I am not fully up to current time on the debate (all hail TiVo), but I have been watching. Impressions so far:
While there is some degree of sniping back and forth, none of it is on the basis of character. All of it has to do with policy decisions and judgment. I am pretty sure that this is more of a straitjacket for some than others, but it makes me more comfortable about the debate in general. Huzzah for policy discussions!
Chafee: Should be accepted now as a Democrat. He's right to say that the Republican Party left him. He is not the most liberal person on the stage, but he has been consistent in his policy stances over the years. Has occasional deer-in-headlights looks (sorry Governor) but is holding his own.
Clinton: taking heat for previous decisions and stances. She is speaking quite well tonight. Most likely to try to call Sanders out on policy. Taking a lot of heat for her Iraq War vote, especially since others on the stage voted against it--including then-Republican Chafee. Addressed how positions can evolve, which is a fair point. Getting good applause.
O'Malley: Speaking quite well. Definitely a left-leaning goad for the primaries. Agreeing with Sanders a lot. This is not a bad thing. Occasionally seems a bit sharp in his speech patterns, as in a slightly off-note; but yes, seems to be a pretty sharp cookie.
Sanders: Usually on point, but occasional fogginess before coming round. That might cost him a little. Speaking well when he engages. Firebrand. Also getting good applause. Keeping things left. Agreeing a lot with O'Malley. His grumpiness is more congenial than O'Malley's sharpness.
Webb: Focusing a lot more on international issues. His gun stances might cost him. Speaking quite well. I know he is seriously trying to run for POTUS, but I am not sure whether he'd want Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State. Probably Defense.
Look, I'm a wonk who knows about China being a pain in the Second Thomas Shoal, but people want to hear more about jobs at home (meaning not bleeding out their savings and paychecks) and justice for all. This election will have foregin policy debates, but this is a debate mostly about the domestic agenda with occasional concerns about The Terrorists. Wonk stuff goes on the webpage.