GOP "Debate" California

I watched the debate last night, it was poorly run to say the least. MSNBC and Poltico asked a few decent questions. The candidates were allowed to talk over their time limits. I was very disappointed in Brian Williams and John Harris for centering most of the questions toward Romney and Perry.

First off, this wasn't a debate at all but more of a timed discussion. The moderators brought up these points: Immigration, health care, job creation, taxation and not much else.

Here's a breakdown of what I gathered from this debate from each candidate:

• Rick Perry admitted that he mistakenly ordered vaccines for HPV on adolescent girls by using an executive order rather than legislation. His job record sounds great on paper until you realize that it's due to an influx of people moving to Texas and the recent oil company boom. He took some lumps about Education. They don't call him Slick Rick for nothing, he did pretty well.
• Mitt Romney took some bashing but still acted like a gentleman. Most of the debaters disagreed with his state health care and labeled it Romneycare. Overall Romney seemed reluctant to engage and appeared to not be radical enough for tea party enthusiasts.
• Ron Paul was largely ignored for most of the debate again. His positions always sound loony until you know how he came to those conclusions, then they make perfect sense. Dr. Paul isn't electable because few people pay enough attention to the issues to understand his position. He always sides with the Constitution and is a true fiscal conservative. He's also running 3rd in the polls. He has a large grassroots following and raises lots of money.
• John Huntsman was on his game. He clearly distanced himself from other candidates and pointed out his strong points. If anyone won this debate, I would say it was him. He made good points and came through virtually unscathed.
• Michelle Bachmann left her bible at home for this event and didn't educate us on her versions of history. She didn't sound like an idiot during the debate although I already know that she is one! There is no way she could beat Obama so she isn't worth more time.
• Rick Santorum was more of a lurker than a participant. Did he raise any good points? Not in my view. He's probably irrelevant.
• Newt Gingrich is a strong speaker. He didn't do bad at all. He basically took control for a minute and laid down the law that the candidates were not there to attack each other, that they all stand united on defeating Obama. He is still running on his accomplishments as Speaker of the House back in the 90's. I think he's out of touch with most Americans.
• Herman Cain surprisingly didn't say anything wacky last night. His performance was his best acting job since entering the presidential race. I actually agree with him and his 9-9-9 plan to change taxation. I've been suggesting that idea since the 1980's. Bravo dude!

The GOP hopefuls aren't looking very good. I swear that if Rick Perry gets elected, I'm leaving this country. Nobody brought up his cronyism and someone needs to bring up that subject. He's a crook and I cannot understand how he keeps getting elected governor. Giving him presidential power to sign executive orders would be disastrous. Slick Rick is probably the only one in this group that is capable of beating Obama. I think that sucks!