My scorecard from last night:
LARGEST GAIN MADE - Rick Perry
Perry avoided any problems, got some good applause at times, and turned in his best debate performance so far. The bad news is while this may push him back into double digits in the polls, he is not likely to go much higher.
BEST DEBATE PERFORMANCE - Newt Gingrich
Newt continued to distance himself from the pack with both substance and style. His understanding of history is masterful. The issue of his consulting for Fannie/Freddie is overblown and will fade.
TREADING WATER - Rick Santorum
Rick may be the steadiest debate performer, but that is because he is consistently unimpressive with his immaturity and lack of understanding his limitations.
NEEDED TO GAIN GROUND BUT DIDN’T - Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman
Mitt turned in his normal, smooth talking sales pitch that dooms him to the 20% range in the polls. He needed to dent Gingrich in this debate and did not do that.
Jon is at a lower polling range but had the same problem. He is what he is and nothing changed last night. He’s done.
FINISHED AND SHOULD DROP OUT - Michelle Bachmann and Ron Paul
Michelle’s hair was nice but every time she’s gone on the attack, she loses ground in the polls and this one will be the same. If she can’t do any better in Iowa, she’s done.
Ron shot himself in the foot with foreign policy as usual. Some folks seemed surprised with his remarks last night, but they are not new. He’s been saying the same things for years. He has his cadre, but no chance of winning.
Disagree with you totally about Michele’s hair last night.
Romney may have been a little too subtle for this crowd. When he was attacking Obama for being a career politician with no business or job creating experience, he did not look at anyone on the stage but the implication was there. I also thought Huntsman had some good beg picture visions about the economy and world situations.
As a general rule I favor a governor over a senator or congressman because of their executive experience, but I believe that Newt is the best debater and can whip this group 7 days a week.
They said this has come down to a four-person race, Newt, Romney, Paul and Perry.
If so, that means Santorum isn't going to make it and that got me to asking why would Perry make it and Santorum not make it.
I think there's a big answer in here as to how voter decide who will get their vote.
We've heard a lot about the likeability factor. This may be where likeability is a huge factor. Rick Perry is just plain likeable. Who would we rather look at on the TV as our president?