Gail Collins: Bret, let’s get right to it. How do you want to see New Hampshire vote? Give me your ideal Democratic finish.

Bret Stephens: Gail, my affections wobble, but my antipathies remain the same. Amy Klobuchar put in her best performance yet on the debate stage Friday night — by turns mature, nuanced, empathetic and unquestionably presidential. If I were a New Hampshire voter, I’d vote for her, not only because I like her but also because I’m starting to think she’d have a very decent shot at bringing down President Trump.

After that, Pete Buttigieg runs a strong second, hampered mainly by my fears that too many Americans will think he’s too young, that his resume is too thin, and that he’s skipping too many steps on the ladder to the presidency.

Next up, Joe Biden, because, while I may worry about his well-being, he wouldn’t make me fear for our country. Still, as I said the other night right after the debate, I found myself watching his performance the way I might watch a high school play: grading on a curve and just happy that nobody forgot their lines.