The good news for Barack Obama: MSNBC is the lowest rated of the three cable news networks. Obama delivered a lackluster performance at the Democratic debate aired by MSNBC on Wednesday night. His answers too often were listless and formulaic. He made few connections between his noble rhetoric and real-world matters. He did nothing to distinguish himself as the anti-Hillary. John Edwards, on the other hand, was fiery and forceful. He came across as sure-footed and knowledgeable. And Hillary Clinton plowed ahead, demonstrating her confidence and her command of facts and policies. Obama's people say he had a cold and was feeling poorly. I believe them, for it showed. It really showed.

One debate does not a campaign make, of course. But Obama at some point is going to have to make a clear and compelling case that he is better than she is. He did not do so this round.

Posted by David Corn at September 27, 2007 12:28 AM