The December 13 Democratic Debate

Mark Halperin grades the candidates in their last joint appearance — minus Kucinich — before the crucial Iowa caucuses

Barack Obama

Barack Obama

Jason Reed / Reuters

Mature and polished — a reassuring yet passionate presence. He let Obama be Obama by assuredly displaying to former doubters the natural style that could carry him to the nomination. Had some moments that made him seem big and presidential, although not enough to have won the event outright.

By Mark Halperin

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