[Riley]

So I guess the debates are best viewed as a think-on-your-feet-under-pressure test. And as a barometer that there haven’t been any big changes in the candidate’s general direction or major thematic points.

[kabar]

That about sums it up. We really won't learn much else from the debates. The candidates have been on the stump for awhile now. They have their talking points nailed down and just regurgitate them at the drop of a hat.

The only real vulnerability is a slip up or poor judgment. As I mentioned, the no-fly zone in Syria was a test in judgment and temperment. Trump, Cruz, and Paul passed with flying colors.

And yesterday, Kerry after meeting with the Russians said that regime change in Syria was not a priority.