FIrst the debate won’t really change anything — Guiliani, McCain and Romney will still be the front-runners tomorrow (with Fred Thompson as a popular, undeclared alternative). Bottom line is that they have the money, organization and support to win votes and compete nationally.
There were no real losers. Everyone looked credible and serious — and, other than Cong. Ron Paul, mostly agreed on the issues.
While I have been impressed with Giuliani as a solid front-runner, Romney got the biggest boost from his performance at the just concluded Presidential debate. And, this being his de jure introduction to the nation, the time could not have been better for his campaign.
Romney looked Presidential, handled questions with aplomb and gave credible responses to critiques that he’d flipped on key issues.
McCain made no fatal mistakes — but hit no long drives either.
Rudy looked tentative and seemed to stumble over even simple questions. The quick-cutting, limited format is clearly not his best venue. At the end of the debate, (while still on camera) he seemed to hesitate, then rush off stage — as if unsure whether he even wanted to be there.
The other surprise winner was former VA Guv, Jim Gilmore, who was clear, concise and comfortable with what he believed. He exhibited all the qualities needed to position himself as a solid alternative if one of the front runners stumbles badly. Or to be a leading candidate for Vice-President.
San Diego’s Duncan Hunter also performed well — he looked the part and spoke with authority on military issues, although he needs to articulate broader themes on more issues to move up to the level of Gilmore and the front-runners.
An encouraging theme, echoed by every candidate, was articulated best by Sen. Brownback when he said "there are ten quality candidates on this stage – everyone of which will make a better President than Hillary Clinton." And again by former Gov. Huckabee when he said "someone who agrees with you 80% of the time is your ally, not your enemy."
Campaigns are much like full-contact sports – so things are unlikely to remain so congenial, but Brownback and Huckabee struck just the right chord in the place honoring a truly great leader who gave us the "11th commandment."