Here are my impressions of the candidates so far. I am not affiliated with any candidate or organization. I'm just a guy who has read a lot about this campaign so far. I have decided that Michael Nutter is the best candidate.

I think that all claims that X candidate or candidates are the only candidates that are viable are bunk. All five candidates are viable and can be elected. Knox has the money and a strong showing in the poll. Nutter led the other candidates in fund-raising, is ahead of Brady and Evans in the polls, and has experience campaigning successfully in this city.

Brady: I am completely turned off from Brady. I think he personifies the machine and would not bring much needed change to the administration of this city. His announcement speech promised everything, but did not explain HOW in any way. He rejects 25-point plans in preference of just throwing more money at the entrenched players. His supporters say he's a great guy to talk to, but I think we need much more in a mayor. He should use his present position in Congress to help Philly.

Fattah: Fattah does not impress me at all. The thing I heard most about him recently has been "grocery cards for guns" promotions, which have been shown to be completely ineffective at reducing crime. It shows me that he will implement ineffective methods as mayor rather than truly trying to improve the city. He was also shown in "The Shame of the City" making baseless race-baiting accusations that Katz was trying to prevent blacks from voting, even as democratic thugs were attacking Katz campaign workers. I believe that he shares Brady's willingness to employ dirty tricks and spin the shit when it suits him. He also has a position in Congress he should continue to use to help Philly.

Knox: I am not repulsed by Knox's candidacy as many on this website are, although I am not a supporter. I think that an effective outsider businessman can do many things to improve the administration of this city. I think money is a legitimate way to combat an entrenched machine. However, I think (1) his contributions as far as balancing the budget were overstated, (2) reports that he can't play well with others give me doubts, and (3) his involvement with payday loans turn me off. I think he remains my second favorite though.

Evans: I was somewhat impressed by some of his speeches I watched on his YouTube page. However, his responses to questions at the UPenn Democrats thing on his YouTube page were unfocused, rambling, pandering, and didn't really answer the questions. I have heard nothing from him that was really impressive. He seems to me to be a competent politician, but not exceptional. He also has a position in the state legislature he can use to help Philly.

Nutter: I have been extremely impressed with Nutter and have heard nothing negative that has swayed me from that. I went to see one of the showings of The Shame of the City where Nutter fielded questions. He answered questions articulately focusing responding to the questions and how to implement solutions. He was sharp, funny, and likable. His positions (e.g., crime plan) show me that he wants to problem solve effectively rather than just throw money at the problem. He has worked with the machine and maintained a great reputation for integrity. He seems to me to be the smartest, most sincere, most capable candidate for mayor of Philadelphia at this point.