The remaining Republican presidential candidates participated in a debate Thursday night at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. It was moderated by Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace of Fox News. Here's your watercooler recap.
Ted Cruz
Quote: "I think the American people understand that yelling and cursing at people doesn't make you a tough guy."
"Donald, learn not to interrupt. It's not complicated. Count to 10, Donald. Count to 10."
Best moment: Several, actually, a series of crisp attacks on Trump that strayed from petty insults Rubio was drawn into. He noted Trump has contributed to Hillary Clinton's past campaigns and had given to members of the Senate's Gang of Eight, which wrote the immigration bill.
Biggest misstep: Yes, he's trying to compete with Trump. But Cruz basically ignored his other main rival, Rubio (and Rubio ignored Cruz). He could have done more to establish himself.
Rating the performance: Appeared confident and went hard against Trump. He did nothing to turn off supporters and may have gained some. He was prepared. When pressed on his past support for Edward Snowden, Cruz gave an effective explanation that the initial revelations were stunning, but that facts showed Snowden had committed "treason."
John Kasich
Quote: "Throughout this campaign I've talked about issues, I have never tried to go and get into these scrums that we're seeing here on the stage. And, people say everywhere I go, 'You seem to be the adult on the stage.' "
Best moment: His decency and common sense showed throughout the night, especially in comparison to the virtual street fight happening around him. "In our country, we need to learn to respect each other and be a little bit more tolerant for one another."
Biggest misstep: If you aren't more aggressive, there's no way to become a central player in a debate. Kasich was invisible for extended periods of time, especially at the start of the debate.
Rating the performance: Throughout the night, Kasich popped up as a breath of fresh air amid the negativity and sheer absurdity of the debate going around him. Compassionate conservatism played much better in the GOP of 2000 than it does in 2016, however. Even with a smaller field, he looked like a supporting player.
Marco Rubio
Quote: "Donald Trump has basically mocked everybody with personal attacks. He has done so to people that are sitting on the stage today. He has done so about people that are disabled. .?.?. So if there is anyone who has ever deserved to be attacked that way, it has been Donald Trump."
Best moment: Pestering Trump on making his signature clothing outside the United States. Most clothing makers do, of course, but it was an effective line and Trump said he would move his operations. Bonus point: Rubio said all of his campaign gear is made in the U.S.A.
Biggest misstep: Dodged a question about his support for a path to citizenship and for in-state tuition for undocumented residents while he was in the Florida Legislature. Rubio has repeatedly shifted away from specifics and it has become more obvious to national audiences.
Rating the performance: Rubio was steady but did not stand out and was knocked over his attacks on Trump. He got in less talking time and struggled, again, on immigration. And his voice was hoarse. Rubio did show command on foreign policy, his strong point. Got in a zinger about yoga after Cruz was telling Trump to breathe, breathe.
Donald Trump
Quote: "He referred to my hands. If they are small, something else must be small. I guarantee you there's no problem, I guarantee."
Best moment: "I'm changing it and I'm softening the position because we have to have talented people in this country," he said of visas for highly skilled foreign workers. Critics will call it a flip-flop, but most voters are likely to see more evidence that he is not a typical politician afraid to speak his mind.
Biggest misstep: Donald Trump has all but won the GOP election. He needs to get out of the gutter if he wants a chance to reassure general election voters that he has the temperament to be president without embarrassing the nation. He failed at that Thursday.
Rating the performance: Trump took the heat that comes with being the front-runner and sustained no knock-out blows likely to shake up the primary dominated by him. But it is simply unacceptable to make penis jokes when running for president. He will never live that down if he is the nominee, nor should he.
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