Things I took away from the parts of the debate that Fox News decided we should see:
John Edwards: (At least in part) author of the Patriot Act? That cuts out my potential support right there. Anyone who would write such a piece of legislation without foreseeing the potential for abuse has no position in government.
Dennis Kucinich: Wants to create a cabinet-level department on par with the Department of Defense: the Department of Peace. Cool idea.
Al Sharpton: Sound-bite-a-palooza, "We gonna have the battle between the Christian Right and the right Christians."
Joe Lieberman: (Following the above and the extended applause it generated from the audience) "Every time I come after Rev. Sharpton I want to say, 'Amen, brother.'"
For my money, Al Sharpton is the guy I want out and talking about issues. He's a dynamic personality with a flair for delivery. President? Probably not. Likewise, I want Dennis Kucinich in the race because he brings up kooky ideas that just might have some merit. President? Again, probably not.
I liked that Howard Dean invoked Paul Wellstone as a person who stood up and said what he thought was right even if 70% of the people disagree with it; that's the kind of leadership I want from a President.