Carly Fiorina’s Putin answer highlights Donald Trump’s detail deficit

Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina stands during the CNN Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum on Wednesday. On a recent “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon” appearance, Bachmann claimed Trump is polling at epic levels among blacks and Hispanics. In this week’s CBS poll, 48 percent of Republican primary voters said they prefer a candidate who has experience in business or the private sector.

The former CEO of Hewlett Packard looked confident and prepared on stage with the 10 other male candidates, and the general consensus this morning seems to be that she had the strongest showing of any of the candidates last night.

“And then everyone says she made a good speech”, Trump added of Fiorina’s performance at Wednesday night’s GOP showdown. The real standout moments came when the candidates attempted to rise above the fray.

The crowd cheered in support, until Trump, who was clearly taken aback, said, “You’ve got a attractive face, and I think she’s a lovely woman”.

But who could’ve predicted Donald Trump wouldn’t do well against seasoned politicians – once they got over being star-struck and bullied by him?

But New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, struggling in the polls himself, repeatedly returned to his theme of the night: that the campaign wasn’t about them. They do have to convince them that they care about the same things. Marco Rubio. We really need more women represented and she is a very capable, accomplished, great leader and it was important to get behind another woman who wanted to represent this country.

GWEN IFILL: And in an earlier forum, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham targeted former Senator Rick Santorum on immigration reform. “When I went into the debate, nearly half the audience didn’t know my name, and I introduced myself successfully”. “That I can tell you“.

Since that’s how you, you know, “win” an election.

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, Democratic Presidential Candidate: Well, I’m sure I’ll see you at the next one. Following the course he set in the first debate, Mr. Jindal veered even further away from the GOP, sharply criticizing Congressional Republicans and – gasp! – actually giving credit to President Obama for fighting for his beliefs.