I’ve only been listening, not viewing the debate — I find that helpful. Santorum got bloodied several times, and he sounds like a scared kid when he defends himself. He also spent way too much time admitting his voting mistakes.
Romney did better than Santorum tonight, and Romney stutters.
Newt got his energy points in, and that’s what will resonate best with everyone. We’ve got the resources. We’re Americans, we can do what needs to be done.
A complicated and interesting event, all in all. Now the commentators are up.
Ari Fleischer says it’s a good night for Newt and Mitt, but Rick missed his chance.
Brazile: Rick not ready for the big leagues. Gingrich still the statesman of the party.
Borger: nobody cares what she says but she’s interviewing Rick. “I have to tell you Sen., it got heated; you seem to be calling Gov Romney a hypocrite...?”
Rick talks about earmarks, refuses to call Mitt hypocrite though. Just implies it all over the place. Says it’s a favorable Romney crowd here. Keeps harping on Romney rather than Obama.
Borger: “divisive cultural issues” — what do you say?
Rick: Gallup says we’re doing well; complains that the questions are outrageous on social issues like contraception, but “I understand the game.”
Santorum was right that it was a favorable Romney crowd. The place was probably full of Mormons.