He is probably right on a lot of this, but his manner comes across as dismissive of ideas that will drive younger voters to the polls.
Marianne Williamson – What in the hell?!?! I am pretty sure her healthcare plan might have something to do with Goop.
Andrew Yang – I am pretty sure he went to the restroom at one point during this debate. His defense of UBI was pitiful. Just not ready for prime time.