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* Romney the frontrunner, clearly targeted by Stephi using Brownback's ads as proxy, deflected well. Romney got a great line in bashing Obama, made a challenge to RP's foreign policy ("What about 9/11?").
* McCain did well enough, conventional Republican policies, maybe a little closer to the Maverick he used to play.
* Julie-Annie did pretty well in the debate overall. He did take a few abortion/sodomy hits, otherwise emphasized governance and defense issues. I hate to say it but he did well for himself overall.
* Huckabee did well enough, steady performer, but I don't see him helping his standing much today.
* Senator Switchback's attack calls on Romney's changed abortion position) was hard-hitting initially but but I think Mitt deflected it reasonably well. Switchback went pro-life and whole-life. His foreign policy on a three-state solution and the failure of the Iraqi legislature was well-taken but countered by someone else pointing out that a federalism solution utilizing the 21 subdivisions of Iraq ("states") was the right solution.
* Duncan Hunter did pretty well on defense but like Huckabee didn't really help himself.
* Tommy Thompson didn't do well overall but had a few moments.
* Tancredo was okay but made no headway. He defended his nuke-Mecca policy and pounded the State Department, then got pounded by other candidates (Thompson, I think).
I was disappointed with Ron Paul's performance. You can't turn a policy forum into a constitutional debate.
Strongest performers: Giuliani and Romney, possibly McStain

Very good summary. I think the view of McCrazy depended on whether one has seen his previous performances. Those who did may have felt some of his comments were his usual rehearsed lines and been less impressed. With Brownback, I just think there is something nonverbal about the guy that says not ready for prime time. Can't quite put my finger on what it is, but have sensed it before and it was there again this morning. I'd say best performers were Mitt, Rudy and Duncan.

I agree very good summary. Missed the most important point though.
Mrs. Romney was in the audience. I think she got more coverage than Tancredo.

With Brownback, I just think there is something nonverbal about the guy that says not ready for prime time.

Brownback's young. He is probably eying 2012 vs. Hitlery.