First things first — as moderator, Charles Gibson was for the most part fantastic. It was so nice to finally see an adult debate.

Republicans

–Romney lost by not winning. He showed a great command of detail and looked presidential as always, but needed to make a big impression tonight and he was on defense the whole time. In particular he had to score against McCain, and for the most part he didn’t, aside from (rightly) calling out McCain for demonizing pharmaceutical companies. But voters need to see more of a commanding presence; we already know he’s a capable technocrat.

–McCain played it safe most of the debate except for a few crucial instances of going after Romney. In the context of the debate, I thought he was maybe a bit too harsh. But when the clips of him going after Romney are isolated and played on the news, I think he’ll look more fieisty than mean. Still, Romney didn’t stop McCain’s momentum.

–Thompson was just great. He seemed judicious and thoughtful, but he needed another breakout moment or two like the last debate to get people’s attention and couldn’t find it.

–Huckabee got in one good lick on Romney. But his backpedaling on the “bunker mentality” comment was cringe inducing and his command of policy seems totally lackluster compared to his opponents.

–Ron Paul. Still doin’ his thang.

UPDATE: Okay, I forgot Giuliani. I think the fact I forgot him was pretty representative of his debate performance. He did have a nice moment reframing the immigration debate and provided much some needed levity, but much of the gravitas seemed gone. But that might be my unfair impression because he’s been so absent from all of the media coverage for so long…

Democrats

–Hillary Clinton’s starting to look a little desperate going after Obama. It just palpably looks and feels like she’s losing.

–Obama won by not losing. He didn’t impress too much, but he emerged from Clinton’s full tilt attacks unscathed. That was probably enough.

–Edwards’ allignment with Obama to go after Hillary was a curious move since it seems so obvious that he needs to take Obama down now to win the nomination, probably even more than Hillary. But for now, I guess he’s happy to get her out of the way.

–Listening to Bill Richardson talk was about as exciting as a Sloth Circus.