QUICK TAKES ON THE DEBATE

--Edwards had his best performance, particularly in the latter "coats off" portion of the debate. That yes vote on Iraq is gonna be a tough hill to climb, but he really shines in these debates.

--Kerry got lost in the crowd a little bit, and again didn't do anything to distinguish himself, apart from his great line about Rush Limbaugh.

--Clark is still more presence than substance, and he had to do a bit of tapdancing when moderator Judy Woodruff challenged him on some old comments of his.

--Dean deflected criticism pretty well, and had some fun with it, joking that some thought he was too McGovernite to win, while others thought he was too Gingrichian to win.

--Deep down I really like Dennis Kucinich -- indeed, he is a man ahead of his time -- but for some reason he seemed more fringy than usual last night.

--Gephardt got loud, loud, LOUD. Like Edwards, he also has that yes vote to deal with, but he really hammered Bush last night, particularly on his economic policies.

--Braun sounded very good, it's a shame her campaign doesn't have more money or traction.

--Lieberman tied with Kerry for the going-over-the-time-limit award. Snuck one Hollywood moralization line in there. He is who he is, and he's sticking to his guns as a moderate.

--Sharpton didn't get a 5-star killer line in like he usually does, but he has been good for the debates.

Sorry, today is a busy day, otherwise I'd be more longwinded on this.