The July 23 Democratic Debate

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Grade: C

Slid into and out of Senate speak, but used less of it than usual. Sold his experience with force and acknowledged that his record and persona haven't broken through with voters, since his YouTube contribution promoted him as the guy with the white hair, complete with a white rabbit placed in the foreground of the shot (you sort of have to see it). Passionate on Iraq and national service. He likely will feel more confident about his performance than he should, but that's okay — it just might inspire him to do even better next time.

—by Mark Halperin