It is as it was. 01/23 9:01 a.m.
The Ceteris Paribus Debate
One last talkfest in N.H.
By Chip Griffin
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Dictionary.com defines the Latin phrase "ceteris paribus" as "With all other factors or things remaining the same."
And that describes accurately the outcome of Thursday's New Hampshire Democrat candidate debate. Nothing that transpired seems likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of next Tuesday's vote.
Nevertheless, a few observations are worth making.
Sen. John Kerry effectively emerged as a winner — the frontrunner always does when he escapes a debate unscathed. He made no major missteps and looked plausibly presidential. His advisers no doubt gave him a thumbs-up off-stage.
Gov. Howard Dean managed to avoid pulling another "full nutty," but he did little to offer the voters of the Granite State a good reason to vote for him. He seemed more concerned with avoiding landmines than offering a proactive message. With his numbers tanking, he no doubt would like to have done than just survive the debate.
Gen. Wes Clark provided the most disappointing performance of the night — and the panelists repeatedly called him to task for his misstatements, evasions, and omissions. Two moments in particular jump out: leaving the impression that President Bush was a "deserter" and emphatically declaring "I am a Democrat." The general's entire performance Thursday night demonstrated that while he may now be a "big D" Democrat, he's a "small b" bush-league candidate.
Sen. John Edwards said a number of things likely to alienate Republicans, but he stayed with solid messages for a Democrat primary. He succeeded at his goal of appearing to be a nice guy and he could well get enough support to cross the bridge to the south — which has been his strategy all along.
Sen. Joe Lieberman should have had a big "Cup of Joe" before he went on stage so he could have shown a little more energy. His only hope is to stimulate independent voters to come to vote in the Democrat primary. Unfortunately, those voters were probably watching the Boston Bruins or reruns on the other networks.
Rev. Al Sharpton provided the evening's entertainment, as he usually does. Unfortunately, he and Rep. Dennis Kucinich took time away from the other candidates that likely would have been better spent giving New Hampshire voters more time to hear from the viable competitors.
The outcome of Tuesday's vote remains to be seen. But it would appear that last-minute phone calls, mail, and public appearances are more likely to have an impact than the two hour talkfest on Thursday night.
— Chip Griffin is a political consultant in New Hampshire |
