Republican Undercard Debate: Live Coverage

Someone in my family has fought in every war from Iraq/Afghanistan (both wars via one of my cousins) to Vietnam (two uncles) and on and on, back to the Civil War. But as someone who gets to listen to veterans around the dinner table, I can tell you they too have disagreements about policy. They all deserve our honor and respect, first of all, and the respect of being listened to and not being spoken for.

Christie is the strongest, most memorable candidate on stage. I’d give second place to Santorum, on the grounds that he keeps managing to hit his signature issue (family values) in the middle of an economics debate. Points for finding ways to play to his constituency.

I feel like Mike Huckabee faded into the background. Chris Christie did well. Going after Clinton is always a winner. I’m less sure about Bobby Jindal. He definitely stood out, but attacking fellow Republicans is usually not a winner. Rick Santorum did fine, but nothing great.