MSNBC Bloggers Weigh In on Ned Joe Debate

"You always know a candidate is in trouble when he attacks his opponent in the first few sentences of his opening statement, as Joe Lieberman did. Obviously worried about the effect of his cozy relations with George Bush, the incumbent went negative to defend himself against Lamont’s attacks on his friendliness with the president.

Lamont delivered a less polished opening than Lieberman but kept his first remarks on a positive note — which debate watchers always appreciate. In a quick aside to Lieberman, he noted that the incumbent was unwilling to part with the president on the war.

Early on, this debate framed the issues that will likely govern the party’s 2008 presidential campaign — a struggle between appealing to Democrats fully against the war vs. those, like Lieberman, who strive to keep an eye on general election voters who fear the party is weak on defense.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5445086/