Up Next: Republican mud wrestling!

October 18, 2011 by Daniel Burton

Gawker's Matt Cherette (via Politico's Ben Smith) asks: "Does Rick Perry want to kill Mitt Romney?"

In case you missed the debate tonight, catch my play-by-play: @publiusdb on Twitter. Please follow.

Tonight was rough. The candidates were sharp. They were angry. And they came looking for blood. With the Primary season about to begin and the money starting to dry up, time is short and the candidates know it.

That translates into pure political entertainment for the rest of us (though what it says about our democracy might be something else…). As one person online compared it, it was better than watching girls mud-wrestle, and maybe just about as messy.

If you are keeping track, Mitt won, and not just because he had what sounded like a home team crowd. They cheered and applauded just about anything he said.

Meanwhile, Perry and Santorum attacks on Romney were greeted with boos and jeers. They might as well have spit on the floor in Mitt’s front room for all the love the audience gave them.

And the score? In order:

7. Santorum. Best as a pit bull, he lacks class or substance.

6. Perry. Drilling for oil is his economic plan, and he refuses to give coherent answers to questions.

5. Bachmann. Careful who to attack and quick to call for attention, she’s becoming shrill.

4. Paul. I can’t see him as President, but he speaks truth, even when he’s looking old.

3. Cain. He held his own, but his weaknesses are manifesting: “9/9/9” and negotiating with terrorists (or not?) were difficult for him to answer.

2. Gingrich. I can’t help but like him, when he turns a phrase, plays the diplomat, and pulls the debate back on point.

1. Romney. Under the lamp, often cut off, he was strong and almost angry at points, but with a crowd that loved him, he had ready, honest, and strong answers, and I think the perception will be that he’s on the path to the White House.