Actually - having watched the debate I would say that this Boston Globe piece is not a hit piece but is accurate. Thompson did not do well at all at the start of the debate. By the end of the debate he made a small number of funny quips and had two or three good answers. All in all, he didn’t bomb but except for his most dedicate supporters no-one is going to be singing his praises over this debate either.
I watched the debate and agree completely. I like Fred and would love to support him, but I have seen him 4 times now and have been totally underwhelmed. Tonight he looked old, tired and just not quite there. I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now, but if he doesn’t improve I will have a hard time supporting him.
As for the rest. McCain was McCain which is to say your typical Washington insider with nothing new to add to the discussion. Huckeby has looked better, though I still like him generally. Tancredo, Brownback and Hunter are just filler as far as I am concerned. Duncan has some good things to say, but is at best cabinet level material. Paul is just Paul a little kooky, but entertaining, and probably running for the wrong party’s nomination. That leaves Rudy and Mitt. I like Mitt the best. He is articulate, bright, quick on his feet and looks presidential. Rudy has some good ideas, but comes across, as my wife says, a little professorial. I also am not sure how well the New York ambiance will play nationwide, and of course he has his social issues issues. I know there are many on here that hate Mitt for whatever reason, but if we want to win I think he is our best but going forward.