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Grading the New Hampshire GOP debate
Last night’s Republican debate in New Hampshire wasn’t exactly boring, but it certainly wasn’t a debate. It was more like a communal press conference, where each candidate had the opportunity to recite canned responses. The equivalent of reading through a car company’s slick brochure rather than taking an actual test drive. The Twitter comments at #CNNdebate were often far more entertaining than the debate itself, but a few of the candidates did manage to keep things interesting.
Overall, I was disappointed in all the candidates’ slippery responses on gays in the military and the Afghanistan war. I realize that once a candidate gets into the Oval Office, they are certain to receive classified information that could change one’s opinion. Just ask Obama about that one. And sure, defer to the generals in some instances. But dammit, at least have an opinion! It’s sad that Ron Paul needed to remind Romney and the rest of the candidates that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. military.
Rather than couch the debate in terms of who won and lost — because I don’t think any of them really lost last night — I’ll give grades to the various candidates based on their answers and performance.
Michelle Bachman: A-
I didn’t realize she was declaring her candidacy, so I was surprised to see her on stage. And although my opinion of her is not yet solid, I must admit to being largely impressed by most of her answers and demeanor last night. She was sharp and very disciplined. She deserves kudos for unflinchingly vowing to repeal Obamacare. And she refused to criticize Romneycare, choosing instead to remain on-message against Democrats. If she keeps this up — and can avoid beclowning herself in the media — she sounds like she could most definitely take Obama behind the proverbial woodshed in a debate. “Make no mistake, President Obama is a one term president!”
Herman Cain: C+
I’ve been a fan of The Hermanator since he first announced his candidacy, but last night’s performance was underwhelming, especially given how well he did in the first debate. He didn’t say anything particularly bad, he just failed to excite. In future debates, he needs to muscle up a bit on foreign policy, but also keep things focused to his strengths: business experience and creating jobs. That’s where he could really shine. I did like the fact that he firmly corrected host John King for his mischaracterization of what Cain had said regarding Muslims serving in a Cain administration. Cain doesn’t suffer fools, and that’s another plus in his column.
Newt Gingrich: B-
He gave several solid conservative answers. This kind of wonkish “debate” is where Newt excels. Bonus points for his intro: “I’m Newt Gingrich and with 14 million Americans out of work it is time to end the Obama Depression.” But after thoroughly shooting himself in the foot by attacking the Ryan plan and approving of ObamaCare’s unconstitutional mandate, he’s still finished in my book. Too much baggage overwhelms his potential.
Ron Paul: C
There’s a lot to like about several of Paul’s Libertarian positions, and he made some good points. But overall, he still comes across to me as a loon. I found him more than a little questionable in the 2008 election, and I’ve yet to see anything to change my mind.
Tim Pawlenty: C-
He was clear and concise, and made several solid conservative points in the debate. But he totally wussed out when challenged by host John King to elaborate on the “Obamneycare” accusation he leveled just two days ago. FAIL. In my view, his answers were massively overshadowed by that disappointing lack of intestinal fortitude. I realize that may have been strategy on his part; choosing not to call out Romney just yet. But when King dropped that in his lap, he choked. If he can’t even clarify his position against a fellow Republican, how will he stand a chance against TOTUS?
Mitt Romney: B+
He came into this debate the front-runner, and didn’t do anything to imperil that standing with his performance. Throughout the evening, he remained focused on President Obama and the economy. Plus, the other candidates seemed afraid to corner him on Romneycare. But I happen to strongly disagree with his belief in man-made global warming. And the fact that he implemented Romneycare in his state demonstrates a weak dedication to the Constitution and the principle of individual liberty. Plus, his high degree of polish puts me off a bit and I wonder if it will do the same for the majority of voters. If he winds up being the GOP candidate, I’d have to hold my nose to vote for him. And after being served up McCain in 2008, I don’t want to have to hold my nose for a candidate again.
Rick Santorum: B-
He was even there last night? Seriously though, he seemed very forceful in some of his responses, and I know he wants to come across all tough and confrontational. But he failed to distinguish himself or to win me over in any way.
Host John King: F
King was a complete tool, often taking more time to pose a question than he would allow the candidates time to answer. And his asinine “Coke or Pepsi,” “deep-dish or thin crust” questions were a complete waste of everybody’s time. No wonder CNN is in third place behind MSNBC and Fox.
Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT
[...] my post about the Republican debate in New Hampshire, I criticized the fact that most GOP candidates were pretty ambiguous in their answers regarding [...]