The August 5 Republican Debate

If he hadn't lost momentum in the last few months, he would have come off as the frontrunner, based on his calm and assured performance. Seemed relaxed and secure with his answers on a variety of topics, and confident promoting himself as the obvious best choice. Nevertheless, he is well aware he will ascend if Iraq succeeds - or go down with the ship if it fails. Got to tell one of his favorite jokes about the vice presidency, describing it as an exercise in idleness with a big potential promotion based on the health of the boss, while also suggesting that Dick Cheney might have overstepped the job description. Typically, was not as aggressive in fighting for speaking time as the others, coming across as either subdued or of stature, depending on one's point of view.

— Mark Halperin