By Jon Terry
August 24, 2023
Ron DeSantis breakout moment. A test for Vivek against real politicians. Christie’s opportunity to bash Trump, and then show he can do more than that . The underdogs and no-names – Burnham and Hutchinson – show their chops. Tim Scott finds a lane. Nikki Haley separates herself. Pence’s relentless decency leaves a mark.
All of the candidates entered the Debate with hopes, tactics and strategy. Most of them left with wounded, or exposed, or worse than both, unnoticed.
The Losers
Why was Asa Hutchinson on stage, and why is he running for President? I can’t tell you now, and more damningly, he couldn’t last night. His comments actually broke the flow of the debate, added nothing, but did allow me time to get ice cream. Asa we hardly knew ye. Now go home.
Is Tim Scott always on the verge of tears, or did he do that for the debate? He always sounded like he was begging the listeners to value his points, lacking authority and command. Another writer suggested his participation is an interview for the VP job. I agree. He’ll endure as the only minority candidate. And never matter in the presidential race.
Chris Christie spent way too much time defending his record in New Jersey, a governorship which ended in single digit approval ratings, and Bridgegate. He squandered early opportunities to pivot into attack mode, and when he finally did, it felt rehearsed. He needed to bang the anti-Trump, “you are all Trump worshippers” early and often, and didn’t.
Ron DeSantis was fiery. He stuck to his points and his record. And he was completely unlikable. He retroactively fired Fauci, then he transported into the future to kill all Mexican drug dealers, leaving them “stone cold dead.” Every time he spoke it was a mini-detonation of masculine politics. This guy is built to be President – of a blue collar labor union. He won’t make it to the 3rd debate.
The Mid
Doug Burnham is a rational, well-tempered, intelligent person. When he was allowed to speak, he was poised, informed, and likable. But he does not yet have a lane.
Mike Pence has a strong relationship with “His Heavenly Father”, emphasized his 11th hour integrity in upholding the constitution, and upheld his convictions strongly. But he needs another dimension to be electable, and doesn’t seem to have it. He also lost a bit of panache by coming out in attack mode. You can’t condemn Trump’s actions but raise your hand to support him even if he is a convicted felon. Even if you have a great relationship with your Heavenly Father.
The Exposed
Vivik Ramaswamy is quick to a quip, looks good, and knows what MAGA wants to hear. He’s also an amateur that lacks true conviction, and the Trump Jr. act will win applause, but not the voters that are going to decide this Primary.
The Winner
Nikki Haley did not have a bad moment last night, and had a bunch of good ones. Her attacks were professional and focused. Her positions were balanced and genuine and empathetic. Her pragmatic realism was refreshing. She not only came across as the MOST electable candidate, she came across as the ONLY electable candidate.
The Stupid
The ongoing deference to Donald Trump. Haley showed a willingness to deal in facts. Pence emphasized his integrity. Asa and Chris busted out their speaking points. But the overall tone of the debate was that Trump is still the King, and the King must be honored, lest the peasants turn on you. It’s a 2nd-place strategy.
Next Week we look at the national polling, and whether this first debate moved the needle.