Unlike the dozen previous debates, this one had energy.   This is good for the Democrats, because it excites voters and finally makes the candidates look strong.  It also shows the candidates would fare in a debate with Trump better than any of the prior debates.

In this case, the role of Trump was played by Micheal Bloomberg, who was wrecked.  Bloomberg came across exactly as you would expect from someone who thinks he walks on water: disdainful, indignant, bored and impatient.  He delivered a couple of memorized lines against Bernie Sanders, but otherwise was not prepared to respond to obvious questions about his abuse of women and NDA’s, failure to disclose taxes, history of supporting Republicans.  (Stop and frisk came up briefly – his response was weak – but it will surely be center stage at the SC debate next week.) He was unlikable and pathetic – clearly someone who has become used to outsourcing his battles.

My advice after this extensive beating, Bloomberg should position himself to be the ‘survivor’ candidate.  If this doesn’t wipe him out, then nothing will, at least that’s how I would spin it since, with his money and lack of accountability, nothing will force himself out of the race.  And just by walking back on stage a second time, he could claim victory and courage, someone who battled back against all odds, etc.

But he really needs to take this seriously, or it will be apparent to all that his role in this election is to taken the progressive candidates.

In sum, last night gives pause to the DNC.  How can they hand the nomination to someone so obviously will get clobbered by Trump?   Not to mention, as Warren pointed out, someone who is unvetted and prone to drip, drip, drip of damaging revelations. It is insane to let him continue in this race.

In contrast, Warren was a ninja, making nearly ever blows on a candidate count.  At the right moment, she stood up for Klobacher, endearing herself to any voters Klobacher gained from Pete.  Made her seem passionate about her vision rather than someone just trying to stop on everyone else (which is what she was doing).  The only time she sounded uninteresting was when she was getting into the nitty gritty of her proposals.  My advice: Warren has a reputation for detailed plans; let other people challenge the details.  But her performance will get her the undecided NV vote.

Bernie was Bernie, but the appearance of Bloomberg on stage made underscored Bernie’s message.  He was a little too excited; maybe he is much more comfortable being the underdog than the front runner.  The panel asked Bernie about his health records and about Bernie Bros, and I don’t think undecided voters really care about that, so its just a waste of time.

My advice: use Bloomberg’s present to contrast the candidacy.  When Bloomberg attacks Bernie’s three houses, Bernie should go back to his core message (how much money Bernie or Bloomberg has or doesn’t have is not important; its the future of working class Americans that is important and that Bernie has fought 40 years four); how Bloomberg’s ability to buy the Democratic Party’s nomination underscores how wealth inequality is out of control; and how Bloomberg thinks his money is equivalent to the money of millions who have donated and volunteered.

Biden was good, but he had trouble delivering strong responses.  It looks like he is struggling.  Like we know what he is trying to say, and they are good points, its just feels like we are leading him rather than the him leading us.  But for centrists, his good-not-stellar performance is a problem.  Either implode and go away, or dominate and give us confidence.  The centrist vote will now be split among Biden, Bloomberg, Pete, Klobacher and now Warren.  My advice: implode and go away.

Pete’s vapid oratory was balanced by planned attacks, particularly against Klobacher.  His computer models most have identified her as taking away his supporters in NV, or maybe he is still upset about NH.  It didn’t play well because it seems rehearsed, and softball questions from the panel to Pete (Is so-and-so’s answer good enough?) doesn’t help him.  My advice: Pete needs to establish independence and talk about his vision, attributes and how he can beat Trump, while declining invitations to attack opponents, except in response to an attack on him.

Klobacher had a couple good moments and she took on Pete and Bloomberg effectively.

The losers of the primary was Bloomberg and the establishment that had hoped that Bloomberg would take control of the primary and stop Sanders.  They did not like the candidates attacking anyone other than Sanders and are becoming frustrated that a viable alternative to the progressive movement is not emerging. But for the Democrats and particularly the Blue-No-Matter-Who faction, this was a win because it amped up the excitement for all the candidates and showed that, except for Bloomberg, each was strong and could unite the party.