Ok, I've had time to digest tonight's Republican debate and here's some thoughts and my grades:
No one threw any solid shots tonight. All the candidates bashed President Obama at every opportunity. The tactic from Moderator John King of CNN to have the candidates use the honor system with regard to staying within the time limits failed miserably. No shockers whatsoever tonight but several interesting moments.
Mitt Romney: Performed as expected, looked polished and Presidential. Used kid gloves with Pawlenty, stuck to the Party line, played it safe. Got the most questions, but stayed away from controversial statements. I don't know if he acquired any new supporters tonight, but I don't think he lost any, either. Comes off like its his nomination to lose, which it probably is. Doesn't seem prone to unforced errors, he is the anti-Gingrich candidate. Very disciplined performance tonight.
(GRADE B+)Tim Pawlenty: Apparently signed a non aggression pact with the other candidates. Seemed nervous in the first few minutes and bungled his answer about Obamneycare when pressed by moderator John King. The only candidate I heard mention Free Trade but had strong answer citing Obama's mortgage rescue program as a failure. Not as polished or Presidential as Romney appeared. Stated that Sarah Palin is "qualified to be President."
(GRADE C)Newt Gingrich: Had the most work to do tonight but failed to regain much lost ground. His efforts to differentiate himself from the others were either too subtle or simply fell flat. Claimed to be "taken out of context" with his comments about the Ryan Plan...
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