The Big GOP Debate Thread

Who won and who lost last night's GOP debate and who cares?  They're Republicans, they're mad (on multiple levels) and the only way one of these jokers ends up President is if the populace abandons reason, sanity, and President Obama.

Still, Josh Marshall calls the night for Romney:

In my mind, whatever the polls say tomorrow, Mitt Romney came out of tonight with a strong argument that Rick Perry can't win a general election. Whether that shows up today or tomorrow or whenever, that's a thing of great value to someone in Romney's position. So again, I score the evening a strategic victory for Romney.

Stan Kurtz at the National Review argues the exact opposite:

This was a very successful debate debut for Rick Perry. It confirms his position as the leader of the field. As of now, this race is a Perry-Romney duel, but Perry’s the one to beat. Romney and Perry were well matched tonight, but Perry’s appeal to the base means he’s got a leg up over Romney just by fighting to a draw, which he did at least, if not better.

Basically every other pundit opinion on Earth this morning falls into one of those two categories:  Romney won because he showed Perry can't beat President Obama, and Perry won because he showed Romney can't win the primary.  The one thing that everyone pretty much agreed on is that despite the large field, this is now Mittens vs Governor Goodhair for all the clown marbles.

At least this month, anyway.  Quite a lot can change in the next 14 months.  But for the rest of us sane Americans, here's everything you needed to know from last night's debate:

[Moderator BRIAN] WILLIAMS: Governor Perry, a question about Texas. Your state has executed 234 death row inmates, more than any other governor in modern times. Have you…

(APPLAUSE)

No really,the debate audience applauded Rick Perry's death penalty tally when Brian Williams mentioned it.



Lovely people, Republicans.