Before I begin my analysis let me just say that I think Rick Perry did great tonight. He made no mistakes at all. Good for him. Now on to the debate.
The quick order of finish: Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum (tie) then Mitt Romney and Ron Paul.
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Newt Gingrich:
In a masterful stroke, Newt Gingrich took the story about his ex-wife’s allegations and used it to simply bash CNN (and the media overall) for giving it top attention at the beginning of the debate. Let The Brody File point out that about eight hours before this debate we said the following:
“I can see Newt turning this ABC News interview into an opportunity to bash the media because they are releasing this story 48 hours before the South Carolina primary. Don’t be surprised if he whacks ABC tonight and the crowd (once again) hoots and hollers.”
It came true and you knew it was coming. Here’s the thing about debates and how the media covers it: if you have a strong zinger at the beginning, that will typically carry the day and grab the headlines. It happened for Gingrich because he was forceful and not contrived at all. He was feisty and the crowd loved it. Overall, Gingrich just didn’t have any bad moments. Look for a bump in the polls in these last 48 hours.
Rick Santorum:
He had his best debate tonight. He struck the right tone between speaking to the middle class and painting a contrast between himself and Romney/Gingrich. I was ready for him to break out the Michele Bachmann, “Newt/Romney” line.
He also made a pretty good case as to why he’s the more solid conservative on stage and why he can win in November. He invoked Reagan Democrats and winning in blue states. It was a great performance. Santorum is a serious candidate.
Mitt Romney:
Ho-hum. Nothing special and he looked uncomfortable answering the tax record question as well as the questions about his record on abortion. It’s not that he didn’t give solid answers but he looked nervous in his delivery like he really didn’t believe what he was saying.
It’s just a gut feeling here but it feels like Romney is becoming stagnant on stage and otherwise. Newt is surging. It’s a dangerous mix for the Romney campaign.
Ron Paul:
He didn’t really distinguish himself. It’s more of the same which works just fine with his core supporters but can Ron Paul move beyond that?