If tonight’s debate presented an opportunity for Jeb Bush, John Kasich, or Dr. Ben Carson to get back into the race, it hasn’t worked out that way. Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Chris Christie all have presence tonight – an intensity and urgency that suggests they know they’re in the contest and have a chance to win it if they give it all they’ve got.
Jeb, Kasich, and Carson, by contrast, convey the impression they know it’s over for them, like a football team down three touchdowns with a minute and change on the clock, running a few last obligatory plays to close out the game. Those three may still be on the field, but their playoff dreams are done.
