July 23, 2007
Posted: July 23rd, 2007 10:24 PM ET

(CNN) - Who kept talking about the future? Who kept talking about the past? Who had the most harsh words for their fellow candidates? And who wins for politeness?

CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider has the numbers:

Bill Richardson uttered the phrase "What I will do" a total of 16 times, followed by Barack Obama (15 times) and Chris Dodd (11 times).

Hillary Clinton led the field in saying "What I have done" 11 times, followed by Joe Biden (9 times) and Dodd (7 times).

Clinton also wins the Miss Congeniality award - she led in complimenting the other candidates (6 times), followed by Obama (5 times) and Edwards (4 times).

"What do they have in common? They are all the front-runners," Schneider said. "They are all doing well. They can afford to be generous. There's no reason to attack their fellow candidates."

So, which candidates did attack each other?

"Actually, not many did," Schneider said. Mike Gravel led in putting down or attacking the other Democrats a total of four times. Biden and Dennis Kucinich tied for second place, with two times each.

"It wasn't that kind of a debate, because citizens were asking the questions," says Schneider. "They didn't invite attacks."

– CNN Associate Producer Stephen Bach

Filed under: CNN/You Tube Debate


Kathryn Goldman, Baltimore, MD   July 24th, 2007 7:58 am ET

Isn't it interesting that the public doesn't invite the candidates to attack one another. It's just not what we want to hear. That is a message the candidates should take to heart until the end of the campaign. Do not fight amongst yourselves.

Mrs. America   July 24th, 2007 2:15 am ET

I noticed Bill Richardson didn't keep reminding people he's the governor of New Mexico this time. Interesting facts on the others.

Perry, Dallas, Texas   July 23rd, 2007 10:37 pm ET

Sounds like politics as usual. They take the credit for the things they didnt do, and blame everybody else for the things that they did do.

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