The First Debate - Winners and Losers Among Democrats.

Like so many others eager to elect a new leader of the free world, I tuned into last night's debate on MSNBC. There were eight Democratic candidates on stage. I have to admit that since this race has started so early, I was glad to see the debate finally happening.

Overall, everyone did a nice job in my book. There were a few moments worthy of discussion. And the first I see as needing to be pointed out concerns John Edwards.

I like John Edwards. My money was on him last night, if not as the Democratic nominee, then at least as the winner of the debate. I thought he was going to doing very well considering his experience as a trial lawyer with Southern charm.

I was wrong.

I really don't care about his four-hundred-dollar haircut. I think he'd look just as good with a forty-dollar haircut. But, it's his money so he can do as he pleases. I had not heard that this haircut was paid for with campaign funds until I saw the debate. His admission that was a "mistake" was news to me.

I thought about it. As I've said, this race started early. But Edwards has made a few mistakes already. The first being that his staff leaked his announcement that he was running for an office a day early online. Kind of embarassing.

And now this haircut business. I think the haircut becomes an issue for Edwards only because he is the anti-poverty candidate. To preach helping the poor once you're elected is smart politics, but to compromise you're sincerity in spending THAT much on a haircut isn't all that bright.

On top of that, he said nothing special last night. I expected more/better from Edwards.

Hillary did very well last night. I saw nothing wrong with any of her answers last night. She held her place among her opponents and I was happy for her.

Obama, he was very rehearsed. I don't understand the hype surrounding this guy. He comes as smart, but not smart enough to fix the ills America faces right now. His tendency to talk "new politics" while enaging in old politics doesn't impress me.

For me, Biden was fresh last night. He was both charming and serious, and dare I say, presidential. Having the spotlight for a few minutes did him well. The "yes" moment was great. His answers were on the money. He was at ease and seemed to be having fun actually, while the others seemed too serious most of the time.

He took the most from last night's debate. We'll have to keep an out to see where it goes from here, and only time will tell if my statements about Biden are right.