Trump did himself no favors. Cruz, Rubio, Carson, Walker and Fiorina demonstrated to me high intellect and the ability to lead. That says nothing about their conservatism but it is indicative of their ability to win.
Megan Kelly is clueless about her fiasco
Great observations. I feel similar. I have no dog yet, but a few I am hopeful can rise to this challenge.
I think your five are the ones who did well. Kasich did as well. I think his medicaid expansion and reasoning is horrific, but beyond that he's a good retail politician and more conservative than not. He made a political decision in his first term to expand medicaid in a blue-trending state, and then draped in religion as a justification. It's a pathetic as Rubio's immigration snow job a couple years back. That said, I like both men and both are talented and with more than not. I will give credit to both for doing a good job. Christie got blown out in his battle with Paul, but otherwise, I remembered tonight why I used to like him a lot.
Overall, the guys did pretty good in a crappy format. I think your five and Kasich all demonstrated good moments and overall strength. Cruz got screwed with time by the Fox News team that bends over backwards to pretend like he's not in the race. It's a clear directive some someone in the GOP hierarchy, and with that treatment on a big stage where he had no time to show more to the average voter, he's going to have to do something big to get the attention and show himself to be the man for the job.