Washington Post, Cillizza:
WINNERS:
Joe Biden: We can't help it, we like the guy. Biden is regularly the life of these debates -- launching self deprecating one-liners one minute and riffing on how he was introducing legislation before some of the candidates on the stage were even born the next. Biden is at his best when talking foreign policy and he got plenty of opportunities to do that last night. He spoke eloquently about the dangers posed by Iran and scored points on Pakistan by noting that he had spoken to both President Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto before President Bush had.

Later: Debate Fairness Complaints: Going into these events, everyone knows the deal: the candidates at the top of state and national polls are going to get the most questions directed at them and the majority of the speaking time. If you aren't in that top tier, you have to find your own way to stand out (see Biden, Joe). Politics ain't beanbag.

Time, Mark Halperin:
Joe Biden: B (second highest grade of all candidates) Funny, sharp and relaxed -- either because he feels some momentum in Iowa or because he feels he has nothing left to lose. Best rapport with the audience of any of the candidates. Let a little bit of his inner braggart run free when talking about his foreign policy cred and resume, but was offered -- and grabbed -- plenty of chances to show off his best sides.

NBC, Chuck Todd:
As for the rest of the field, Biden, again, had a good night. He keeps doing well at these debates; we'll see if he can use this to propel himself in Iowa.

CNN Political Ticker, Emily Sherman:
Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware came out swinging for speaking time in Thursday night's Democratic debate. His first punch went straight to the top three presidential contenders: Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois and former Sen. John Edwards of South Carolina. "This is not about experience, it's not about change. It's about action," Biden said. "Who among us is going to be on day one step in and end the war?"

ABC Political Radar:
We're seeing again why Joe Biden is a strong sleeper candidate in the race. This is a straight-ahead presentation -- and he hit that out of the park...

As all of the democratic candidates discuss change, Sen. Joe Biden noted, "it's not about change, what it's about is action," as he touted himself as the best candidate to put in place a plan to end the war in Iraq. Biden told supporters that he would work across party lines, but had a stern warning for the republicans. "There are things upon which I will not compromise. I am sick and tired of hearing the republicans talk about values. Give me a break," said Biden adding, "they confuse ideology with morality."

Fox News:
Biden once again proves he's the most experienced foreign policy hand on the stage. On Pakistan, he says he spoke to President Pervez Musharraf and recently returned former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto even before the President did after Musharraf declared what some say amounts to martial law in that country....

Not afraid to correct an audience member on the Patriot Act and racial profiling - Biden looked very presidential as he explained the nuance of the law and stressed the importance of having a forward-looking plan for national security. While the Patriot Act has become synonymous with an infringement on civil liberties, Biden argues that it was not the Patriot Act that caused the questioner to be profiled, it would have been illegal regardless. Biden also added that Clinton and Obama voted for an expansion of Gitmo, while he didn't. Point Biden.