Who Won The Debate
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
OPINION: Trump loses Republican debate but Rubio, Cruz and others triumphThe moderators of the GOP debate Thursday night at the Quicken Loans arena gave Donald Trump plenty of rope – and sure enough he hanged himself. Right out of the box, the candidates were asked to pledge their support to whomever ultimately wins the GOP nomination; the only hold-out was Trump, who refused to make that commitment and who elicited boos from the audience.
From the Left
The Debate’s Biggest Winners–And LosersFor fans of political blood sport, tonight’s Republican primary debate in Cleveland didn’t disappoint. Donald Trump quickly abandoned his promise not to throw punches, Chris Christie brought “a little Jersey” in a testy exchange with Rand Paul and Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, and Marco Rubio staked out staunchly pro-life position in response to questions about abortion. Now, the members of the chattering class will turn their attention to what the debate means for the future of the 2016 race.
From the Left
Bush and Trump Aren’t Among the G.O.P. Debate WinnersWinning a primary debate isn’t about having the best one-liners or drawing the biggest applause.
For top candidates, it’s an audition for party elites, moneyed supporters and, secondarily, voters. The goal isn’t to wow the crowd or surge in the polls, but to reassure — to confirm their ability to win and handle the presidency. For less serious or low-profile candidates, it’s an opportunity to break out — to cause party elites to reconsider or get voters to coalesce behind them.