2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

RNC Statement On The CNN Republican Primary Debate

RNC Statement On The CNN Republican Primary Debate
 
WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement at the conclusion of the presidential primary debate in Las Vegas, Nevada:
 
“It’s clear from tonight’s debate that our Republican field understands the threats we face from radical Islamic terrorism and that we must change course from the failed Clinton-Obama foreign policy to destroy it.  As President Obama’s Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was chief architect of an agenda that has left our country facing a more chaotic world and our homeland at a greater risk of attack.  Our candidates understand we must defeat radical Islamic terrorism, while Hillary Clinton refuses to acknowledge we’re at war with ISIS or even call the enemy by its name.  The fundamental differences between our exceptionally qualified candidates and the Democrat field couldn’t be more clear, which is why the American people will elect a Republican president next November.”

What They're Saying About Chris Christie at the CNN Las Vegas Debate Part 1

What They're Saying About…
“Christie Is Good. Speaks To Ordinary Americans. That Matters.”
“Wow [Christie] Is Killing It With This Straight Talk To American People”

National Review’s Rich Lowry: “I suspect that christie answer punched through”
The Washington Post’s Robert Costa: “Christie isn't running tonight as a gregarious blue-state gov. He's running as a stern fmr US atty who has dealt with terrorist suspects.”

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s SalenaZito: “@ChrisChristie takes the national security to the household impact”
The Weekly Standard’s Jim Swift: “Strong Christie. Good eye contact. Compelling message.”

The Wall Street Journal’s Daniel Nasaw: “Strong words from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who in his opening statement says the Obama administration has “betrayed” the U.S.”

National Review’s Jay Nordlinger: “Christie going after the Dems: smart. (Anticipating the general.)”
National Review’s Jim Geraghty: “So far I liked Christie's opening best, discussing the kids in the LA school system. Fresh, not canned.”

London Policy Center’s Derk Jan Eppink: “Chris Christie made a powerful opening statement. Keep eye on him; rising in New Hampshire and may get in top tier.”

The Houston Chronicle’s Brian M. Rosenthal: “Having watched all of these debates, I personally think Christie is a pretty good orator too.”

Los Angeles Times’ Mike Memoli:  “.@GovChristie does the ripped-from-the-headlines opening statement on LA school closure. ‘We will fight terrorists and win again.’”

National Review’s Wesley J. Smith: “Opening statements go to @marcorubio and @GovChristie.”
“Christie Sounds Very Reasonable On Homeland Security”

The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: “Christie slamming Hillary for tying herself to Obama”
•    “Christie just slamming both senators.. none of these guys ever made a decision”

Council on Foreign Relations’ Max Boot: “Christie sounds very reasonable on homeland security”
National Journal’s Josh Kraushaar: “Christie showing clear command on national security. Weaves personal story and draws sharp contrast w Obama”

Yahoo News’ Hunter Walker: “Christie's attack on Congress is potent.”
•    “Christie, Rubio, and Cruz are a lot better at this than their non-Trump rivals.”

National Review’s Rich Lowry: “Christie is always very good at belittling exchanges that the other candidates have”
•    “I imagine Christie scored with that answer”

Daily Caller’s Jamie Weinstein: “Good answer by Chris Christie. He stole the NSA part of the debate with this answer”
Stuart Rothenberg: “Smart move by Christie. Action. Leadership. Bam!”

The Iowa Republican’s Craig Robinson: “Classic @GovChristie one of the most talented politicians out there.  #score”
The Washington Post’s Ed O'Keefe: “BOOM: Christie: "If your eyes are glazed over like mine, this is what it's like to be on the floor of the United States Senate."

NBC News’ Chuck Todd: “Christie has an ‘edge’ to him tonight. On national security, should play well with primary voters but needs to be careful of looking too hot”

Philadelphia Inquirer’s Cynthia Henry: “.@ChrisChristie goes after U.S. senators, says they lack executive experience to lead”
Ari Fleischer: “As much as that was a good debate, Christie followed as a strong chief executive.  Good move, good statement by Christie.”

CQ Roll Call’s Catalina Camia: “Christie just slammed the US Senate at #GOPDebate and got big applause @CQnow”
Fox News’ Richard Grenell: “.@ChrisChristie is very good when he minimizes senators who just vote and showcases governors who have to manage programs.”

MSNBC’s Kasie Hunt: “Chris Christie demonstrating that he has some of the best natural political skills onstage tonight”
The Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes: “Christie smart to take on Congress (always a good move), but the details of these intel programs really do matter.”

Fox News’ Bernard Goldberg: “Christie is good.  Speaks to ordinary Americans.  That matters.  Let's see if it helps him.”

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “Christie wielding a powerful weapon against Cruz, Rubio, Paul: Not being in the US Senate.”

Rupert Murdoch: “First half most applause for Rubio and Cruz, enough for Trump, Carson.  Christie pushing hard, good debater.”

Jon Thompson: “Smart for @ChrisChristie to focus on chief executive doers over Senate talkers. Govs take action!”

Huffington Post’s Lauren Weber: “Chris Christie lands a blow on the D.C. crowd.”

Daily Caller’s Jamie Weinstein: “Good answer by Chris Christie. He stole the NSA part of the debate with this answer”

G.W.U. Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication’s Philip J. Crowley: “The contrast between Chris Christie and Ben Carson is striking. One is leading the conversation and the other is trailing behind.”

Hot Air: “Christie tees off on the three Senators debating the minutiae of these bills, and says none of them had to ‘make a tough executive decision in their lives.’ Gets a huge cheer. Hard not to see that as a home run for Christie.”

FiveThirtyEight: “At some point, this primary becomes about being electable. Chris Christie has helped himself on that end”
U.S. News’ Boris Epshteyn: “Wow @GovChristie is killing it with this straight talk to American people #eyesglazingover”

The New York Times’ Adam Nagourney: “Chris Christie is making the most of his return to the adult table so far -- in no small part because of the mini-Senate procedural debate.”

CNN’s Alex Castellanos: “GOP wants Pres big as our fears, strong as our adversaries. So far @GovChristie @marcorubio  passing test. Jeb good moments”
NBC News’ Luke Russert: “Christie attacks Senators for lack of executive decision making in light of terror threat. Good tactic. Decent debate for him so far”

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Debaters, ranked: 1. Rubio 2. Cruz 3. Christie”

CNN’s Manu Raju: “Christie sharpens attacks against senators. Says the three ‘spend their life debating’ bills that go nowhere”

The Houston Chronicle’s Vernon Loeb: “Christie is effective, describing the difference between a US atty and a senator, a member of the big debating club”

NBC News’ Kailani Koenig: “Christie has been strongly echoing trail focus lately: terror, strong emphasis on time as fed prosecutor, mocking the U.S. Senate”

NHDP Response to December GOP Debate

NHDP Response to December GOP Debate
 
MANCHESTER, N.H. - Following tonight’s GOP Debate, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley made the following statement:
 
“Tonight’s debate confirmed that the Republican field continues to take cues from their frontrunner. The Republican field embraces damaging rhetoric that makes our country less safe, refuses to keep guns from those on terror watch lists, and wants to drag our economy backwards when we were losing hundreds of thousands of jobs a month. Granite Staters want real solutions that will keep our country safe, secure, and moving forward and we can’t wait to hear them from our candidates this weekend here in the Granite State.”

What They're Saying About Rand Paul at the CNN Las Vegas Debate

Rand Paul Dominates Debate Stage, Draws Contrasts and Shows Clarity on Foreign Policy

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Tonight we saw eight candidates preparing to fight the last war and expand big government, while only one was willing to keep America safe and protect the Constitution. On the 224th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, Senator Rand Paul made clear what so many generations of Americans before us have understood: we can be free and be safe. We do not have to choose between the Constitution and security.  

Senator Paul stands out because he believes that our next Commander-in-Chief should be thoughtful when making the decision to send our sons and daughters to war. He understands that America must act when and only when our interests are directly threatened--and that when we act, we must ensure we have a strategy for overwhelming victory that has been thought through well before we ever risk American lives.

Senator Rand Paul demonstrated tonight that he is the only candidate with the responsible character and thoughtful judgment necessary in the leader of the free world.

Don't just take it from us. Here's 'What They Are Saying' about Senator Paul's debate performance:

The Atlantic @TheAtlantic
... [Rand] Paul is having his best night of the race

Laura Ingraham @IngrahamAngle
Rand Paul again KILLED on legal immigration. He is 100 percent CORRECT.
 
Michelle Malkin @MichelleMalkin
Remarkable Rand Paul frontal attack on Rubio's Gang of Eight shilling. Huge applause from crowd. #gopdebate
 
Jonathan Martin @jmartNYT
Rand Paul, doing jobs against Marco that Ted Cruz won't

Katie Pavlich @KatiePavlich
Rand Paul just landed some serious punches on Rubio, combining open immigration policy with threat of terrorists #GOPDebate

Anand Giridharadas @AnandWrites
.@RandPaul has done a masterful job explaining his positions tonight.#GOPDebate
 
Mark R. Levin @marklevinshow
Agree with him or not, Rand Paul is having a pretty good night, so far
 
Katie Couric @katiecouric
Our group thinks@RandPaul having a good night#GOPDebate
 
James Pindell @JamesPindell
For a guy who didn't qualify for this#CNNDebate@RandPaul proves he belongs in the#CNNDebate

Matt Walsh @MattWalsh Blog
Rand Paul is just savaging everyone tonight. Glad he's here to make it interesting.

Steve Deace @SteveDeaceShow
Tonight is the first time Rand Paul has been the true liberty champion on a national stage as a presidential candidate he was expected to be.

Iowa GOP Statement on GOP Debate

Iowa GOP Statement on GOP Debate

“Our candidates showed tonight that they are serious about protecting Americans at home and defeating ISIS abroad. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are the co-architects of our dysfunctional foreign policy, and our Republican candidates will provide the leadership we need after seven years of failure in the White House.

Tonight also showed that our candidates aren't afraid of debate, unlike the Democrats who have strictly limited their debates and scheduled them at odd hours to shield Hillary Clinton from real competition. This will make our candidates and the Republican Party stronger for the general election."

Lindsey Graham 2016 Campaign Manager Christian Ferry Statement on Tonight's CNN Las Vegas Debate

Lindsey Graham Is The Only Candidate Who Has A Plan To Protect Our Nation And Destroy ISIL

Alexandria, VA – In response to Senator Lindsey Graham's strong performance in tonight's CNN debate in Las Vegas, Lindsey Graham 2016 campaign manager Christian Ferry today released the following statement:
 
“The next President of the United States is going to be thrown into the midst of a full-fledged war with radical Islam whether they are ready or not.  Lindsey Graham once again showed tonight that he is the only candidate, on either stage, who has a real plan to protect our nation and destroy ISIL.  Since the beginning of this campaign, Senator Graham has been consistently calling for American action with boots on the ground to combat this threat to our homeland.  While other candidates have begun to follow his lead, it has taken far too much carnage to get them there.  Our nation deserves a Commander in Chief who understands this war and can win it – the only candidate who meets that standard is Senator Lindsey Graham."

Rand Paul for President Issues Debate Statement

Rand Paul for President Issues Debate Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Prior to CNN's Republican Presidential debate announcement, Rand Paul for President has had discussions with the RNC and CNN in which the campaign indicated that Rand Paul should be on the main stage on Tuesday. Our campaign asserts that fairness in dealing with polling variances, which previously allowed for amended rules for Carly Fiorina for CNN's August Republican Presidential debate, would indicate Rand Paul should be on the main stage during Tuesday's debate.   
 
Some of the points include:

1. Polling criteria has been amended in the previous CNN debate in a similar manner to what we are urging be done today.
 
In August, polls were all over the place. Older polls had one result, while newer ones had another. Even in contemporaneous polls, there were different people ahead and behind. Thus it was determined that additional time periods and criteria were warranted for fairness. We ask for the same process today.
A. In addition to the previously announced criteria, if a candidate qualified via the polling between the last debate and this debate, they are on the main stage.
 
B. In addition to the previously announced and above criteria, if a candidate is above other main stage participants in multiple polls, they are on the main stage. Senator Paul is in the TOP FIVE in multiple polls, including the newest New York Times national poll.

2. Senator Paul has a national, first-tier campaign, organized in all 50 states. He is on the ballot everywhere that has had filing. He has over 400 fully operational grassroots groups, and his campaign and related entities have raised $22 million for this race. It is simply not consistent with facts to attempt to force the campaign off  of the main debate stage.

3. Rounding up should be applied. Polling margins are simply too wide to allow a quarter or half a point to determine the outcome.

4. The campaign is not asking for special treatment, but simply fairness in criteria, whether it be time frames, allowances for poll variances, or rounding, all of which have been applied to other debates.
 
Senator Paul is eager for Tuesday's CNN debate, and looks forward to his fair and rightful place on the main stage.

What People Are Saying About Hillary Clinton at the CBS News Debate in Des Moines, Iowa

What People Are Saying About Hillary Clinton at the CBS News Debate in Des Moines, Iowa

#DemDebate Reviews Are In: Clinton ‘Winner,’ ‘Peerless,’ ‘Delivered,’ ‘Claimed Superior Knowledge,’ ‘Moved Undecided Iowans’
 
Politico: “Hillary Clinton crushed her two rivals on the commander-in-chief test during last night’s debate.”
 
The New Republic: Hillary Clinton Is the Peerless 2016 Candidate
“By virtue of her four year tenure as secretary of state, Clinton is just incomparably briefed on foreign affairs. In terms of sheer factual and systemic knowledge, the contrast between Clinton and the other Democratic candidates is occasionally painful.”
 
Politico: “Seventy-seven percent of Democratic insiders surveyed called Clinton the winner, saying that of the three candidates on the stage, she showed the most presidential stature.”
 
CBS News: “Immediately after Saturday night's Democratic debate, CBS News interviewed a nationally representative sample of debate watchers assembled by GfK's Knowledge Panel who identified themselves as Democrats or independents. By a 23 point margin, these debate watchers say Hillary Clinton won the debate. Fifty-one percent say Clinton won, compared to 28 percent who favor Bernie Sanders. Just 7 percent pick Martin O'Malley as the winner. Fourteen percent called it a tie.”
 
The Hill: Poll: Clinton clear winner of second debate
“Sixty seven percent of Democratic primary voters said Clinton won the debate, Public Policy Polling (PPP) found. Twenty percent thought Sen. Bernie Sanders (I- Vt.) won the debate, PPP added, while 7 percent picked former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley as the winner.”
 
USA Today: “The former secretary of State showed a command of the world scene, and she reminded the crowd that she pushed for the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.”
 
Forbes (column): Hillary Clinton Wins A Spirited Democratic Debate
“Clinton cited the battle scars of waging the fight for healthcare reform and praised her former boss, President Barack Obama, for passing the Affordable Care Act despite obstacles by Republicans in Congress.”
 
Vox: “Winner: Hillary Clinton”
“The Democratic presidential debate on CBS Saturday night was really Hillary Clinton’s to lose, and she didn’t disappoint.”
 
Politico: “In one of the better moments for Clinton, the front-runner went after the Vermont senator for his position on gun control, forcing him to review his record over and over again.”
“I know that Sen. Sanders had a different vote than I did when it came to giving immunity to gunmakers and sellers,” she said. Adding that that decision made the “gun lobby” more powerful, she added, “That was a terrible mistake,” and said that she would “love” to see Sanders join with some of her former Senate colleagues to reverse that decision.”
 
Washington Post (column): “Clinton won the debate. And, if she and her opponents keep this up, she’s almost certainly going to win the nomination.”
 
The Guardian (column): Foreign policy requires nuance, not just talking points. Hillary Clinton delivered
“It should come as no surprise Clinton’s voice on foreign policy issues was strong...For instance, when questions were asked about Islamic extremism, ISIS and America’s leadership in the region it became clear Hillary Clinton was the only candidate who expressed a functional understanding of Middle East politics…”
 
Wall Street Journal: “A focus group conducted by a Democratic strategist in Iowa during the debate showed Mrs. Clinton to be the winner. The survey gauged the feelings of 33 undecided Democrats in Des Moines, where the debate was held. A total of 23 said Mrs. Clinton won the debate; 10 said Mr. Sanders was the winner.  ‘It was clear that Clinton’s answers on terrorism, and her improved answers on domestic issues, moved undecided Iowans in striking ways,’ said the strategist, Chris Kofinis.”
 
McClatchy: “Sanders failed to deliver in small and large ways at the Democratic presidential debate Saturday that would have either cast positive attention on him or negative attention on her.  It’s a dynamic that explains why she’s pulling comfortably ahead of him in the Democratic race and likely to remain there in the critical weeks to come.”
 
Politico: “Hillary Clinton hit back at Bernie Sanders’ call for single-payer health care, invoking her past work on the issue as proof that it would not be a viable policy solution”
“I don’t think we should have to be defending it among Democrats,” she said of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, remarking that others in her party should be working to improve the legislation instead.
 
TIME: “Time and again, the former Secretary of State claimed superior knowledge and experience than Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.”
“[Dickerson] asked each of the candidates to name a crisis they had experienced in their life that prepared them for the presidency. “Well, there are so many, I don’t know where to start,” Clinton responded, before retelling the story of her advising President Obama in the decision to launch a mission to kill Osama bin Laden.
“Her rivals could not match her.”
 
The New Republic: We Just Saw the Hillary Clinton that Republicans Will Have to Beat
“...Clinton’s performance wasn’t just about criticizing her Democratic opponents. It also was a clear preview of the campaign that Clinton is planning to run in the general election—with a message centered around bolstering the middle-class, a vigorous defense of Obama’s accomplishments, and sharp partisan attacks.”
 
New York Times: “The attacks on Mrs. Clinton were notably harsher than in the first Democratic debate last month, an illustration of the growing pressure her two rivals feel to differentiate themselves as she tightens her hold on the Democratic race.”
 
Washington Post: “As Sanders and O’Malley sought to score points by highlighting what they saw as mistakes by the Obama administration and its predecessors, Clinton tried to showcase the experience that she gained during four years as secretary of state, stressing repeatedly the complicated nature of global issues.”
 

What People Are Saying About Martin O’Malley's Performance at the Second Democratic Debate

What People Are Saying About Martin O’Malley's Performance at the Second Democratic Debate

“Martin O’Malley Had A Strong Night” … “If There Was A Winner in the Debate, [O’Malley] Takes the Prize” … “Deserved to be in that Stage and Should be Taken Seriously”... “Finally A Candidate Talking Facts”  … “Did Martin O'Malley Finally Break Out? The Former Maryland Governor Had Two of the Night's Most Memorable Lines” … “Very Strong Answer by O'Malley on Immigration” … “Effectively Challenged [Clinton] on Issues” … “Generat[ed] Some of the Loudest Spontaneous Applause of the Night” … “Martin O’Malley Shined.”  “Had A Great Debate, Showing His Passionate Progressive Positions”... “Spoke Fluidly and Forcefully about All Manner of Issues”

Bloomberg Politics Headline: Martin O'Malley Celebrates ‘Big Deal’ Debate Win

Des Moines Register Headline: O'Malley: 'We Had a Really Good Night'

Washington Post Headline: Hoping to Capitalize on Debate Performance, O’Malley to ‘Park’ in Iowa

Reuters Headline: O'Malley: U.S. Must Do "Better Job" at Defending Against Islamic State

Daily Mail Headline: O'Malley Channels Obama and Accuses Clinton of Changing Her Mind on Gun control for Political Expediency

Reuters Headline: What O’Malley Said to Pique Twitter’s Interest

Alan Colmes’ Liberaland Headline: O’Malley Defines Trump As ‘Immigrant-Bashing Carnival Barker’

Washington Examiner Headline: O'Malley Calls Trump an 'Immigrant-Bashing Carnival Barker'

ABC (Video): Martin O'Malley Rallies with Supporters Before Iowa Debate

LA Times Headline: Sanders and O'Malley Step Up Attacks on Clinton in Iowa Democratic Debate

CBS Headline: Democratic Debate: Sanders and O'Malley Keep Clinton on Defense

Slate: “Martin O’Malley had a strong night. It’s not surprising that O’Malley is fluent in policy across several dimensions. But this debate ... he showed real knowledge and skill. He kept himself in the game, responding to both Clinton and Sanders, while touting his record as governor of Maryland ... I saw … fire in O’Malley. If there was a winner in the debate, he takes the prize.”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Martin O’Malley shined. O’Malley was aggressive and blunt and showed a willingness to challenge Clinton.”

Politico: “‘It was a very good night for O'Malley,’ … said an unaligned South Carolina Democrat … O’Malley ... took direct aim at Clinton over her ties to Wall Street and her record on gun control ...  insiders said he had a slightly better night than Sanders did … ‘O'Malley showed he deserved to be in that stage and should be taken seriously,’ a New Hampshire Democrat said.”

Des Moines Register: “A cheering Beaverdale pub crowd greeted Martin O'Malley, who thanked his volunteers and supporters shortly after Saturday's presidential debate in Des Moines … The crowd cheered ‘I-O-W-A, Martin O'Malley all the way’ as the Democratic presidential hopeful walked into the room.
…
“Having only three candidates on stage this time gave O'Malley more time to talk about his progressive accomplishments, like raising Maryland's minimum wage to $10.10 per hour … Lu Ann Pedrick's favorite moment of the debate was O'Malley calling Republican businessman-turned-presidential hopeful Donald Trump an ‘immigrant-bashing carnival barker.’
…
“Ottumwa resident Melinda Jones said O'Malley showed in the debate that he's a thoughtful candidate who will look at new approaches on foreign policy and national security issues.”

MSNBC: “O’Malley especially outperformed expectations”

CNN: “Did Martin O'Malley finally break out? The former Maryland governor had two of the night's most memorable lines. Democrats will love his description of Donald Trump … And O'Malley offered a personal touch by criticizing the phrase ‘boots on the ground,’ telling the story of a Burlington, Iowa, mother …  And he got laughs talking about his daughters’ student debt, saying he was proud to see them graduate college and ‘we’re going to be proud every month for the rest of our natural lives.’"

The Nation: “There were also defining moments for each candidate .... Martin O’Malley’s stirring response on refugees and immigration.”

Reuters: “Generating some the loudest spontaneous applause of the night, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley invoked Trump’s name when asked about immigration reform and border security, calling Trump “that immigrant-bashing carnival barker.

Mashable: “O'Malley offered up a forceful attack on Hillary Clinton over gun policies during Saturday's Democratic debate”

The Atlantic: “O’Malley was livelier than in recent debates, at one point seizing on a question on immigration to attack ‘that immigrant-bashing carnival barker Donald Trump.’ He clearly benefited from the increased time, and attention … Very strong answer by O'Malley on whether to ‘compromise’ on immigration by securing the border first. He makes a rousing call for a path to citizenship.”

USA Today: “Martin O’Malley is on offense against two opponents. The former governor of Maryland ... showed he is willing to attack both Clinton and Sanders. While criticizing Clinton as ‘the candidate of Wall Street,’ O’Malley also hit Sanders for his opposition to certain gun control measures and questioned whether his economic problems are realistic.”

LA Times: “Martin O'Malley repeatedly challenged the former secretary of State … O'Malley said Clinton had her own consistency problems, arguing she had repeatedly changed her position for political reasons

Economist: “Mr O’Malley made the equally common-sensical point that politicians needed to avoid language that alienated the Muslim-American neighbours who were a “first line of defence” in spotting and reporting extremists.”

CBS: O’Malley ... effectively challenged her on issues ranging from the federal minimum wage to the fight against ISIS … O'Malley also found an opportunity to contrast his outsider status to Clinton's Wall Street connections.

Daily Mail: “Martin O'Malley copied a page out of Barack Obama's playbook and dubbed Hillary Clinton as 'Annie Oakley' during tonight's debate over her defense in 2008 of Americans who shoot guns for sport … she didn't always feel that strongly about gun control, O'Malley argued.”

USA Today: “O'Malley has worked to portray himself as the toughest presidential candidate on gun control.”

CNN: “[O’Malley] spoke fluidly and forcefully about all manner of issues.
…
“O'Malley had a great debate, showing his passionate progressive positions, at times taking the critique to both of his opponents.”

Mother Jones: “His biggest applause line came when he called Donald Trump an "immigration-bashing carnival barker.’ … O'Malley took on Clinton for being fickle in her support of strong gun control measures, invoking the image of ‘Annie Oakley,’ an attack line then-presidential candidate Barack Obama used against Clinton in the 2008 primary.”

Alan Colmes: “Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley gave Donald Trump the treatment he deserved when the topic turned to immigration reform during this Saturday's Democratic Debate.”

Chris Cillizza @TheFix: Winners: Martin O'Malley, John Dickerson, Viking river cruises
Losers: Hillary Clinton, Saturday night debates.

Slate @Slate: Martin O’Malley had a surprisingly strong night. slate.me/1kWlyvZ #DemDebate

Erika Lee @prof_erikalee: Finally a candidate talking facts: Martin O'Malley: Net migration from Mexico was 0 in 2014 buff.ly/1MvznZo pic.twitter.com/7A1UOBAwBC

What People Are Saying About Martin O’Malley at the CBS News Debate in Des Moines, Iowa

What People Are Saying About Martin O’Malley at the CBS News Debate in Des Moines, Iowa

“Winner: Martin O’Malley” … “Showed He’s a True Contender Best Showing” … “Iowa Political Watchers Tell Me: Strategically, O’Malley Had the Best Performance” ...
“Gave By Far the Best Democratic Debate Answer on Refugees” … “A lot of Volume Went to Martin O’Malley” … “O’Malley Had a Strong Night. Won’t Be Surprised to See Him Gain Ground” … “O’Malley Truly Torched Twitter Tonight” … “On Immigration, O’Malley is Best” … “Earned Thunderous Applause” … “Pain[ted] Himself as the Fresh Face in the Democratic Party” … “His Best Night of the Campaign to Date. Solid, Confident, and Often Lyrical”

Washington Post Headline: Winners: Martin O’Malley

Bloomberg Headline: Report Card: Clinton Opens the Door to Her Rivals: Sanders and O'Malley Step Up in Iowa Debate.

Bustle Headline: O'Malley's Debate Performance Was His Best Yet

Boston Globe Headline: Martin O’Malley’s big line of the night? Slamming Donald Trump

Baltimore Sun Headline: O'Malley takes tougher approach in second debate

Washington Examiner Headline: O'Malley calls Trump an 'immigrant-bashing carnival barker'

The Week Headline: Martin O'Malley Earns Thunderous Applause by Calling Donald Trump An 'Immigrant-Bashing Carnival Barker'

Talk Radio News Headline: O’Malley: Trump Is An ‘Immigrant-bashing Carnival-Barker’

Vox Headline: Martin O'Malley Gave, By Far, the Best Democratic Debate Answer on Refugees

Bloomberg Politics Headline: After ‘Carnival Barker’ Barb, Trump Calls O’Malley a ‘Clown’

Mic Headline: Martin O'Malley: "My Son Is Not a Pair of Boots on the Ground"

Time Headline: Watch Martin O’Malley Compare Hillary Clinton to Annie Oakley

Des Moines Register Headline: Clinton, O'Malley Spar over Minimum Wage

Politico Headline: O'Malley Got the Counter-Punch from Donald Trump He was Spoiling For

Business Insider Headline: Donald Trump snipes back after Martin O'Malley calls him a 'carnival barker' at the Democratic debate

The Hill Headline: O'Malley Slams Trump as 'Carnival barker' on Immigration

Adam Sharp (Video): “A lot of that volume went to Martin O’Malley who wound up in the double digits having been in the 1, 2, 3% range in the overall conversation.”

Gloria Berger (Video): “O'Malley was right about Hillary Clinton and Annie Oakley. Remember that?”

Rick Unger (Video): “I thought Governor O'Malley hit on the one point that isn't discussed enough and he went there, is our need to have more human intelligence on the ground around the world, particularly where this kind of a problem is breeding  … he hit it.”

Washington Post: “Winners: Martin O’Malley … He also showed a willingness to go at Hillary Clinton aggressively and unapologetically. And to tout his record as having accomplished many of the liberal goals that Clinton and Bernie Sanders just talk about. His riff on why candidates shouldn't use the phrase "boots on the ground" was powerful, even if he did use an anecdote ... to make his point … taken in its totality, tonight's debate was one of the better moments for O'Malley in this race.”

Bloomberg: “O’Malley B+, Clinton B, Sanders B … [O’Malley’s] best night of the campaign to date. Solid, confident, and often lyrical ... Frequently emotional and engaging on domestic policy, especially when effectively pushing his Maryland governing record and hitting Clinton hard on gun control … spoke movingly about an Iowa military family ... this performance will rally his supporters and allow him to enter the next phase of the campaign with the potential to be more than a sidebar player.”

Washington Post: “Martin O’Malley ... seemed more aggressive on Saturday night – attacking both his rivals onstage, and Republicans far off of it. He got one of the night’s biggest rounds of applause by referring to GOP front-runner Donald Trump as ‘That immigrant-bashing carnival barker’ … O’Malley drew the debate’s first sustained applause, by mentioning the Republican front-runner Democrats love to hate.”

Bustle: One contender who turned in a much better — and more aggressive — performance than in past debates was Martin O’Malley, who had his best debate night yet.

The Week: “O'Malley … got a moment in the spotlight ... with an elaborate Donald Trump ... insult, which was met with thunderous applause, ended with a hilarious mic drop.”

Bustle: “O'Malley has finally found his voice during this bizarre 2016 election season. O'Malley's closing remarks at the end of the second Democratic debate were oozing with presidential charm, showing that maybe we shouldn't underestimate the under-the-radar candidate.”

Talk Radio News: Martin O’Malley received his biggest applause during Saturday night’s debate for criticizing Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump. Speaking on border security, O’Malley called for a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living in the country illegally.”

NPR: “O'Malley, pain[ted] himself as the fresh face in the Democratic party.”

Mic: “He made a successful bid for the hearts of Iowa voters by responding to a question about his fitness as commander-in-chief with the personal story of an Iowa mother.

Business Insider: “Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) got one of the biggest applause lines of Saturday night's debate for his criticism of Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump. Asked about border security and immigration reform, O'Malley called for a path to citizenship for immigrants living in the US illegally and slammed Trump for supposed ‘immigrant bashing.’"

Bloomberg: “O'Malley blasted the Republican party front-runner who has been calling for restrictions on immigration and deportations of people living here illegally, earning a thunderous ovation … O'Malley … argued [he’d] be tougher on the financial elites than Clinton. O'Malley ruled out Larry Summers and Robert Rubin, who served as treasury secretaries for past Democratic presidents, from serving in his administration.”

The Hill: “He bashed the GOP front-runner candidate’s immigration rhetoric … O’Malley has repeatedly sought to use immigration as a wedge issue between him and the rest of the field.”

Washington Examiner: “O'Malley touted his role in passing comprehensive gun control and went after the Vermont socialist for his 2005 vote for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms (PLCCA) Act to give "immunity" to gun dealers.”

Time: “Martin O’Malley compared Hillary Clinton to famous female gunslinger Annie Oakley during a discussion of gun control during Saturday’s Democratic debate. The comparison came as former Maryland Gov. O’Malley accused Clinton of flip-flopping on the issue of gun control, which she now supports.”

Bleeding Heartland: O’Malley was the most-improved candidate. Compared to the first debate, he sounded less scripted and spoke more forcefully. Lots of people googled his name, especially during the first hour. O’Malley’s top moment on Twitter came when he employed a crowd-pleasing line from his stump speech, deriding Donald Trump as an "immigrant-bashing carnival barker." His problem is that Clinton and Sanders were mostly solid. I don’t see O’Malley making headway against the front-runners unless one or both make big mistakes.

USA Today: “O’Malley also slammed Clinton, calling her Wall Street proposals ‘weak tea.’”

Associated Press: “Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley paint[ed] the former senator from New York as a lackey for Wall Street and corporate interests.”

Mark Halperin @MarkHalperin: My debate report card grades: O'Malley: B+, Sanders: B, Clinton: B. Full report cards coming soon.

Joe Trippi@JoeTrippi: .@MartinOMalley had a strong night too.  Won't be surprised to see him gain some ground.

James Asher @jimasher: O'Malley showed he's a contender. His best showing.

Matt Viser  @mviser: Could this debate be Martin O’Malley’s breakout moment?

Courtney Crowder @CourtneyCare: Interesting takeaways from the @KCCINews focus group...O'Malley looking like a real candidate for people who didn't think of him before.

Quentin Misiag  @quentin_misiag: Iowa political watchers tell me: Strategically, @MartinOMalley had the best performance. "He finally has a seat at the table." #DemDebate

Slate@Slate: Bernie had burns, but O’Malley truly torched Twitter tonight, according to @CBS: http://slate.me/1kxbgmr  #DemDebate

Natalie Andrews @nataliewsj: Social media buzz for Martin O'Malley was up 112% versus the last debate, per social analytics @Zoomph #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/oeoYxjLkUi

Jose Antonio Vargas @joseiswriting: Not sure. I havent studied candidates enough. On #immigration, @MartinOMalley is best. But thats just one issue.

Amanda Krenz  @ACKrenz: .@MartinOMalley the only candidate in the spin room. #DemDebate  @weareiowa5news @ThisWeekInIowa pic.twitter.com/tReqTNuLOE

Gabriel Debenedetti  @gdebenedetti: One candidate is braving the spin room: @MartinOMalley pic.twitter.com/aFUr4W7Sh2

Grant Rodgers  @GrantMRodgers: "It's like being at the mall in line for Santa," cameraman remarks about trying to get to O'Malley. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/P7v3RgcUqX