Opinions swayed but open to being swayed again

David McGrath Schwartz

Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 | 7:22 a.m.

Many in the TV-watching audience rooted for their candidates, holding up signs and passing out campaign-emblazoned coffee mugs. But there were some at the Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Dinner on the Strip who were still struggling to make up their minds.

They thought the debate might help them sort out the candidates.

They nodded, agreeing with some of the candidates' rhetoric, and on occasion even applauded.

And they were waiting to hear which candidates would say the right things, hit the right issues, survive the latest attacks. In Nevada, about 20 percent of the voters are, like these people, undecided.

After the debate, a few of them gathered outside the Paris Las Vegas banquet room that on Thursday night was converted into a debate-watching center. They turned away from the TV screens before the pundits weighed in, partisans declared winners and campaigns spun what everyone just saw to their own advantage.

At least in this small group, some were surprised by Joe Biden's performance. They shrugged off the "mudslinging" at Hillary Clinton as child's play compared with what the Democratic nominee will face in the general election. And they seemed to agree that their top priority, right now, is selecting the candidate who will give Democrats the best chance to retake the White House.

These are their reflections as they discussed the debate.

Barbara Gramenos, 66, a retired G.E. worker: I was amazed at the depth John Edwards showed. That was one of his drawbacks going into the debate. He has really seemed to grow.

Traci Lawrence, 40, marketing: I was impressed with Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Edwards. I was also surprisingly impressed with Joe Biden. He made very good points.

Stuart Webster, 66, retired Yucca Mountain engineer: Obama strikes me as a deep thinker. But I don't know if this works in campaigns now, where people expect one-word answers, five-word solutions.

Daniel Gonzalez, 21, UNLV political science student: I'd be happy with any of the top three candidates. Even after the debate, though, it's way too early to tell.

George Guthrie, 82, retired business consultant: They're all so damn good. It's hard to tell. I like that they talked about defending the Constitution. That's what they take oaths to do. I liked the optimism that Obama talked about.

Webster: I was a little disappointed in Chris Dodd. He's so qualified, but he doesn't stand up more.

Lawrence: When it comes to Hillary Clinton, it was again clear that she is a great debater. But her votes bother me.

Nick Manganaris, 66, retired schoolteacher: But the form of the debate doesn't accommodate the function of the debate. Candidates were asked different questions - they were phrased differently. Hillary Clinton faced a lot more questions. I walked away thinking she showed much greater depth. She can think on her feet.

Lawrence: She can. But I feel that she's looking to Republican voters so she can win the general election. And she gets away from her core values.

Gramenos: Obama came across well. I like his message of uniting people. He's not asking people to go crazy with applause.

Paul Lawrence, 47, limousine driver (Traci Lawrence's husband): I just want to say: Support our troops, remove the Republicans. That should be the focus.

The Sun: Was Edwards mudslinging?

Paul Lawrence: It gives them ammunition to use in the general. It's what Republicans are going to use.

Webster: But it's also going to be very mild compared to the general election. If you can't take this, how are you going to respond to the Republicans?

Traci Lawrence: I'm still going to have to evaluate the candidates before making up my mind. My No. 1 concern is, can they win. No. 2 is, who is the best candidate.