
Substance: B+
Style: B
Offense: B
Defense: B+
Overall grade: B+
Subdued and secure, but often peevish and cross, seemingly fed up with Clinton's fight and impatient to claim the nomination (the less attractive part of his personality shining through). Showed his vast improvement as a debater he was familiar with the material and with his platform, and exhibited an understanding of the process of governance rather than relying on vague concepts and rhetoric. Like Clinton, was firmly anti-McCain without expressing undue belligerence. Despite his aloof, frontrunner's air, sometimes seemed angry, distracted and worn. Nevertheless, he took pains to stress his core message of change, used his opening statement to smoothly pay homage (and offer an implicit apology for his "bitter" commentary) to the thoughtful people of Pennsylvania, and was well practiced and careful when responding to questions about Rev. Wright and patriotism. Sometimes took liberties with the truth when defending his past actions or the campaign's tactics (falsely denying, for instance, that his team has pushed the Clinton/Bosnia story). Gave a direct answer on his plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, but there, and elsewhere, may have created potential general election problems. Inexplicably, went on stage with one of the worst makeup jobs of the campaign. Bottom line: a surly, tepid night for Obama, but he still emerged stalwart and in the lead.
In a contest that she had to win outright, Hillary Clinton did only okay, while Barack Obama did more than survive, he sometimes thrived
Overall Clinton did better than Obama. But, says Mark Halperin, his lead made it imperative that she have a game-changing performance, and she failed in that respect
The tone was upbeat, the sparks few in the last Democratic encounter before Super Tuesday. Mark Halperin reviews both performances
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
Mitt has a moment -- just when he needed one. But for the rest of the field, it was a snooze-fest of missed opportunities
Analysis: Any dreams of a Clinton-Obama ticket were probably ended after their testiest encounter yet. Mark Halperin gives Obama the edge
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