So 2 thoughts from the debate...

Two thoughts from the debate.
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First, Gingrinch can't play "beat up the media" if everyone doesn't play along...  and they didn't last night.
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Part of Newt's big schtick is when they ask a question he doesn't like, he kicks it away with the old "isn't the media stupid for asking  this" line.  And, when Mittens is running away with the whole thing, everyone agrees to let Newt play crotchety old uncle.  But last night, that didn't work.  It wasn't the deft handiwork of Wolf jeopardy Blitzer.  It was because Mittens wouldn't let him get away with it.  At one point Mitt said, paraphrasing, that wasn't it convenient that Newt could go negative in the media, but not defend it onstage.
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That threw Newt off, AND got the crowd on his side.
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Joe Raedle / GETTY IMAGES

The second story is obvious from the picture above.  Santorum swung at Newt hard and unexpectedly.  I don't think Newt saw it coming, because Tubby cannot hide his anger.  Ed and I thought Santorum had the best debate.  And this is from 2 homos who do NOT like frothy-mix.  And I think many of his stances are archaic or confused (Muslim Jihadists in Cuba and El Salvador?).  But he was smart,quick and on point (as asinine as those points are) and the crowd ate it up.