I actually thought that Trump’s performance was pretty bad until two pretty significant events: 1) Trump’s refusal to get into a pissing match with Cruz and 2) Trump’s answer to the question as to whether he’d run as an independent if he’s not the nominee. His initial, thoughtful pause and his somewhat muted, but sincere answer had a very real ring of honesty and just a little bit of humility - something we rarely see in Donald Trump. My 15 year-old daughter said “Wow, that was a great answer!†and Hugh Hewitt applauded, as did almost everyone in the room.
Agree with your two points. I didn’t think Trump did badly, just subdued but defusing his “maniac” comment about Cruz - and deflating the questioner was very shrewd. Thought Cruz, Christie and Paul did well. Bush seemed like a petulant, nervous schoolgirl - have no idea how anyone can say he won the debate
Good point. I must have missed that as I had pretty much bagged it after about 2 hours.