Posted on 02/06/2016 9:05:43 PM PST by Windflier
After sleeping on the debate, here is my rankings of performance, not who I support on a 10 point scale where 10 is perfect.
Christie
Trump
Kasich
Cruz
Bush
Rubio
Carson
The debate helped Christie especially as a future VP candidate and will gain him a couple of percentage points in polls. Unless he has some other beaktrough it will not be significant long term
Trump had a couple of good moments, a couple of bad and the rest so-so. Has to have a better “what is a conservative” answer before next debate and get a crisper answer on eminent domain. Did not change is prospects for NH or going forward.
Kasich finished second among the governor’s and helped himself for the NH primary. He could get a bounce because of the electorate there. After NH he has no other viable states, except Vermont and Massachusetts on March 1.
Cruz made two serious errors but had one excellent and several good moments. The Iowa issue is still very bad for him and his timeline answer, immediately countered by CNN, Carson and the other networks will make him look disingenuous, He compounded that mistake by coming back to Iowa as his closing statement which put the issue back on the mind of voters leaving the debate.
Bush will be given credit for his best debate performance to date, not saying much, and actually may remain viable because of Rubio’s canned answers being more than obvious and repeating the same segments multiple times. If Rubio falters too far in the polls the GOPe rallies again around Bush because they have no one else.
Rubio would have been better off claiming he had a bad stomach virus and skipping the debate. He had some really good moments, for instance his what is a conservative answer was excellent as was his defense of his abortion stance. I liked that he hit Obama hard but most view that as a given. He led Trump into what I believe was a misstep on Trump’s part. His Boy in the Bubble moment reinforced that perception that he is only spouting canned talking points and he is not speaking with his views. Has to make one wonder about his answer on conservativim, etc. is that really his belief or is that what he was programmed to say?
Carson is a good man but over his head. He is sincere and will remain a well respected person but not one capable of being president. His Zika answer showed his strength as a doctor and knowledge of the medical profession.
For the record I support Trump first and Cruz second.
It was good, Windy; I didn’t see it last night either, but caught it this morning on YouTube.
Trump was very good; very different in this debate.
-JT
Based on your recommendation, I may have to set aside some time on this Superbowl Sunday to watch it.
Thanks!
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