CNN Debate: Winners and Losers

By Douglas V. Gibbs

The Republican Presidential Debate on CNN was quite spirited. All of the candidates had great things to say, and all but two said things that had me scratching my head. That said, surprisingly, I believe the two winners were Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich.

Romney did not win, but he did not lose. He stood his ground, especially when Rick Perry was trying to slap him around. In fact, most of the time Romney sounded good. . . despite his moderate positions.

Perry spent more time foaming at the mouth in his attacks on Romney than he did successfully debating.

Herman Cain began on the defensive because everyone was taking stabs at his 999 plan, but after reeling back a little, he came back very strong.

Ron Paul was fine until he said the terrorists at Gitmo Bay aren't terrorists.

Bachmann was right, intelligent, but not very convincing in the sense of being presidential material. . . as much as I like her.

Santorum hammered values, family, and conservatism. Newt Gingrich portrayed intelligence, and know how.

And yes, it was entertaining, too.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary