Last Night's Debate
I watched the debates last night expecting to witness someone who would amaze viewers and begin to pull away in the polls. After hearing Rudy speak last weekend, I expected it to be him. However, last night looked more like a game show than a debate. With rapid fire questions and yes/no answers it was impossible to get any sense of an individual candidate and it has left Republican voters more confused than before. Now questions like “Who is Ron Paul?” and “Is Tommy Thompson for real?” are surfacing. I know that during the primary campaign one must illustrate differences between each candidate, but for a party who needs unity and ten candidates who are preaching unity, it looked as if people from all parties were debating.
Rudy Giuliani looked good, although he struggled with answers to abortion. He had the right answers to stem cell research as well as economic and foreign policy questions. But this is the Republican Party, they all cut taxes.
Mitt Romney did well during the debate, however he benefited from going first on a majority of the questions. He also looked calculated; as if a mix of strategic planning to determine what should be said in this arena.
John McCain found the passion that his campaign has been lacking, however one wonders if his statements concerning the current path of the nation will hinder his ability to gather public support.
Sam Brownback utilized his time well, explaining his stances on the issues without such titles as a “reliable conservative” or a “consistent conservative.” However, Brownback looked like he was as far right as Dennis Kucinich is left and overemphasized his religious influence.
Tommy Thompson came off looking dazed and confused and failed to relay his message effectively.
Mike Huckabee did well among the candidates but failed to show differences between him and the candidates that would help voters understand why he should be chosen above the others.
Ron Paul, the former libertarian, showed his true libertarianism which probably looked a little to fanatic for some Republicans.
James Gilmore, Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo see Mike Huckabee.
As far as ranking the candidates performances:
1. Rudy Giuliani
2. Mitt Romney
3. Sam Brownback
4. tie: Mike Huckabee, John McCain
5. the rest of the field