Hillary Clinton

Grade: B

Seemed drained but determined, proud and intense, and eager to strike the right post-truce tone. Clearly relieved to have the racial tension behind her (at least for the night), and patently enthusiastic to discuss national security. But pandered a time or two too often, and spoke in Senate-speak (a la Chris Dodd) far more than appropriate. Went in with stubborn confidence, but her timing was a bit off.

John Edwards

Grade: B

While Obama and Clinton eyed each other, he kept his focus on the White House. Showed his raring-to-be-president spirit with responses organically derived from his platform, his political value system, and his groundwork. Nevertheless, the debate's energy remained fixed, laserlike, on the other two. Bottom line: strong night, but not strong enough to turn the “two-person race” narrative into a “three-person race” drama (unless he wins Nevada).

Barack Obama

Grade: B

Inspiring and thoughtful, but sometimes ponderous. Ready to go, but obviously fatigued. Overall, stood toe-to-toe with Clinton on style and substance. Relied on stump speech excerpts more than usual, but neglected to hammer his core message of change. Was a somewhat quiet presence at the table, particularly in contrast to the exhilarating orator he's been on the stump in recent weeks.