Who Won Last Night’s CNN Debate?

By Alan Rappeport. The Republican presidential candidates turned to substance over theatrics on Thursday night in a final effort to court voters before they go to the polls in Florida, Ohio and three other states next week, in what could be a decisive Primary Day. There was little sparring and only a few barbs as the contenders largely stuck to talk of trade, terrorism and immigration. Commentators and critics thought a “low-energy” Donald J. Trump seemed to be running out the clock, while Senator Marco Rubio delivered a sharp performance that probably came too late.

“Rubio with a clear and decisive win. At least it makes the next few days interesting.” — Stuart Rothenberg, publisher of The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report

“Trump very ‘low energy’ so far. No joy in it for him unless another of the monkeys is hurling poop his way.” — Bill Maher, host of “Real Time with Bill Maher”

“On policy — Ted Cruz won. On inspiration and oratory Marco Rubio won.” — Todd Starnes, Fox News host

(Read more from “Who Won Last Night’s CNN Debate?” HERE)

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A Good, Substantive Debate That Probably Won’t Change Much

By Jim Geraghty. Do you notice how much better the debates seem with only four candidates?

CNN went for substance, particularly in the opening half-hour, focusing on trade deals, legal immigration visas and entitlement reform. It was generally a good debate, but for the three trying to catch Donald Trump, I don’t think they generated the buzz-worthy, “hey, did you see that?’ moment they needed.

Trump clearly wanted to be more “presidential” this week, and generally demonstrated a quitter, “kindler, gentler” tone. He opened and closed with his best argument – no matter what you think of me, you want and need my voters checking the box for Republicans in November. In between, he was his typical train wreck, with some interesting wrinkles. He said that when he said the Chinese crackdown in Tiananmen Square was a show of strength, he didn’t mean it was a good thing. He clearly had no idea about the details of Cuba policy, talking in circles about how he would insist upon a “good deal.” He insisted the violence at his rallies is all spurred by “bad dudes” who come in to cause trouble, and quickly tried to change the subject to saluting the police. He hates Common Core, and spoke about charter schools as if they were some new idea. After a while, you start to ask, “what is the point of asking questions to a pathological liar who doesn’t know any details?” (Read more from “A Good, Substantive Debate That Probably Won’t Change Much” HERE)

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