The First Republican Debate of the Year happened last night. It was all about Trump vs. Cruz, Rubio vs. Cruz and Cruz vs. everyone. Ted Cruz was the ultimate winner though. Cruz spoke the most and was the most talked about as well, together with Trump. Earlier this week Trump narrowly retook Iowa from Cruz, but now it really will be a 50/50 race in the first voting state. They used to be on pretty good terms, but as Iowa votes in just over two weeks time, on February 1st, gloves are off and it is all about blood now.



Trump and Cruz had several big battles last night. Trump again attacked Cruz on him being born in Canada. It probably doesn't really matter, cause he does seem to be qualified, but some Cruz voters might stay away from him, and in a close race like this, that could decide everything. And by everything we don't only mean Iowa. If Trump wins in Iowa, and then in New Hampshire too, he could have enough of a momentum to go all the way. Yeah, it is scary. So someone prove that Cruz is eligible indeed. Please.

But you don't have to worry about Cruz either. He kept attacking Trump too, and for the most part he did a very good job of it. Although he greatly failed at one point. He was talking about Trump's New York values, which are clearly more aligned with the general Democratic viewpoints, than those of the conservative's. It seemed like a smart attack, but then the true politician side of Trump came out. It was just beutiful to see that comeback and to see the smile on Cruz's face to slowly freeze. Trump replied with 9/11 and how New York rebuilt itself after the attacks, and how those are the real New York values. You can't argue with that. Everyone would be proud to have those types of New York values. Ouch.



Reuters

Marco Rubio also had another exceptionally great night. He is a great debater, a talented politician, and most importantly has both charisma and facts. His numbers should go up once again. It was just beautiful to watch him debate. Ted Cruz had a good night, but he did not win every battle. Rubio clearly defeated him on the tax discussion and successfully ridiculed Cruz for flipping on issues on the Senate floor. Rubio brought up how Cruz changed his views just to get votes in Iowa. That was a very successful line of attack, and it foreshadows a potential Cruz vs. Rubio war as we head into late spring and early summer to clinch the nomination. Rubio also had a range of exciting and funny encounters with New Jersey Governor Chis Christie. Those two have been attacking each other back and forth on the campaign trail for weeks now, but now on the stage too. They both won battles, and it was for the most part a clean, policy focused disagreement. It was very interesting to watch it, and it is clear that they are the front runners for the establishment lane voters.





Bush was very sensible and played by the book. It might have given him the nomination in 2008 or 2012, but not in 2016. He says all the right things and checks off all the boxes, but he just struggled to get attention last night. A fact that echoes his whole campaign. Sadly though. Although there is some very good news for Bush too! Lindsey Graham just endorsed him for President! The former candidate's help will definitely help Bush, and will give him a big push in South Carolina! It's also a sign that the establishment is not yet ready to give up on Bush, and is not settled on Rubio! Could McCain endorse Bush soon too?





As for the past debates, last night there was also an undercard debate. This time it featured Carly Fiorina, Mick Huckabee and Rick Santorum. Carly Fiorina won it again, but it is unlikely to change much in Iowa or nationally. But it must be stated once again that she too is a great debater and politician, and should definitely be on the shortlist of the eventual nominee for his Vice Presidential pick. She would do a great job. Especially against Hillary Clinton.





There was one man "missing" from last night though. Although not many people actually noticed that he wasn't that. Rand Paul did not participate in the second tier debate, because he thought that it is below him. Well then maybe he should do something to poll higher, because they are not gonna invite him to the top tier debate, if he continues to be invisible. Although because he decided to skip the debate, a lot of channels interviewed him about it, so he got a lot of free media coverage, more than he would have gotten at the debate. So in the end it could possibly have been a good idea for him. But again, it doesn't really matter for him anymore, he is that behind.





Oh, and Carson who? Ben Carson was not visible at all last night. He tried to make some jokes, but no one laughed. Sorry. John Kasich was better, but he just seemed so bored and disconnected that people didn't really pay attention to him. But if you managed to stay awake while listening to him, he actually didn't say bad things at all. But he needs to work on his presentation, and come up with a few new ideas maybe.





But one thing was clear about last night. Based on the debate performances, the race really is only about four candidate now on the GOP side: Trump, Christie, Rubio and Cruz. They will be the ones to fight it out. You can also include Jeb Bush if you want.





P.S. (we must talk about them too)





On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders is now ahead in Iowa polls as well after leading in New Hampshire for months. Clinton really should panic big time now, or she will have worst results than Obama's State of the Union speech or his popularity numbers. And neither of them are very high to start with.

This is an original material of Finchley 1959.