It was a very interesting debate. However, the candidates did not get equal time and it merely provided an opportunity for the candidates to give mini-speeches on things they’ve all been saying. However, the format had a little less structure than usual which provided more of a ‘debate’ feel. It allowed a little more actual discussion between the candidates. All of the candidates stepped up their performance a lot, and as far as charisma and clarity, all did a fantastic job. Here’s a breakdown of how I think it went for everyone:

-Rudy Giuliani: His performance felt like nothing special and I don’t think it will have much affect on his poll numbers except to start leaving him in the dust. His pro-choice position is beginning to frustrate the people and it went over like a lead balloon at the debate.

Mitt Romney: Although as a Hunter supporter it hurts me to say it, but Romney may have ‘won’ the debate. However, the reason for this is because he got the most airtime and had the best rhetoric. Not many things on his policies or rhetoric changed, he just continued to throw Reaganesque lines in his arguments. He certainly confirmed his base’s support and may have gained a few supporters. My prediction is that he will soon start pulling ahead Giuliani and F. Thompson

Mike Huckabee He also continued to keep his base, and probably grew some support. I did not find his performance terribly engaging, or brilliant. I think he will continue to move ahead, and he will do well in Iowa.

Tom Tancredo Unfortunately, Tancredo’s line on Mecca that he continues to stand by is going to hurt him terribly. There are a lot of things I like about Tancredo, but there are certain things that I don’t like. I think him losing steam over his non-immigration related stances will start to help Hunter.

Sam Brownback He was definitely the poorest performer on the stage. He didn’t do terribly, but I don’t think he gained much of anything and his take on Iraq is still not popular. Though, his line about Roe v. Wade went over well.

Tommy Thompson He did surprisingly better than I expected, but I don’t think he gained much support. However, he has done well in Iowa and may continue to do so well for a little while.

John McCain John McCain is stilll polling decently in a few places, however I think the majority of people are sick of his immigration problems. And the flip-flopping in the past few days aren’t going to help Much. McCain looked and sounded terrible during the debate, I’m pretty sure he’s not feeling well. I hope he feels better.

Ron Paul Several of his points I’m sure went over fairly well. However his talk about the war did not, except for the Ron Paul supporters that were present. ABC did not give him much time, which I expected. They also did not give Hunter much time either, and they made sure to use a poll that put him and Duncan Hunter in the last two places. The media does not like either of them and gave them both the least time.

Duncan Hunter He gained a lot of attention early on in the debate when he tackled Ron Paul’s view of the war and received massive applause. He continued to do well, he maintained charisma and rhetoric, and also articularly supported his policies. I think it went very well for him, and it was great that he had the last word. My local station cut out for a local show right after the debate but I was told that for those that had the coverage continue, Hunter was arguing with several people afterwards. If anyone knows anything about what happened, let me know!

What this all means: Iowa is still up in the air. Mitt Romney is almost certainly going to take 1st place, with Ron Paul likely to take second or third depending on how Fred Thompson does. Huckabee also has a chance to do well. However I don’t think Hunter will poll below Brownback, Tancredo, or T. Thompson. Hopefully he’ll surpass Huckabee. This is an important week, and could be very good to us Hunter supporters. Keep on Hunting! Go over previous posts and head over to the meet up group (link on the right) so you can get involved in helping Hunter!

(Note: I found it interesting that the moderators did not bring up Immigration at all. They stuck to Democrat issues, the war and healthcare. )