Dispatch from the Homefront Issue 1: The First Democratic Debate…

The long march to November 08 continues. The race began months ago moves with force and media attention never seen so early. The Democratic side of the storm settled in on South Carolina State University for the first debate among all eight contenders. Anyone expecting to see a person pull away was greatly disappointed. The time was too short and the rules strict that the gap threat was suppressed no need mention the knock-out personality.

Going in Hillary Clinton was the front-runner. She did little to loose the title and no one stole the crown. Yet, she did little to impress. Her answers were a shining example of talking out of both sides of the mouth. During one response, she both praised and admonished Wal-Mart. Her status remains safe, not because of her skill, but because she has yet to endure direct attacks by Democrats who need to challenge her support before the general least they learn the support is soft during a Republican attack more mainstream than Rush.

JRE remains a debate mystery. A lawyer, an articulate stump speaker, yet when the debate lights cone on he pulls punches. He did it with Cheney; he did it tonight. He remains cautious when he should open up. He lies back instead of being an assertive self he is on the sump. He still has many chances to move up in debate competition. Though, he did no real damage to himself, he did not convert anyone.

Obama performed the best of all the top tier. Like a championship boxer, his answers contained tight powerful combinations. While each answer was complex, it was short enough that it was not weighed down by verbal baggage like Sen. Kerry. He came out ahead and will be declared the winner. But the winner without knocking out anyone or claiming the crown of the presumed nominee.

Biden is worth mentioning, because of his one word, “yes” in assuring the population his mouth would not get him in trouble.

Richardson was the most forceful in saying he would use the military to strike back against a terrorist attack too bad that was not what the question was about.

Dodd faded into the background.

Kucinich only looked sane because of Gravel who at least is a comedian.

It is a long fight yet. No clear winner. The Democrats can get a rest of debating and enjoy watching the GOP beat up on one another next week.