Mainstream Media Praises Clinton's Debate Performance

We'll have to wait until the post-debate polls start coming out to see what the public thought of the performance of the candidates in the first Democratic debate -- but the mainstream media seems to be lauding Hillary Clinton for her debate. Here's a sampling of what they had to say:

New York Times: “Her performance at the first Democratic presidential debate was so commanding that even her greatest vulnerability — the lingering controversy over her private email practices as secretary of state — ended up redounding to her benefit.”

Wall Street Journal: “It was a performance that wasn’t long on soaring rhetoric or deep passion, until Mrs. Clinton weighed in emphatically on strengthening family leave policies and funding Planned Parenthood. But it was methodically effective.”

Los Angeles Times: “With nods to time spent in the White House Situation Room and crisp answers about five-point plans, she exuded a sense of command that her rivals onstage often seemed to lack. And in sharp contrast with her reticence on the subject during the 2008 campaign, she repeatedly reminded viewers that with her, they could make history: After the U.S. elected its first black president, it now had a chance to elect its first woman.”

NBC News: "We've told you that October is an important month for Hillary Clinton and her presidential campaign. Well, she passed her first big October test on Tuesday night -- easily. And that performance gives her plenty of momentum going into her upcoming tests with the House Benghazi committee testimony and whatever Joe Biden decides to do. At last night's first Democratic presidential debate, Hillary Clinton looked good, and the rest of the field made her look great. It was the Harlem Globetrotters vs. the Washington Generals."

CNN News: "Hillary Clinton proved without a doubt Tuesday night why she is the Democratic Party's presidential front-runner. Clinton remained unflappable throughout the debate, showcasing her political experience and her command of the issues -- all the while deftly handling criticism of her flip-flops and displaying a humor that put a more human face to her oft-criticized candidacy."

CBS News: "One of Hillary Clinton's biggest challenges in the Democratic primary so far has been overcoming perceptions that she's inauthentic. With a polished and clearly well-prepared debate performance on Tuesday night, Clinton may not have shed that perception, but she did manage to make the case that she is the best prepared of all the Democratic candidates to take the progressive fight to Republicans."

ABC News: "But anyone expecting the former Secretary of State to try to coast through the debate - hesitant to engage and aiming to come across as above her opponents - was in for a surprise. Clinton delivered a passionate, poised performance, clearly willing to distinguish herself from Sanders and the field."