The Latest GOP Debate

Tonight's so-called National Security debate on CNN just ended. Even though this was about the tenth debate so far, it still was able to both break new ground and to reveal things about the candidates that merit comment.

First of all, let's do the usual discussion of winners and losers. In my opinion, the winner tonight was less clear cut than usual. Romney and Gingrich once again put in the strongest performance overall, but each had moments that could well be used against him. Nevertheless, I would rate them the winners, and I would put Gingrich ahead of Romney overall. the clear loser was Herman Cain followed closely by Jon Huntsmann. Ron Paul was his usual self, so I do not consider him to have lost. Paul's positions, however, will never play well with the majority of Republicans.

To me, the most revealing moments of the night came towards the very end in the discussion about Syria. It was clear that some of these candidates were in over their head on an issue that they clearly should know something about. Herman Cain started off the mess by calling for the US to orchestrate a plan for Syria's neighbors to stop buying oil from Syria. Of course, the problem is that Syria is not an oil producing country, so the entire premise of Cain's position made no sense. Rick Perry followed with a call for a no fly zone over Syria. These zones were used in Iraq after the Gulf war to prevent Saddam Hussein from using his air force against domestic opponents. Then a similar no fly zone was imposed in Libya when Gaddafi began using planes to bomb protesters in cities around the country. In Syria, however, the Assad government is not using planes against the uprising. The Syrian air force is already grounded. Perry's plan was ridiculous; it simply made no sense. Huntsmann followed with a discussion of the Arab Spring which rambled and made essentially no sense. For all his supposed knowledge of foreign affairs, Huntsmann sounded like he was intentionally doubletalking just to get off that question. This was followed by a typical Ron Paul answer which wandered from here to there without ever making sense.

In my opinion, Cain made clear tonight that he really has little knowedge of foreign affairs. Even after some of his earlier problems with this subject, he does not seem to have learned much. When he cannot say 9-9-9, Cain has little to contribute. For me, tonight's debate sealed Cain's fate as a candidate.

Rick Santorum turned in a usual performance. He was fine in what he said, but he did nothing to distinguish himself.

Michelle Bachmann was truly at her best tonight. Her answers were nuanced, thoughtful and clear. She was clearly in the top tier tonight.

So let's go back to Gingrich. His answers early on about the Patrior Act were show stoppers. He got a little wonky when he spoke about Social Security. Most of his other answers were excellant. The big issue tomorrow will be how folks react to his answers on immigration. Gingrich took the position that illegal immigrants already in the USA should be reviewed by local boards that function much like draft boards used to. Those who are here for only a few years should be deported, but those who have been here for decades, who have family ties here and who have worked honestly while here should be given some status short of citizenship that allows them to stay. Bachmann immediately called that amnesty for 11 million illegals. Of course, that was inaccurate and I suppose Bachmann knew that. Still, amnesty is such a hot issue that Gingrich may get zapped for his answer. Even so, I was pleased to see Gingrich get a chance to take that answer back and NOT do so. Instead, Gingrich made his case that the plan made sense. And I have to admit, Gingrich's view is the first one I have heard in a long time that has possibilities (not to mention that it also will not be perceived as anti-Hispanic by those who only half listen.)

Romney's weakest moment also came on the same topic: immigration. He jumped all over the place on this point, first attacking and then retreating from a verbal assault by Perry.

It will be interesting to see how the media plays the Gingrich/immigration remarks. My guess is that since Newt is the new flavor of the month, we will see non-stop attacks coming from this point. If Newt can explain his position and get the party to understand his position, however, this may well play very well to his advantage; he will have taken the attack and survived. Time will tell.