My 120 second take on the night:
I think it was smart of Trump to stay away. No need to step on stage with candidates that can barely scrape one percent, plus those candidates got more airtime. If Republican Primary voters don't like that Trump stayed away they can make that decision at the polls. Trump came across as really likeable on the Tucker Interview.
Asa Hutchinson reminds me of Roseanne Connor's mom, on the TV show Roseanne.
Chris Christie's sole purpose is a suicide mission, ad nauseum, to de-rail the Trump Train.
Tim Scott wouldn't say crap if it was choking. He doesn't push back. He doesn't take on a challenge.
Nikki Haley says the same regurgitated lines.
Doug Bergum had solid answers. Especially on abortion, States' Rights and the 10th Amendment and small-town vs big city living, but he doesn't have enough steam.
Mike Pence is running on the 1992 GOP Platform as Reagan's successor chosen by God. Whether we like it or not, there is a plurality of people in this nation that do not know the two main powers of the Cold War, let alone that there was even a thing called a Cold War. For all the great things Reagan did, spouting off Reaganisms isn't going to win the people over that the GOP needs to win elections. Pence is the chemistry teacher that likes to brag that he wore the exact same clothes to school every year on picture day.
I though Vivek taking on Pence that this is not morning in America was brilliant, because he is right. It is not morning in America. America today is a hell of a lot closer to 1980 than 1984. I really admire the 1776 push that Vivek has put on his campaign. This is our 1776 moment and as much as I admire the qualities that some of the men that have held the office of George Washington possess, none, in my opinion, have done it as well as Washington, have had the brilliance of Jefferson, the wisdom of Franklin and the chutzpah of our Founders.
I know why DeSantis's poll numbers are lower than many would like. He seems a bit canned, robotic, pre-programmed. He can rattle off policy like it's nobody's business. Could you imagine breaking bread with him? There by nothing to talk about.
Wholely agree but I think DeSantis did a bit better than expected. While still monotone he did actually seem to have some emotion this time.
Between Trump, Vivek, or DeSantis I think we'd be hard pressed to go wrong. Certainly a far cry away from voting for the lesser evil.
Vivek just seems to bring the enthusiasm to a whole different level, and is boldly willing to not deflect or mince words, but fully admit he's practically going to axe the majority of the federal government.