When Romney compared the series of campaign debates to Law and Order (large cast, goes on forever, Thompson shows up at the end....), Thompson joked, and said "I thought I would be the best actor on the stage."  The line was on-target.  All the candidates, with the possible exception of Tancredo, seemed to be better actors, more prepared, polished, and more on message.  (Tancredo joked at his one-issue approach based on illegal immigration.)  Romney, Giuliani, and Huckabee were more "Hollywood" compelling.  Thompson seemed tired, vague and a step behind, particularly in response to the early questions about economy.  Even when questioners set him up for a more specific answer (regarding his social security plan), Thompson spoke in unlinked generalities.  His later answers were delivered with more confidence, yet still landed short of eloquence.

The most interesting exchange was between Giuliani and Romney on the issue of line item veto (Romney for, Giuliani against).  Both appeared strong.  When pressed on execution of war powers, and whether, when confronted with the hypothetical need to consider a military strike on Iran, he would consult Congress, Romney answered he would go to his lawyers.  Ron Paul punished him for this poor answer.  Thompson's answer was yes, he would go to Congress.

Who won?  Romney, Giuliani, McCain, and Huckabee all had good moments with polished repetition of their talking points.  None hurt themselves significantly, though none established any new ground or scored significant winners.  Paul continued to offer energy as an outsider, fueling his supporters' enthusiasm.

However, the most significant and potentially important factor present for the first time in this debate was the participation of Senator Thompson.  While he delivered no surprises in his substantive responses, he did not appear energized or polished.  His answers were vague, and while he was consistent in his two primary positions: need to rescue the economy from mandatory spending (social security and Medicare), and support for the Iraq war, policy advocacy was nonspecific.  Thompson did not ride into the debate on a white horse.  He did not separate himself from the pack, and in fact, settled into the middle.