The first political debate of this presidential primary season was held Friday night in Ames, Iowa. Here is my take on it:

Mitt Romney – Looked and acted Presidential. Laid out clearly what he would try to do as President. His background in private industry and government shows him to be a capable leader. Grade - A

Michele Bachman – Far too insistent on how she ‘fights’ for things and people. No executive experience. Almost as far to the right as Obama is to the left. Grade - D

Herman Cain – An intelligent, accomplished businessman who knows how to lead and how to move quickly when required. No government experience, but that may be a plus. Would need a VP with strong International experience (Huntsman?).
Grade – B-

Ron Paul – the gadfly of the group. A consistently ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker. He favors actions that keep us out of other nation’s business and increase international trade. Cannot be seriously considered, but his ideas should be taken seriously. Grade - C

Rick Santorum – No charisma and no campaign war chest. – It’s time for him to go home. Grade - F

Tim Pawlenty – See Rick Santorum above. Grade - F

Newt Gingrich – Incredibly intelligent and has a proven ability to work across the aisle. Loaded with personal baggage that makes him unelectable. Like Ron Paul, his ideas deserve serious consideration. Grade - C

Jon Huntsman – Great domestic and international credentials. Just joined the race and has yet to spell out his ideas. Grade – Inc.