A variety of comments from the in-tray and our Facebook page:
Beyond the "lock box" argument, did I hear a candidate make a crack about Al Gore inventing the internet? The fact that these candidates are making cracks and pointing to policies from decades ago – as you noted with regard to welfare reform – shows how removed Republicans are from pressing political and economic realities. It's striking to see the way President Obama contrasts with this crew simply by being a serious adult, and then talk to friends and relatives (I'm originally from Pennsylvania) who believe the most far-fetched and backwards things about Obama. It is a real through-the-looking-glass experience.
That said, Huntsman also seems like a serious adult. I disagree with him, but he seems able to have a reasonable discussion. He seems like a member of the "reality-based community."
Another reader:
Listening to GOP Presidential candidates talk about science is like listening to children talk about sex: They know it exists, they have strong opinions about what it might mean, but they don't have a clue what it's actually about.
Another:
I don't understand this. The government doesn't have the power to vaccinate but it has the power to kill its own citizens? What?
Another:
Perry lost in my eyes. In the eyes of the in-laws, however, he won it big time. They like the idea of executions and hate the idea of Social Security. Perry's their guy. Thing is, they're both on Social Security and Medicare.
Another:
Who won? The guy who's not on stage but who's dwarfing them all: Reagan.
Another:
Romney won. Easily. Huntsman emerged, but it will only matter if talking heads give him the nod. Santorum, Paul and Cain can go home now. Bachmann has never been a serious candidate. Ever. She's ridiculous. Perry died in a way I've never seen anyone die in a debate. He was laughably poor. Which means Palin can jump in now and act like she's all magic and clever.
The Dish 