Grading the Republican Presidential Debate

COMMENTARY | Huddle! OK, let's save the infighting for another time. Tonight, it's about President Obama. Ready, hands in; GOP!

This may have been the scene backstage preceding the Republican debate Monday night. The sagging economy made the president an easy target for the Republican field. The question: How did they do?

Rick Santorum (Grade: B +)

Rick Santorum is the wildcard in this race. He used his record as a senator from Pennsylvania to define his positions. Santorum pandered to the Tea Party, calling them the "backbone" of the Republican Party. He was the only candidate who engaged Mitt Romney, calling Romney's "authenticity" into question regarding abortion. Santorum didn't do anything to distance himself from the field, but Americans did get an idea of who he is: a fiscal and social conservative.

Michelle Bachmann (Grade: A)

Sarah Palin may be shooting darts at a picture of Bachmann right now. Although she has received less press than frontrunner Mitt Romney; Americans were looking to see if Bachmann could hold her own with "mainstream" Republicans. Bachmann had command of the issues and was brash when it came to President Obama. At one point, she said, "We're going to win!"

Bachmann's conservatism didn't come through until social issues became the topic of discussion. She defended her pro-life position even in cases of rape and incest. However, in a time of 9.1 percent unemployment, according to the Associated Press, social issues will not be the "wedge" they have been in the past. She toed the Republican line economically, supporting a lower corporate tax rate and repeal of Obamacare. Judging from this debate, Bachmann seems like a legitimate candidate.

Newt Gingrich (Grade B)

One can never say that Newt Gingrich lacks confidence. While Santorum and Bachmann brushed off the "get to know you" questions as a joke, and Santorum even looked annoyed at the Leno or Conan question, Gingrich looked at the camera with no hesitation and chose "American Idol" over "Dancing with the Stars." Gingrich once again displayed his knowledge of both the issues and American history.

However, at times, the former House speaker came across as a product of the Cold War. He mentioned the "Reagan Recovery" during a discussion on jobs, and made the country's relationship with Muslims analogous to the era of Communism. The Gingrich of today needs to distance himself from his 1990s self, and remember a new generation of voters will be going to the polls.

Mitt Romney (Grade: B +)

Romney had the most to lose from this debate. It's still early in the presidential run, but there was a chance that Romney's GOP colleagues would attack the frontrunner. As I mentioned earlier, Santorum did call Romney's authenticity into question regarding his flip-flop on abortion, but, for the most part, not many arrows were hurled Romney's way.

Romney's biggest vulnerability going into the night was his support of universal healthcare in Massachusetts during his time as governor. Romney defended his decision the way he has in the past, stating that his healthcare plan was a state plan and can't be compared to Obama's national healthcare plan. Besides his "Taliban military" gaffe, Romney did what he had to do to keep his spot as a Republican favorite.

Ron Paul (Grade: C +)

Paul will continue his cult-like following. He continued his assault on the Federal Reserve and the country's monetary policy. Unfortunately, monetary policy doesn't exactly stir the national pot. Even though many Americans will agree with Paul that we are too involved around the world -- according to a June CBS poll, 64 percent of Americans want a reduction of troops in Afghanistan -- he will continually be viewed as too radical.

Tim Pawlenty (Grade: C)

Pawlenty missed a major opportunity in this debate. People have questioned whether the former governor of Minnesota suffers from "Jimmy Carter" syndrome, or being too nice to be president. Pawlenty did use some strong language when it came to President Obama, calling him a "declinist." But when Pawlenty was pressed on his depiction of Obamacare as Obamaneycare, he made Muhammad Ali proud. He basically ducked the question and stated that he was only using President Obama's words.

Pawlenty needed to throw a punch in this debate and he didn't. Americans will wonder how Pawlenty will face despots around the world when he refuses to go after even Mitt Romney.

Herman Cain (Grade: F)

Cain had the worst night of all the candidates. He consistently made broad statements, but lacked specific policy proposals. Cain repeatedly said we "gotta fix the problem" and "free market." Essentially, he used buzzwords. What will draw the most press was Cain's depiction of Muslims as "those who want to kill us." Cain was left in the dust by a more experienced field, but at least we know the former CEO of Godfather's Pizza prefers deep dish.