My Evaluation of the Candidates Performance at the Debate

[Guest]

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.

[Guest]

Doesn't matter, even though I have some disagreement with your assessment. It doesn't matter because Gov. Rick Perry has entered the race and he is hands down, head and shoulders above all these candidates in charisma and brilliance. If people listen to him, they cannot but help to be impressed; much like it is with Marco Rubio. In fact that is the "dream ticket"; Perry-Rubio. The Dems are shaking in their shoes as we speak if they have any sense.

[Guest]

Thanks BBQMan for the evaluation. I didn't get to see the entire debate, but from what I did see and from what I've read; I think your evaluation is spot on.

Perry and Rubio? I think I just felt a tingle go up my leg.

[Guest]

Thanks BBQMan for the evaluation. I didn't get to see the entire debate, but from what I did see and from what I've read; I think your evaluation is spot on.

Perry and Rubio? I think I just felt a tingle go up my leg.

Michelle Bachmann came off way better in that debate that BBQ gives her credit for. Santorum had a great night in terms of impact and made his campaign on that stage. Romney didn't hurt himself.

The rest can go home now, and tend to their other business.

[Guest]

Time is running out for a viable Republican candidate. I believe strong possibility for a third party candidate. Republican divided and independents over Obama....

Bachmann said to have lead in straw pool...Will see

[Guest]

I did not waste my time looking at the Republicans in Iowa. I enjoyed an episode of "Seinfeld" which was a lot more educational than those "candidates".

I think BBQMan did a pretty fair assessment of the participants. Kudos on your grading.

This thinking that a "businessman" would be a good president is bogus. The way of doing work in Washington is 180 degrees different than doing business in a corporate setting.

I would really look forward to a real debate where the candidates had to answer the questions that were asked and not go off on whatever tangent their speechwriters wrote for them on a general topic. Aren't some of you of the same wish as that?

I’m sorry that you did not take the time to watch the debate before you came to a conclusion. This is all too typical of the closed minds in the US today. It’s time we learned to listen to the other side. There may be something we could learn when we turn off our ideological blinders.

I do agree that a businessman and a politician are 180 degrees out of sync. A businessman defines a cut as spending less than you did last year – in other words, a real reduction in spending. A politician (either party) means spending less than the various departments would like to have. I prefer the business definition and hope you would consider it.

[Guest]

I watched and read everything I could find and agree with the comments of BBQMAN. I feel Bachmann's performance was embarrassing to watch. I feel sorry for her, but could never imagine her as a viable candidate. I would like to have seen Perry there so America could see how he is more narrow minded that most think. His politics would be fine for the deep religious south, but never for the whole of this country. Mitt still comes off as the best choice in my book.

[Guest]

BBQMan,

Actually, the reason I did not watch the debate of the Republicans in Iowa was that I did not have access to a television that night. My air conditioner quit working about 6 pm, the house got very hot quickly, and my wife and I spent the night with friends. They wanted to play cards. Since I was getting such a nice favor from them (staying at their house), I could not say I would rather watch television. I do like to hear all sides from all candidates.

On the plus side, I got a recommendation for an a/c repairman and he was to my house the next morning - found out I had a blown out capacitor - fixed it for $165 total cost.

A businessman for the Presidential slot and a VP with extensive foreign policy background might make for a very good ticket.

Whoever gets in office MUST be willing to negotiate and compromise when needed.

[Guest]

BBQMan,

Actually, the reason I did not watch the debate of the Republicans in Iowa was that I did not have access to a television that night. My air conditioner quit working about 6 pm, the house got very hot quickly, and my wife and I spent the night with friends. They wanted to play cards. Since I was getting such a nice favor from them (staying at their house), I could not say I would rather watch television. I do like to hear all sides from all candidates.

On the plus side, I got a recommendation for an a/c repairman and he was to my house the next morning - found out I had a blown out capacitor - fixed it for $165 total cost.

A businessman for the Presidential slot and a VP with extensive foreign policy background might make for a very good ticket.

Whoever gets in office MUST be willing to negotiate and compromise when needed.

"When needed" is the key phrase. Not "when expedient". The Republicans should have stood firm on the Ryan Plan no matter how this Democrat President and Senate delayed the budget debate and implementation. Sadly, the Republicans blinked and gave the President cover on this budget instead of letting it all fall in his lap. We, the American people, have been had. That's why we need new leadership and one that has a proven record of getting things done. Rick Perry is that man.

[Guest]

I am sure that those members who abhor Michelle Bachmann are going to say that she won the straw vote because she was raised in Iowa. However, I lived in West Des Moines Iowa for 8 years and travled that state and was actively involved with the Republican Party and my view is that these folks are very down to earth and very independent.

I like Michelle Bachmann primarily because she embodies that down to earth Iowa personna.

[Guest]

I am sure that those members who abhor Michelle Bachmann are going to say that she won the straw vote because she was raised in Iowa. However, I lived in West Des Moines Iowa for 8 years and travled that state and was actively involved with the Republican Party and my view is that these folks are very down to earth and very independent.

I like Michelle Bachmann primarily because she embodies that down to earth Iowa personna.

This debate just goes to show that most people don't know what the heck they're seeing. I know this is just my opinion, but my view is that no one came off as more in tune with themselves and their candidacy than Michelle Bachmann in that debate. She shows an inner strength that the boys she shared the stage with were lacking. Lots of men just have trouble listening to a woman with any seriousness, I think. Lots of women too.

[Guest]

Really really like Huntsman, was given some marshmellow questions compared to Perry but really sounded like he could get congress united, gee, that would be different.....Sorry but this world is not ready for another Texan!