Political Buzz

Some quick thoughts on tonight’s fairly civil - compared to last night- FNC Republican debate from New Hampshire…

• No question that Romney handled himself very well tonight. He didn’t stumble nearly as much as he did on ABC yesterday and managed to get some very good non-negative arguments in. Also helped that his rivals basically stayed away from some of the harsh direct attacks on him that they reveled in last night. Mitt did stumble, however, in trying to explain that “change” is needed in Washington - but then defending every move by G.W. Bush along the way; and urging Huckabee to stop criticizing corporations; and when he continued to chat about how all is good with America right now. That’s not what a lot of rank-and-file middle-class Republicans - in NH and elsewhere - want to hear. Besides that, it was a great night for Mitt.
• Having noted Mitt’s win above, we must now mention that it will probably have very little effect on the primary results. The undecided GOP voters in New Hampshire have had months (years, counting his time in Massachusetts) to give their support to Mitt. The solid points he made and his good presentation tonight have popped up at most of the GOP debates so far. His performance isn’t some magical revelation that will get him the victory. And McCain supporters are certainly not going to switch allegiances now. He’s squeezed for voters that can actually come to his side and boost him in the polls and on Tuesday. Not many of those to go around.
• The Frank Luntz “undecided voters” who watched the debate and voted on it with “FOX dials” were clearly stacked in favor of Romney. They spouted his talking points the moment Luntz asked them what they thought of the debate. Those who watched the piece - pay no attention to it.
• McCain was less combative and more reflective tonight. Wasn’t completely on top of his game; looked more like he was just sitting pretty at the top of the polls. Wait - he is. Thus, he didn’t need some outstanding performance to boost him. Stumbled more on immigration and taxes, making Mitt look very good, but came through on experience and foreign policy. Always does…
• Where the heck was Ron Paul? Throw out 1% Thompson and stick Paul on there. Won’t win, but his 10% polling and loads of cash earned him a spot at the table. Shame on FOX…

Winner - Mitt Romney: Showed greater poise and knew what to say in order to get a good response from the base. Beat Huckabee and McCain on immigration and taxes, but still failed to adequately address his own flip-flops. Might not be enough to jump-start a final day surge to challenge McCain

Loser - Rudy Giuliani: The former frontrunner seemed out of touch and unconcerned with his slipping national standing. Not a factor in New Hampshire or SC, and nothing tonight will change that.

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Filed under: Republicans, Mike Huckabee, New Hampshire, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, The Blog