Review and Analysis of ABC's Democratic Debate

Pulling their chairs to the table with ABC's Charles Gibson, Democrats met face to face in their first debate during their short stay in New Hampshire. Democratic candidates at Saturday evenings New Hampshire debate included Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Bill Richardson.

The second of two debates on the evening of Sunday, January 5, 2008, the Democratic debate was aired immediately following the 7pm EST, republican debate. ABC News carried the debate, broadcast live from Saint Anselm College. The debate was moderated by Charles Gibson. In the last thirty minutes of the debate WMUR anchor and political director Scott Spradling asked questions.

Prior to the beginning of the democrat debate ABC orchestrated the appearance of both republican and democratic candidates on stage. Charles Gibson said the purpose of the public meet and greet was to show the nation that despite differences, all candidates are united in their desire to see a strong, united, more prosperous America.

Following an intense Republican debate Charles Gibson tossed softballs to democratic candidates.

Hillary Clinton came to the debate needing to better define her campaign and display statesmanship and tenacity in light of her 3^rd place finish in Iowa. Hillary had a great night. She picked up Obama and Edward's call for change, adding a twist of her own. Clinton agreed that change was needed, and cited her 35 year record of initiating change as opposed to a few years in politics talking about change. She was very clear in the distinction between rhetoric and action, punctuating her perspective with a pointed question, asking what greater change could there be than a woman in the White House. She followed up by re-iterating she has spent her entire career as an agent of change, saying she is the one with the experience and know how to bring about change. Again and again, she directed voters to her record.