GOP debate reflections

There will be many more, but this was the first debate that included Rick Perry -- and he jumped in with both guns blazing, like the Texas bronco he is. He and Mitt Romney tried to turn it into the two many race it may eventually become. Perry is scary. Romney is just bland; sane, but about as consistent as a revolving door. He continuously changes but is consistent in his constant changing.

Nevertheless, of the two I would pick Romney without second thoughts. Perry calls Social Security a Ponzi scheme (it definitely is not; it is a securities-backed insurance program that would be solvent if our government would stop stealing it's reserves). He wants to get rid of the people electing their Senators directly. He has never "struggled with the risk of executing an innocent man," even though that very likely happened at least once since he's been governor.

Even more than his policies, it's his braggadocio swagger that puts me off. There is one picture from last night's debate that says it all in body language. Romney is standing tall and straight, smiling pleasantly, looking (for him) loose but contained, actually "presidential."

Perry stands to the side with some distance between them. His body language shouts COCKY. Chest thrust forward. Legs apart like he just got off a horse. Knees slightly bent in that ready-for-action stance. Bad-boy grin on his face. Arms out from his body with elbows bent, hands poised ready to draw his pistols from their holsters and shoot you dead. It shouts LOOK AT ME !!! I'M THE ONE !!!! I'M A BIG BRAVE MAN !!!! READY TO FIGHT THEM CATTLE RUSTLERS !!!!! It's the exaggerated way a comedian would stand if he was trying to caricature George W. . . Ugh.

Michele Bachmann sort of was lost in all this. She repeated her mantras, without a shred of back-up. Ron Paul ranted as usual. Cain preached.

Jon Hunstman -- for my money -- won hands down. He sounded like the adult in the room. And he was forceful for a change. He chastised the others, saying Republicans can't afford to ignore science and other evidence in forming policies. He touted his own accomplishments as governor of Utah, which are in fact impressive, to counter the volley between Perry and Romney about who accomplished more as governor. He's the only one with any foreign policy and international trade experience, having been ambassador to China.

Further, Huntsman gains points for exceeding expectations. Will it be enough for the nomination? No, but he will probably rise some in the polls as people take a second look. And it positions him well for a VP nomination in 2012 or for president in 2016. But this nomination is going to the one who can sound just sane enough to seem safe to the more reasonable voter and yet pander enough to the far right enough to be their second choice. Sounds like Romney.

Newt? The non-news about him deserves its own post.

Ralph