Congratulations to FOX Business Channel for a well run and substantive debate. Outside of whenever Jeb Bush spoke with that weird facial and vocal tic of his, it was quite enjoyable to listen to. And a marked contrast from every single Democratic debate held so far. Of course, you can’t have a debate without winners and losers, so here are mine:

Winners: Donald Trump, Chris Christie and Marco Rubio. Trump was absolutely the “big dog” on stage. His answer to Ted Cruz on “New York values” was a haymaker that Cruz never really came back from. His diplomatic response to the question about South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s criticism of him shows just how far he has come as a candidate, turning Haley’s comment about being angry into a sentiment that resonates with Joe 6-pack and many Americans. Sure he had his awkward moments as he always will but Trump was passionate non-politician amongst politicians. Marco Rubio had his best performance ever, being forceful and absolutely annihilated Cruz and his voting habits in the Senate. And Christie also had some good moments, especially when he inserted himself into the non-answers to entitlement reform being given by Sens Rubio and Cruz.

Losers: Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz. I may be in the minority here, but I don’t Ted Cruz did himself any good tonight. He had a fantastic opening, but after Trump nailed him on “New York values” he seemed set back on his heels. Rubio’s indictment of his flip-flopping was one of the best moments of the night, and it ought to get a lot of play. Cruz attempted to filibuster his way out of a couple of criticisms, but in my view he came off as a bit petulant. Jeb Bush? He was awful. What on earth did the GOP establishment see in this guy? I wonder how all those PACs who poured 90 million dollars into his campaign feel now?

Non-entities: Ben Carson and John Kasich. Not sure what else to say there.

Methinks going forward the dynamics of the campaign remain the same: Trump is going to continue to dominate, with Cruz and Rubio nipping at each other’s heels to try and get mano-a-mano with The Donald. Given his performance tonight I could see Christie elevated to talk as a VP candidate.

And I pray like hell to never have to listen to Jeb! again. Go home, Yeb, and do it as an “act of love” to us all.