The first televised debate between Republican candidates for the Presidency of the United States is over, but the endless commentary on the subject of "who won" is just beginning. The following is my two cents on the individual performance of the various contenders:
John McCain - B+
The good: Steadfast support for Iraq in spite of opposition will appeal to a lot of the Republican base, very strong on fiscal responsibility, came off as experienced, reminded people that he has a history of uniting politicians on both sides of the aisle.
The bad: A few stutters in the beginning, played into the "grouchy old man" stereotype, his yes to the "do you believe in evolution" question may hurt him with christian voters (along with his pro embryonic stem cell research stance), the McCain plan for Iraq is the Bush plan for Iraq.
Rudy Giuliani - C+
The good: Came across strong on defense, emphasized his record in New York City, referred to Ronald Reagan constantly.
The bad: Humorless delivery, looked uncomfortable with several issues, terribly awkward position on abortion (it's OK to overturn Roe V Wade, and OK to NOT overturn Roe V Wade), terribly awkward comment about the religious right (Q: "Has the increased influence of christian conservatives in your party been good for it?" A: "Uh... Sure, the increased influence of large numbers of people are always good for us... I'd like to go back to the earlier question..."), referred to Ronald Reagan constantly.
Mitt Romney - A
The good: Polished, slick, well-prepared, came off strong on just about everything, didn't say anything stupid.
The bad: Too polished and slick.
Duncan hunter - A
The good: Strong, commanding delivery, knew what he was talking about (defense, border security), looked presidential.
The bad: A bit too hawkish (in the course of the debate, he essentially declared war on Iran).
Tom Tancredo - C-
The good: His strong statement regarding the overturn of Roe V Wade ("After 40 million dead because we have aborted them in this country, I'd say that that would be the greatest day in this country's history when that is, in fact, overturned") might win him a few points with pro-lifers.
The bad: Uncomfortable on stage , hesitant, never smiled, seemed ill-prepared and unexperienced, was upstaged by Hunter on his trademark issue (illegal immigration).
Ron Paul - B+
The good: Disagreed with everyone else about everything, probably right about everything.
The bad: The closest thing to a Mike Gravel in the republican debate; unelectable.
Mike Huckabee - B
The good: As poised and polished as usual, upbeat attitude, displayed a sense of humor.
The bad: If I hear his recycled "my faith explains me" speech one more time, I'll walk to Arkansas and shoot his dog.
Sam Brownback - A-
The good: Appeared more conservative than the mainline candidates without looking like a crazy person, positions seemed reasoned and nuanced, family friendly rhetoric appeals to the religious right.
The bad: Not the most charismatic guy in the world.
There were two other guys in the debate that I didn't include in the list: Jim Gilmore and Tommy Thompson. Both gave solid performances, but neither stood out for anything in particular.
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