Hillary Clinton had a very strong debate last night. Barack Obama did not. Those (Obama allies) criticizing the performance of ABC moderators Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos are wrong in my view.
Their questions about controversies from Jeremiah Wright to flag lapel pins were tough on Obama but intelligent and respectful. They reflect questions that Democrats are asking themselves privately now, and that Republicans will ask loudly and publicly if Obama becomes the Democratic nominee this fall.
Nevertheless, my reporting among Democratic political pros today tells me the debate has not shifted the super-delegate dynamic that has favored Obama for the past two months. And she has to change it very soon to keep alive her chance for the nomination.
If he continues the slow, drip-drip-drip accumulation of super-delegates--roughly one per day since early February--there won't be enough to save her after primaries conclude even if she gets all of them.
