It's the morning after the fifth GOP showdown and the big question is: "How did Trump do in the debate?"
That's because this time yesterday, the real estate mogul was leading the Republican presidential nominee field with his widest margin yet. Monmouth University poll data released Monday revealed Trump had breached the 40% favorability mark (41%) - light-years ahead of the next-highest contender, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who now sits at 24%.
His performance last night will surely impact that lead, for good or for bad.
Here's a look at how Donald Trump did in the final GOP debate of 2015...
How Did Trump Do in the Debate?
The real estate mogul got 13:25 minutes of total speaking time, NPR reported this morning. He came in third following Cruz (15:58 minutes) and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (13:33 minutes). This is different from the first two GOP debates in which Trump dominated the clock.
What the real estate mogul did get to say, however, was that he was "totally committed to the Republican party." That's a pivotal statement after rampant speculation Trump might consider an independent run should he fail to win the party's nomination.
"I've gained great respect for the Republican leadership," Trump said last night. "I feel very honored to be the front-runner."
Of course, you never know - Trump could yet change his mind.
The New York businessman was also subjected to attacks last night from former Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (NYSE: HPE) CEO Carly Fiorina. When asked by moderator Wolf Blitzer if it's better to leave Middle East dictators in power or to intervene in order to overthrow them, Trump bemoaned the resources the United States has already put toward such interventions. He said the trillions of dollars would be better spent here at home improving the country.
That's when Fiorina rebutted...
"I'm amazed to hear that from a Republican presidential candidate," she said. Trump brushed off her statement with his trademark shrug.
While this attack from Fiorina drew a mild reaction from the crowd - a few hoots and a spat of applause - the biggest verbal attack directed at Trump last night came from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush...
Here Are 10 “One-Click” Ways to Earn 10% or Better on Your Money Every Quarter
Appreciation is great, but it’s possible to get even more out of the shares you own. A lot more: you can easily beat inflation and collect regular income to spare. There are no complicated trades to put on, no high-level options clearances necessary. In fact, you can do this with a couple of mouse clicks – passive income redefined. Click here for the report…
Trump was horrible. Once again, he has no realistic plans to deal with any of the issues. His answers are always the same: we will put our best and brightest on it, we will make America great again, or just incoherent babbling. Hell, it was either Cruz or Rubio who actually had to explain to him what the nuclear triad was. I believe Trumps answer was something like "nuclear weapons, devastating, I'm all for them."
Do not commit too much period when you have none to extra.