A lot of time was spent going over the same old points---healthcare, the Iraq war, who voted this way or that and when.

It's getting a bit painful to watch Obama struggle to keep up with the candidates who are so obviously more experienced than he is--when they point to their own records he has nothing to respond with other than his "intent". I really like Obama, but he just doesn't seem to have the experience needed to run the government well. On the other hand he did put Hillary against the ropes a few times.

Edwards was the clearest and toughest. Slowly he seems to be differentiating himself that way. He also pinned Hillary down on several issues. He made her get to the point where seemed to get edgy and uncomfortable. This seemed a good strategy for Edwards.

Hillary is still heads and shoulders above the others when it comes to confidence and polish. She did get a little rattled though when Edwards and Obama double-teamed her and got rough. Some of her answers clearly were dodges. I think she showed more vulnerability tonight than she has in the past. Her saying she would give licenses to illegal immigrants won't appeal to conservative Democrats.

Richardson made some good statements. He kept pointing out that he had a lot of diplomatic experience.

Dodd said he would not give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. that will appeal to some voters who are worried about that.

Biden seemsed somewhat subdued for a change. He did get in a few strong jabs at Guiliani.

Kucinich as usual said what most Democrats are really feeling. He left no doubt the country would operate totally differently if he got elected. He sounded like Wyatt Earp begging to be sent into Dodge City.

Two funniest moments?

Kucinich trying to admit he really might have seen a flying saucer. he knew it would across goofy, but like George Washington, he could not tell a lie. Does this mean he'd make a good president?

When Barack Obama was asked if he thought there was life on other planets, he shifted the focus to this planet. He said "there might be other guys on the way", but that he was just trying to deal with life on this planet. It got quite a chuckle.

Acording to an MSNBC text-message poll Obama won the debate with 29%
Hillary was next.