Eight Democrats lock horns (online): So what?

UPDATE: Hillary Clinton in command for ‘when’ President

Digital Markets Blog presidential campaign 2008 special series on what I am calling “User Generated Politics”

AER YOU READY? The first debate of the 2008 presidential race is set for tonight!

The Democrat field of eight will battle for air, and Internet time, in a 90-minute face-off to be broadcast on MSNBC and streamed at MSNBC.com, starting at 7pm EST.

Does it matter? Will it make a difference? Hopefully, at least a good show will be had!

The Contenders: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden, Christopher Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson, Mike Gravel 

Host affiliate NBC has graciously offered the front runners debate do's and don'ts.

Hillary Clinton

DO: Smile. Demonstrate that you care about the base. Mention your husband at moments that will make the audience laugh. Embrace your gender. Be spontaneous.

DON’T: Attack Obama. Sound pro-war. Speak in perfect paragraphs. Mention your husband’s administration in the past tense (a reminder of the legacy issue).

Barack Obama

DO: Sound ready for the job. Capture that 2004 convention moment. Demonstrate your anti-war creds. Laugh when attacked. Bring up Al Gore every time Hillary brings up Bill.

DON’T: Attack Hillary. Speak “Washington.” Offer up inane details just to sound like you know what you’re talking about.

WHAT? No attacks? How will that make for good TV!
WHEW, it's OK for Edwards to attack, Clinton only though.

John Edwards

DO: Sound experienced. Play to the base without pandering. Engage the two candidates you are chasing. Mention Elizabeth only when relevant. Praise Howard Dean.

DON’T: Be afraid to attack Clinton instead of Obama (Edwards v. Obama may be more winnable than Edwards v. Clinton). Be afraid to sound like a trial lawyer.

DO YOU CARE?
[poll id=86]

UPDATE:  Hillary Clinton in command for ‘when’ President