The Second Republican Debate

Best: Did a good job of stressing changechangechange, and a decent job explaining his Massachusetts record. Continues to display solid comprehension on a range of issues, a product of more than just last-minute cramming for the televised oral exam. At the end, he deemed dysfunctional inner city schools the great civil rights issue of our time, warming the base's heart.

Worst: Low-energy presentation, particularly when compared with his bright-eyed first debate. Responses were rote, and he evaded a question about flip flopping with an obvious, clumsy dodge. His slick consistency deserted him, and he seemed to search both for charm and direction.

— Mark Halperin