The First Republican Debate
Mark Halperin gives Mitt Romney the highest marks on a night that produced no gaffes, but also created no major shifts in the Presidential pecking order
Mitt Romney
Passed his first high-profile test with aplomb. Showed the sunny-side-up optimism, smoothly relaxed demeanor and mechanically thorough preparation that have won over donors and talk show hosts alike. Never rushed his answers or got flustered. Deftly told a Ted Kennedy joke and closed with a stone cold hit on Hillary Clinton/Harry Reid/Nancy Pelosi. Voters getting their first real look at Romney probably liked what they saw. Still has to explain his shifted positions and return harder foreign policy volleys.
— Mark Halperin
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