The October 9 Republican Debate

Thompson was shaky but adequate in his first debate appearance, says Mark Halperin, but overall it was Giuliani who dominated in Dearborn

John McCain

Carlos Osorio / AP
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Peppery on signature issue of spending cuts, salty on Iraq and Rumsfeld, but bland over all — he didn't dominate as in the last debate. More goosey than loosey (that is to say, he was spirited, but a little stiff). Because of poor acoustics, he requested that several questions be repeated, drawing unwelcome — and unfair — attention to the age issue. Proud, impatient, and looking forward to January.

—By Mark Halperin

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