Fox News Angles for Rabid GOP Debate

The second-to-last gotcha question had to do with a favorite topic of Republicans: cutting taxes. Giuliani and McCain are the only two candidates not to sign the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to raise taxes. McCain fired back that he had a record of voting for lower taxes and voted against lower taxes in 2001 because of a failure to control spending. History works in McCain's favor, but I think Giuliani's pat response that he cut taxes 23 times in New York plays better to a crowd.

The final question involved a hypothetical situation: If Iran continued to develop nuclear weapons, refused to cooperate with U.N. nuclear inspectors, continued to arm Iraqi insurgents and threatened Israel, what would the candidates do as president? It was as if Fox News was beating the drum to invade Iran next. Not surprisingly, the candidates thought a nuclear Iran was a bad idea.

Fox News got what it tried so hard for -- a debate filled with action. But who won?

Giuliani defended himself and did nothing to hurt his front-runner status. Mike Huckabee gave several nice answers and continued his momentum. Ron Paul did well -- but only if you agree with his antiwar position. I'd call these three winners. But Romney, McCain and the rest of the field failed to make a mark.