Post-debate analysis following the first Presidential nominee get-together in Milwaukee.  Some news made by people who won’t see a new elected office next November, but otherwise, just a sparring round as candidates felt each other out.

Doug Burgum:  He succeeded:  he got his name out.  Came closest to going completely off the rails when his closing speech went awry.

Asa Hutchinson: Got a big hit with his anti-abortion stand until you realize Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country.  Other than that, largely faded out.

Tim Scott: Good and direct without getting dirty.  Showed up, got to the plate, popped out.

Chris Christie: Played his role of the cantankerous uncle well.  Still won’t be accepted by the Republican base, but helps to somewhat normalize the field.

Nikki Haley: Acted not just as the only adult in the room, but as the adult running the room.  Her defined stands on things like abortion and women’s advocacy will excite independents, making her the winner of this round, IMHO.

Mike Pence: Stood up for a number of his decisions, but shockingly also supported a 16-week abortion ban, a surprise for an ardent pro-lifer.  Still as stiff as an ironing board.

Vivek Ramaswamy:  The captain of the debate team tries to be an insult comic, but it’s a swing and a miss calling the former VP “Mike.”  He’ll become the next generation’s Rand Paul, who is his generation’s Ron Paul.

Ron DeSantis: Played the game like the frontrunner, which he was in this room:  he didn’t take risks. His goofiness continues to show though, and he still can’t connect because he’s far too rehearsed.