After strong debate performances, are Cruz and Rubio set to rise?

Another Republican debate. Another set of observations:

Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) turned in an especially strong performance. His attack on the media — reminiscent of former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s (R-Ga.) best debate appearances of 2012 — was powerful and appealing to a conservative, anti-establishment audience. Expect him to gain momentum.

Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) once again did a good job. His tone was pitch-perfect and he demonstrated an ability to pivot out of hostile territory (i.e., his Senate absentee voting record). He and Cruz are the two candidates to watch in the coming weeks.

{mosads}Ben Carson’s recent rise in the polls put him at center stage. Though he had a couple of appealing moments — conservative voters love his unassuming, nonpolitical demeanor — his contribution to the substance of the debate was minimal. Apparently, his stratospheric favorability ratings have scared off opponents from hitting him too hard — yet.

Gov. John Kasich (Ohio) was substantive and passionate. He set down his markers at the start of the debate and seemed ready to take on all comers. While he effectively framed his message of sensible conservative governance, and took a few jabs at his rivals, he didn’t follow through by making the sharp contrasts he seemed to promise.

Donald Trump easily held his own, but he was less the colossus this time and more “one of the guys.” Pundits were waiting to see if he’d tear into Carson; he didn’t. Instead, his smackdown of Kasich seemed to satisfy his appetite for aggression.

Former Gov. Jeb Bush (Fla.) once again failed to provide a coherent theme or show that he can sell his points. He took aim at fellow Floridian Rubio, but Rubio stood his ground and blunted the attack. Looks like Team Bush is 0-3.

Gov. Chris Christie’s (N.J.) exceptional debating skills were on full display last night. If he keeps doing well in debates, he may eventually earn another look from voters who were once dazzled by him but who have since gone astray.

For some reason, Carly Fiorina didn’t make an impact last night, falling short of her first two debate performances, which were terrific.

Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.) turned in what was his best debate performance so far. But it was still not enough to give him the boost his lagging campaign needs. Similar for former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.). While he does well in debates, he’s not reaching voters the way he once did.

Faucheux is president of Clarus Research Group, a nonpartisan survey research firm. He publishes Lunchtime Politics, a daily newsletter on polls and public opinion.