[Hoot Gibson]

I agree somewhat..I just think the candidates suck so bad. I mean really, is this all we can muster to run for the most important office in the world?? I had always been alot more positive than this...but I've lost all confidence in our country in the last few months.

I don't agree with your assessment of the candidates. Sure, the bar has been lowered for presidents since Reagan left office, but this field is not as weak as the media and the DNC wants us to believe. I had not paid much attention to the debates before tonight but so far, all of the candidates have turned in their best performances tonight, with the exception of Romney. IMO, Santorum turned in a very strong performance tonight, which really surprised me. Even Rick Perry delivered some pretty strong lines. Romney seemed to be on his heals most of the night.

Unless Santorum stumbles late in this debate, I would consider him the winner tonight. He hit Romney early and hard on the misleading ads that the super PAC supporting Romney has been running against him. I still can't see Santorum winning the nomination but he has been impressive tonight, IMO. If he keeps improving, I could see him as Romney's running mate.

You have to keep in mind that this is the first time any of these candidates except for Romney and Paul have run for president. They have all upped their game as they have gained experience during the campaign. I don't think that any of them would run the timid campaign that John McCain ran against Obama.