The final Republican presidential debate of 2015 had its share of contentious moments. The nine candidates who qualified for the primetime debate spotlight argued about everything from economic policy to personality traits.
But what did each of them say to their followers after the cameras turned off? A look at the best tweets from each candidate in the hours following Tuesday's debate can tell a story about their personalities.
Debate performance is a subjective art, which explains how three different candidates can tweet proclamations of their own victories in the same debate.
Donald Trump
Thank you, so many people have given me credit for winning the debate last night. All polls agree. It was fun and interesting!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 16, 2015
As usual, Trump declared himself the undisputed champion of Tuesday's debate. However, his claim that "all polls agree" is negated by his opponent Rand Paul's post-debate tweet.
Rand Paul
#GOPDebate: 1st @RandPaul 64% 2nd @marcorubio 61% 3rd @JohnKasich 60% pic.twitter.com/7aZtI1p5xP
— Brandwatch React (@BW_React) December 16, 2015
Paul tweeted a pair of photos of he and his wife following the debate but perhaps his most telling message was a retweet that showed a Brandwatch React poll that declared himself "the people's choice" in the debate.
Marco Rubio
Give a high five for 5 GOP debate WINS! https://t.co/f2PO1qRBFd pic.twitter.com/GBQU1yUFTK
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 16, 2015
In his best post-debate tweet, Rubio declared himself not only the winner of Tuesday's showcase but also of the previous four GOP debates.
John Kasich
John Kasich tonight. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/aMBi2zPzFV
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) December 16, 2015
Not exactly a declaration of victory in the debate, Kasich's post-debate tweet was nonetheless a pat on his own back.
Jeb Bush
Tonight, Jeb put The Donald in his place & showed he’s the only candidate prepared to lead as Commander-in-Chief. https://t.co/HtAFIzbKAU
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 16, 2015
Continuing an ongoing publicized feud with Trump, Bush aimed several tweets directly at his opponent after the debate. This one was perhaps his most pointed message.
Ted Cruz
Join the #CruzCrew and help reignite the promise of America! https://t.co/hinTpzdoFK
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) December 16, 2015
Cruz, the only candidate outpacing Trump in Iowa polls, stuck to his message in his post-debate tweets. This one urged new supporters to join his campaign.
Carly Fiorina
My whole life, I’ve refused to take no for an answer. Let’s get things done. Chip in $3: https://t.co/Z5dAedNXmR https://t.co/aHMooe3J94
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) December 16, 2015
Fiorina pleaded for funds in the majority of her tweets following Tuesday's debate.
Ben Carson
Amazing night at the #GOPDebate. pic.twitter.com/z2gnfUEBgX
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) December 16, 2015
Carson's most memorable post-debate tweet reflected on the fun he apparently had during the debate. It was in Las Vegas, after all.
Chris Christie
Remembering NJ’s Frank Sinatra on his 100th Birthday. Thanks for the memories. #Sinatra100
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) December 12, 2015
The only candidate of the nine main-stage debaters to not tweet following the event, Christie's last tweet was a Dec. 12 birthday wish for fellow New Jersey-native Frank Sinatra.
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
