"It Was An Elegant Debate" Trump.

++THe initial Drudge Poll was Trump won with 55.5%, Cruz second with 37.41%,Rubio with 3.59%, and Kasich with 3.5%.

++The tone was subdued. Donald Trump got more speaking time because he got to respond to comments about him. He said Ben Carson would have input into his educational program and that he really doesn't encourage violence at his rallies. "They are bad dudes trying to do bad things." He said the oath of allegiance was just a joke and that the media coverage was disgraceful.

++Marco Rubio repeated the New America Century mantra and acted in the manner that reminded me of why I can't stand him.

++The basic theme was that Obama is at fault, our economy is terrible, and that the United States must dictate the terms that other people must live by. The candidates would de-recognize Cuba,rip up the Iran deal, and reset the rules of engagement for fighting Islamic Terrorism. Rubio went on his Sunni alliance against ISIS,which is the biggest threat we face. 

++All the candidates pledged more  ground troops against ISIS--about 50,000. Kasich was the most warlike calling for "Shock and Awe" against them. All of the candidates love Cissi of Egypt who has killed hundreds of thousands of Egyptians in the name of fighting extremism.

++The Donald stood up for his statement that Islam hates America. The others tried to waffle out of it.

++Marco Rubio was asked about climate change. He repeated that there is no law to stop it other than Obama's efforts to kill the economy. Kasich differed by saying you can protect the environment and go heavy into renewables.

++Kasich warned you he was the governor of Ohio and he knew how government worked. I found him more frightening tonight.

++Cruz repeated he was the only one who can beat Trump and "when I am President", a mantra repeated by Rubio. Cruz invoked Ronald Reagan and how the Iranian hostages were released the day he was inaugurated. We don't want to go there because it has an unsavory history. He is on Day One already overbooked about what he is going to do. Scary Man.

++Cruz repeated the conservative canard about the bust of Winston Churchill being returned by President Obama. It was the second bust already in the White House.

++Marco Rubio was running for governor of Florida. I still thinks he is the kid who mouths what his elders believe. I can't see him getting any millennial votes.

++The Donald ended with a recognition of the millions who voted for him and that the Republican Party should not turn these people away. His closing statement had no "I" unlike the other three.

++I can't see the debate helping Rubio in Florida. After the debate,CNN only spent time with Trump and Cruz. The other two have some tough choices to make. The Donald said he respected Cruz but they are different people. The Donald was mellow tonight.

++Some commentators said this was Trump's best debate. I don't agree but it is clear he wins whatever the climate of the debate.

++I found all the assumptions by each candidate ludicrous.

++There was a question about a contested convention. The Donald said that who had the most delegates should be the nominee and he said he would have that. Cruz said that the Washington elite should not parachute a candidate in to "save the day." Kasich said that it was too far in advance to comment on it. 

++Rubio had a side comment about a lonely old man who sits every day in a chair with a Rubio sign. And that's why he is not quitting. Although after Tuesday, it is tough to see where he goes.

++You would not have the sense from this debate that Tuesday is make or break for these candidates. It is. Trump should be solidly on the way to the nomination. Maybe that's why he was lower key tonight.

++Josh Marshall was the best blogger tonight. Nate Silver showed up late and still has a Rubio thing. The Daily Kos couldn't contain its distaste for these creatures.