Last night, Republican candidates for president gathered at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., for yet another televised debate.

Each of the eight hopefuls on stage did their best to convince a nationwide audience that he or she is the answer to the question, "Which presidential candidate will best protect our nation and amplify American leadership, and how will they do it?"

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum sparred on issues foreign and domestic and illuminated the uncertain state of the Republican Party as primary season draws nearer.

Jeopardizing his current position on top of several polls, Gingrich provided the most controversial moment of the debate by voluntarily wading into the murky immigration issue, stating "The party that says it's the party of the family is going to adopt an immigration policy which destroys families that have been here a quarter century?" I'm prepared to take the heat for saying, 'Let's be humane in enforcing the law.'"

Governor Perry has been dealing with the fallout over similar comments he made at a recent debate. Foreign policy and national defense issues also provided plenty of ammunition for the candidates with more policy experience to distinguish themselves from the crowded field.

WEIGH IN:

Was there a clear winner in this latest Republican debate? Which candidate has the best shot at challenging President Obama next November?

Guests:

Jonathan Wilcox, Republican Strategist; former speech writer for Governor Pete Wilson

Dan Schnur, Director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California