Assessing the Bloomberg / WAPO GOP New Hampshire Debate: Cain, Romney, Gingrich Still Up; Perry, Bachmann, Huntsman Down – 10/11/11
Watch Complete Video of the Debate
Tonight’s Bloomberg/Washington Post GOP Presidential Debate certainly had a different feel to it, with all the candidates sitting around a large table with lead moderator Charlie Rose, but it had much the same result as previous debates.
In assessing debate performances, Herman Cain once again stood out with an outstanding performance, even though he became a target of attack in this debate, now that he is one of the top-tier candidates. Cain did an outstanding job of responding to every question and attack, and doing so with humor as well as with clear answers. He also managed to stay on message by repeatedly pushing his “999 Plan.”
Mitt Romney, as in previous debates, also did very well. He was attacked and questioned repeatedly, but appeared ready with answers that he used to also stay on the offense. Romney did not just respond to the question or attack – he used them as jumping off points to make other points. The one place where he did not do so well was when the candidates were allowed to ask another candidate a question. Herman Cain asked Romney if he could name all of his “59-step” Economic Plan. Cain essentially asked Romney if it is not ridiculous to issue a “59-point” plan, rather than a plan that is simple, clear, and understandable. Romney condescendingly responded that the complicated problems facing the nation require a complicated solution. After his answer, Cain summed it up by saying, “Your answer is no.”
Newt Gingrich did well once again, giving strong statements and answers whenever he had the chance to speak. But his voice was just not heard enough during the 2-hour debate. Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman were fairly true to form, but really did nothing to break out or improve their standing. Same for Michele Bachmann.
Rick Perry continues to disappoint. He seemed unable to really think fast on his feet (they were actually sitting), and just kept repeating himself for the first 2/3 of the debate. He actually was stronger at the end this time, but overall, I can’t see how he helped himself with this performance. You don’t have to be a crack debater to run for President, but there is a certain minimum threshold you have to reach to make people feel comfortable with your ability to think under pressure and communicate with voters. Perry is just not meeting that threshold, as much as I and other voters might wish he was.
Rick Santorum was definitely on the attack tonight, aiming most of his fire tonight at Herman Cain rather than Rick Perry. Santorum called Cain “naive” with his “999 Plan,” saying Cain’s plan would never pass Congress. Cain responded well, using Santorum’s attack to say that’s one of the differences between himself and candidates like Santorum. Cain said he is not afraid to issue a “bold plan” that really gets at the basic problems facing the nation instead of first asking “what can I get passed.” It appears Santorum believes he can shake voters away from Herman Cain, questioning whether we can “trust” someone with Cain’s lack of experience in Government. But what he is forgetting is that people not only like Cain’s positions, they like him personally. The “likability” factor is a big one, and calling Cain “naive” is not necessarily the best way to win Cain voters over.
So, coming out of this debate, I think you will continue to see Cain and Romney at the top of the polls, with Gingrich continuing to gain some ground. Perry and Bachmann are likely to continue to fall. Santorum may gain some ground in Iowa among social and religious conservatives, but Herman Cain is very popular with those voters – which explains why Santorum is now going after Cain.
What’s your take on the debate?
