Donald Trump: D
"We have a good time. What I say is what I say. And honestly Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you, although I could probably, maybe not be, based on the way you have treated me. But I wouldn’t do that."
Trump was Trump; however, this time it wasn't nearly as charming. The Donald did enough to please his base, but his performance will not bring any more support from those on the fence. His crowd-displeasing refusal to rule out a third party run and his pompous use of the "anti-political correctness" argument to defend his disparaging remarks towards women initiated a poor performance from Trump. Following the beginning-of-debate fireworks, he seemed to stumble through and dodge most of his questions. D for Donald.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush: C+
"If we're going to compete in this world we're in today, there is no possible way we can do it with lowering expectations and dumbing down everything."
If there was a word to describe the former GOP frontrunner's performance, it wouldn't be "memorable." Between a nervous demeanor and some confusing answers (i.e. his answer on Common Core), Bush never seemed to find his footing on the debate stage. He was able to come up with a few strong points, though, earning him a rusty C+.
Gov. Scott Walker: C+
"...probably the Russian and Chinese government know more about Hillary Clinton's e-mail server than do the members of the United States Congress."
There's no doubt that Scott Walker is a strong candidate, but his showing Thursday night did nothing to support that. He was able to display his ultra-conservative views on abortion and tout his political success in his home state, but we've heard it all before. The Wisconsin governor did have some good moments and one-liners (like the one quoted above); nevertheless, it wasn't enough for high marks. If you get an A for effort, then Governor Walker gets a C+ for blandness.
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee: A
"The military is not a social experiment. The purpose of the military is to kill people and break things."
Like him or not, Mike Huckabee gave a stout performance in Cleveland. The former minister seemed at home on stage as he answered questions with well structured and thought-out answers. Huckabee is no stranger to the presidential campaign atmosphere, winning the Iowa caucuses and several state primaries during his unsuccessful run in 2008. The former Arkansas governor's professional demeanor contrasted with his witty closing remarks earn him an A.
Dr. Ben Carson: B+
"I am the only one to separate Siamese twins, the only one to operate on babies while they are still in their mother's womb and the only one to take out half of a brain, although you would think if you go to Washington that someone had beat me to it."
Dr. Carson is a political rookie and that was evident Thursday night. His answers weren't as quick and poised as the senators and governors on stage, but that didn't define Carson's night. The former neurosurgeon's debate performance would have been considered so-so if it weren't for his surprising finish. Dr. Carson wrapped up his night with a strong answer on race relations and an extremely clever closing argument. Overall, Ben's performance came off as impressive and entertaining, earning him a B+.
Sen. Ted Cruz: A
"If you're looking for someone to go to Washington, to go along and get along, who get in bed with the lobbyists and special interests, then I ain't your guy."
Cruz is a skillful orator, and he used it to his advantage on the debate stage. He successfully engaged both the live audience and those watching at home. His criticism of President Obama's handling of ISIS and his strong argument against sanctuary cities highlighted the Texas Senator's solid showing. Ted Cruz needed a positive outcome to make up the ground he's lost by being eclipsed by Trump as the "anti-establishment" candidate. A positive outcome is exactly what he got: A.
Sen. Marco Rubio: A-
"How is Hillary Clinton gonna lecture me on living paycheck to paycheck? I was raised paycheck to paycheck."
Senator Marco Rubio impressed many Thursday night. He came across as sharp and thoughtful, answering questions with significant poise. He effectively defended his lack of executive experience by pointing out that if the election was a resumé competition, then Hillary Clinton would most definitely win. Rubio's embrace of a pro-life stance in all situations (including when it would endanger the life of the mother) may hurt the senator later in the election; but a graceful answer on illegal immigration that had equal parts forcefulness and realism served as a great moment for the Floridian. Senator Rubio's notable night gets him an A-.
Sen. Rand Paul: B-
"I don't want my marriage or my guns registered in Washington."
Sen. Paul came out swinging, calling out Donald Trump out in the very first minutes. This strategy didn't exactly serve Paul well, though. After a nasty clash with Gov. Christie over NSA spying and an unsuccessful second call-out of Trump, Rand's defensive debate was going downhill. To be fair, Paul was given the least amount of speaking time to present his views. The Kentucky senator partially made up for his setbacks by giving a unique stance supporting realistic negotiations with Iran and by utilizing his "I'm a different kind of Republican" argument in his closing statement. Paul's up-and-down debate earns him a B-.
Gov. Chris Christie: C
"Listen, Senator [Rand Paul], you know, when you're sitting in a subcommittee, just blowing hot air about this, you can say things like that."
Thursday night's debate was Gov. Christie's chance to break out of mediocrity. Spoiler alert: it didn't happen. His attack on Rand Paul may have been a memorable moment, but Christie didn't exactly benefit from it. With most candidates embracing the "tough-talk" strategy, the New Jersey Governor failed to come across as special. It was an extremely average night from Christie- C.
Gov. John Kasich: B
"Because somebody doesn't think the way that I do doesn't mean that I can't care about them or I can't love them. So if one of my daughters happened to be that [gay], of course I would love them and I would accept them. Because you know what? That's what we're taught when we have strong faith.
Governor Kasich was lucky to even make the debate in the first place. Coming in as the tenth place candidate, Kasich used his friendliness and charm to set himself apart on the crowded stage. The Ohio governor fed off the home field advantage and brought a sense of levity to Quicken Loans Arena. He will be best remembered for his compassionate and well-delivered answer on same-sex marriage (above). Governor Kasich needed to have a noteworthy debate and he achieved that. That's a solid B for the hometown hero.
Carly Fiorina: A+++++
"The potential of this nation and too many Americans is being crushed by the weight, the power, the cost, the complexity, the ineptitude, the corruption of the federal government."
Who knew the biggest hit from Thursday night would come from the earlier "second string" debate? Carly Fiorina, former CEO of HP, was in a league of her own. She was able to outline her impressive business experience, take swipes at Clinton and Trump, and show herself to be well-learned on the global political spectrum. Fiorina did everything she needed to do to set herself apart. She did it well enough to be the most online-searched candidate of the entire night. Carly gets the highest marks of all, but the real question is if she will break the top 10 and if so, who will she replace?
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