Republican and Conservative political analysis and commentary

Last night's debate was Mike Huckabee's moment, and we're calling Huckabee the undisputed winner. Huckabee was given his much due face time and responded to every question thoughtfully and, most importantly, compassionately. He portrayed himself as pious man of principle that you can't not like.

He was also aided by his chief rivals focusing their fire on each other rather than him which allowed him to rise above the fray. Whether the question was the Bible, the death penalty, or Mars; Huckabee knocked it out of the park:

It was a fair night for John McCain and Fred Thompson. Both hit the standard Republican talking points on the big issues, and even got a message point or two in. McCain has a tendency to come off a bit angry, but you have to admire the guy for his patroitism. Similarly, Thompson comes off as a no nonsense, straightforward conservative who "looks the part" as one YouTube questioner said.

It was a terrible night for Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. The very first question of the debate lobbed a tank of gasoline on the Rudy vs. Mitt narrative that had been developing throughout the week. Both men were visibily peeved, and neither was able to get back on his game the rest of the debate. And did anyone else think Mitt Romney looked like he was about to cry most of the debate?

On another note, we have to give props to Romney for calling out John Edwards on his fictional "Two Americas." 

The Roundup:
Mark Haplerin's Report Card 
Chuck Todd's Thoughts 
Marc Ambinder
Chris Cilizza 
Politico