Edwards Wins ABC Iowa Debate

John Edwards, recognizing he is way behind in the polls, was impressive this Sunday in a Democratic Iowa debate broadcast live on ABC. The former Senator is currently ahead in Iowa polls and has to win that State's caucus next January if he has any chance of winning the nomination.

We saw a feisty Edwards strick a conciliatory tone when it came to his fellow Democratic candidates. He nonetheless challenged Hillary, and the others, to not take money from lobbyists. This is a clever theme intended to put Hillary on the defensive. And the NY Senators was clearly on the defensive. That a result of her national poll numbers showing her lead growing. She did nothing to hurt herself. One exception was a video showing her making the same blanket statement on nukes that she attacked Barck Obama with in a previous debate.

Barack Obama was put on the defensive with the first question, asked on his qualifications by the moderator, George Stephanopoulos, to the other candidates. The Illinois Senator did not make an impression otherwise.

The other candidates I won't mention since they are growing in insignificance. There was plenty of humor during debate, though.

I'm not sure that Edwards' strategy during the debate to not go after Hillary was a good idea. Apart from Iowa, Edwards is floundering. It was not enough for the former Senator to win the debate. He had to make an impact. He didn't do that today.