Overall, Ramaswamy and DeSantis helped themselves the most. Particularly the former with his emphasis on America’s moral failings. Haley acquitted herself well, as did Tim Scott. Hutchinson’s irascibility undercut the good points he made. And Pence? He came across as naive on Ukraine’s religious landscape, and more concerned with that country than his own. Not a good look.

We didn’t see Chris Christie (3%) or Larry Elder (0%). And, of course, the biggest elephant not in the room was former President Trump (56%). Until he starts showing up, such forums as this will remain much ado about almost nothing.

[That’s the conclusion. Furnish has good detailed observations about the performances of the individual candidates, which should be bookmarked for comparison to later performances. — Ed]