Ron Paul, representative of R-Texas
Toned down his style and cadence, but not to his benefit. The stark and crisp anti-Iraq war message he delivered at the top of the evening drew ample applause, but his on-stage presence faded as the debate wore on. Channeled Ralph Nader on the role of the oil companies in America's military ambitions. His tentative, all-over-the-map performance likely won't move the cyberspace or contribution needles as much in the first two debates, when he gathered a hardy little band of supporters.
— by Mark Halperin