NBC ‘Rock Center’ GOP Debate From Tampa Bay Tweet-By-Tweet

Mitt Romney with former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. Romney’s “Charlie Crist” problem is this: Romney’s chief campaign strategist and several of his most senior campaign staff were Charlie Crist’s top political advisers — the same ones who crafted Crist’s moderate, ignore-the-tea-party strategy epitomized by Crist’s famous “hug” of President Barack Obama. That strategy led Crist, once the most popular Republican governor in the nation, to defeat. Caption & Image Credit: NewsMax

NBC ‘Rock Center’ GOP Debate From Tampa Bay Tweet-By-Tweet

With barely enough time to soak in the resounding and unexpected win in the South Carolina primary by former insider turned outsider, Newt Gingrich, NBC News Rock Center with Brian Williams is conducting the first of two televised GOP field debates before the Florida primary.

The primary result in South Carolina (Newt – 40% vs Mitt – 28% … a 12% spread) put egg on the faces of many recognizable Republican leadership faces, the most recognizable of which was the 2008 presidential election’s Republican nominee, John McCain, New Jersey Governor Chris Cristie, and past Republican Political Party leader, Hailey Barbour. This potential Republican ‘ruling class’ drubbing may continue in Florida if the most recent polls from Rasmussen are to be believed:

This excerpted and edited from Rasmussen Reports -

2012 Florida Republican Primary
Florida GOP Primary: Gingrich 41%, Romney 32%
Monday, January 23, 2012

Less than two weeks ago, Mitt Romney had a 22-point lead in Florida, but that’s ancient history in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Following his big win in South Carolina on Saturday, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich now is on top in Florida by nine.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Florida Republican Primary Voters, taken Sunday evening, finds Gingrich earning 41% of the vote with Romney in second at 32%. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum runs third with 11%, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul attracts support from eight percent (8%). Nine percent (9%) remain undecided.(To see survey question wording, click here).
[Reference Here]

Further, the liberal press is having a field day trying to raster and vector their definition of Gingrich to the point that they are dredging up ghosts of the past … by over 40 years – EXAMPLE:

JON MEACHAM in TIME, “Meet Newt Nixon: Forget Reagan. Gingrich’s real political analogue is another angry striver: Richard Nixon”:

“Like Nixon, Gingrich is smart, with a wide-ranging and entrepreneurial mind. Like Nixon, Gingrich is a striver who seems insecure around traditional establishment figures even though he has achieved much more than nearly all of the politicians, editors, and reporters he seems to at once loathe and fear. Like Nixon, Gingrich is fluent in the vernacular of cultural populism, brilliantly casting contemporary American life in terms of an overarching conflict between ‘real’ people and distant ‘elites’ …
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“There is another element of the 2012 story with antecedents in 1968 that is yet to play out. ‘Watching George Romney [the father of Mitt Romney] run for the Presidency,’ said the then Governor of Ohio, James Rhodes, ‘was like watching a duck try to make love to a football.’ I’m not entirely sure what that means, except that it was an undertaking that did not quite work.”
(ht: Mike Allen – Politico Playbook)

With three winners in three primaries, pretzel logic from elites of all stripe pervades the first round of primaries and continues on to Florida. The Republican elite love to claim that Mitt Romney is the most electable candidate for presidential nominee, but this flies in the face of the fact that now, after South Carolina, Mitt has only won 9 of 25 electoral races he has been entered and campaigned in … as per Rush Limbaugh. Further, NewsMax reports that Romney’s advisers in Florida were former Governor Charlie Crist’s GOP defecting political advisers … gotta’ love them ‘moderates’.

Lastly, the vote in South Carolina reflects the fact that Conservative Republicans are tired that no Republican candidate ever takes the Democrat Political Party and it’s supporting power arms in the Mainstream Press, the Courts, and Labor Unions to task … does Romney? – NO … does Santorum? – NO … does Paul – NO … does Gingrich – YES!

Participating in the NBC Rock Center debate event from Tampa Bay, Florida: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

The following audit trail of real-time postings are 140 character (or less) responses and reactions found on Twitter in this and this is a process of reporting termed “Tweet-By-Tweet”!

BEGIN
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TheEDJEEdmund Jenks – IT’S OVER FOR MITT – Romney Campaign Run by Charlie Crist’s Political Aides tinyurl.com/7n97zh3 #tcot #tlot #loser #fldebate #politisite

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – I’m watching the debate tonight (in 15 minutes) over here on.msnbc.com/xZ5IMp

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theblazeTheBlaze.com – VID – Watch and Chat LIVE: Republicans Take the Stage at University of South Florida Debate theblaze.com/stories/join-t… via @theblaze TG

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START OF DEBATE – Rules: 60 seconds/30 seconds

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jdhenchmanJoe Henchman – TiVo tells me that tonight’s Republican debate is actually “Fear Factor: Leeches & Shaved Heads & Tear Gas Part 1″

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Jamie_WeinsteinJamie Weinstein – Gingrich looks tired, no?

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AlexPappasDCAlex Pappas – First question of the night goes to Gingrich on electability

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Is Brian Williams ready to get attacked by Gingrich? #FLDebate

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LibertyLynxR – Another debate? What time? Why? How? And then the State of the Union tomorrow? It’s too much. No one can possibly survive this.

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Brian Williams opens the debate by pointing out that Ron Paul is only candidate not to have won a primary.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – RT @fivethirtyeight: Gingrich played the Reagan Card a world record 3.26 seconds into the debate.

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TPMTalking Points Memo – Newt saying he “took responsibility” and left Speakership on his own, wasn’t dragged out at all

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – How does Romney connect? With a high-speed LAN! Get it?!?

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – so the debates are now a forum on ads and campaign attacks. Yeah, that’s valuable.

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DLoeschDana Loesch – Romney likely won’t mention Gingrich was cleared. #FLdebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – #hhrs #tcot “The members of his own Congressional team moved to replace him and 88% of Republicans voted to rebuke him” #hhrs

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ToadonaWireL – How long do we spend on electability? Can we talk about REAL issues? #nbcdebate #FLdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Counting down seconds before Ron Paul or Rick Santorum interject to ask if they can play too.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – RT @philipaklein: Sounds like Romney has read his @tpcarney bit.ly/zL4VZ3

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Finally … Santorum, Paul must be in the on-deck circle

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rightstaceStacey – Mitt -stop Newt-bashing! — how does that help America?

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TPMTalking Points Memo – Romney on Gingrich: An “influence peddler” in Washington

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – I kind of miss the applause.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Santorum: “Any kind of prediction is going to be wrong” Except for that one.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Santorum brags about his Pennsylvania victories again. 2006 landslide defeat goes, as always, unmentioned. #FLDebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – RT @fatherz: Ss answer about loss in PA was pretty good. #gop #fldebate #dickmorriss #hhrs #catholic #hhrs

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And finally … Ron Paul

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Ron Paul: “If you’re looking at the kids these days, I’m a huge winner.” Yeah, the AAYP beats the AARP every day of the week.

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FlapGregory Flap Cole – Ron Paul hammers Gingrich on not being re-elected to Speakership = Newt did not have the votes and he didn’t! Ron Paul for historian

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craig_crawfordCraig Crawford – Brian Williams told debate crowd they can’t react, should have handed out gags with NBC logo

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IngrahamAngleLaura Ingraham – Tepid Qs from Rock Left.

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GaltsGirlMichelle Ray -@PWKennedy Everyone should snort beer during GOP debates. It’s the only thing that makes them tolerable.

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Romney pivots from talking about his taxes to talking about the American people’s taxes. Nice segue.

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brooksbaynebrooks bayne – romney is proud of paying lotsa taxes. weirdo.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Romney: “I don’t a dollar more taxes than I owe” Good line.

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DonIrvineDonIrvine – What kind of a question was that? He’s wealthy and pays taxes.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Second tax return question. #hhrs

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ToadonaWireL – So far, we have had 23 minutes of fail #FLdebate NBC Brian Williams sucks

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – RT @daveweigel: Romney tax returns to reveal that he constantly makes, loses $10,000 bets to people. #FLdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Mitt on attacks on his wealth: Yes, I was surprised to see Republicans pick up the weapons of the left.

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GPollowitzGreg Pollowitz – Romney should say, “my tax return will show I paid what I owed, unlike Geithner, Sharpton, Daschle, Rangel…”

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – RT @JonahNRO: Brian! Not so loud! You’ll wake the audience.

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SooperMexicanel SOOPer – this debate is so dull without an audience it won’t matter who wins it. #FLDebate #hhrs

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michaelemlongmichaelemlong – bit.ly/yvkMq7 Gingrich Super PAC Head: Romney Is a Medicare Fraudster but Will It Matter? #tcot #tcot_talk #teaparty #sgp #right #gop

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Romney talks about creating jobs in his career and not apologizing for free enterprise. His best argument. #FLDebate

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DonIrvineDonIrvine – I don’t think this debate is going to change anyone’s mind, but it should stop the bleeding for Romney. #FLdebate

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brooksbaynebrooks bayne – no newt axes! #fldebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @alanagoodman: Romney backs Gingrich into a corner on his claim to work as an historian for Freddie Mac #FLdebate

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jdhenchmanJoe Henchman – Gingrich on his Freddie deal: “I offered strategic advice, largely based on my knowledge of history, including the history of Washington”

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Romney reminds Gingrich he said he was paid as a historian. Says historian don’t get paid that kind of money. #FLDebate

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craig_crawfordCraig Crawford – One-Percenter Smackdown: Bain vs. Freddie Mac

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Crawford is an idiot … Freddie MAC is a one-percent that was funded by the taxpayer and ended up killing our economy, and it is still there screwing the American people

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrisse – “Ill say this in Florida” I don’t think Medicare Part D is terribly unpopular there. #FLDebate

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Gingrich says he is proud to have advocated Medicare Part D.

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Read The Rest @ Politisite>>

Sioux City Iowa Final GOP Debate Tweet-By-Tweet

Seven candidates have taken the stage in Sioux City, Iowa, for the final debate before the Jan. 3 caucuses. Image Credit: FOX News

Sioux City Iowa Final GOP Debate Tweet-By-Tweet

The gloves will be thrown on the ice in tonight’s debate from Sioux City. The debate should be “Zany” and wholly “Madcap”! Good god, what in the H E double-toothpicks is Romney thinking and who uses language like this as an ad hominem attack, let alone in a “today” conversation. Leave It To Beaver (original series) hasn’t been on the air in nearly 50 years!

We follow the reactions via 140 characters or less via Twitter in a process entitled Tweet-By-Tweet:

pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

All pumped up to livetweet #iowadebate! WHO’S EXCITED??!!?!?11!

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PolitisitePolitisite

New Post Fox News Live – Video – Fox News politisite.com/?p=34376 #tcot #p2 #PS

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TeamSantorumTXTeamSantorumTX

Why This Iowan Is Supporting @RickSantorum… for Now – Yahoo! News news.yahoo.com/why-iowan-supp… via @YahooNews

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lesliecarbonelesliecarbone

If beating Obama is No. 1 goal for Repub’s, they seriously need a more robust vision of success.

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DonIrvineDonIrvine

This has got to be better than the biased #abcdebate last week. #iowadebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine

RT @tobincommentary: Electability? Can’t wait for Santorum to brag about winning in 94 and 00 & omitting landslide loss in 08. #IowaDebate.

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

Orrin Hatch has a higher ACU rating than Newt. I’m unimpressed, Newt. #iowadebate

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prismsincRic

Paulbrow again #IowaDebate

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paconnerPaul Conner

Newt says he balanced the budget four straight years. Actually, it was two years bit.ly/sD5bfg

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freddosofreddoso

RT @StevenErtelt: Paul: “Anybody up here could probably beat Obama” – totally avoi

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin

Santorum wants people to catch fire. Yikes.

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BryanLongworthBryan Longworth

9:08pm: The reply from Rick Santorum was an #ANSWER live.foxnews.com

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey

Santorum takes shot at Newt’s personal life? #iowadebate

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SmalltalkwithtT

Ron Paul’s foreign poilcy is not American majority. #IstandwithIsrael #iowadebate

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mboyle1Matthew Boyle

Romney’s makes the private sector case against the field again

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hopeforamericahopeforamerica

Romney: “I know what it takes to put Americans back to work with high paying jobs.” So they can afford $10,000 bets. #iowadebate

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foxnewspoliticsfoxnewspolitics

#iowadebate Michele Bachmann not afraid to tell people her age — 50 years being a “real person,” five as a congresswoman = 55

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sanuzisSaul Anuzis

The GOP debate is on, good start and I agree with Paul…any of these candidates can beat Obama.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey

Rather than have this round of Qs for 15 mins, why not just allow the candidates a 1-min opening statement? #iowadebate

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mboyle1Matthew Boyle

Rick Perry plays the Tim Tebow card….

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

“I’m the Tim Tebow of the Iowa Caucus.” – Perry #iowadebate

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currentCurrent TV

Huntsman uses his first question to take a shot at Donald Trump, who already pulled out of debate. #politicallydirect

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JimPethokoukisJames Pethokoukis

Keep it family friendly, Huntsman “We are getting screwed as Americans”

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin

MUTE BUTTON #iowadebate #huntsman

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

Forreal. Ugh. RT @michellemalkin: MUTE BUTTON #iowadebate #huntsman

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HeresAnotherTipUncle Mike

9:18pm: The reply from Rick Perry was a #DODGE live.foxnews.com

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justin_hartJustin Hart

Santorum is a really good guy. He needs to work on his head shaking. Hold still. U will come across better #iowadebate

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hopeforamericahopeforamerica

Newt just mentioned Saul Alinsky. #RedMeatForIowaConservatives #iowadebate

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stix1972Doug Welch

Geez who needs to watch the debacle in Iowa when you have twitter #Iowadebate. snarkfactor is a 10

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine

RT @sethamandel: It’s a good way for Romney to trumpet his experience, but reminds voters he wrote bills w/Teddy Kennedy. #iowadebate

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justin_hartJustin Hart

Newt’s tenor always has this underlying: “Everyone knows this to be true” quality #iowadebate

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ReconChestyGunny Highway

Ron Paul…. Kooky as ever!!! Sheesh!! #tcot #IowaDebate

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amandacarpenterAmanda Carpenter

There is something about John Huntsman that distinctly reminds me of Mr. Rogers.

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guypbensonGuy Benson

I don’t think I learned anything in that first segment, except that Romney blew it on Jet Blue. #iowadebate

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BREAK

Read More (Politisite.com)

ABC News Republican Debate At Drake University - Tweet-By-Tweet

Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is decked out with digital screens, high-tech video and sound equipment, and fancy lighting for the nationally televised Republican presidential debate. Students stand in for Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos and six GOP presidential candidates during a rehearsal for the Dec. 10 debate sponsored by ABC News, Yahoo, The Des Moines Register and the Republican Party of Iowa. The debate aired live from 8-10 p.m. Central Time on ABC networks nationwide. Image Credit: Drake University via Flickr

ABC News Republican Debate At Drake University - Tweet-By-Tweet

Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, and YAHOO question six of the seven remaining GOP candidates Santorum, Perry, Romney, Gingrich, Paul, and Bachmann. Noticeably, maybe not so noticeably, absent is Huntsman.

The following log was created through following 140 character responses to the action of the debate on Twitter. Hence, this is the debate as seen Tweet-By-Tweet.

Gingrich gets to respond first on a query by Diane Sawyer as to what makes him uniquely qualified (distinguishing idea) to run for President ... followed by Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Romney plans to kill Rick Perry w/ his eyes tonight.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
I get so excited when Perry talks flat tax.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Good start for Perry.

amandacarpenter Amanda Carpenter
Yes. Perry nails Fed for their $7T secret program. Would have liked to see him spell it out a bit more tho

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Rick Perry uses 3rd person. Drink!

prismsinc Ric
Rick Perry reminds us of one of those evil geniuses in a sci-fi movie LOL #ABCdebate #GOP #tcot #teaparty

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
You stole it from Charlie Sheen, didn't youRT @daveweigel: Bachmann is plagiarizing my #winning #winning #winning plan.

prismsinc Ric
Watch these moderators use their snubbing of Trump against them. Watch ... #ABCdebate #GOP #tcot

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann look better tonight. Ron Paul's jacket is too big again #IOWADebate

prismsinc Ric
BAMO! @RickSantorum hits Obama 1st #ABCdebate #tcot #GOP

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Or ask Obama that question. RT @TPCarney: Sawyer should ask them to pinpoint the gas price.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Very good response from Santorum on the idea of predicting job creation

ericfido Eric Bearse
first petri dish mention

LarrySabato Larry Sabato
Mitt thrilled that teacher Diane has saluted his answer. Headed for an A.

RichLowry Rich Lowry
when santorum isnt complaining or bragging in these debates, he's usually quite strong

ToadonaWire L
Santorum realizes Government doesn't create jobs! I like that.

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Right on. Payroll Tax cut is just a temporary gimmick by Obama.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: There will be fewer questions tonight in light of the time it takes for Sawyer spit out a complete sentence.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Bachmann: We have candidates here on stage who are standing with Obama on the payroll tax cut tpm.ly/oYzwjR

instapundit instapundit.com
STEPHEN GREEN IS Drunkblogging The Iowa Debate….: STEPHEN GREEN IS Drunkblogging The Iowa Debate. bit.ly/vWt4Rv

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Romney is so orange.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Bachmann actually gives a solid "anti-payroll tax cut" answer. But she'd never raise taxes. #Confused

FLPolPress FL Political Press
@ToadonaWire Perry gets nervous when Perry speaks!

mmurraypolitics Mark Murray
So far, Romney is taking all of his swings at Obama, though the questioning hasn't allowed for any engagement with Newt, others

ToadonaWire L
Newt chuckles at Mitt's dumb joke!

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Romney: "Certain individuals raise the entire economy". So... which of *his* sons is named "Rand"

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Santorum forcing smiles. Awkward, but a step in the right direction for his demeanor. #iowadebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @moelane: Mitt... I've seen your poll ceiling. You don't really have any room to talk about popularity.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Great answer from Newt. "the only reason you're not a career politician is because you lost [to Ted Kennedy]."

TPM Talking Points Memo
Newt: "It's a bit much" on Romney's claim saying he isn't a "career politician" tpm.ly/oYzwjR

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Wow -- Newt hits Mitt hard on the "career politician" attack. Audible reaction here in the filing room.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @toddstarnes: Gingrich just mussed up Mitt's hair. #iowadebate

jonkarl Jonathan Karl
Should the payroll tax cut be extended? Republicans split 3 - 3. Bachmann, Santorum, Perry opposed. Romney, Newt and Paul in favor.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Newt's "Lets put poor kids to work" theory just seems off putting.

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
RT @JeedBe: RT @donnabrazile: Following the #iowadebate. The candidates are discussing job creation. Weird they ... m.tmi.me/jdH0x

prismsinc Ric
NEWT ON FIRE! Look at pretty boy Romney's mad look! Hahaha! #ABCdebate #GOP

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Gingrich's response: You've messed with the bull. Please enjoy these here horns. #iowadebate

TPM Talking Points Memo
Paul hitting Gingrich on his stint as a "historian" for Freddie Mac tpm.ly/oYzwjR

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
If Romney loses another exchange with Gingrich as bad, Mitt may end up behind Ron Paul in the polls #tcot

MelindaDC Melinda Henneberger
Mitt just gave up on 'career politician' rap against Newt by admitting that yeah, he woulda been one, too, hd he beaten Ted Kennedy in '94.

LarrySabato Larry Sabato
SO MUCH FOR NEWT STAYING POSITIVE! His above-the-fray stance lasted 20 minutes.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @alanagoodman: Did.the audience just clap or break out into laughter over Gingrich's comments? #iowadebate

ToadonaWire L
My 11 yr old son just said "I like that old guy" -Ron Paul. I have a libertarian in the house. #abcdebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Obviously. RT @whitneypitcher: Bachmann's been a businesswoman since she was 5?!?

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @AlexPappasDC: Bachmann hits "Newt-Romney"

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Knute Rockney?

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @daveweigel: Newt-Romney really rolls off the tongue #iowadebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
RT @TXTrendyChick: Bachmann's strategy: distance herself from Obama and make Newt & Romney one entity #IowaDebate

SethAMandel Seth Mandel
Big diff between Dem and GOP debates. GOPers compete over "most conservative." Dems rarely admit "I'm the liberal here!"

michaelscherer michaelscherer
Totally agree. Most stunning thing. RT @benpolitico: The learning curve in these debates has been amazing. They're all pretty formidable.

ToadonaWire L
I like Bachmann way more than Newt.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: "Newt Romney" is going to help Bachmann exactly as much as "Obamneycare" helped Pawlenty. #iowadebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Did Perry take a nap after his first answer? I mean. It was a good one.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Perry: "I'm stunned, Michele hit the nail on the head when it comes to the individual mandate." tpm.ly/oYzwjR

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
RT @usernamenuse: RT @2012_GOP: Newt #Gingrich: endorsed an individual healthcare mandate as recently as May of ... m.tmi.me/jdHZe

TPM Talking Points Memo
Perry, Bachmann, Paul, all piling on Mitt and Newt tpm.ly/oYzwjR

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Bachmann did a pretty good job going on the attack, Perry walking through the door she opened up. Romney & Gingrich on defensive.

NathanWurtzel Nathan Wurtzel
The trouble with MA plan as 10th Amendment example is federal money is involved. Not just contained within state.

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
"The fact of the matter is you're for individual mandates."-Perry to Mitt

amandacarpenter Amanda Carpenter
Smart. Perry follows Bachmann and starts lumping Mitt and Newt together on the individual mandate.

strongthought Carolyn
RT @Leo_Pusateri: Personally, I'm really looking forward to the primaries, so we can begin making (cont) tl.gd/elg1ar

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Back to the Gardasil government needle, Mitt? Yecch.

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
RT @hughhewitt: Romney wins the Perry-Romney exchange and shows how, if he is the nominee, he will tackle the Axelrod line of attack

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Romney is coming apart at the seams. #iowadebate

hollybdc Holly Bailey
Romney buys his golf clubs at K-Mart but he tries to make a $10k bet with Rick Perry. Hmm. #iowadebate

current Current TV
Mitt Romney wants to make a $10,000 bet on national TV. Is that legal? #politicallydirect

politicalmath PoliticalMath
In terms of prep, Romney makes everyone else look like an amateur.

GingerGibson Ginger Gibson
Santorum on Bachmann, "She's been fighting and losing. I fought and won."

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @bdomenech: RT @lheal: Perry should have said "Sure, Mitt. I'll bet you Iowa." #abcdebate

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
Paul doesn't have any faults to explain. RT @mattklewis: Newt and Romney are both very good at explaining their faults.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Remember when you endorsed Arlen Specter and LOST, Santorum?

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Romney cornered by Perry offers him a $10K bet that he isn't right about his book. Not his finest moment. #IowaDebate.

nansen Nansen Malin
This is a good debate because the moderators aren't talking. #iowadebate

prismsinc Ric
LOL RT @Dana_Marie215: Oh, ABC, you're liberal with more things than time. #Iowadebate

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
As a LDS Mormon, I though Romney would be opposed to gambling - so what is up with the 10K bet remark? #Mittlookingbadtonight

bethanyshondark Bethany Mandel
Funny how those who are polling in the single digits (Bachmann & Santorum) only speak about themselves. "I did this..." #IowaDebate

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Stick to the rules, because we can't have you all DEBATING EACH OTHER! What were you guys thinking?

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @Atlasshrugs: oy, Diane Sawyer ....get over yourself

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Santorum reminds Newt that not all conservatives backed the individual mandate in 1994. True. #IowaDebate.

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
"we fought and we figured out a way to win". Rick Santorum

BREAK

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Commerical time. Time to get mom ready for bed.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
I need a huge drink. Maybe cyanide.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Tonight's big winner so far: Huntsman. #NotShowingUpIsHalfTheBattle

bspward B SP Ward
I wonder which of these GOP candidates will be doing ads for reverse mortgages in 4 years? #GOPDebate

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Beats a booth review. RT @guypbenson: ABC already playing "highlights" of this debate? What?

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
Republicans and Democrats putting up commercials in favor of internet censorship j.mp/tS2n86 #tcot

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Possible General Election slogan: "Newt-Romney All-American: Win one for The Gipper."

TPM Talking Points Memo
Perry: If you would cheat on your wife, then you'd cheat on your business partner, or anybody tpm.ly/oYzwjR

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Cutting to Newt is cheap, cheap tv during this segment

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Bachmann and Santorum looking feisty. Gingrich looking confident. Romney holding on by his fingernails. #IowaDebate.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Perry handled that well, actually.

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
"I would not say it's a disqualifier." - Santorum on marital fidelity

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
I like Santorum's answer, which allows for redemption.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @BlameTelford: Rick Perry has been in fidelity with his spouse. He speaks english real good. #IowaDebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
I'm squirming FOR Newt right now.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Camera pans to Newt who is working hard not to change his expression. #IowaDebate.

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Holier than thou discussion on marriage fidelity will swing independents to Obama - be careful here GOP

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
I like Newt's line about American's "loaning" the presidency.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @rickklein: Gingrich: faith is a "real issue." "People have to render judgment." #iowadebate

Steele_Michael Michael Steele
Kudos to Bachmann, Perry, Romney, Paul and Santorum for keeping their answer on marital fidelity out of the gutter. Nice touch by Newt.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Only at a GOP debate. You could never ask the party of Clinton, JFK, and FDR about marriage fidelity. #iowadebate

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Immigration time! #Iowadebate #abcdebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
"Half marathoners on the right!"-Diane Sawyer #insidejoke

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Sawyer: "Of course you want to secure the borders, so shut up."

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @greggutfeld: would diane sawyer say to Obama, "we get it, enough with 'fair share?'"

current Current TV
What do you think about the questions being asked? What questions do YOU want answered? #politicallydirect

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Diane Sawyer trying to skip over the most important distinction between GOP and Obama. Nice for Obama

BestPhotosEver -
"So many people talk about immigration at their dinner tables." -@dianesawyer Right Diane, thats the topic at dinner. #sarcasm #iowadebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
How about this? DEPORT THE ILLEGALS THAT COMMIT CRIMES. #IowaDebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
Hahahaha-> RT @djcronin: @JennyErikson How about this? LET THEM ALL IN, WE NEED TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AND GET SEXIER.

ToadonaWire L
“@toddstarnes: What's wrong with Miss Sawyer's eye?”/Botox injection gone bad?

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Romney's answer on immigration makes enormous sense re incentives

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
RT @MonicaCrowley: Diane Sawyer calls them "undocumented," not "illegal immigrants." #LibPC

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Gingrich loses the immigration debate. #Iowadebate #abcdebate

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Romney swings hard to the right on immigration. He has to wonder why conservatives haven't made Gingrich pay for his plan. #IowaDebate.

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
RT @NewWorldRadical: Dear #TeaParty, Why don't you see #RonPaul is everything you've been fighting for. Wake up!

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Watching Perry debate is like rooting for the Skins: You know they won't dominate; you just hope they keep it close & kick a late field goal

prismsinc Ric
Would you have a special exception for an illegal immigrant that commits an act of heroism in your immigration plan? #IowaDebate

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Perry did a pretty good job on the immigration question. Next Q: Are Palestinians an invented people? Er ... topic, please?

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Ron Paul responds first reminding us why he's no friend to Israel. #IowaDebate.

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Gingrich hitting his stride now. 1st time tonight he's been aggressive.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Big applause line from Newt: "Time for somebody to stand up and say: Enough lying about the Middle East." tpm.ly/oYzwjR

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Romney winning this argument with Gingrich on allowing Israel to speak for itself

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @jpodhoretz: The book that makes the argument Newt is talking about is "From Time Immemorial" by Joan Peters. #IowaDebate

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Mitt: Sobriety, care, stability. I am not a bomb thrower...wow

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
"Bibi" Netanyahu's a good friend of mine. You're no "Bibi" Netanyahu...

deadvoter deadvoter
Bachmann's not getting much opportunity to talk

justin_hart Justin Hart
The Romney / Newt exchange on Gingrich's comments abt Palestine was compelling on both sides. #iowadebate

BluegrassPundit Howard Notelling
Majority in my unscientific debate poll say Newt. Romney is 2nd choice.

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Why is Steffy asking #TeamBachmann who got the better of the Gingrich-Romney argument? Dumb question. #Iowadebate

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Gingrich says its time for America to have the courage to tell the truth about the Palestinians. #IowaDebate.

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Santorum is going to surprise in Iowa.

TheRickWilson Rick Wilson
Yep RT @jmartpolitico: Yeah, the "evil empire" comeback is gonna break the focus group button

JimMerrillNH Jim Merrill
Speaker Gingrich compares his incendiary words on Palestinians to President Reagan telling Gorbachev to 'tear down this wall'. Simply, no

nansen Nansen Malin
Perry pulls a Newt - attacking the media for asking dumb questions #iowadebate

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Leading from the "rear"?

kerpen Phil Kerpen
New Perry strategy is the old Gingrich strategy; criticize the question and pivot to attack Obama!

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @ianessling: Perry: "This president is the problem, NOT something Newt Gingrich said." #iowadebate #tcot

BREAK - Then YAHOO Questions!

MajoratNJ Major Garrett
Santorum dissection of difference between Israeli-Palestinian situation and Soviet gulag prisoners nuanced, smart. #iowadebate

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @jstrevino: Sure, ABC, the president of the Center for American Progress is a totally appropriate debate analyst.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Video of Romney offering Perry a $10,000 bet. WATCH: tpm.ly/ulNUP5

prismsinc Ric
Next question by the moderators: isn't it true that poverty is always the fault of the #GOP ??? #IowaDebate #fail

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
This is a great question for Perry, who grew up in poverty.

nansen Nansen Malin
With this question - the drinking games are in full swing!

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Sorry but Rick Perry just fades during the middle of his anwers and is painful to watch...

TPM Talking Points Memo
Romney: "I didn't grow up poor." [but I grew up with a dad who grew up poor and he imparted values - we had jobs]

amandacarpenter Amanda Carpenter
MT @MonicaCrowley: Question is all about, "tell us how rich you are & therefore how you can't relate to the average person."

MelissaTweets Melissa Clouthier
RT @BlameTelford: I bet you $10,000 that Romney didn't grow up poor.

HeresAnotherTip Uncle Mike
What is sad, that their are 2 liberals posing questions to the candidates to beat obama

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Romney: I didn't grow up but my dad did. Does that count? #IowaDebate.

DonIrvine DonIrvine
I do think that this question is meant to try and portray the GOP as being out of touch with the less fortunate, #Iowadebate #abcdebate.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Good manipulation of question by Santorum to bring up social conservativism.

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Moms are doing heroic work trying to hold things together--Another Santorum answer that will connect with some caucus goers

ElianaBenador ✡ Eliana Benador ✡
#RickSantorum is right on target on the #marriage institution with #Mother and #Father, not Partner one and Partner two as this Adm has done

TPM Talking Points Memo
Bachmann: "We're still coupon clippers today." tpm.ly/oYzwjR

howardfineman Howard Fineman
Newt grew up above a gas station, but now shops at Tiffany's.... the American Dream

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Give me your poor, your tires, your biased mainstream media. #Iowadebate #abcdebate

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Mitt: "States can do whatever the heck they want to do." Finally.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
It's official. ABC has begun recycling questions from earlier in the debate. Time to go home now?

philipaklein Philip Klein
@KatiePavlich Huntsman wasn't polling well enuf in iowa to be included

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
MITT! We are learning from Romneycare that mandated health care doesn't work. #AdmitItDude

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Gingrich to Mitt: "You make me want to throw up" yfrog.com/kfpf2p

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
What the hell? Diane Sawyer is asking questions based on her single visit to a pharmacist?

Politisite Politisite
Ahead of a #trumpdebate we are going on record to NOT cover a realityTV debate - #iowadebate

KatiePavlich Katie Pavlich
Diane Sawyer: I went into the land of peasants and visited a pharmacy #patsselfonback

Bret_Baier Bret Baier
Ron Paul is more than just formidable in iowa - he's a contender RT @BourbonDemocrat @Bret_Baier Ron Paul is gainin... tl.gd/elgsv0

drginaloudon Gina Gentry Loudon
I will bet $10,000 that if Ron Paul would fix his eyebrow, his polling would go up. #PaulBrow

current Current TV
Diane Sawyer asks softball about what to do about obesity. Or is it the usual challenge to Paul's libertarianism? #politicallydirect

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Paul: All government power is the use of force. Gets to the heart of libertarian ideology. #IowaDebate.

BREAK

ToadonaWire L
“@StarlaMBrown: @angelamcglowan I miss Herman Cain”/ his absence is very noticeable

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Best debate by far, and it is because no bogus time limits and two candidates less allowing for better pacw

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
My take: Newt "wins" by surviving as the frontrunner. Mitt does well (as always). Bachmann has very strong night--which may hurt Newt.

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
So far in this debate, nothing has changed. Newt unhurt and no big gains by Romney or any of the others. Bachmann and Perry better though

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Newt lived in an apartment over a gas station; Reagan grew up in an apartment above a store. (Modern day "log cabin"?)

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Nixon wouldn't debate in '72, and I wouldn't be shocked to see Obama dodge Romney or Gingrich or limit to one rather than 3.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
I'll take that over the here's-the-pinata questions RT @LarryColson: oh no, the "say something nice about each other" moment

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Santorum seems more likeable tonight than normal.

deadvoter deadvoter
Diane Sawyer asks the Rodney King question

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @bethanyshondark: Santorum just called Newt old. #IowaDebate

ToadonaWire L
Perry is smart to mention @SteveKingIA He's a great conservative. #gopdebate

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Perry says Ron Paul got him interested in the Federal Reserve. Scary thought. #IowaDebate.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Newt giving gold stars to Perry and Santorum.

AlexPappasDC Alex Pappas
How much is Ron Paul loving that Rick Perry said he got him to read about the federal reserve?

JonGarthwaite Townhall - HotAir
I found another good use for my TIVO. Political debates. Skip commercials AND questions. Watch the answers and try to guess the question.

current Current TV
Bachmann really wants Herman Cain supporters. She's referenced him a few times. #politicallydirect

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Quick! Someone tell Bachmann's prep team that Cain isn't in the race anymore. #NeinNeinNein

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Ron Paul: I am awesome. RT @KatiePavlich: candidates to each other, "no you're awesome, no you're awesome, no YOU are awesome"

prismsinc Ric
Michele Bachmann just had her best moment ... #IowaDebate

Debate Ends

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @fivethirtyeight: My debate grades. Pretty high all around. Bachmann A, Perry A-, Gingrich A-, Santorum B+, Paul B, Romney B-

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
My quick take: Perry, Santorum helped themselves significantly. Newt & Bachmann held position with good performances. Paul same as ever ...

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Winner by default is Newt. Loser is Romney. Santorum and Perry are better. Bachmann = sideways along with Paul

marisanicole87 Marisa Papsin
My opinion is that Ron Paul not only won this Iowa GOP Debate but he may have just won over a lot of new voters. #iowadebate

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Biggest winner: Gingrich. Loser: Romney. His $10k bet will haunt him even if he was right about Perry misquoting him. #IowaDebate.

politicallogic Joel Palmer
RT @benshapiro: Perry really making a comeback in this debate.

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
Ok. I have to say that I'm totally excited to go to the Iowa Caucus after this debate.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Expect Romney to know every bad thing Newt has ever done by the next debate.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
... Romney blew that early attack on Newt and made a big blunder with the $10,000 bet challenge. Weird.


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