This morning I published my list of "tips" for Barack Obama to follow in tonight's debate. Let's see how he did:
As it turned out, most of these tips weren't even necessary. It's obvious they both were intent on avoiding any unseemly strife.
1. Give Hillary the biggest, warmest handshake at the beginning--just short of LBJ.
Done very well--the little conversation at the end was obvious heartfelt and classy for both candidates. A+
2. Avoid a repeat of South Carolina at all costs. Have 2 staffers whispering that in each ear as you are driving to the debate.
Done. A
3. I love the way you speak openly, honestly, and have a command of the issues. However, it is legal in California to have some talking point answers prepared before a debate. Focus, focus, focus.
Better performance than in the past, but you left a lot on the table that you could have used in a non-confrontational way. B-
4. Keep to the high road--remember, you are not here to score debate points--talk to the American people.
Not bad--but stop looking at Wolf when you are answering--he doesn't give a shit, and, anyway, he is just 1 vote. But overall, statements were good. A-/B+
5. Draw contrasts without engaging in argument.
Did that well, but could have used a few more contrasts. B+
6. Stay away from Wal-Mart--that story will work just fine on its own.
Done. A
7. Rezko--I don't think she will go there unless you go after her for something similar, but just in case...see #3.
I get a "A" for this one, because I predicted she wouldn't go there.
8. You are limited to 8 "hopes" and 3 "bipartisans".
I thought Obama was able to present his "unity" themes very productively without looking too conciliatory and without substance. Best job so far. Big A
9. You have established the "vision" and "hope" things--and, if not, you can do that in large groups to greater effect. Tonight, you are speaking to Democrats--be the proud Democrat and liberal that you are. You have better voting ratings than Hillary--don't be afraid to mention them. This is NOT the night to go after independents.
Did a good job on being substantive and strong in presenting progressive solutions. Could have been even more forceful. B+/A-
10. Any mention of Reagan--turn it into a peaen for FDR, JFK, LBJ--hell, even Bill Clinton--don't defend that statement any more.
N/A Didn't happen.
11. By now, you should be able to hit the "present" votes issue out of the park--maintain an unwavering, confident tone that you knew exactly what you were doing --cite your longstanding support for women's issues and longstanding support from other women's groups.
Again N/A--Odd that that women's issues were never even hinted at in the whole debate.
12. I think you can do a good job on the "experience" vs "judgement" argument--again project confidence and understanding of what lies ahead.
Mixed feelings on this one. On the one hand, big success--I don't think anyone in America could have watched this debate and think that Obama is not equally ready on Day 1 to exercise leadership. I also feel Obama let some fat fastballs go by without swinging, esp on Iraq. A-
13. You cannot emphasize enough that, while you want to listen to everyone's voice and have a "big table" approach, you can fight if needed and you will not compromise core progressive principles.
Again--fine on this one, but could have done better. B+
14. Another key point is that you have demonstrably proven that you have built an unbelievable grass roots organization and you are superior to Clinton in your ability to expand the base of the Democratic party. Again, don't emphasize the "I'll bring republicans in" as much as "I will bring in more Democrats". You have such an advantage in this area--don't just let it sit there. Nobody is generating the crowds and excitement that you are--show Democrats how important and revolutionary that is.
Once again, I have to say, good but not as good as it could have been. B+
Overall, I thought Obama's performance was very good to excellent. The longer Hillary spoke, IMO, the worse she sounded--more phony, more contrived. The 2nd half of the debate she seemed almost obsessive about consuming as much time as possible and hogging the stage.
Overall Grade for Obama: A- for debating; Strong A for leadership.
To me the biggest thing was that Obama showed that, in all the things that Hillary touts as her "strengths", he is at least her equal. I find it pretty amazing that, even though he is supposedly the most "inexperienced" national candidate, he was clearly superior on virtually all aspects of foreign policy and national security.