My Take on the Democratic Debate: In Retrospect

I think Hillary blew it.  Her greatest strength is her strength, but she kept it mostly hidden last night choosing to try to be charming and pleasant instead.  Her smile was forced and looked inappropriate at times, such as when Obama was scoring points against her. 

I think that the Democrats may be operating under the false assumption that Obama will appeal to voters as a candidate who is willing and able to bring people together and that he could do a better job of this than Clinton. In actuality, as people take a closer and harder look, many are seeing him as more and more liberal and progressive. Certainly, things his wife has been saying publicly haven't helped - her statement about this being the first time she feels pride in her country and that, "Every woman that I know, regardless of race, education, income, background, political affiliation, is struggling to keep her head above water"  (Every woman? Regardless of income and background?  Really?) supply reinforcement on the point. 

As I see it, Obama and Clinton run about neck and neck as far as their desire to cripple the economy with taxes and entitlements.

This is a huge turn off to those who lean right or libertarian.  Obama will not be able to woo those of us who want smaller government, less taxes, and to keep the emphasis on supply-side economics.  We are not going to be swayed by his undeniable oratory skill.  And we are going to continue to have our doubts about him and his ability to lead, given his inexperience. His strength and leadership ability remain a question mark, and there's not much he can do about it.

Hillary Clinton's reputation as a tough woman is the only thing that separates her from Obama. Her ability to be a b*tch on wheels was her best asset amongst people who continue to be concerned about terrorism, making it possible to envision her as a leader who would be tough if it is called for.

Clinton can't out-charm Obama and her policies are essentially the same as his.  The only other thing that she has going for her in addition to her cut-throat reputation, is the fact that she's already been in the White House. She's had the opportunity as the wife of a president to see what the job is like up close and personal. Why not catch a ride on that coattail? It's the elephant in the room anyway.

Despite the Democrats' hopes that Obama will have widespread appeal, up against McCain he may appear weak; his seeming youth (he comes across as much younger than he actually is) and inexperience could very well stand out in further relief. Clinton, based on her prior reputation, has what it takes to appear to out-tough the war veteran and could get away with making him look old without making herself come across as immature.

McCain is actually a much better cross-over candidate than Obama - he has turned off the right at times (but they, despite what the die-hard anti-McCainiacs say, will end up voting for him) and he is not an extremist social conservative. For all his talk about bringing peole together, Obama has offered nothing of substance. I can't see anything that appeals to me personally in the areas I find of greatest concern - economics and foreign policy. (not to mention...) 

In last night's debate, Clinton should have been tough as nails, serious, unyielding, eagle-eyed, clear, logical, on task, and without undue emotion proved that she was a force to be reckoned with. What was needed was a show of determination and grit, not awkward attempts to be likeable. She should have put Obama away.

She didn't do it.