Bachmann, Romney have strong showing in GOP debate...

Ok, I've had time to digest tonight's Republican debate and here's some thoughts and my grades:


No one threw any solid shots tonight. All the candidates bashed President Obama at every opportunity. The tactic from Moderator John King of CNN to have the candidates use the honor system with regard to staying within the time limits failed miserably. No shockers whatsoever tonight but several interesting moments.

Mitt Romney: Performed as expected, looked polished and Presidential. Used kid gloves with Pawlenty, stuck to the Party line, played it safe. Got the most questions, but stayed away from controversial statements. I don't know if he acquired any new supporters tonight, but I don't think he lost any, either. Comes off like its his nomination to lose, which it probably is. Doesn't seem prone to unforced errors, he is the anti-Gingrich candidate. Very disciplined performance tonight. (GRADE B+)

Tim Pawlenty: Apparently signed a non aggression pact with the other candidates. Seemed nervous in the first few minutes and bungled his answer about Obamneycare when pressed by moderator John King. The only candidate I heard mention Free Trade but had strong answer citing Obama's mortgage rescue program as a failure. Not as polished or Presidential as Romney appeared. Stated that Sarah Palin is "qualified to be President." (GRADE C)

Newt Gingrich: Had the most work to do tonight but failed to regain much lost ground. His efforts to differentiate himself from the others were either too subtle or simply fell flat. Claimed to be "taken out of context" with his comments about the Ryan Plan for Medicare but then doubled down and said the conversation needed to be slowed down to learn what American really wanted. Scored points on immigration with a call for moderation. Lost points when he said he'd use a loyalty oath for Non Christians. If you're a Gingrich fan, you're probably bummed out tonight. (GRADE C-)

Rick Santorum: Played nice when given an opportunity to comment on Pawlenty's ambitious economic plan. Fear-mongered about the IPAB commencing rationing as soon as 2014. Passed on chance to question Romney's "conversion " a pro-life stance a few years ago. Supports ending the ethanol subsidy. Appeared high strung and tense with his responses. No surprises tonight, but doesn't appear to have the same gravitas as Romney, Pawlenty, etc. possess. I think Santorum is more likely running for Vice President, than the top of the ticket. (GRADE C)

Michelle Bachmann: The most self assured, well spoken, engaging candidate in the debate. Her answers were sharp, contained better content and seemed more powerful to me than those of the others. Announcing her actual (not official) intent to run for office may have been a grandstand move, but it worked. She used it on a question she preferred not to answer, regarding Pawlenty's economic plan. Her quote of former Senator Obama refusing to vote to raise the debt ceiling a few years ago was a nice touch. Her one stumble came regarding the Defense of Marriage issue when she said she'd support an Amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman, but then said she wouldn't overturn any States that had voted gay marriage into law. (GRADE A)

Ron Paul: God bless Ron Paul. Almost every answer of his contained a plea for attention to the Treasury Department and our currency. No surprises from Mr. Paul at all this evening. Advocates for smaller Government with a Libertarian bent. Feels marriage should be left to the States, if not the Church. Wants the troops home ASAP. I can't identify anything that advanced his cause much tonight. (GRADE C+)

Herman Cain: A little better competition tonight, eh Mr. Cain? Performed well but stumbled on the question about a loyalty oath for Muslims who wanted to serve in his administration. Promised no Sharia Law in America if he gets elected. Supported Federal Government (FDA) retaining role in safeguarding nation's food supply. Thinks the States should decide for themselves on gay marriage, wouldn't overturn President Obama's repeal of DADT unless it was necessary. Also feels that the Constitution should be changed regarding birthright citizenship.(GRADE C)