A reaction to the first half of the Democratic debate: What a shame that we have been denied a four-person stage for so many months. What a relief to be free of Kucinich, Gravel, Biden, et. al.

Clinton: Now with a loss under her belt, she appears to be trying harder — maybe too hard has the best arguments and facts, and the least amount of presidential personality. She is incapable of a presidential moment.  (By the way, does anyone really believe she is ready to be president on Day One?)

Obama:  He has the mannerism of a rock star with a number one hit. He refuses to be flustered, even when he doesn’t have anything to say.

Edwards:  He is still trying to persuade the audience that greed is the problem. That theme has never really taken off this year, but he is still selling fear and anger to a Democratic crowd that has never been more optimistic.

Richardson:  He keeps pushing his resume, which is remarkable.  But he is so verbose and self-important that it strips him of any presidential aura.  And boy, is he angling for a VP seat.