The first GOP Presidential Nomination Debate is in the books – and Vivek Ramaswamy was the runaway winner! In fact, I would say he wiped the floor with the rest of the field.
That reality was evident as the debate itself unfolded, with the other candidates repeatedly attacking Vivek – which would give him 30 seconds to respond. As a result, it seemed like Vivek was talking just about all the time!. He was clear, engaging, and out-of-the-box. In other words, he reminded me of how Donald Trump shocked everyone in 2016.
Nikki Haley disqualified herself to be the nominee with the first words out of her mouth, saying Republicans “cannot blame Joe Biden” for massive spending – and by extension, inflation. What?! If she is the nominee, the Democrats and their minions in the Media will play that one soundbite 1 million times in the runup to the General Election. Of course we can blame Joe Biden! Just because the Trump Administration spent money to rebuild the Military and to deal with the early stages of the COVID Pandemic does not in any way compare to Joe Biden’s reckless spending on Democrat boondoggles, and his shutting down of American Energy, which sent inflation from 2% to 9%. Haley’s words were irresponsible, and handed the Democrats a soundbite they will use again and again.
Former Vice-President Mike Pence was aggressive throughout – particularly going after Vivek Ramaswamy again and again. But I don’t think he helped his cause. There’s no way Pence is going to be the nominee, and if he is, he can’t win the General Election.
Chris Christie tried his tough guy routine, but it fell flat. He has no chance, because as Vivek pointed out, his entire campaign is one of grievance and revenge against President Trump.
Tim Scott came across as likeable and a really good man, but he didn’t seem to think well on his feet. The answers he gave seemed memorized and at times that slowed him down because he was having trouble recalling what he had planned to say in given situations. He didn’t elevate himself in my view.
Ron DeSantis did well, but it was not a standout performance. He didn’t make any big mistakes – except looking very wishy-washy about whether he would pardon President Trump if elected. Ramaswamy’s hand went up immediately, while DeSantis waited looked to see if others raised their hands, and then slipped his hand up. That won’t help him win over any Trump supporters who may be thinking about moving from Trump to someone because of all the indictments.
Bergum wasn’t bad, but he just doesn’t have a chance and Asa Hutchinson doesn’t either – especially with his anti-Trump animus.
So if I had to rank the 8 candidates, it would be:
- Ramaswamy
- DeSantis
- Pence
- Christie
- Scott
- Haley
- Bergum
- Hutchinson
Vivek Ramaswamy is the big winner and should get a real bump in the polls, with DeSantis getting a boost as well. I think Haley may get a bump as well, even though I think she disqualified herself. That’s because the anti-Trump, weak on abortion, pro-War in Ukraine faction may coalesce around her.