Last night's YouTube/CNN Democratic Presidential Debate

I wasn't sure how it was going to play, but I think this was the best "debate" I've ever seen (keeping in mind that it wasn't really a true debate, but the political ones here in the States never are). What was interesting to me is that CNN allowed some more "sensitive" questions on that would have never been asked by a professional.

For example, a pastor asked John Edwards why he said that his background growing up religious in the South makes him biased towards gay marriage. John Edwards mostly stumbled in response.

Would you meet with the leaders of Cuba, North Korea, Iran? Obama - absolutely. Clinton - first you have to lay the groundwork to make sure that something will be accomplished and that this won't just be used as a press opportunity in those countries.

I was sorta bopping around with who I liked. I think that Kucinich makes a lot of sense, but he has absolutely no chance of winning or being nominated. The angry man on the left side of the stage aka Mike Gravel mostly complained that he wasn't getting as much time as everyone else (fairly true - Edwards, Obama, Clinton seemed to get the most questions directed to them from the YouTubers and from the white haired wonder known as Anderson Cooper). But when he did speak, he was just angry angry angry. He was right though about all of the others being beholden to corporate interests - even Obama who had mentioned that he wasn't taking any dough from PACs, etc.)

By the way, it turns out Mike Gravel was formerly a senator from Alaska. The kooks seem to come from there. You want evidence? Click here to see him refuse to swear in executives from big oil before they testify before the Senate. Yippee for Alaska. No way I'd vote for such an angry fellow.

Bill Richardson repeatedly mentioned how we should have all the troops out of Iraq in 6 months. Even I know it's not technically possible to move all those people and equipment out of there that quickly. So, he's obviously got no clue and no chance of my vote.

Joe Biden came across as credible and educated on the issues. He seemed reasonable. I'll be watching him.

Hillary was the slickest. She had good answers, was amusing but I don't trust her. She's willing to go too far to the center for my tastes.

Edwards basically lost my vote last night. He's too stilted (still) and I like his whole poverty thing, but he just came across as a jerk.

Obama was interesting. Definitely got the energy. I thought Hillary nailed him after he said he'd meet with Castro, etc. (see above)

There are some highlight clips available on CNN.