My Thoughts on the GOP Debate

So I was going to write an article on Federalism, but I'll put that off for later...I thought I'd put my thoughts out there on how each candidate did tonight...

Santorum: Made me sleepy.  He has quite a bit of gall to call himself a Conservative.  He supports national marriage standards, abortion standards, and is an all around social statist.  I'm opposed to both aforementioned issues, but the states know those issues best.

Cain: I love his business experience, but the pundits didn't spend much time on him, unfortunately.  He needs to be more specific, though.

Paul: You know my thoughts on the libertarian doctrine...I felt his non-interventionist position was a nice contrast, but when Iran came up, I stopped listening.  To suggest that the nation is not a threat is ignorant.  I really liked his closing statement, though...a nice summary.

Romney: I've never been a Romney supporter, I feel that allowing Romney-Care is a sign of failed leadership.  His response to h/care was the best it could be, but the fact he even signed it shows he isn't a great Conservative.  His jobs message was good, though.  His business experience is quite appealing.

Bachmann: A standout at the last debate, she didn't shine quite as much tonight.  I like her 10th Amendment driven statements.  The press doesn't like her, and it's obvious.  Why bring up her marriage or migraines? They purposefully got her and Pawlenty into an argument--to get the party off the message of "defeat Obama." She crushed Pawlenty, though.

Pawlenty: I fell asleep when he talked.  He has no right to call out Bachmann--she is a much stronger leader.  He's mad because he's losing, and he's going to be out after the Straw Poll on Saturday.

Huntsman: He was not impressive. Had no specifics, and I'm not sure of his political ideology.  He'll be out soon.

Gingrich: I loved his response to the gotcha questions.  He is a walking, talking file of facts which is really impressive, and key in a debate.  He's been in politics too long.  His personal debt is a mild concern, as is his repeat marrying. I like him, though.


Overall loser: Huntsman
Strongest Conservative: Bachmann--of course
Strongest Specifics: Gingrich--no question
My take: I'm glad Rick Perry's in.