In 11 previous Republican TV debates watched more for the name calling and insults candidates hurled at each other like fourth graders trading taunts at recess, Ohio Gov. John Kasich decided that if he wasn’t part of the scrum he could distinguish himself from the other candidates on style points alone.

In the 12th debate, held Thursday night in Miami, Florida, and sponsored by CNN, the latest episode of demolition derby GOP-style was magically transformed into an exchange of ideas, views and opinions that was more civil than any of the previous political slug fests.

Kasich ‘Nice Guy’ Magic Disappears

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