Debate Wrap Up

The format was a bit awkward with the videos, I know it was hard to hear at least one question put to Thompson. Aside from that, the questions were OK.

Here's how I think the candidates did:

Romney--He's polished as a politician but was caught stuttering on some important points. We're well past the point for a candidate to be unprepared for questions on abortion or gun control. Giuliani had him on his heels a few times but he recovered. Grade: B

Thompson--He needed to shine in this one and did so-so. He was funny and folksy, which is his bread and butter, yet he needs to be more emphatic when making his points. Overall, not a horrible night. Grade B-

Paul--He had the crowd with him, not because he's popular but because his moronic followers somehow scarfed a ticket. They were rude in some respects. Paul's performance was not bad but he seems way too angry and tries to fit his rhetoric into every question. I don't think he helped himself so much last night. Grade C-

Giuliani--Rudy used his prosecutor experience well last night. Him and Mitt got into it pretty fiercely and he didn't get caught flat-footed. He stuck by his views on abortion and gay marriage even though it's a bad issue in a primary. Grade B+

McCain--He looked tired and he probably is. He would've been a strong candidate in 2004 if he had been able to run. He's good on the Iraq issue and has moral standing on the torture issue but his argument that water boarding is torture may hurt him. Grade B-

Huckabee--Old Huck needed a big night to keep the momentum going. He didn't get it. He's the "religious candidate" and honestly, his evangelical rhetoric isn't going to play so well if he gets the nomination. He wants to be known as the heir to Reagan but he just comes off as tight and rigid. Grade C-