The big debate is over and the key consensus that’s emerging is: a)Newt Gingrich is turning into a formidable anti-Romney, indeed, and b) helped himself except at the end when he expressed compassion (end of his GOP hopes?) or illegal immigrants who’ve been here for a long time. Also: various analysts note that Gingrich seemed to scale some of his polemics back. Will Gingrich start to not just become the anti-Romney but a candidate that GOP establishment types can hold their breath (and nose) and support since he’d be acceptable to the conservative base? Another viewpoint that an extensive check of reactions on various blogs and news websites: Herman Cain did poorly and his poll numbers will likely continue to drop. He did nothing to negate the growing impression that foreign policy is not just not his strong suit, but it isn’t even an ugly sports jacket.
But, in the interest of full disclosure, I usually live blog debates but tonight was delayed driving in the rain in Pennsylvania, so I only posted links to live blogging.
To ponder the outcome of the debate GO HERE and read Andrew Sullivan’s excellent roundup.
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.