Tag: January
If It's Historic, Who Won?
After prefacing the liveblog below with the prediction and challenge to the candidates that tonight was a once in a generation opportunity to really debate as the next president and the first black or women, I owe it to readers to do something I have become somewhat disenchanted with -- pick a winner.
But to explain what a winner is it is important to explain why I have become disenchanted with that. Several reasons. First, the debates have been multi-candidate debate up to now. Second, the format has not always given equal opportunity to contestants. Third, and most importantly, the idea of winning is so dependent on expectations and on contexts outside of the debate that the "winner" was not determined by the debate but by the press coverage and other later, intervening events.
This last factor still has importance, but the context tonight was clear enough and the variables were reduced enough that I can posit a judgment. My judgment is just that. Considered, but not "objective" or definitive. Please help me and yourself by engaging me in dispute about or questioning of this judgment.
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: debate, debates, democratic presidential primary, 2008 elections, California, January
Liveblogging History: Clinton/Obama
With a Democrat favored to win the White House in November and just this one debate between the two remaining Democratic hopefuls, a woman and a black man, there arguably may not be a single debate that has had more historic significance.
Kennedy/Nixon may be your quick reply. Yes, in retrospect, that is true. Interesting, too, since Obama has been anointed Kennedy's successor.
Surely this has sunk in for the candidates. Let's hope Wolf Blitzer and CNN treat the event with the dignity and significance it potentially has.
As for the candidates, join me in the comments to see whether they rise to the occasion. For in the end, it is they, two unique and powerful figures, who can prove me right or wrong on my pre-debate take.
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: liveblog, debate, debates, elections 2008, democratic presidential primary, California, January
Liveblog of Democratic January New Hampshire Debate
GOP candidates shown shaking hands with Dem candidates as the former leave and the latter enter. Audience gives sustained applause.
GOP version of this proved candidates can and will mix it up when left to own devices but less so when moderator asks them to do so. Romney was clobbered.
Join me in the comments for play by play . . .
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: liveblog, democratic presidential primary, elections 2008, ABC, Charles Gibson, New Hampshire, January
Liveblog of New Hampshire ABC January 5 Debate
Use the comments (register for free if you have not already) to add to this liveblog of commentary on the tonight's debate from Manchester, New Hampshire.
We'll have a separate liveblog posted right after this one for the Democratic candidates debate that follows.
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: liveblog, republican presidential primary, New Hampshire, ABC, January
