Clinton, Obama, Dodd Shine at PBS-Howard University Debate, Edwards Falters

Thanks to a reader calling it to my attention, I watched the PBS-sponsored All-American Presidential Forum held on June 28 at Howard University, the historically black university in D.C. and top producer of African-American Ph.D.s in the U.S.

I say "thanks to a reader" because mainstream media mention of this debate was negligible... and that's a shame, as Tavis Smiley skillfully moderated the most substantive, revealing and fair debate thus far of the 2008 presidential race.

CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox: take notice! There were no trick questions, designed to entrap or embarrass. There were no superficial "raise your hand if" photo-op quizzes. There were no snarky slams, or starry-eyed idolatry, of past presidents.

Instead, the 8 Democratic candidates... Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Richardson, Kucinich, Dodd, Biden and Gravel... were each asked the same substantive questions, and allotted the same time to respond. And Tavis Smiley firmly, smartly, politely kept it moving and kept it fair.

The result? A superbly grueling "debate," in which the candidates worked harder, focused more, and revealed much. A few visibly sweated... I was intrigued to see their efforts under the pressure of thoughtful questions about education, race, health care, free trade agreements, Supreme Court rulings and the like.

Have fun reading my extra-candid , guaranteed-to-enrage comments (below) about the candidates at the Howard University forum on June 28, 2007.

And I hope you join me in urging 2 Democrats to drop-out of the 2008 race. It's time to start whittling the field...

Sen. Hillary Clinton (See Clinton in 2008 Hub)
Hillary never looked better or sounded stronger or more presidential. She was in firm command of the facts, and eloquently put forth her ideas. And she's learned how to laugh while at the podium, and how to bring a cheering crowd to its feet. Sen. Clinton received the only standing ovation of the evening.

When, at the end of the forum, answers were limited to 30 seconds, she sounded a tad like Alvin and the Chipmunks by speaking weirdly fast to cram in all the facts. Although her voice eventually grew raspy, Sen. Clinton never faltered.

She spoke confidently and with great conviction, and her progressive answers were on target. For the first time, I could envison Hillary Clinton as President of the United States.

Sen. Barack Obama (See Obama in 2008 Hub)
As the candidates strode onstage, several in the crowd openly cheered for Sen. Obama. And at one point, when Obama exceeded his allotted time, Tavis Smiley apologized, "I love you, man... but we need to move on."

Obama, an apparently modest man at heart, seemed embarrassed by his "favorite son" status in front of this crowd of mainly people of color. Sen. Obama also seemed a bit nervous. And that's understandable: he had the most to lose.

Pander and play the "favorite son" race card, and he becomes mainly a candidate for African-Americans. Or ignore the unique needs of the African-American community, and he loses their valuable support.

But how did he fare? Sen. Obama gave intelligent, thoughtfully nuanced answers. As always, his insights were unique and unfailingly progressive, yet moderate. Sen. Obama is a brilliant man, as well as a likeable, mature person. But his great gift is orating (preaching?), not "debating" with less than a minute to answer in-depth questions.

I was deeply impressed by Sen. Obama. But Sen. Clinton was clearly in-charge on that stage.

Former Sen. John Edwards
John Edwards was not on his game. And he looked frazzled all evening.

His responses to the questions often sounded like rote recitation of talking points. And when asked about the reconstruction of New Orleans, he reverted to boasting about announcing his candidacy from NOLA's flood-ravaged 9th Ward.

Edwards stammered, and seemingly lacked confidence when unable to satisfactorily respond with a snappy sound-bite.

I'm not surprised that some pundits now view Edwards as a second-tier candidate, along with Gov. Bill Richardson, who's gaining rapidly in many polls. Despite winning some blogosphere straw polls on this debate, John Edwards will NOT be the 2008 Democratic nominee for the presidential race. Mark my words on that.

Gov. Bill Richardson (See Richardson in 2008 Hub)
Gov. Richardson looked healthy and fit, and started strong. And he finally stopped blabbing about his record as governor. (After the last debate, one blogger sarcastically asked, "Does anyone know what Richardson does for a living?')

By far the most experienced and feted leader in the Democratic race, Richardson has solid, tried-and-true solutions to our nation's many problems, and the skills to solve them. His answers for the first half of the debate were articulate, pragmatic and heartfelt.

But the governor appeared worn-out by the intensity of the event, and he lost focus. On one question, he spaced-out entirely, mumbling an answer that bore little relation to the question. And that's been a common complaint about Richardson over the years: his attention drifts.

To secure a Democratic nomination as either president or vice-president, Gov. Richardson needs to demonstrate committed determination to do his homework and take care of business...rather than rely too much on his innate charm and intelligence.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich
When I attended the California Democratic Convention a few months go, I was stunned by the mesmerizing speaking skills, inspiring ideas, and energetic presence of Rep. Kucinich. The Howard University debate attendees seemed equally surprised by Rep. Kucinich, and awarded him with warm applause and support.

I don't think there's ever been a political leader less liked by cameras. I often wonder if Rep. Kucinich was a foot taller, had a more commanding voice, and enjoyed movie-star looks, if the American public would take him more seriously. In this era of the ubiquitous televised eye, Dennis Kucinich is simply a non-starter. Period. And that is our loss.

Certainly, Dennis Kucinich's political philosophy is to the left of most Americans, but if pundits and the voting public would just stop and really listen, as David Letterman did on his show last night, the Congressman from Ohio might have a fighting chance. But sadly, he doesn't...

Sen. Christopher Dodd
Sen. Dodd is the most under-rated, under-covered Democratic candidate in the 2008 race. Like Dennis Kucinich, Christopher Dodd deserves far better.

Sen. Dodd may be the darkest of dark horses, but don't count him out. A U.S. senator for 30 years, Dodd would make a fine, well-qualified Democratic president or vice-president, and I would love to vote for him. He rightfully belongs in the credible second-tier of candidates, along with Richardson and Edwards.

As always, Dodd displayed excellent command of the facts and history, and impressive oratory skills. The crowd accorded him polite applause, but this classic New England liberal with a striking, presidential presence never seemed to connect with them.

Sen. Joe Biden (See Biden in 2008 Hub)
I wish Joe Biden would drop out of the race. Before he clumsily tossed his hat in the 2008 ring, I respected him as an important Senate voice on foreign affairs. But my respect for him is evaporating with each debate.

Now, he seems... well, cheesy and slick. And as at the last Democratic debate, Sen. Biden acted sort of manic, angrily barking out his words and waving his arms.

Sen. Biden's odd, off-the-wall remark about he and Obama having AIDS tests was absurdly comical, especially when the camera panned to Obama's eyes bulging in horrified disbelief. (Obama interrupted to add that he took his with wife Michelle... which inherently makes one wonder why and with whom Biden took his.)

Drop out, Joe. It's not working. And nothing's going to change.

Former Sen. Mike Gravel
Mike Gravel came off as a nutcase, even more than in previous debates. His last remark, that he distrusts most candidates standing on the stage, drew gasps and a terrible silence from the audience. Mike Gravel wasted valuable time that could have been used by the viable candidates.

For his sake, Gravel's family should take him home. And the DNC should cut him from its 6-debate schedule from July to December 2007.

Will Republicans Diss Their PBS Debate?
The next PBS-sponsored All-American Presidential Forum is set for September 27, 2007, at Morgan State University in Baltimore, and will feature the Republican 2008 candidates using the same format.

I've marked my Daytimer for this next PBS debate, and eagerly look forward to hearing the Republicans address education, health care, race, economic prosperity, and Supreme Court decisions in front of an audience filled with citizens of color.

That is, unless the Repubs plan to take a powder, as they did last week "by skipping the nation's largest gathering of Hispanic elected officials, local party representatives and event organizers," per the Washington Post on June 28, 2007.

(Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Related Reading
Chronicles of the 2008 Race for the White House
Supported by Republicans, Obama Takes Lead in Presidential Race
PBS: All-American Special Presidential Forums, Moderated by Tavis Smiley