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What would this primary season do without Howard Dean? Could be pretty boring. Imagine John Kerry as your headliner. He may make a terrific president but when it comes to stirring up a crowd, and cranking up the public interest level in a democratic exercise in our little State--he ain't no Dr. Dean. Just as he was passionate in exhorting his troops in Iowa, he's passionate about the damage control process--Diane Sawyer, David Letterman, the last big debate What a day...you've got to admire his heart.

It must be difficult for candidates to answer complex questions in under a minute (and most took liberties with the time limit in spite of the annoying bell). But, since candidates are expected to keep their answers short, I think I should try to offer my assessment of their performance in quick bursts as well. So, working left to right as they appeared on the stage:

Howard Dean: Dean had the most to lose, and frankly the most to gain by the debate. Going in there was a lot of attention on his post-Iowa wolf howl, and he needed to show that he had not broken loose from his moorings. In short, Dean needed decorum. And, he did a good job. He handled the questions and discussion of his Iowa roar reasonably well, and with humor, and in general seemed under crontrol, and on message. Dean was especially skillful in handling the question from Brit Hume about his passionate leadership, "leading with his heart."

I gained some respect for the Doctors Dean last night. Not enough to sway my vote in his direction next Tuesday, but after watching them together with Diane Sawyer last night, I can respect the balance that he and his wife have struck in the their lives and the pursuit of their own professional dreams.

I've been guilty of a few sly comments myself regarding her lack of commitment to her husband's presidential bid; but support can come in different ways and I found her commitment to career and family one I could agree with.