10/18 GOP Debate Reactions

Running down my reaction the candidates' performances in the October 18th debate, in alphabetical order:

Michele Bachmann - Desperately trying to regain some traction and visibility. Bachmann shark jump of the week: looking and sounding like she was about to cry when she was going through the whole "mom" exposition. Time to go back to Minnesota and make sure we get you back in the House.

Herman Cain - Plus: when the barrages against his 9-9-9 plan started coming from all directions he was smart and stopped parroting "9-9-9" as the panacea for all things economic. Minus: if he can't respond "9-9-9" to every issue, there really doesn't seem to be whole lot of substance there. More to come on my 9-9-9 and tax program thoughts later today.

Newt Gingrich - Once again, clearly the smartest guy in the room. Bad moment when he had to own up for the individual mandate; was surprised he didn't just shoot the whole thing down by saying it was wrong to have supported it when he did. Otherwise, I admire his ability to gently attack his nomination competitors while trashing both President Obama and the media. He's gaining traction with me on substance.

Jon Huntsman - Remember him? This was the best debate yet, since he wasn't there.

Ron Paul - Difficult to dislike him on economic issues. On everything else, he might as well be Code Pink's spokesperson. It's hard to believe, but he may actually be more liberal than President Obama when it comes to defense and foreign policy. I shudder to think of him in the White House, but the Treasury Department next door? You could convince me.

Rick Perry - Finally brought his debate "A" game, unfortunately his "A" is still a "B-" to most observers. The three weeks to the next debate should help by way of prep. I think he helped himself, as well as the other candidates, because he fired the first salvo in the Romney pile-on. If he can successfully strike Romney and Obama simultaneously, it won't be long before he's back up in the polls. Lot less stumbling over his own words. He's back on the radar.

Mitt Romney - Easily his worst debate performance. He was completely unprepared for the attacks launched upon him directly by the other six. I thought by halftime he was completely flustered, which of course meant that the other candidates let him get back into the game by laying off. One of Romney's weaknesses is similar to Obama's: he doesn't handle criticism and attacks well.

Rick Santorum - Running on your Pennsylvania electoral record? Really?!?!? Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?! You lost to a candidate by 17.4% whose only credential on the positive side was that he shares his Daddy's name! If you were re-running against Casey this cycle, I bet you'd be at least 10 points down right now, and Casey is completely beatable. Game over.

Winners on my scorecard: Gingrich, Perry
Losers: Cain, Paul, Romney
Time to go home: Bachmann, Huntsman, Santorum.