The April 16 Democratic Debate

Substance: A-

Style: B-

Offense: B

Defense: B+

Overall grade: B

Created a dilemma for herself with contradictory messages about Obama's electability. By backing off from an opportunity to assert that Obama can't beat McCain in a general election, she diluted the main remaining argument for her own candidacy. As always, showed herself to be a tough workhorse with a clear-cut agenda and can-do assurance, although her demeanor was perhaps tinged with melancholy. Tried a new, lighter touch when upbraiding Obama's San Francisco "bitter" remarks, but went harder on Rev. Wright, and harder still on Obama's relationship with a Vietnam-era radical. Handled a question about the Bosnia sniper fire flap in a calm, contrite manner. Asserted her commitment to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq as President, even if the Pentagon were to argue against hastened withdrawal. Hawkish on Iran. Bottom line: Being a strong candidate with a solid message is not always enough when your opponent is viewed as comfortably ahead, and party loyalty has got you in a bind. Can she and her advisers ever argue again privately that Obama is unelectable?