Who Won The Debate

For 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.

Winning 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.