Having survived last night's GOP debate, some observations and grades...
Mitt Romney - I've followed the NHL for over 40 years and Romney's performance in these GOP debates reminds me of something they used to say about superstar Wayne Gretzky. You could never really hit him. His on-ice vision was so much better than anyone else's, he'd always move out of the way just before he got crushed. Romney is so much smoother, so much cooler than the others its not funny. Add in Gov. Christie's endorsement yesterday and he's the prohibitive favorite to be the Republican nomination in 2012. It will take something of scandalous proportions to see him fall at this point. Grade B+
Rick Perry - The Governor from Texas is slipping with each debate. While there were no mumbling demonstrations last night like in previous debates, Perry was mostly a non factor. Romney scored a huge hit against him when responding about how Massachusetts handled insuring their children compared to how Texas performed. Perry admits debates aren't his strong suit, but unless he can find traction in some other form, he's doomed. If he only performed as well in these debates as his internet ad against Romney was made, well...he doesn't, does he? Grade D
Herman Cain - I have to give this guy credit. Basically coming out of nowhere, he's obviously comfortable in his own skin and has a definite charm about him. His 9-9-9 economic plan hasn't been dismantled just yet by his competition in these debates and he's pretty good at counter punching. Naming Cleveland businessman Richard Lowrie as one of his main economic advisers may bring him some grief over the next few days. Lowrie is a financial planner, not an economist, which is unusual for a national office candidate. Cain is making the most of his opportunity of late. I'm not sure how long this will continue, but he's certainly a factor right now and his performance last night helped him more than it hurt him, for certain. Grade B+
Ron Paul - Once again, failed to move his needle anywhere of significance in last night's debate. His message is unchanged from earlier debates. With all his experience, I can only guess that he's playing a waiting game of sorts. Attack no one too roughly, stick to his message and continue to raise enough cash to carry on into the primaries. Perhaps Mr. Paul is more interested in working for the next President as opposed to being the next President? Grade C
Rick Santorum - To his credit, Rick Santorum is still around. He's intense and is doubling down on his message, not softening it. His scrappy approach is probably essential to his short term survival. I don't think he has a long term to speak of. For Santorum to move up in the discussion, he'd have to start firing shots at the front-runner, Mitt Romney, which he really hasn't done so far. Like Paul, I think Santorum knows this isn't his time, and is auditioning for a position in a new Republican administration. Grade B
Michelle Bachmann - My biggest concern with Bachmann is that she's forever telling us that she matters and is the correct person to lead this Country. I know that's the message that each of the candidates is communicating, but its just not working for her. Her non answer about how to prevent Medicare from wasteful spending (saying that the IPAB Board would make all the important health decisions for 300 million Americans is patently false. She is fading from relevance. If she doesn't win Iowa, I think we see her step away from the campaign. Grade D
Newt Gingrich - He's the scariest guy on the stage. You can count on him to make 2-3 "pronouncements" a debate that scores some points with a few followers but does nothing to advance his cause in terms of securing the nomination. Like Messrs. Paul and Santorum, I think Gingrich is running for a position in Romney's administration more than the actual POTUS job. Grade C
John Huntsman - If the Republicans do take the Presidency in 2012, I hope Mr. Huntsman has a significant position. Despite his position in the pools, I think this is a man with interesting ideas, a good mind and sense of decency. I don't catch him telling bold faced lies, like Mrs. Bachmann did last night. How long he stays in the race is anyone's guess, but unless he dramatically changes his tactics, he'll be one of the first to fall away. Grade C
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