John Edwards, former senator
Deftly turned almost every response into a version of his message — that he would be the strongest leader on Iraq, health care, and other national issues. Appeared to get under the skin of both Obama and Clinton by challenging them directly on their records and leadership regarding Iraq and health care. Edwards' taunts weren't pretty or particularly smooth, but his only chance to be nominated is to climb over his two main rivals, and you gotta (make a) play to win.
—by Mark Halperin