The reviews from tonight's CNN South Carolina Debate are rolling in---the consensus is that Edwards dominated the debate:
Bet Edwards will win the focus groups again... he is dominating the debate."
He is dominating the debate so far...extremely well informed on the subjects he's being asked, and he seems to be relishing his role as the third wheel...because the two fighting children are forced to listen to him. Again, on points, he seems to win these debates."
One of the strongest answers this evening, was Edwards' remarks on ending poverty, a keystone of his campaign.
Check it out:
"Nobody does the personal story better than Edwards on this stage."
"Nobody does the personal story better than Edwards on this stage."
"Edwards does personal very well"
"Nobody does the personal story better than Edwards on this stage. Perhaps Bill Clinton can do it better than Edwards but I'm not sure. Edwards is good, perhaps even better than the master of ‘feeling your pain,’ Bill Clinton."
NBC's Chuck Todd
Edwards brought his personal story into his remarks of how "Every American is of Equal Value."
Edwards' committment to creating economic and social justice is well represented in his bold policies. His economic fiscal package includes fair trade policies that benefit workers and not just the bottom line of corporations, ending poverty, green collar jobs and other programs that will close the gap between the rich and the poor.
"John Edwards comes out most forcefully against the president's stimulus package -- and it's what Dr. King would want, too."
John Edwards comes out most forcefully against the president's stimulus package -- and it's what Dr. King would want, too. He goes after trade as well -- finding a distinction off the bat."
ABC’s Rick Klein
Edwards on Economic Stimulus
Edwards on Fiscal Responsiblity
Edwards on Universal Health Care
The Nation’s Ari Melber
"Yet while Clinton and Obama exchanged their personal barbs, John Edwards broke through with the best arguments of the night."
"Edwards Excels In Ferocious Democratic Debate..."
"Yet while Clinton and Obama exchanged their personal barbs, John Edwards broke through with the best arguments of the night. Edwards tweaked both his opponents for making the debate about political squabbling instead of public policy. Returning to his populist economic platform -- especially salient as Americans ponder a recession -- he reminded voters that he was the only candidate to outline a comprehensive plan to end poverty, and the first to introduce a national economic stimulus proposal. His plan came out weeks before Clinton and Obama. The program drove the ‘party's policy agenda,’ as Paul Krugman explained, by advocating ‘aid to unemployed workers, aid to cash-strapped state and local governments,’ and alternative energy, (most of which Clinton later adopted in her plan). And while the debate moderators kept pushing trite racial questions, even asking Obama if Bill Clinton was the "first black president,’ Edwards outlined a vision of racial and economic equality, where ‘every American is of equal value.’"
There were some confrontational moments on stage tonight, where Edwards clearly maintained his composure and got his message across.
One such moment was when Edwards asked Obama, "Why did you vote present 100 times?"
"Easiest word on voices/demeanor: Intense...John Edwards seems most comfortable on stage."
Easiest word on voices/demeanor: Intense. It works for all three. Obama seems a bit angry when he's being attacked. John Edwards seems most comfortable on stage. Hillary Clinton looks like the pro she is -- coolly delivering the rejoinders she's prepared."
ABC’s Rick Klein
Edwards dominated this evening's debate by staying on message, rising above the fray and providing detailed, sustantive answers.
Clearly, Edwards is the most progressive and the most electable candidate. He CAN "beat McCain anywhere."
Edwards-"I can go anywhere in America and compete and beat McCain"
What John Edwards thought about the debate: