Report Card: Trump, Cruz Dominate the Debate Stage
Who Won the GOP Debate?
The typically raucous South Carolina debate audience had plenty of opportunity to hoot and holler, with inter-candidate squabbling and red-meat anti-Obama and anti-Clinton rhetoric. Front-runners Trump and Cruz dominated the stage, Christie and Rubio asserted themselves as establishment contenders with flair and muscle, Bush and Kasich gave earnest, fluent presentations. Two extended scraps between Trump and Cruz defined the evening, but were unlikely to change the contours of a race that is just days away from seeing real voters vote.
Confident, unafraid, crisp, and without the self-consciousness he occasionally displayed in earlier debates. During his extended tiff with Cruz over the Texan’s citizenship, he kept the Canada issue in the public eye and never lost the crux of his agenda or his cool. Eloquently defended his native New York against Cruz criticism. Wisely made nice with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Had plenty of chances to invoke his core themes, utter his cherished phrases, and make the most of his airtime. His best debate of the cycle, certain to please his loyal fans and potentially expand his support. With the calendar page finally turned to 2016, he sees the nomination—and the White House—in front of him and continues to drive towards his goals.