So, who won the third Republican "debate"?

It is much easier to pick the losers: the Media in general and the 'Moderators' in particular. Here were three Democrats acting as a bunch of snarky purveyors of propaganda trying to impugn, ridicule and at times debate people of far greater accomplishment than themselves.

The Drive-by-Media was embarrassed? No. They merely regretted that the 'Moderators' were so transparent.

There were moments though: 1. when Rubio ripped the cover from the 'Moderators' and named them Hillary's Superpac; 2. when Gov Christie rejected the 'Moderator' trying to interrupt his response (even in NJ such a thing is considered rude, he said) and 3. when Sen Cruz recounted the ridiculousness of the 'Moderators' hurling accusations at the candidates.

Yes, there was another big loser, Gov Jeb Bush. His aides (dumb Republican consultants) have telegraphed what Jeb Bush would do in the 'debates' namely attack Sen Rubio's attendance in Congress. Rubio, forewarned, had the stats ready as to how other Senators skipped votes when running for President. Jeb Bush stood nonplussed and his tactic was blown out of the water so much so that some people wondered if his  candidacy was finished. Trump, of course, was Trump and he, too, gave the 'Moderators' a handswipe every now and then.

Fiorina and Carson held their own.

The Establishment strategy was clarified: they want to take out Trump (the strongest of the non-Establishment candidates) and figure that they will be able to sweep Carson out and shoe in Jeb Bush into the vacuum. It is not working out for them. They do not worry about Kasich because the Gov of Ohio has all but left the Republican party.

Who benefited the most? Probably Sen Cruz who looks better all the time.