Marco Shined
Marco showed tonight why Democrats fear him most. With his optimistic message and vision for the country, Marco not only won the debate, he absolutely dominated.
Dana Bash: Rubio Shined
Marc Thiessen: Marco Rubio Won It
The Resurgent's Erick Erickson said Rubio was the intentional winner of the debate for his substance and clarity. “The intentional winner of the Fox News debate was Marco Rubio. He had a really good debate. He was substantive and sharp, clear and polished. He came across as likable. He came across as someone who knows foreign policy.”
National Review said that Rubio helped himself the most of any candidate in the debate. “Amongst the leaders, Rubio performed the best and probably helped himself the most. He’s very good at turning questions back to attacks on Hillary…”
ABC News' Rick Klein say Marco had a 'strong night talking foreign policy.' "Trump's absence opened up room for Marco Rubio to have a strong night talking foreign policy, particularly as he contrasted his record with the others senators on stage."
The Daily Caller called Rubio smooth and substantive.. “Like always, Rubio was smooth, passionate and often substantive, but most importantly he came across as likeable. His likeability factor stood in stark contrast to the debate’s main loser, Ted Cruz.”
National Journal said Rubio’s strong debate performance proved that he's the consensus candidate for the GOP. “But with a disciplined delivery, bite-sized testimonials of his Christian faith, and an articulation of a muscular foreign policy vision that matches the angst of voters, he found himself well-positioned for a strong finish in the Iowa caucuses. In the final GOP debate before Iowa voters cast their ballots, Rubio proved he’s a consensus candidate in a splintered party whose leaders are desperately looking for any kind of unity.”
Bloomberg reported Rubio’s debate performance was confident and smooth. “Confident and, yes, charming, occupying a groove that allowed him to bring segments of his clever stump speech to a wide TV audience—both the appealing conversational elements and the more rigid talking points. Smoothly wove recent news developments and mentions of his faith into his presentation.”
The International Business Times praised Rubio for commanding the stage during the debate. “Marco Rubio filled the hole left by the businessman's characteristic bombast, and instead commanded the stage with powerful rhetoric about how to defeat extremist groups and side-stepping attacks."
The Reno-Gazette Journal talked to voters and experts who thought Rubio bested Ted Cruz in the debate. “Kim Bacchus, campaign chair for the Washoe Republican Women, said it appeared Rubio bested Cruz."
