This debate might be a game changer. I will spare you the breathless sycophancy towards any one candidate, even mine, and give you my thoughts.
1. Biden is holding strong.
2. O’Rourke is doing to Mayor Pete what Christie did to Rubio.
3. Harris does not have a lane. But I see AG in near future. Extremely competent and passionate.
4. Steyer is a rookie but makes good points. Not sure if he is advertising for Tilted Kilt with that tie but hey, I don’t have to like the self expression, just respect it.
5. Booker could be President someday. But it will require a different era of American politics, one that embraces his brand of cheeriness. This is not that era. VP?
6. Warren is not locating her fastball as well tonight. In no way a halt to momentum. But we are talking quality start vs. complete game shutout. The train rolls on.
7. I think Tulsi continues to show up to the wrong party headquarters.
8. Sanders has nowhere to go with Warren surging. Simply more room for her to grow with moderates than Bernie.
9. Castro could be VP. But he is just not standing out.
10. Yang disqualified himself with the moral equivalency of election interference between the accusations of the U.S. and Russia. Tulsi-ish.
11. The Game Changer. Amy is so far, incredible. Now let me point out, Klobuchar is NOT my current choice. For the purposes of objectivity I am not stating that here. However, she has been phenomenal. Strong, relatable, with a great sense of down to earth toughness and competence. She now has a real shot. I could see a scenario where she sneaks into 2nd in IA, surges in NH, and carries momentum into Super Tuesday, where many still undecided Democrats will have to make a choice that best fits our needs. I liken it to buying a car-you start with pie in the sky, you freak out about the budget, but in the end, go with something safe and reliable with just the right touch of style. Amy isn’t a Ferrari, but safe sedans don’t tend to hydroplane at 150 mph in the heat of an election either. We will see if others share my impressions.
Noting exceptions of Yang and Gabbard, the other ten I have a great level of affection for and would be proud to have them carry our banner. My hope is to have this post taken as my opinion without animosity, analysis without prejudice, and constructive critique without negativity.
My power ranks?
1. Biden.
2. Warren
3. Klobuchar
4. Buttigieg.
5. Sanders
6. O’Rourke.
7. Castro
8. Steyer
9. Harris
10. Booker (7-10 is more or less interchangable, and not particularly relevant.)
11. Yang. (I use Bing smart guy.)
12. Gabbard.