The GOP Debates : Round One Winners and Losers

There were two presidential debates today. The first debate might have been called the Happy Hour debate. In it, seven Republicans shared a debate stage in a pre-primetime show because their poll numbers were too low for them to be in the top ten who were in the primetime debate. In the first debate, one candidate - former HP head Carly Fiorina - emerged from what has been called a relatively low-key contest with a significant positive response on social media. Fiorina took on not only Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton by name, but even her own party. Fiorina, whose polls are at an average of 1.3% in FOX's calculation of five recent national surveys, was praised by observers for her fluid delivery of lines on Iran, illegal immigration and Washington gridlock. "We need a nominee who is going to throw every punch, not pull punches, and someone who cannot stumble before he even gets in the ring," she said. "I am not a member of the political class. I am a conservative." And she took aim at GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, who reportedly spoke by phone with Bill Clinton shortly before he jumped into the presidential race : "I didn't get a phone call from Bill Clinton before I jumped in the race. Any of you get a phone call from Bil Clinton? I didn't. Maybe it's because I haven't given money to the Foundation or donated to his wife's Senate campaign." Her performance won her accolades from influential conservatives on Twitter and on cable. It's not clear that Fiorina will be able to stay in the race long-term. Her 2010 Senate run in California ended with a resounding defeat. ~~~~~ Then, the primetime GOP group took over. The debate is winding down as I write. Several conclusions are already clear. ~~~~~ Several debaters will be seen as losers. Senator Rand Paul was inarticulate in his own defense, and when he managed to speak clearly, it was about fiscal issues. Dr. Ben Carson had detail to support his conservative generalisms. But, he lacked punch and so he seemed slow in organizing his thoughts. However, his wisdom about race should be part of the next President's inner circle. ~~~~~ Some debaters will be seen as treading water - moving neither up nor down. Senator Ted Cruz is a serious, determined conservative thought leader. But he seemed to be unable to pull his gravitas together into a cohesive whole. This may be because he has little bottom-line executive experience and so has no experience in forming an umbrella vision. His expertise is clearly in the legal and constitutional areas and he should be given a chance to use those skills and talents. Governor Kasich is an old pro. He has done great things for Ohio and would probably do good things in Washington. But he has a tendency to use language that sounds like leftovers from the Great Society of LBJ. ~~~~~ Some debaters continue to fascinate. Governor Christie is direct speaking and discusses what needs to be done in clear terms. But, like Senator Cruz, he seems to have a foot in both the executive and legal arenas. It isn't clear which feeds his vision. And he has still not made a good case for why he should be President. Governor Walker has just the opposite problem. His answers were pat, with little coming through in his remarks that shows that he really understands the weight of the office of President. Walker also showed little determination or passion for being President. Governor Huckabee was himself in spades. He understands the problems and has the answers, without even once showing any real zeal for being President. But, when sound bites are needed, just ask Huckabee. ~~~~~ And some debaters were winners. Senator Rubio continues to be the best speaker in the GOP group of candidates. His vision looks toward the future and he sees the issues that must be dealt with to make that future secure. He had the pertinent facts at his fingertips and used them to support his answers without making them the centerpiece of the answers. He will be a force to be dealt with right through to the convention. Jeb Bush was at his compassionate best. It is not possible to dislike Jeb or to fail to suffer with him about the immigrant, social and educational injustices yet to be righted. He has a warm heart and open arms for those in need. But his defense answers were weak and his compassionate demeanor is worrisome in an era in which the world desperately needs a decisive commander-in-chief. That leaves Donald Trump. He held his ground. He was polite. He explained but didn't go into detail. His position wasn't damaged. He said he doesn't and America doesn't have time "to be politically correct." That is the Trump position and vision in one sentence. ~~~~~ Dear readers, round one of the GOP debates is over and the social media and the next polls will tell us what America tbought of the primetime debaters. But, one thing is sure. Dr. Carson had the best line of the evening. The renowned neurosurgeon said : "I'm the only one here who's taken out half a brain, but looking at Washington, you'd think someone beat me to it."