The LuLac Edition #205, April 26th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: DEMOCRATIC PARTY LOGO AND SIMON AND GARFUNKEL.

Going to the candidate's debate.

Laugh about it, shout about it

When you've got to choose

Every way you look at this you lose.

TONIGHT'S DEM DEBATE

WHAT THE DEMS NEED TO DO

Each Democratic Presidential candidate has to shine in his or her own way tonight in order to get some traction or keep the boomlet afloat. Since this is the first time on a national stage, it's been thought that only political junkies will be tuning in tonight. But because polls show the American people are more engaged than ever in a Presidential race more than a year away, you can bet average citizens will be tuning in. Here's what each candidate needs to do tonight to either survive or make an impression.

THE TOP TIER

CLINTON: She has to project a warmer and less shrill image. No one doubts her intelligence but her authenticity is quite another thing. She needs to smile but not flirt. Her rules of engagement have to be different. Tough but not biting or sarcastic. If she keeps a steady pace, and brings up the good points of her husband's Presidency, she'll do well.

OBAMA: Needs to show some substance. He has the magic but not the perception of being a heavyweight. A Clinton like "Sister Soulja" moment might aid him in his non embracement totally of an Al Sharpton.

EDWARDS: Has to prove he can be more charismatic than Obama, more substantial than Clinton on the issues. Proven past campaign track record should help him in presenting himself as an alternative to Clinton and Obama.

THE SECOND TIER

BIDEN: Has more than thirty years experience in the Senate. Has passion about the war in Iraq. Is the only Senator that has presented a plan that in my view makes any sense. His challenge now is to present himself as a viable alternative to the less expereinced top tier.

DODD: Also has more experience in his bones than the top tier too. Has to be less pedantic, more national in his scope. Needs to soften the New England roots because it'll scare off the southern base of the party. Might be a sleeper.

RICHARDSON: He might be the breakthrough hit of the evening. Has Cabinet and Executive experience plus has a common sense approach with a fair amount of charisma. He can remind the crowd that no sitting Senator has been elected President since 1960. And before that, it was 1920.

THE WILD CARDS

KUCINICH: Anti war activist. Will be very strident and passionate in his ideas. The intellectuals and true believers will love the red meat he'll hurl at them.

GRAVEL: Has to remind people he was once a two term, respected U.S.Senator. Has to present an agenda of ideas and with his sense of humor, just might be the most entertaining part of the debate with being a buffoon.