I'm surprised. While I don't necessarily think he had a bad night (his closing statement was both memorable and genuinely funny) I thought other candidates outperformed him.
Like Guy, I thought Sen. Rubio came out strongest and did himself the most favors. I was also impressed by Gov. Kasich (a relatively unknown contender outside the debate venue). After all, he doesn't have much name recognition across the country although he wisely — and judiciously — used his time effectively.
But what do I know? Behold this Gravis Marketing/One America News Network poll:
Ben Carson, Carson Campaign Press Release - Gravis Poll: Republicans Say Ben Carson Won (Townhall) Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/311807