Did Mike Gravel Win the First Debate?

I'm just back from a Springfield Democratic watch-party for the first Democratic Presidential debate, and all the buzz is about former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel.

Who?

Exactly.

It's always the lower-tier candidates who have the best lines in debates (think Al Sharpton, Pat Buchanan) because they have less to lose and most to gain.

But after judging applause (and laughter) at the Springfield watch-party at Harpo's, there's a sense that many Democrats agree with what long-shot candidates Gravel and Rep. Dennis Kuninich have to say.

"This isn't American Idol here, we're picking a president," Kucinich quipped.

Springfield's John Kaicher said he was impressed with Gravel and wants to learn more. He called him the candidate that made the most sense. "He was bright, articulate and intelligent. I like Hillary, but I think she was just hemming and hawing. Same with Obama, both good people, but they weren't willing to go out on a limb on how they feel about certain issues," Kaicher said.

Democrat Joe Biden's one-word "yes" answer to Brian Williams' question about being able to avoid verbal mistakes on the world stage also went over well.

It seems that people treat these early debates for what they are. Since a lot of the rhetoric is filled with general language, and risk-free soundbites, people want a little entertainment. They want a "Can you believe he said that?" line. They also want to laugh. It may gain Gravel more media attention and buzz, but history shows it probably won't transform into a groundswell of real support.

As one Democrat put it, "He's great to watch, but no one thinks he's got a chance."

And if Gravel didn't win this debate, then who did . . . and why?