Thoughts on Last Nights Republican Debate

By William McRight

LOSERS:
THE ABC Floor Manager/Technical Director – The entrance of the candidates was a pileup of human wreckage to put it mildly.  Once you miss one candidate intro you simply do not let them pile up. Go out and move them into their spots. The oversight of not introducing Kasich at all was probably in hope that he wouldn’t really come out. Alas, he did.

Marcomentum – Marco Rubio is a talented politician and is still one today. When called on a debate tactic by an opponent that you know is hell bent on taking you down. DO NOT go back to that tactic. Four more times. One could almost hear the “C’mon Marco?” shouts coming from the Fox News studios. I wish one of his handlers had come out and rebooted him on the stage. Aside from his MMA match with Christie, he showed he is a capable conservative but did little to uncheck the “doubt boxes” that work against him.

Trump – Anyone who says Donald Trump won that debate is engaging in a suspension of disbelief so massive that they were probably watching the debate with Santa and Batman.  When asked “How?” on his policies, he never answers with anything of substance. It is all populist bromides meant to tickle the ears. He may suffer again with last minute voters. He does not seem presidential. In the least. That glaring fact may change votes. The shot he took at Cruz in the closing statement when Cruz could not respond was low rent and befitting of his garish, ridiculous candidacy.

Carson – Dr. Carson is a good, faithful man.  At some point he needs to realize that politics is a tough game and good lawyers have thought out legalities before they implore any tactics. The staff losses and changes, the incredible burn rate and overall lack of political savvy will hurt him. In debates the somnambulist routine does not belie a fire in the belly. It may well be time for him to pull the chute. And, Good Lord, please stop whining.

WINNERS:
Governors – Bush, Christie and The Ohio Fruit Ninja all had very good nights. Christie’s withering attacks on Rubio spoke to his effectiveness as a prosecutor.  His routine might not play in flyover country. Jeb! Had a good debate and held his own against Trump’s mugging and condescending behavior. If Jeb! did not have an ocean of Right to Rise money he may have been out after Iowa. He may have gained a leg up last night, but too little too late. Kasich seems a happy warrior but shouting “Forward,” a favorite progressive mantra may play well in the Granite state but it creates an unsurmountable wedge with the base he would need so much.

Cruz – In any objective sense Ted Cruz appeared most presidential. His answers are substantive and he is clearly the best debater. By a great deal. Martha Raddatz tried particularly tried to trip up Cruz with a hot off the presses question regarding a North Korean missile launch that occurred just hours earlier.  Cruz rebuffed her gotcha question like a ..well..President. Cruz may not grab the brass ring in New Hampshire but his performance will allow voters to cast a vote for a candidate who appears ready to be Commander in Chief. He will continue to be a force.