The August 9 Democratic Debate

The Democratic Candidates
Kevork Djansezian / AP
Senator Barack Obama

Barack Obama

Grade: A-
Article Tools
Print
Sphere
RSS

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

Next: John Edwards >>

More Stories

Jan. 30 GOP Debate: McCain Keeps Momentum

As a testament to his suddenly strong position in the battle for the GOP nomination, says Mark Halperin, the Senator showed off all of his worst traits -- and still easily beat back Mitt Romney's desperate efforts to knock him off his perch

The Jan. 24 GOP Debate

Mitt has a moment -- just when he needed one. But for the rest of the field, it was a snooze-fest of missed opportunities

Dems Debate: Hand-to-Hand Combat

Analysis: Any dreams of a Clinton-Obama ticket were probably ended after their testiest encounter yet. Mark Halperin gives Obama the edge

The Republicans Go At Each Other

John McCain acted the confident frontrunner, Mike Huckabee was the regular guy, and Fred Thompson played attack dog. Mark Halperin scores the South Carolina debate

Democrats Debate: Prepping for Finals

Mark Halperin grades the candidates in their last joint appearance

Dems Debate: Clinton and Obama's No-Friction Debate

The tone was upbeat, the sparks few in the last Democratic encounter before Super Tuesday. Mark Halperin reviews both performances