The June 5 Republican Debate

Related: What Mitt Romney Believes

Not too hot, not too cold, but more beta male than Goldilocks, despite his golden tan. Often blended in with the lower tiers rather than solidifying his position as rising-star-to-be-reckoned-with. Initially avoided the chance to lash out at his "friend" McCain when asked about the Arizona Senator's immigration bill, although he eventually worked in a reference to the "Kennedy-McCain" bill late in the debate. Continued to develop his explanation and defense of his Mormon faith, with a well rehearsed answer and a positive tone (which should help if he ever officially gives his version of the JFK-as-American-Catholic speech). On several occasions the camera caught him showing uncharacteristic and pronounced frustration (or something) while his competitors monopolized the microphone.

— by Mark Halperin