The August 5 Republican Debate

Accomplished his Job 1 (again): Survived another day in the socially conservative state of Iowa by not slipping up or being attacked onstage by his rivals. Came across as thoughtful and reasonable on foreign policy and national security, and broke somewhat from President Bush's strategy on the promotion of democracy overseas by saying some places are not ready for elections right away. At his most confident when talking terrorism, which he brought into many answers. Still uncomfortable talking abortion, however. Continued his clever campaign strategy of finding common ground with conservatives who disagree with some of his social positions by making deliberate swipes at the New York Times, Democratic presidential candidates, and tax-raising liberals. Might have taken it too far for his Iowan audience by seeming to berate questioner/journalist David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register, who is more of an Iowa institution than the butter cow at the State Fair.

— Mark Halperin