Keller @ Large: Why You Should Watch Primary Night Speeches

BOSTON (CBS) - Campaigns are fascinating things, aren't they?

At times it seems the endless parade of rallies and debates and attack ads is all a meaningless blur. But then you step back and realize that some things about a campaign do matter, even when the candidates don't seem to think it does.

Take primary-night speeches.

They are consistently revealing of who the candidates really are and what they make of what's happening around them.

I watched parts of them all Tuesday night, and what a contrast.

For the Democrats, Bernie Sanders hid his disappointment at losing states that, after his upset win in Michigan last week, he thought he had a shot at. But he didn't acknowledge the degree to which his standing reflects the narrow focus of his message on economic populism and disdain for the establishment.

It seems most Democratic primary voters want more, most notably someone they think can stick it to Donald Trump in November. And Hillary Clinton picked up on that in her speech, pivoting toward the showdown with Trump and implying it's time for Sanders voters to get on board.

Speaking of Trump, he was more subdued than usual, and actually mustered a cordial remark for Marco Rubio.

Perhaps he realizes he now needs to put the sledgehammer down and finesse the final dismantling of GOP resistance. But there was still too much egomania and whining about attack ads.

Ted Cruz, of all people, did a better job in his speech of acting presidential and keeping the focus on the voters and their concerns.

That race has a ways to go. Keep an eye on the primary night speeches going forward.

They're telling in a way the rest of the campaign is not.

Listen to Jon's commentary: