Democratic debate reflections

Tim Russert excels at making Bill Richardson look like a fool, and he didn't disappoint in the last democratic debate. In the opening question about Iraq, Russert complained that Richardson was not answering the question. The litany of Richardson gaffes Russert listed in the middle of the debate recapitulated the miserable Meet the Press interview that Richardson bombed, with some new juicy blunders added to the list. Richardson stumbled over an answer about "delivering" in which it was unclear exactly what he was going to deliver. Then he tried the same line about change and experience; it got a light laugh, but we've heard this one before. In the question on fiscal solvency Richardson gave the typical politician's answer--"Oh, we can grow our way out of any trouble"--and Russert not only nailed him down on this answer but then gave Edwards a response, who argued in favor of telling the American people the truth.

Obama's small swipe at Hillary, "Your health care fight was lonely because you shut out potential allies," was the sound bite of the evening but it was so light a jab that it seemed like my advice to hold off the attack was similar to his own game plan. But it was a definite poke to the gut, and Obama's stepping up the attack, perhaps. We'll see if he does this gradually--that would be a smart move. In other words, he starts out with a "new tone" message, but little by little chips away at Hillary until it's all-out war. That way, it's not a one-hit wonder and the hit does not have to be a KO. Hillary can recover from one blow, even if the press like a pack of hounds joins in the carnage. She's too good. If this Obama attack is the beginning of a trend, if he really wants to be president, we're in for an interesting ride. It's clear that Hillary wants to be president, but that is not always the case for all or even most candidates. Howard Dean for example did not want to be president. Most candidates run for self-promotion, or to make a point.