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SOME OPTICS THOUGHTS.
OK, this is now everybody -- and I do mean everybody -- against Clinton. It makes her look brave for just standing there, this small determined woman being attacked by three men on either side of her, two male moderators, and the entire male Republican field. Each of the critics on his own would be more effective, but taken as whole, the optics of this are uncomfortable.
Obama, to his credit, is trying to make the pivot to talking about the G.O.P., too, but he's even less inspiring on the offensive than when he tries on the stump to talk about something other than himself. Edwards is just more polished on the attack -- the difference between a law professor and a trial lawyer.
--Garance Franke-Ruta
COMMENTS (4)
C'mon now. There should be no double standard. In past years, if there was a male front runner at this stage, it would be predictable that several of the other candidates would go on the attack, and it would not be "brave" just to stand there and take it. I think what Garance should admit is that Hillary, who in previous debates was masterful in deflecting small ammo fire directed her way, has shown that she is more brittle when the ammo gets heavier. It's revealing a real vulnerability. Before today, I thought that in the general she could gracefully handle anything Rudy or Romney or whoever would throw her way. But now I'm less sure, because they will be much tougher than the Dems of the previous debates. I agree Edwards is more comfortable on the attack than Obama but Obama may perversely be benefiting from this, since Obama seems less aggressive and more fairminded in his criticisms, even if less comfortable.
Posted by: Raymond A | October 30, 2007 10:27 PM
I guess GFR's vicious attacks on everyone who isn't Clinton will be charming come the general.
Posted by: Mike Meginnis | October 30, 2007 10:39 PM
On another thread, a poster referred to a "gang rape" of Clinton by the other candidates. I thought Hillary was the tough candidate in this race, but she sure seemed thin-skinned last night.
Posted by: brewmn | October 31, 2007 3:29 PM
What's this "determined little woman"? Hillary is hard as nails and about as lovable. Dodging and weaving, slipping punches, slipping into double-talk when she felt an outright lie wouldn't go over. It was good to see her embracing Teddy Kennedy's "comprehensive immigration reform" imbecility which has disliked by about 80 percent of the American people.
Posted by: Banjo | November 1, 2007 9:25 AM