Three and a half days...

GOP debate

The Republican debate tonight clarified a few things for me.  In reverse order of how well I think they did:

1. Rick Perry is toast.  Most of the answers he gave were petty and repetetive.  If he accomplished anything it was making Romney look strong. He’s a horrible debater and I sure don’t look forward to  him going up against Obama.
2. Michelle Bachman had some good moments, but not nearly enough. Her last response was directed at the “women of America”.  Sorry… I’ve had enough divisiveness from our current president.
3. Rick Santorum is trying way too hard.  I know he’s sincere, and I love the guy, but he’s just not ready for prime time.
4. Ron Paul I would mostly love except for his foreign policy stances—some of which I even agree with!  Why do we need so many troops in Germany and Korea?  But Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and his blame America for 9/11 just eliminate him from consideration.
5. Mitt Romney, as I said, was helped immensely by Perry.  His biggest weakness—RomneyCare—would be difficult for the Dems to attack, but that does him no credit. He was strong on the counterattack against Perry and is a solid candidate.
6. Herman Cain, cheerful and colorful (no pun intended), would make a very satisfying contrast to Obama.  His 9-9-9 plan is suspect but not a bad starting point for tax reform. He really needs to put more emphasis on his resume, and not just the pizza part!
7. John Huntsman didn’t show up for the debate because Nevada, Florida, and New Hampshire are forcing the primaries so early that my already useless Texas primary is even more useless.  Good for him.  Thanks, John. (Probably won’t help much, though.)
8. Newt Gingrich.  Three months ago, when he dissed the Ryan plan, Newt was on my spit list. Right now, though, I LOVE the way he refrains from directly attacking the other candidates.  His eye is on the real problem—Obama.  I know he’s a flawed candidate and he gives the Dims a lot of easy ammunition, but if Texas had a primary that mattered, right now (and this really surprises me) Newt would get my vote.  Watching Newt debate Obama would be a treat.

Like Romney said in the first debate—Any ONE of these people would be better than Obama. 

Even Ron Paul.