Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak said Perry’s debate was better than his previous sessions but that he missed some opportunities, especially on healthcare.

“Ultimately Perry didn’t go for the jugular, and I don’t understand why. He had a huge opportunity to do so,” said Mackowiak.

And perhaps worst of all, Perry came to a debate about the U.S. economy without bringing a specific plan to trigger economic growth and create jobs, saying instead he would unveil his proposals over the next three days.

Asked to name some specifics, Perry stressed the need to increase domestic U.S. energy production: “Well, clearly, opening up a lot of the areas of our domestic energy area. That’s the real key.”