The first debate of the 2008 race for the White House took place Thursday night in South Carolina, and while there really wasn't a break out performance, the candidates were united in their disdain for President Bush and the current administration.

The debate began with the hot topic of Iraq, and even when the questions would move on to another topic, the responses seem to find there way back there. Senators Clinton, Obama and Biden all have similar stances on how we need to get out of Iraq, but in a phased withdrawal. This on the same day the Senate voted to authorize spending on the war with the contingency that a time table to withdraw be included, a bill the President vows to veto.

From the onset, the time given to the candidates favored the top tier front runners, but seemed to focus on Obama. I got the impression that he was being put to the test, to see if a new comer like him deserved to be getting the media attention he is. When Obama is on stage alone delivering a speech it has been a very inspiring site to see. But Thursday night he showed that he can go toe to toe with the big names that have been around for years.

In many of his responses he was very articulate and thoughtful about what he was saying. It was obvious that he has given thought to allot of situations and analyzed each side of things thoroughly. His answers were sophisticated and felt more sincere than other candidates, who often seemed to just be repeating the party stance on things.

Senator Edwards was this first and only person to acknowledge that Americans have lost trust not only in President Bush, but in the office of the Presidency itself. I think that will be a big factor in the election, and the Democrats need to show that Republicans don't have a monopoly on morals, especially the truth.

I think Senator Dodd had great night. He is a lesser known candidate but he showed that he can speak to the issues just as well as Obama. I was disappointed to hear an answer he gave when asked a question that hits home with middle class Americans. The question came in from an email and asked: "I as a worker have to take and pass a drug test to remain employed. Shouldn't welfare recipient's have to pass a drug test to receive their money?" The answer was no.

Clinton could have lost the most in the debate. As the clear front runner and largest fund raiser there is the perception that if she does not come off as likable she could stand to loose ground. I think she did well, she was firm, but didn't come off like she thinks her position the absolute answer to all. But for being the early presumptive nominee, I have yet to meet a woman that says she would vote for Hillary, and it's pretty clear that if women don't come out and vote for her, then she has no chance.

I was looking for Biden and Richardson to have a strong showing, but I don't think they had a stand our performance. What I did like to hear from Biden, and it only came from him, was the acknowledgment that Russia under President Putin is a changed country and if unchallenged could prove to be a threat again in the future. Biden did get the biggest laugh of the night. Being known for his verbosity and tendency to let words get him in trouble, he was asked if he can reassure the public that he can be disciplined when the time calls for it. His response was 1 word. "Yes."

Richardson seemed to just have an off night. He is a candidate that might have some of the most experience with foreign policy and I would have thought this could have been his break out night to move ahead in the pack. But he seemed to struggle to find the words he wanted to answer the questions, and was over the time limit on several occasions. With his knowledge and experience I hope he can have a better showing in the future.

I think Dennis Kucinich was one of the surprises of the night. He has always been a fringe candidate with a position to the extreme left, but allot of what he says I seem to be drawn to. He was the only person to say out loud what millions of Americans already know, that the war in Iraq is a war about Oil, and the escalating tensions with Iran could lead to the same.

And lastly there was Mike Gravel. You remember him right, the former Senator from Alaska, in the 70's I think. Yeah I didn't know much about him either. Well he was the most animated of the candidates, obviously showing he really has nothing to loose. At one point he said "Some of these people frighten me", referring to the other top tier candidates. Some of his views made Kucinich seem like a middle of the road candidate.

But overall the only way to describe the debate is that is was civil or polite. No one really attacking the other democratic candidates, and at times even praising each other. I got the impression that no matter who wins the democratic nomination, the party is firmly united in defeating the Republicans in 2008, which to me is a good sign.

To no surprise the debate lacked specifics. No one could explain how they would pay for health care. Everyone's pull out of Iraq plan lacked specifics. But it is early, and the debate format coupled with 8 politicians vying for time held back the details that I desire to hear.

So now we wait to see what the Republicans have to say. They will debate on May 15th.

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. Indeed. Its the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead