The August 9 Democratic Debate

On same-sex marriage, Obama cited the anti-miscegenation laws of the 1960s to show he understands the concerns of the community — which conversely highlighted his refusal to support legalized gay marriage. Got a bit testy, with a curt asked-and-answered reply, when a questioner tried to pin him down on the subject. Overall, used his usual style of speaking conversationally, rather than passionately, about human rights. Seemed to be an emotional favorite among the multicultural audience — he had them at hello.

— By Mark Halperin