Ranking of Presidential Candidates in First Debate

Posted on May 5, 2011. Filed under: 2012, Conservative, Elections, government | Tags: Elections, Gary Johnson, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, south carolina, Tim Pawlenty |

There were 5 Presidential candidates who responded to the first debate in South Carolina.  It was not the usual suspects as the perceived current leaders in the polls, did not participate.  This may not bode well for the ones who didn’t show, with the South Carolina voters, as heard in the focus group after the debate.

For clarity, I had decided to evaluate each candidate on several attributes throughout the evening. The list of attributes and definitions is below, followed by my rankings of the entire debate and each candidate.

Lucity (Expression of thought; eloquence)

Knowledge of the topic:  Because each candidate was asked a different question, I weighed their answers with regard to depth, and ability to articulate a complete knowledge of the topic they were questioned about.

Original Ideas:  Do they have original ideas or are they simply picking apart the current administration? 

Exhibited Leadership skills:  Leadership is something critical to the next President elect, therefore in all debates we should look for signs of leadership skills.

Charisma as a speaker: Can he relate to the people?

Presidential Bearing: Can we envision this person as a total package that would have the credibility when sitting across the table from heads of state?

Closing pitch:  Did they have a good argument as to why they would be President?

The ratings are from 1-5 with 5 being the best, and 1 being very poor.

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Results:  Ron Paul                            12 points

                  Rick Santorum                 19 points

                  Gary Johnson                  11 points

                  Tim Pawlenty                   24 points

                  Herman Cain                    28 points

There were distinct differences in the candidates.  Tim Pawlenty had a great answer on Healthcare.  He showed a lot of indepth thinking on the topic.  However, Mr. Cain proved repeatedly he functioned more from a position of solutions.  His approach of analysis first which defined the problem, reflected strong leadership skills.  Both Mr. Pawlenty and Mr. Cain exhibited an ability to articulate thoughts succinctly.  Mr. Paul had a few challenges with his presentation.  Mr. Santorum  shared his straightforward sense of values, however he came across as very intense and almost combative with the interviewers on each question.

There was much more depth than expected in this first debate, therefore I will be producing articles on the primary candidates which focus on the belief systems and solutions offered to the voters.

These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.  – Thomas Paine