It was the first debate for Romney, giving Republican opponents their first chance to confront him directly. Yet his rivals largely avoided criticizing him, even on his greatest perceived vulnerability: his shepherding of the health care overhaul in Massachusetts as governor.
Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, who on Sunday said Obama based his national plan on the Massachusetts model and derisively called it “Obamneycare,’’ was given opportunities to take such criticism to Romney directly. He declined every one of them.
“I just cited President Obama’s own words that he looked to Massachusetts as a blueprint,’’ Pawlenty said, after being pressed four times by the moderator, CNN’s John King, about his tweaking of Romney the day earlier. “Using the term Obamneycare was a reflection of the president’s comments.’’
For his part, Romney, also a candidate in 2008, reiterated that he would repeal the national health care law if he is elected, tagging it “a huge power grab by the government.’’
Pawlenty’s backpedaling from his previous criticism set the tone early in the debate. Romney was situated in the center, with three opponents on each side, but didn’t face incoming fire from either direction.
Needing to spend little time and energy defending his own record, Romney was able to focus more on Obama. He generally avoided making comments that strayed from those he has recently delivered on the stump.
The evening also allowed him to look comfortable with the mantle of front-runner; at one point he said he can’t wait for the opportunity to debate the president on the health care issue. Earlier in the day, his campaign released a Web ad that displays a date at the end — Nov. 6, 2012. That is the day of the general election, not the nominating contest he would have to win first.
