Several things struck me about last night’s GOP debate. The first is with the exception of Herman Cain, each of the candidates  acquitted themselves well. (Ron Paul belongs in a special category, given his rather eccentric beliefs.)

Michele Bachmann helped herself the most. She clearly emerged from the shadow cast by Sarah Palin. Bachmann was poised, played up both her professional and life experiences and was reassuring. Mitt Romney not only emerged from the debate unscathed; he looked impressive and in command. He seems much more comfortable in his own skin and is a superior candidate than in 2008. And I for one was grateful for how he distanced himself from Herman Cain’s views toward Muslims and “loyalty proofs.”

Tim Pawlenty marginally hurt himself by seeming to back down from a health care confrontation with Romney. Pawlenty’s challenge is to put to rest the concern he’s not a strong or commanding figure; last night’s performance, at least in that one instance, reinforced the impression of a certain softness. But no lasting damage was done. Rick Santorum came across as principled, authentic and an unapologetic social conservative. Newt Gingrich did fine – but given the disrepair of his campaign, he needs to stand head and shoulders above the other candidates. Last night he was merely in the middle of the pack.

There seem to be few substantive differences separating the GOP candidates (again, with the exception of libertarian Ron Paul). The main policy dispute will center on Governor Romney’s health care law in Massachusetts. Apart from that, there is little that separates the field. That means, I suspect,  a greater premium will be placed on a candidate’s style and pitch, on perceptions of their public character and leadership abilities and on how they act during unscripted moments.

Overall, Republicans should be encouraged. For all of the talk about the field being weak and uninspiring, the top candidates are serious and able individuals. They are certainly capable of defeating President Obama. And one of them will get a chance.