JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NEW YORK LEADERSHIP TEAM
ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its New York Leadership Team. Ed Cox serves as Chair of John McCain's campaign in New York. He will lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy leading up to New York's February 5th presidential primary.
"John McCain has a record of leadership and experience unmatched in the area of national security," said Cox. "He is the resolute leader who will fight our enemies with intelligence and resolve to ensure we keep America free, safe, and strong. I am proud to help lead John McCain's campaign here in the Empire State."
John McCain thanked his campaign leadership in New York, stating, "I am pleased to have the support of Ed and so many other committed Republican leaders as our campaign works towards victory in New York."
NEW YORK STATE LEADERS SUPPORTING SENATOR MCCAIN
State Chair
Ed Cox -- Senior Partner, Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler, LLP
Honorary Co-Chairs
The Honorable Henry Kissinger, Former Secretary of State
The Honorable Pete Peterson, Former Secretary of Commerce
The Honorable John Whitehead, Former Deputy Secretary of State
Executive Director
Christopher Nixon Cox -- Founding Partner, OC Global Partners
Steering Committee
Hon. Fernando Acunto -- Former Charlton Town Supervisor
Steve Alfasi -- Former Trustee, State University of New York
Hon. Phil Boyle -- Assemblyman from Long Island
Bob Brown -- Former Vice Chancellor, State University of New York
Will Brown -- NYC District Chairman
Mark Broxmeyer -- Chairman, Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
Hon. Dan Burling -- Assemblyman from Wyoming County
J. Christopher Callaghan -- Former Saratoga County Treasurer
John Carley -- Senior Vice President, Cendant Corporation
Hon. Jack Carley -- Former Deputy Attorney General of New York State and Former FTC General Counsel and OMB General Counsel under President Reagan
Anthony J. Casale -- Former New York State Assemblyman
Jim Castro-Blanco -- Former President, Puerto Rican Bar Association
Jim Coleman -- Peer Advisory and Executive Coaching, Westchester County Coordinator
Noeline Cuker -- Vice President of Cooper Classics and Co-Chair, New York Women for McCain
Hon. Joseph J. DioGuardi -- Former U.S. Representative
Dany Esquilin -- NYC District Chairman
Richard Farren -- Director, New York League of Conservation Voters
Hon. Michael Finnegan -- Former Counsel to Governor Pataki
Kristen Kelly Fisher -- Board Member, Women's National Republican Club and Co-Chair, New Yo rk Women for McCain
John Fleming -- Executive Assistant to Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone
Olga Gomez -- Former NYC District Chair
Gordon Gross -- Senior Partner Gross, Shuman, Brizdle & Gilfillan, P.C.
Russ Gugino -- National Account Manager, MACR and Coordinator for Western NY
Kevin Hanratty -- Secretary and General Counsel of the Irish American Republicans
Hon. Amory Houghton, Jr. -- Former U.S Representative from Corning
Robert P. Hovey -- Sergeant, New York State Police
Joe Kasper -- NYC District Chairman
Grant Lally -- Advisory Council Member, Republican National Lawyers Association
Hon. J. Bert Mahoney -- Mayor, Village of Waterford
Annemarie McAvoy -- Former Assistant U.S. Attorney - Eastern District of New York and Co-Chair, New York Women for McCain
Hon. John Meier -- Chairman, Chemung County Republican Party
Joe Misir -- Former candidate for Congress
Colonel Dominic Morelli -- President, Greater New York Statue of Liberty Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army and Chair, Veterans for McCain
Ed Mullins -- President, Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City
Bill Nojay -- Attorney & Republican Activist, Rochester
Carter Page -- Chief Operating Office, Energy & Power, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Teddy Roosevelt IV -- Former Chairman of the League of Conservation Voters
Hon. David Rosado -- Former New York State Senator
Damian Stafford -- Vice President, CMA and Volunteer Coordinator
Kay Stafford -- Member, State University of New York Board of Trustees
Edward M. Straw -- Vice Admiral (Ret.), U.S. Navy
Dick Thaler -- Senior Partner, Thaler & Thaler in Ithaca
G. Thomas Trantor -- Former County Chairman, Chemung County
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NEW JERSEY LEADERSHIP TEAM
ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its New Jersey Leadership Team. Former Governor Tom Kean, Sr. will serve as the Honorary New Jersey State Chair. State Senator Bill Baroni (R-Hamilton) will serve as State Chair and former Congressman Dick Zimmer will serve as Honorary Vice Chair to lead John McCain's growing grassroots organization in New Jersey leading up to the Garden State's February 5th primary.
"The dangerous times in which we live require proven leadership," said New Jersey State Chair Bill Baroni. "John McCain is the only candidate with the national security experience, record of reform and courage needed to serve as commander in chief from day one."
John McCain thanked his New Jersey leadership team stating, "I am thankful to have the support of so many civic and political leaders in New Jersey. Their leadership and support will prove invaluable as we work towards victory in the Garden State on February 5th."
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 NEW JERSEY LEADERSHIP TEAM
National Finance Co-Chairs
Larry Bathgate
Former Congressman Jim Courter (RNJ)
Lew Eisenberg
Honorary State Chair
Former Governor Tom Kean, Sr.
Honorary State Vice Chair
Former Congressman Dick Zimmer (RNJ)
State Chair
State Senator Bill Baroni, Mercer & Middlesex Counties
State Campaign Coordinator
Rick Mroz, Former Chief Counsel to Gov. Whitman
Veterans Coalition Chair
Capt. Don Marshall, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
New Jersey Steering Committee Members
Chairman Keith Davis, Atlantic County
Chairman Rick DeMichele, Camden County
County Clerk Kathleen Donovan, Bergen County
Matt Eventoff, Mercer County
Former Transportation Commissioner and Assemblywoman Hazel Gluck, Ocean County
Former State Senator Bill Gormley, Atlantic County
Deputy Chairman Matt Kazmierczak, Bergen County
State Senator Sean Kean, Monmouth County
Ed McGlynn, Monmouth County
Morris County Freeholder John Murphy
Wayne Councilwoman Ann Mary O'Rourke, Passaic County
State Senator Kevin O'Toole, Bergen and Passaic Counties
Morris County Sheriff Ed Rochford
State Assemblyman David Rible, Monmouth County
State Assemblyman David Russo, Bergen and Passaic Counties
Former Chairwoman Rita Shade, Salem County
Mike Torpey, Mercer County
New Jersey Republican State Party Chairman Tom Wilson
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NEW JERSEY LEGISLATIVE ENDORSEMENTS
ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that New Jersey State Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-Wayne), State Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park) and State Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Wall Township) have endorsed John McCain for president. These legislators will add their combined years of legislative and political experience to John McCain's growing grassroots organization in New Jersey.
"John McCain is the strongest and most prepared Republican candidate to restore Americans' trust in government, to cut wasteful spending, and to protect us from the threat of radical Islamic extremism," said State Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-Wayne), who serves as whip of the Senate Republican Caucus and Chairman of the Essex County Republican Party. "New Jersey voters especially appreciate John McCain's straight talk, his integrity, and his readiness to serve as commander in chief from day one. I am proud to support his candidacy for president."
"I support John McCain because of his unparalleled experience and leadership in the area of national security," explained State Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park). "We need a leader who can face America's challenges and restore trust in our government. John McCain is that leader."
"Now more than ever, our nation needs an American hero like John McCain," said State Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Wall Township). "John McCain is the only candidate who understands what it takes to keep our families safe and secure. His proven record of leadership on national security issues makes him the right leader for our country."
John McCain expressed his appreciation for Senator O'Toole, Assemblyman Russo and Assemblyman Rible's support, stating, "As representatives at the State House in Trenton, these leaders have displayed their service and commitment to the people of New Jersey. I'm proud to have Republican leaders and dedicated public servants like them as part of our organization as we work toward victory in the Garden State on February 5th."
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT LEADERSHIP TEAM
ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Connecticut Leadership Team. United States Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT) and Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) will serve as Co-Chairs of John McCain's campaign in Connecticut. They will lead the grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy leading up to Connecticut's February 5th presidential primary.
"There is no candidate more experienced or prepared to lead our nation than John McCain," said Senator Lieberman. "I have known and served with John McCain in the Senate and John has proven he can be trusted to do what is right for our country, and not just what is easy. As president, John McCain will bring America together and inspire a renewed patriotism and unity. He will work to restore Americans' trust in government and defeat our most dangerous enemies in these uncertain times."
"This is a critical time for our nation and John McCain's unparalleled leadership and experience is what America needs now more than ever," said Rep. Shays. "The people of Connecticut value the straight talk and independent, maverick spirit John McCain brings to tackling the tough problems facing America. I am proud to stand with John McCain as we work towards victory in Connecticut on February 5th."
John McCain thanked the Connecticut leadership team. "These dedicated leaders reflect the strong, grassroots organization we have in Connecticut and I am grateful for their support as we work towards victory on February 5th."
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 CONNECTICUT LEADERSHIP TEAM
State Co-Chairs
U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT)
U.S. Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT)
State Vice-Chair
State Senator Anthony Guglielmo (R-Stafford Springs)
CONNECTICUT STATE SENATOR ANTHONY GUGLIELMO ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Connecticut State Senator Anthony Guglielmo (R-Stafford Springs) has endorsed John McCain for president. Senator Guglielmo serves as the Assistant Minority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate and will serve as Vice Chair of John McCain's campaign in Connecticut.
"John McCain is an American hero who has stood up for fiscal discipline and worked to change the business-as-usual-mentality in Washington throughout his career," said Senator Guglielmo. "Unlike any other candidate, John McCain understands the issues facing our nation and has a proven track record of addressing America's challenges and that's why I am proud to support him for the Republican nomination for president."
John McCain expressed his appreciation for Guglielmo's endorsement, stating, "Tony has been a tireless advocate for the people of Connecticut and I am proud to have his support of as we work towards victory on February 5th."
State Director
Michael Sohn, Fairfield
Grassroots Co-Chairs
Tracy Enders, Coventry
Ben Proto, Stratford
First Congressional District Coordinators
Mike Botelho, Glastonbury
Greg Prentiss, Berlin
Second Congressional District Coordinators
Mike and Tracy Enders, Coventry
Bill Yalen, Mystic
Third Congressional District Coordinators
Ben Proto, Stratford
Fourth Congressional District Coordinators
Mike Rea, Westport
Joe Romano, Greenwich
Fifth Congressional District Coordinators
John Calkins, Torrington
Bob Driscoll, New Milford
Jay Umbarger, New Milford
Women for McCain Chair
Deborah Maagero, Suffield
Youth Chairs
Jon Conradi, Stonington College
Sam Duprey, Yale University Chair
Andrew Provencher, University of Connecticut Chair
Veterans Coalition Chairs
Richard Jones, Madison
Jim LaCoursiere, Past Commander of Connecticut American Legion
Bill Yalen, Mystic
DFL Party & Republican Party of Minnesota Team Up to Promote Caucuses
St. Paul, MN- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey and DFL Chair Brian Melendez today came together to promote the state's caucus system at press conferences in St. Paul and Rochester.
"Precinct caucuses are the first step for Minnesotans to have their voice heard on who becomes the next President of the United States," said Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez. “This election will help to determine the direction of our state and our country and we encourage all Minnesotans to take part in this process.”
The DFL Party and Republican Party of Minnesota came together last year to advocate moving Minnesota’s caucus date to February 5, known as “Super Tuesday,” in order to have a stronger voice in the Democratic and Republican nomination for President. Minnesota is one of the largest of the 23 states holding a caucus or primary on February 5.
"As a teenager growing up in Iowa, I first participated in a caucus in 1976 when I supported Ronald Reagan for president. I have strongly believed the caucus system is a great way for people to get involved in politics ever since that day. I am excited to be here today with Chair Melendez to encourage all Minnesotans to get involved and attend their precinct caucus on February 5,” Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey said.
Precinct caucuses start at 7:00 p.m. on February 5. Caucus-goers can find their precinct caucus location by visiting the Secretary of State’s web site (http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us) or by visiting www.dflcaucuses.org and www.mngop.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA FOCUS GROUP: EDWARDS WON THE DEBATE
CNN’s Focus Group of Undecided South Carolina Voters: “They Thought That Senator Edwards Won the Debate.” After the debate, CNN reported that a focus group of seventeen undecided South Carolina Democrats said Edwards won the debate:
Anderson Cooper: “Erica, did your undecided voters in the room say who they felt won?”
Erica Hill: “They did. The interesting thing is they thought that Senator Edwards won the debate.” [CNN, 1/21/08]
CNN’s Focus Group Had a Great Reaction to Edwards When He Jumped in After the Clinton-Obama Personal Attacks.
Erica Hill talking about CNN’s focus group: “What didn't pay off were attacks…That may have played well in the debate hall, but it left our voters cold and left an opening for John Edwards to grab his best reaction.”
John Edwards: “This kind of squabbling -- how many children is this going to get health care. How many people are going to get an education from this?” [CNN, 1/21/08]
NBC’s Matt Lauer: “I thought it was a particularly strong night for John Edwards, who seemed to walk the fence and try and calm down the bickering, at the same time calling attention to the issues.” On the “Today Show” this morning Matt Lauer said, “I have to say, I’m not one, I don't want to handicap this thing and call a winner or a loser, but you have to echo what John Edwards said, aren't there three people in this debate. I thought it was a particularly strong night for John Edwards, who seemed to walk the fence and try and calm down the bickering, at the same time calling attention to the issues. How do you think he did last night?” Tim Russert: “Well, John Edwards was able to be the odd man out and look reasonable and much more focused on issues than personal positions.” [NBC, “Today Show,” 1/22/08]
CNN’s Amy Holmes: “I thought the winner was John Edwards…This actually ended up being John Edwards' night.” “And like many of the guests you've had on previously, I thought the winner was John Edwards. I thought he really helped himself tonight where he could come in above the fray, refocus the debate on the issues. This actually ended up being John Edwards’ night.” [CNN, “Larry King Live,” 1/22/08 (https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0801/22/lkl.01.html)]
KIRO Radio Talk Show Host | Seattle Times Contributor Carl Jeffers on CNN: “I believe that actually tonight was John Edwards' best performance. And actually he came out better than he has in any other debate.” On CNN immediately after the debate, Carl Jeffers said, “And I believe that actually tonight was John Edwards' best performance…But, Edwards clearly came out very well tonight…he certainly helped himself, and I believe now, even if he comes in third, as a result of his performance tonight, can keep going to the convention where he may still have a role to play.” [CNN, 1/21/08]
CNN’s Candy Crowley: John Edwards probably won – he “was the one who was on message, who kept bringing them back and saying, what does this have to do with children's health care.” Larry King: “Candy, if you were keeping score, who won?” Candy Crowley: “Probably John Edwards simply because he stayed out of it. I talked to people who were in the room during the debate and I said, well, what did you think and they said, well I thought it was too much arguing. So, if you buy into the old political saw that when A and B argue, C is the beneficiary, John Edwards was the one who was on message, who kept bringing them back and saying, what does this have to do with children's health care, that bite that you played. So, if I had to guess, it would be him.” [CNN, “Larry King Live,” 1/22/08 (https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0801/22/lkl.01.html)]
The Hotline’s Jen Skalka: “I'd score this one for John Edwards.” “This was the rowdiest debate by far in the Democratic contest. And while each of the candidates had fine moments, I'd score this one for John Edwards. Especially in the standing portion of this two-hour rumble… tonight, he was the catalyst for the action.” [https://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2008/01/rough_and_tumbl.html, 1/21/08 (10:06 PM)]
CNN’s Bill Schneider: “John Edwards got himself back in it — he showcased his style and his key issues, and is clearly back in the game.” 10:37 PM | “Here’s some quick post-debate thoughts: John Edwards got himself back in it — he showcased his style and his key issues, and is clearly back in the game. He showed he continues to deserve to share a debate stage with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and voters here will likely give him another look after tonight.” [https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/21/schneider-some-final-thoughts-%e2%80%93-two-different-strategies/, 1/21/08]
The Nation’s John Nichols: “Edwards effectively pointed to the heated squabbling between the two frontrunners…as a deviation from the issues that matter…In short order, Edwards had gotten the best of both his opponents.” “John Edwards effectively pointed to the heated squabbling between the two frontrunners in anticipation of Saturday's South Carolina Democratic primary as a deviation from the issues that matter…In short order, Edwards had gotten the best of both his opponents. That was the order of the night. Again and again, Edwards took the side of one of the frontrunners against the other, effectively serving as an arbiter between the two. It was an ideal position for Edwards, the outsider candidate who is struggling to distinguish himself from two opponents with more money and better poll positions.” [https://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?bid=45&pid=273581, “CLINTON, OBAMA COME TO BLOWS; EDWARDS WINS ...” 1/21/08 (10:47 PM)]
NBC’s Andrea Mitchell: Edwards “did very well in the debate.” [MSNBC, “Morning Joe,” 1/22/08]
The New Republic’s Jonathan Cohn: On universal health care, Edwards “had the best argument of all,” asking Obama “whether he would make the same sort of argument about Social Security.” “Clinton and Edwards would require everybody to obtain health insurance and Obama wouldn't…Clinton and Edwards framed the argument perfectly…It was Edwards, though, who had the best argument of all. When Obama said, as he has frequently, he doesn't want to force people to buy health insurance, Edwards asked whether he would make the same sort of argument about Social Security: ‘The problem with this argument is you can make exactly the same argument about Social Security. ... I mean, you think about the analogy. What George Bush says is he wants people to be able to get out of the Social Security system, choose, elect to get out of the Social Security system. Well, that's exactly what this argument is. ... This argument is you shouldn't have to have health care. If you choose not to have health care, you shouldn't have to have it. And that is a threshold question. It is a judgment. It's a fair policy debate.’” [https://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/01/21/debate-blogging-hard-truths-and-half-truths-on-health-care.aspx, 1/21/08]
The New Republic’s Jonathan Cohn: On Edwards, “From the day this campaign began, he's driven the policy agenda.” “Right now, John Edwards is talking about poverty. And that alone is reason to be thankful he's on the stage, even now. From the day this campaign began, he's driven the policy agenda--not just by embracing ambitious policy initiatives but also by focussing everybody's attention on people who, frankly, don't get enough explicit attention in politics.” [https://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/01/22/is-this-debate-too-ugly.aspx]
The Hill’s Sam Youngman: Edwards “likely won favor with viewers by repeatedly trying to take the high road and stay above Obama’s and Clinton’s demolition derby.” [https://thehill.com/campaign-2008/clinton-obama-throw-sharpest-elbows-yet-at-debate-2008-01-21.html, 1/21/08 (10:40 PM)]
Wall Street Journal’s Susan Davis: After the Debate Descended to the Personal, “Edwards said to applause ‘How many people are going to get an education from this? How many kids are going to be able to go to college because of this?’” “The biggest benefactor of the fight might be former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards who is fighting to regain a foothold in this race. Edwards has repeatedly been given the opportunity to take the higher ground as the two frontrunners throw insults. ‘I also want to know on behalf of voters here in South Carolina, this kind of squabbling, how many children is this going to get health care?’ Edwards said to applause. ‘How many people are going to get an education from this? How many kids are going to be able to go to college because of this? We have got to understand — you know, and I respect both of these — my fellow candidates, but we have got to understand this is not about us personally. It is about what we are trying to do for this country and what we believe in.’” [https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/01/21/obama-clinton-trade-jabs/, 1/21/08 (9:23 pm)]
TPM’s John Marshall: “8:58 PM ... Edwards comparison of 'choice' in health care to 'choice' is Social Security is a pretty good analogy.” [https://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/064342.php]
TIME’s Mark Halperin: “Made the best of the situation: On a level playing field, Edwards would have won the debate by a wide margin.” [https://thepage.time.com/excerpts-from-mark-halperins-debate-report-cards-3/]
Campaign Manager David Plouffe on the debate.
Tonight we saw how important it is to elect a President we can trust. Barack Obama’s commitment to fighting for working families, expanding health care to the uninsured, and taking on the lobbyists who shut out the voices of the American people hasn’t changed with the politics of the moment, it’s been the cause of his life.
This campaign is a choice between a candidate who will do or say anything to get elected and a leader who has spent over two decades bringing people together, taking power away from the special interests, and being honest about the challenges we face. That is how we’ll turn the page on the politics that have let us down for far too long, and that’s how we’ll solve the challenges we’ve talked about year after year after year.
EDWARDS: DOMINATING THE DEBATE
Ambinder: “Bet Edwards will win the focus groups again… he is dominating the debate.” “8:35 pm | 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.” [https://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/01/bet_edwards_will_win_the_focus.php]
New York Times’ Katharine Q. Seelye: “Mr. Edwards is having a pretty good
night… He's kind of a palette cleanser.” 9:10 p.m. | Palette Cleanser | “Mr.
Edwards is having a pretty good night. Maybe his 4-percent showing in Nevada has
liberated him in some fashion. He's looser than usual, and as we said before,
without a dog in the fight, he's coming across as an impartial observer. He's
kind of a palette
cleanser.”
[https://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/21/live-from-south-carolina-the-democratic-debate-2/
]
AP: Edwards Received Applause for Saying the Debate Is “Not About Us Personally.” The AP reported “‘Are there three people in this debate, not two? [Edwards] asked. ‘We have got to understand, this is not about us personally. It's about what we are trying to do for this country,’ Edwards said to applause from the audience.” [AP, https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Democrats-Debate.html]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “John Edwards is probably winning on points and tone... pushing his message effectively.” 9:10 PM | “And so far, John Edwards is probably winning on points and tone -- taking Obama off his game, but pushing his message effectively even from the sidelines of the main event.”[https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-4.html]
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.” 9:46pm “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.’” [https://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=273552]
Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Obama isn't the best debater on the stage (we still think that person is Edwards).” [https://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/01/a_few_more_thoughts_on_tonight.html]
NBC's Chuck Todd: “Nobody does the personal story better than Edwards on this stage.” 9:31 PM “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.” [https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/21/596608.aspx]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “John Edwards comes out most forcefully against the president's stimulus package -- and it's what Dr. King would want, too.” “8:14 pm: 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.” [https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-4.html]
Ambinder: “John Edwards Is Looking Better.” 8:44 pm | “The candidates tend to explain their policy decisions using short tern and the lingua franca of the Senate, which makes it hard to referee these disputes. So the candidates who refuse to jump in usually wind up looking better. And John Edwards is looking better.” [https://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/01/mixing_it_up.php]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “Easiest word on voices/demeanor: Intense…John Edwards seems most comfortable on stage.” “9:08 pm: 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.” [https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-4.html]
