Did Donald Trump flop in Wednesday’s second presidential debate? A number of political analysts thought so when asked whether they thought the second debate between Republican presidential hopefuls changed the 2016 race.
Carly Fiorina and Marco Rubio are among those who may have benefited the most from Wednesday’s debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., according to the informal survey conducted via email after the forum hosted by CNN.
Fiorina repeatedly commanded the floor, including in a response to an earlier Trump critique of her face that she connected to the insecurities of all women. “Women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said,’’ she said.
Rubio, a Florida senator, spoke assertively on foreign policy and shared the personal story of his family’s journey from Cuba. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was also among the stronger performers cited by the analysts.
Among those cited as weaker performers were Trump, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker, the one-time front-runner in Iowa.
“This debate wasn’t good for the front-runners in the race’’ said Craig Robinson, founder and editor of TheIowaRepublican.com. “It’s candidates like Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Chris Christie, and Carly Fiorina who have found ways to elevate themselves on numerous issues.’’
“Good performance by Rubio’’ said Kathy Sullivan, a Democratic National Committeewoman from New Hampshire. “Knocks Scott Walker out.’’
But the commentary wasn’t unanimous.
“Did Rubio do himself any favors in this debate?’’ said Todd Spangler, Detroit Free PressWashington correspondent. “Walker? Kasich? At times it was pretty easy to forget they were even there.’’
Former Republican National Committee official Frank Donatelli:
“Trump grew quieter after being slapped down by Fiorina. He was a loser. He disappeared at long stretches when policy was discussed. Not enough from Carson for a breakthrough. Graham was best in first session.’’
Jon Ralston, host of Ralston Live on PBS affiliates in Nevada:
“Rubio was the clear winner in performance. Fiorina did well as did Christie. Trump was awful, but who knows how his base sees it.’’
Matt Mackowiak, Republican consultant and the president of Potomac Strategy Group:
“Trump disappeared at times and was diminished by comparison. He remains the leader, but more vulnerable. Carson was average. No harm done, but an opportunity missed. Rubio was excellent with every answer. Walker was stronger. Jeb showed some fire. Not sure much changes, except that Fiorina will now be in every debate going forward.’’
Dante Scala, political science professor, University of New Hampshire:
“Trump seemed much more like just another one of the candidates tonight, not the iconoclast of the Fox debate. At times, Fiorina transcended her peers on the stage. At the Reagan Library, she was the most Reaganesque. Ted Cruz continued to court very conservative Republicans with every syllable he uttered.’’
As for Walker, Scala said the Wisconsin governor “continues to shrink. Did little to convince donors that he can recover front runner status.”
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