The first Republican Presidential debate has just taken place in South Carolina, sponsored by Fox News Channel and the Republican Party of South Carolina.
Only one major candidate was at the debate, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and he may be the big winner simply by gaining more notice by participation in the debate, and in comparison to his competitors at the debate.
The others present, none of whom have any chance to be the Republican Presidential nominee, include former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, businessman Herman Cain of Godfather Pizza and a radio talk show host, and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
Ron Paul was engaging personally as he always is, but as a libertarian, he has absolutely no chance to win the GOP nomination, but his push for withdrawing many of our military bases overseas to save money rings true as a great idea.
Santorum lost his Senate race for a third term in a landslide, and his social conservatism is seen by many as unacceptable because of extreme statements in the past.
Herman Cain and Gary Johnson are so unknown, and it is unlikely that either will gain much from the exposure at this debate.
It is clear that the GOP has not advanced itself by this debate, and that President Obama need not worry about any of these people being a serious challenge to his second term in the White House!