The Natural

Barack Obama is the best politician I have ever seen. He destroyed Hillary Clinton in the debate. No matter what topic, Barack controlled the discussion and actually managed to out-wonk Hillary on health care and other issues. There was a dangerous moment where Tim Russert grilled Obama about a quote from his book seemingly praising Loius Farrakahn. Obama was stuck because he did write it - but he fought his way through with a denunciation of Farrakahn's past anti-Semitic rantings. Rev. Lou's might have softened up a little bit in old age but a lot of people don't like the Jews and Farrakahn's one of them. Obama danced some more on the follow up and then faced a surprising attack from Clinton. She's said that it would have been more principled to reject the support rather than just denounce it. At that time it looked like Obama might be trapped looking sympathetic to an anti-Semite, but he made a joke by promptly denouncing and rejecting the comments.

Before tonight's debate I knew Barack Obama was a great candidate, but now I feel he really has the wherewithal to be a great President. He knows his stuff and he's quick on his feet. I've watched virtually every debate since Ford/Carter. Bill Clinton was good at debates, but Barack last night was the best I've ever seen.