Night and day compared to the other debates. With international coverage (CNN), that debate could do much for the causes of democracy and hope.
I waited and waited for the Edwards attack, forgot about the attack, was merrily listening to the debate when suddenly ... there was an Edwards response where he started speaking for both him and Kerry. JRE being nice to Kerry abruptly changed Kerry from competitor to colleague.
It (a) calmed Kerry, (b) made me stop worrying about Kerry. The quality of dialogue immediately improved all around the table. Even Kucinich later used the word "consensus". And that was the candidate with the least in common with the Senators John.
It was completely bizarre. At first I thought it was my imagination, then it happened again with the moderator. Both Kerry and the moderators relaxed and starting being nicer to Edwards.
NCLB answer was a good illustration. Edwards was no longer just speaking for himself. He was speaking for everyone at that table. It was so good that the audience applauded JRE's college answer before his punch line (free 1st year for working 10hrs per week). Nods from all at the table.
Edwards gave Kerry a chance to shine tonight. I have never seen Kerry deliver a more human presentation. But it was entirely Edwards' doing. This will become clear on debate replays. People don't know to look for this, I certainly have never heard of such a strategy. But by the end of the debate, KERRY looked like he was ENDORSING Edwards. Seriously.
The moderators still are not sure what just happened. All they know is that Edwards respectfully declined their invitations to attack.
JRE was a leader tonight. He influenced everyone at the table, without attacking, by bringing out the best in everyone.
I'm either in shock or awe.
A quote from georgiapeach of the Edwards weblog: