John Kerry today endorsed Barack Obama at a press conference. I have to confess I couldn’t watch more than 30 seconds of the speech. John Kerry spoke, like, well, John Kerry. Buy that, I mean Kerry sounds as if he trying to play Hollywood’s version of a pompous, self-important, sanctimonious wind-bag. As I commented on repeatedly in 2004, Kerry’s problem stems from projecting to loudly, thus robbing his voice of its conversational quality.

Bill Richardson dropped out of the race today. I would have gladly listen to him for the whole speech but he was so boring, bland and tedious that CNN cut away from his speech and I never could find it on another news network. Richardson started off by complaining that the news media had leaked the story that he was dropping out—it’s never attractive to whine. Next, Richardson read his speech (with his eyes bobbing up and down—mostly down) saying boring and predictable things. Why he needed a written script at all is beyond me. Richardson can be a talented and funny speaker—it’s a shame he blew a big opportunity today. It may have been his last opportunity of the national limelight for awhile.

(I’ll post videos of both speeches once they are available)

Below you will find a real time analysis of both the Democratic and Republican Presidential debates.

Here is final analysis of the Democratic debate.

This seems like a horrible dodge, but I have to give a three-way tie for first to John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton. all three were at their best. They all played to their strengths. No one made any big blunders or mistakes. Each used compelling logic and made forceful appeals, plus showed signs of likability.

Richardson had a few good moments, but he was clearly not at the same level as the top tier candidates in terms of his polish, positioning or presentation skills.

Clinton. On what she’d like to take back from debate. not buch.

Richardson was candid on wizzer white pick as favorite Supreme Court judge.

Edwards. Funny and self-effacing about hilliary’s jacket.

Obama. fine close.

Richardson. Spoke well on Carbon tax.

Obama. He seems well-versed on this and all other subjects. Obama comes across as quite knowledgeable.

Clinton. Nice tailoring of energy costs as they relate to people of New Hampshire. clinotn does not sound shrill or strident. The format of sitting down and beign close to people helps her sound conversational.

Edwards. He has really refined his populist message and delivery. But he’s not sounding protectionist or anti-globalism.

Obama. He is sounding mature. He does not sound callow or inexperienced.

Edwards. Making populist arguments and sounding convincing.
Edwards on what he accomplished in the Senate: patients bill of rights. he made a good argument here and was personal and named names of people it would help. Came across as committed and passionate. Great energy.

Clinton. She nailed Edwards on the fact that his legislation never passed. i.e., he didn’t accomplish anything. She nailed Edwards. Then she nailed Obama. “Words are not actions” she is slamming Edwards and Obama in a forceful and fair manner.

Clinton made stirring defense of her husband being an agent of change.

Edwards. Gave great Teddy Roosevelt example. Strong populist messages.

Obama. Seems to be mkaing a defense of words and rhetoric as an important part of statecraft.

Richardson. Is constantly trying to float above the free.

Edwards. Strong populist rhetoric against special interests.

Clinton. Was really funny when she said “it hurts my feelings.” she seemed genuine and funny and likeable. And she said Obama was likeable. Did a great job of dealing with issue that voters think edwards and obama would create more change.

Obama. Seemed funny saying he was watching football instead of gop debate. seems positive, upbeat and inclusive.

Richardson. stressing his credentials and expereince. Only one with a “national security clearance.” Doesn’t he realize that no one cares?

Richardson is hitting the table again and it is highly distracting.

re surge working

Clinton. “23 americans dying in December is unacceptible.”

Richardson. He weaves back and forth from being lucid and then stammering. He is hammering the desk in front of him in a distracting manner.

Obama. sounds stonger and more confident re Iraq.

Edwards. “I will listen to military.” He sounds like a competent leader re military affairs. edwards is a smooth, comfortable and confident speaker. Consistent thus far.

Richardson. He’s getting a little lost in complexity. “PTSD” he isn’t using simple languge.

Clinton. I will “task” the joint chiefs. Awkward use of task as a verb.

All our attacking each other. They are becoming more forceful. Clinton seems much more forceful.

Obama was strong.

Richardson had great laugh line “I’ve been in hostage neg. more civil than this.” He seemed statemanlike.

Candidates were talking about “change” “change” “change” to the point of sounding silly.

Edwards. Sounds very populist. Bashing corporations.

Obama is getting better as the night wears on.

Cinton re change. She doesn’t seem comfortable attacking Obama on issue of change. She says he changes his posiiton on healthcare. She is stammering a little.

Obama. Stammering a little in his defense of his healthcare policies. He comes out in favor of higher payroll taxes.

Clinton.

Edwards. speaks in favor of being calm. Seems stateman-like.

Obama. His stripped tie is pixilating. White shirt is bad. He still sounds a little hesitant.

Clinton. She sounds conversational, confident, experienced.
She sounds tough re retaliating. Clinton looks good in green.

Richardson. He’s so low in the polls–he doesn’t seem relevant here.