For long stretches, it sounded more like a GOP pep rally than a debate. The moderators made very little effort to draw out differences among the candidates, or to attack the weaknesses of their arguments.
You know you’re in for a long night when the candidate who exhibited the most humanity was . . . Donald Trump, with his graceful tribute to the people of Manhattan after 9/11.
Of the Romney Coalition (i.e., “the establishment”) candidates, Christie clearly had the best showing. That is actually bad news for the establishment, because Christie has no chance of making any kind of showing outside of New Hampshire.
Rubio got the worst of his exchange with Christie and just gave excerpts of his campaign speeches. That won’t help him in New Hampshire.
Does Cruz have an “I hate New York” bumper sticker on his car? Where does he think his wife’s employer is based? Does he believe it makes sense to simply write off a large number of electoral votes?
I am in equal measures impressed and disgusted by Cruz’ ability to attribute the hostility of David Brooks, a Republican columnist, to the liberals at the NYT.
The GOP consensus on foreign policy: trash talking and defense budget increases will solve all of our problems. As if.
At least Cruz is willing and able to take on Trump. Both of them commanded the stage. Cruz got the best of it on the birther issue; Trump won on “New York values.” Call it a draw.