CNN Arizona Debate

CNN Arizona Debate
So who were the winners and losers?
Losers:

Santorum –
He got beat up badly, mostly from Ron Paul and Mitt Romney. Any chance he would solidify his momentum to a GOP win was lost. His lack of consistency and beliefs were apparent. He defended his vote for NCLB by saying he was voting with the “team” this was a key spot where we all wish John King would have used that age old questions “if President Bush jumped off a bridge would you do it to?” Alas he was much more respectful. Santorum says he will cut a Trillion a year the first 5 years – you know the same thing Ron Paul has been saying the whole thing.

Gingrich –
Gingrich had a good debate, but not a great one. Normally he would have been a winner, in fact many news groups are reporting he was the winner, but this debate effectively ended any chance he had at winning the nomination. He has no money (unless you count his super pac backed by a single Billionaire) and now has no chance. He needed an excellent debate in order to carry himself to wins like he did in South Carolina. He also answered about half the questions with: “I agree with Ron Paul.”

Winners :

Mitt Romney –
If only because Santorum did so poorly and Newt did nothing to move him back into the media’s top tier. He was steady and did a good job defending his record. It is now a race between him and Ron Paul, which if you are following the election you’ve known since New Hampshire.

Ron Paul –
His best spot was after the debate when CNN confirmed his statement that he is #2 in Delegate count – which is how you win the GOP presidential nomination. Newt Gingrich started many of his answers with “I agree with Ron Paul” and the other candidates again failed to attack him. Ron Paul did so well that many of the mainstream media called him a “winner” although they continue to discount his chances.