[GraceG]

Ted did good and showed that he did earn his debate chops and rightfully earned his accolades!

[DoughtyOne]

[BAW]

Trump won. Cruz insulted the entire state of New York.

[cripplecreek]

I especially liked the birther slapdown.

[libbylu]

... It not only was Cruz’s strongest moment in any debate, it was Trump’s weakest moment yet.

[Politicalkiddo]

I was at a debate watching “party” in my dorm building and Cruz’s answers convinced a few people. This one guy who was sitting near me was incredibly impressed with his tax plan and said as much to me. Nobody liked Trump, however. A few were impressed with Carson for some reason..

[montag813]

Cruz was well-prepared. But his opponents need to remind the audience that Cruz was a national debating champion. I am amazed no one ever brings this up to increase expectations for Cruz. However, Cruz marred his otherwise strong rebuttal on NBC by bringing Trump's mother into it. Now Heidi Cruz is a big concern for conservatives, given her tenue with Goldman Sachas as one of only a few dozen managing directors, and career in the GOPe. But Trump didn't bring her up. Seemed a bit off to me.

Cruz lost on his NY slam. Trump could have buried him by promising to WIN New York...something only he has any hope of doing.

[patq]

Blog Loser: some guy named willy jacobson. who? exactly.

[teg_76]

Damn straight. Cruz was great!

[4rcane]

Not everyone in New York are Leftists. There are many Conservatives, just not enough to win election. Its the same with California, I think Conservatives make up 30% of the population in these blue states. They’re large, but not large enough

[BobL]

Anything short of a knockout against Trump means nothing changes...Trump goes into Iowa even-odds, then sweeps the rest (regardless of Iowa results).

[Slyfox]

Trump wanted Cruz as his VP.

That's why he has been so nice to Cruz.

What is a man to do when he knows more substantially about what is truly important and your boss is a blowhard?

[Aria]

Cruz is a professional debater. He debated all through college on one of the best debate teams in the country..i.e. this is is wheelhouse. Trump of course isn’t a professional debater - his wheelhouse is getting things done.

Not a hard choice.

[Seaplaner]

Agree, Ted Cruz is clear winner.

Second place? A total surprise for me. I don't care much for Obama-hugger Chris Christie, but he did have an especially good night.

Trump still argues largely on emotional arguments and generalities. He would do well to do some more homework.

Rubio is good, but a little to slick, and way too snotty.

Jeb gave his best performance of all the debates. Yes, it was truly marginal, but still his best.

Kasich is remarkable in that he's still on the A list. Why?

Dr. Carson was as likable as ever. The GOP President simply must find a cabinet level position for him.

.

[Irenic]

Cruz!

[bigbob]

How long did you have to dig to find some blog that agreed with your foregone conclusion?

[heights]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLBREATHLOLOLOLOLBREATHLOLOLOLOL

[Helicondelta]

Looking around on twitter.. Coulter says Trump won, Bachman says Trump won, Gingrich says Trump won, Rupert Murdock says Trump and Rubio won...

Who the hell is William A. Jacobson and why should I give a rat’s ass about his opinion?

[Cboldt]

Ahh yes, another one that got the NYT memo. LOL. Just rattling yer cage. Not talking about you, libbylu. Refer to the author of the OpEd.

[Theodore R.]

Trump won the debate because no one was able to dethrone him. Cruz and Rubio did fine, but the race remains as it was before this debate. Jebbie did better, but I have a great distaste for all things Bush.