A stormy evening was brewing in New Hampshire when the ten Republican contenders took the stage.  It seemed just like any other debate, but alas, it wasn't.  For the first time, Romney did not come off as the most smooth candidate participating in a Republican debate.  The big winners of the debate were a couple of second tier candidates, more specifically two congressman, Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo.  Huckabee would have made the cut as well if his best answer of the night wasn't wasted on a question that was, oh so unimportant, in terms of the presidency.  It was a good answer, not one that I necessarily agree with, but a solid heart-felt answer nonetheless.  Unfortunetly for Mike Huckabee, his almost poetic answer was in response to  a query about creationism vs. evolution.  Sure the answer connected him with Christians, but in reality, knowing what he thinks on evolution is about as relevant as hearing what he thinks about the new McDonald's Dollar Menu.

First, let's go into who the losers of the debate were the entire first tier of candidates.  Yes, you read it correctly, re-read it yourself if you don't believe me.  McCain, Rudy, and Romney were horrible last night.  McCain couldn't defend his position on the immigration bill very well at all, plus he seems to think that boring the audience will perhaps put them into the best sleep they've had in years, thus when they wake up, they will vote for John McCain because he has given them the best nap they have ever had.  McCain also seems to be lack the good judgement that most of the other candidates have shown.  Ways for McCain to ruin his 2008 presidential bid for the Republican nomination: 1) Sponsor a bill with Ted Kennedy (or even acknowledge his precense in the halls of congress), 2) Ramble, 3) Call another candidate (Tom Tancredo) a do-nothing when the immigration bill you sponsered literally does nothing, 4) Strangle someone to death.  He's done the first three, but with that temper of his, he may finish off the list before the final sunset in July.

Rudy Guiliani's situation is only going to get worse as the campaign marches on.  He seems to have little knowledge beyond what he himself has experienced.  I doubt that he will ever have a debate where he doesn't mention 9/11, and why should he, considering that security is the only issue that he tries to hang his hat on.  Repeating himself ad naseum doesn't really help in the debates anymore.  We get it!  You were mayor of New York City during 9/11.  Prove to me that you are more than a one-hit wonder in the debates, prove to me not, and you will not get the Republican nomination, thus going the way of the Baha Men.

Mitt Romney's first bad performance.  He never has shown very much substance, but it is all about perception, and if he acts like he knows what he is talking about, the majority of people will believe him.  Romney gave the opposite vibe in last night's debate.  He seemed like a totally different person, and some of his answers weren't clear, especially the question on whether or not invading Iraq was the right move knowing what we know now. Overall, a very disappointing night for Romney.

Ron Paul is declared the winner by me on this debate.  He was very well-spoken and had interesting answers which all seemed to work for him.  All his answers were on the money.  Most importantly, it was easy to see what set him apart from the rest of the pack, whether it be the war in Iraq or the Constitution.  Also, being the only candidate who wouldn't seriously consider a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Iran tipped the balance in me picking him as the winner rather than Tancredo.

Tom Tancredo was forceful about immigration, demanding that the new legislation not be passed.  He also said that he would never call on Pres. Bush if he was president.  That takes some guts to say that in a Republican debate, but ultimately would be a smart move in my opinion.

Hunter was right on immigration, but wrong on considering a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Iran.  Brownback proposed a stupid idea of dividing Iraq into three different areas, which in reality has no chance of working, especially with the Kurd problem that is occuring next door in Turkey.  Jim Gilmore and Tommy Thompson were utterly forgetable and probably should drop out of the race.  They honestly bring nothing new to the table that the other candidates don't bring already.