The August 7 Democratic Debate

Before 15,000 union members in Chicago's Soldier Field, the candidates weren't at their best — no A's this week — but Clinton didn't wilt and Obama played well before the home crowd

The Democratic Candidates

Joe Biden

dek — Scott Olson / Getty Images
Senator Joe Biden

Solid and smart, but didn't shine as he did in the last debate, and the sands in the hourglass are flowing fast. Chose to ignore a question from a real-life union worker, and got vigorously booed. Debate Rule 1: if you are taking a question from an actual citizen (and not a pesky moderator), ANSWER IT.

—By Mark Halperin

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