My Take on This Republican Debate

This debate emerged as a contest between two heavyweights – Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Most of the others focused on trying to find the feet of clay of either of these two. They were unsuccessful.

Mitt Romney – Extremely knowledgeable, a practiced speaker and knew his way around the issues. Came across as an effective leader. Grade – A

Rick Perry – Great track record in Texas that provides an effective base to run on. Still learning on foreign relations, but is growing in this area. Admitted to making a mistake with the HPV virus executive order. (Nice to see a politician admit to mistakes) Comes across as a natural leader. Grade – A

Michelle Bachman – Changed from being a ‘fighter’ to just being shrill. Taken down a peg when Gov. Perry discredited her accusation of being influenced by a campaign donation by Merck. Grade remains a D.

Herman Cain – Shows a loss of energy from the first debate. Still a galvanizing speaker and an accomplished businessman with a lot to give. Grade slips from B- to C.

Ron Paul – Still the gadfly who cannot be taken seriously. Interesting ideas with more the grain of truth. Grade remains a C

Rick Santorum – There appears to be no reason for his continuing to be in the race. Time for him to withdraw. Grade remains an F.

Newt Gingrich – Newt would be a serious candidate except for his personal baggage. Would be a great advisor issues to another candidate. Grade remains a C.

John Huntsman – A man with excellent qualifications that does not seem to communicate his ideas effectively. Good track record as a leader but lacks personal personal presence. Grade B.

Tim Pawlenty withdrew from the race. The only other person I can see entering the race with a chance of success is Governor Christie. The principal danger to a Republican candidate remains the entry of a third party candidate similar to the situation with Ross Perot in 1992.