GOP debate doesn't produce obvious winner

Wednesday's Republican presidential debate sparked some sensible comments from the GOP hopefuls about what they would do if elected, but it produced no clear winner.

The candidates vowed to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with cost-cutting measures such as medical malpractice reform. They said they would free up U.S. energy production to create jobs. They condemned federal recklessness that has bloated the national debt to $14.9 trillion.

"What I want to do is cut spending," said former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich denounced federal loan programs that have piled up $1 trillion in student debt. He also vowed to keep Social Security solvent.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry criticized federal regulations that are stifling job creation. But he stumbled in trying to recall the three federal agencies he plans to eliminate if elected.

Businessman Herman Cain got loud applause when he defended himself against so-far-unproven allegations that he sexually harassed women well over 10 years ago, and he repeated his call for tax reform.

But when the dust had settled, it hadn't. None of the candidates was plainly superior to the others, and none has a strong lead in the polls.

Maybe you like someone in the GOP field. Maybe you don't. But consider the alternative: Barack Obama.

Upcoming Events