The CNN Arizona Debate is over.
As with all of the debates, there are winners and losers. Who won, who lost and what’s next?
First the winners. Newt Gingrich was clearly the big winner tonight. He was in top form tonight and was able to hold the position he loves to operate from. He was able to swoop in on certain questions do really well. If Newt had nights like this in every debate, he would be the nominee.
Mitt Romney also falls into the winner circle. Romney is not a good or natural debater. Preparation can overcome a multitude of sins and what ever else you want to say about Romney, he does prepare well for debates.
Ron Paul could have been winner if he could have stayed away from foreign policy. Foreign policy is his Achilles heel. Iran is a threat to America. Islam is a threat to America. We are not threatening Iran. Iran is threatening America and Israel.
CNN is a winner too. CNN did not hit any of the Republicans with any really bad gotcha questions and the really stupid questions, like describe yourself with one word, were kept to a minimum.
The Republican Party. With twenty some odd debates, the Republican Party has scored big with the Debates. They have been a big draw for the networks that have carried them and have been a good showcase for all of the Republicans.
A year ago, who would have believed we would have had this many debates?
The losers:
Rick Santorum. Santorum need a knock out punch today to beat Romney. He did not get it. Not only did he not get his knock out punch, he was back on his heels most of the debate. He stumbled and fumbled in dealing with all of the candidates. Santorum did not have the worst debate performance ever. He did not forget which departments he would abolish but his performance was not a whole lot better.
If Santorum had delivered with some of the strong points he had in previous debates he might be doing better. Going into Michigan and Arizona, this debate could have the same consequences the bad debates had for Gingrich in Florida.
The Republican Establishment is also a loser. For years they have allowed the liberal media to call the shots on their debates. The Republican mainstream voters are tired of it. Blogs ranging from Tea Party Nation to Red State have called the GOP establishment on this. Even the National Review said something this today.
Santorum came in with momentum tonight. He needed to have a debate strategy. Romney, for all of his flaws, has a debate strategy. He is going to get in someone’s face and push them back on their heels. Gingrich was in his preferred position and he had the strategy of being the Republican wise man, which he pulled off magnificently.
Santorum had no strategy other than to just show up.
We will know in the next few days how badly this debate hurt Santorum. One thing is certain. Romney can probably breathe a little easier tonight.
Permalink Reply by Debrajoe Smith-Beatty on I thought they all did well tonight. Newt was excellent.
Permalink Reply by Peter N Gauvin on Newt is Presidential the others are possibly Vice Presidential...
Permalink Reply by Kevin Kellogg on 
Santorum proved he's a Washington Insider tonight.
Permalink Reply by David N Taylor on When I became a man, I put away childish things. So goes the quote.
Permalink Reply by tedsmith on Oh, come on David
That pictured line probably would've got more mileage than what he used!!! I love the guy, but this is over his head
GO NEWT!!!!
Permalink Reply by Doug Kolonia on You have to admit Romney is getting better at debating. Or is it just getting better at knowing how to say what we want to hear? Yes, Newt was back to normal and did well but no home runs which he needed. Rick missed his big chance same as Newt did in FL. So what does all that mean? Probably that Romney wins MI and AZ and the majority of votes on Super Tuesday I hate to say.
Permalink Reply by Judson Phillips on Romney is clearly reviewing debate film much as NFL players review game film. His tactic is to lean in and take the questioning away from the host and do it himself, much as a lawyer cross examines someone. Newt needs to do that if he he is going to have another debate shot.
Permalink Reply by JC Daley on Mittt may win AZ but it will be a squeaker......AZ has a majority of Mormons who all vote, so a Romney loss won't happen in AZ. Unfortunately it is winner take all--Santorum may lose by inches behind
I think its a tie on super Tuesday to.
Permalink Reply by Brenda Choate on Romney had nothing new to say. He simply went with his same "consistent" answers and pitched his "when I am President" line. They could have had a cardboard cutout and tape recorder in his place. His opening squabble with Rick almost turned me off watching the debate as another dog and pony show. At least this debate was for the most part issue orientated and all candidates were allowed to answer.
Permalink Reply by Deb in Texas on I totally agree with your analysis of winners and loser. But I thought it was funny when Ron Paul pointed out that Reagan was able to end the cold war by negotiating he failed to mention that we had 30,000 bombs pointed at Russia. Just a little bit of fact there....
Newt stayed above the fray and offered real solutions to real problems.
Yes, and the crowd responded well to his solutions. As they always do!
Permalink Reply by victoria lites on Romney only won to those who like the RINO just like Paul only won with the Paul followers
As for Newt he was great and Santorum wasnt great but his followers also will not be swayed by
Romneys tactics....I would think folks are getting tired of the "I've been in the private sector for 25 years"
" I saved the olympics" I know how to, I'm wonderful etc etc etc....
That does not win anything it just swells his head!
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