Barack Obama

Grade: A-

Calm, relaxed and comfortably swathed in the new mantle of front-runner. Very well prepared both substantively and stylistically for what a determined Clinton brought his way, although he might have shown more graciousness when the likeability issue arose. Defended himself but didn’t get drawn into a colloquy that would take him off message. Overall, did not encounter too many mines throughout, and kept things sober and understated. Wise enough to parry the night’s final question, and rather than revisiting a past debate error, offered a concise version of his positive message.

John Edwards

Grade: B+

Kept up his Iowa argument, but added a new twist by claiming the race is now a two-person contest between Obama and himself (with Hillary Clinton out in the New Hampshire cold). Still showing more personal, populist passion than everyone on the stage combined – which certainly inspires and solidifies a hearty constituency, but perhaps not one large enough to put him over the top, as evidenced in Iowa. His habit of recounting moving stories about anonymous (and, sorry, random) people sometimes makes him sound like a mayoral candidate in a small Southern hamlet.

Hillary Clinton

Grade: B

The post-Philadelphia jinx continues: she no longer can dominate debates with her substance and stature. Showed her warrior’s mettle by refusing to be cowed by her game-changing third- place showing in Iowa, but freaked out (and/or showed passion) when she was double teamed by Obama and Edwards on the issue of change after she went after Obama on his record. Then seemed both gratified and caustic when the subversive 2-on-1 was dragged into the open by a reporter’s question (which she directly addressed with humor, grace, bitterness, and choice lines borrowed from her stump speech and ads). Played the “first woman president equals change” card with more directness than usual. Bottom line: If she required a sterling debate performance to win the primary, she didn’t get it . But her numbers and crowds are holding strong—perhaps she doesn’t need it.

Bill Richardson

Grade: B-

Happy to be the third runner-up and included in the debate. Made sure to hit on his impressive foreign policy experience and executive resume whenever possible. Still, clearly not considered a serious player by the Big Three, who seemed pleasantly disposed to him, and never bothered to engage. Essentially in his own bubble at the table.