Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley — Who outperformed in Republican debate?

The outcome of the head-to-head debate between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was settled Wednesday night.

Four of the five seasoned political observers polled felt Haley was the obvious winner according to New York Post.

The 51-year-old Haley continued her streak of "consistently crisp" debate performances at Drake University in Des Moines, according to Republican consultant Bill O'Riley, who called it "a great night."

“She was sharp, informed, and compelling throughout the night,” he added. “Her use of ‘DeSantisLies.com’ was a smart rhetorical tactic by her campaign. Few will actually go to the website, but viewers heard that message over and over again. She drove it home.”

Regarding DeSantis, 45, O'Riley stated that the governor of the Sunshine State "made his points, but he lacks the assurance that Haley gives off." DeSantis won't be harmed by this argument, but it didn't give him any momentum either.

The consultant was also offended by DeSantis's reference to Haley's ideas as "pale pastels," which was a reference to Ronald Reagan's 1976 speech at the Republican National Convention.

“It was downright bizarre,” O’Riley said. “It may have sounded great in prep sessions, but it came across as weird on Wednesday night. It will be interesting to see if DeSantis stays in the race past Iowa.”