This debate felt very tired. The stage is too big and the arguments they have are not new. The whol event was of course overshadowed by the impeachment hearings. But, this is what we do here so let's get to it.
WINNERS
WINNERS
1. Pete Buttigieg Tactical: A- Strategic A
Solid and poised, as always.
3. Amy Klobuchar Tactical: A- Strategic: A-
Solid and poised, as always.
2. Cory Booker Tactical: A- Strategic: A-
Booker is good in these forums. He is smart on substantive issues and he manages to be funny without coming off like a dick. These talents have not translated into any kind of traction in the polls as yet.
3. Amy Klobuchar Tactical: A- Strategic: A-
She had some good lines and got buzz on social media. I was perhaps a little underwhelmed, only because I follow her closely and have heard some of those line rehearsed already. She also seemed to shake, slightly. I think it was something about her bangs hanging funny, but it was noticeable and a little distracting.
BREAK EVENS
4. Bernie Sanders Tactical: B+ Strategic: B+
He played the hit and he seemed to look healthy again, which is good. He also looked younger than Biden, which is something.
5. Joe Biden Tactical: B- Strategic: B
Joe had a few embarrassing moments but I don't think they will hurt him. It's just hard to get fired up by him because you keep waiting for him to say something stupid. That is a problem.
6. Kamala Harris Tactical: B- Strategic: B-
She seemed a little tired. But then again, so did I.
7. Elizabeth Warren Tactical: C+ Strategic: B-
More of the same. I think she may have hit a ceiling of support.
LOSERS
Who gives a shit?
9. Tom Steyer: Tactical: C- Strategic: C-
Remember the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer goes to baseball fantasy camp? The Steyer campaign feels like that. He's old and he's rich and he's going through a divorce so he's spending a bunch of money to pretend he's running for president. His presence on the stage tonight was as if the Kramer was allowed to play a few actual major league games as a September call up.
10. Tulsi Gabbard Tactical: Incomplete Strategic: Incomplete
There is something really, really wrong with her. And the way she wears that white suit every fucking day creeps me out.
