GOP Debate Quick Hits

- Romney was the focus of attack, as if he was the front runner. Generally, he responded pretty well which may offset any collateral damage and he might get a little sympathy from the NH voters who already know him so well their neighbor's former Governor.

- McCain came across as a little too cocky. His contempt for Romney was clear and the "candidate of change" shot was less effective because of a silent audience (by Charlie Gibson's instruction). All in all, not that Presidential. And no matter how he tries to defend the immigration bill of last May, it's clearly his weak point.

- Ol' Fred is the elder statesman here. I really like him personally and agree with him on a lot. But there just seems to be something missing. Perhaps the charisma he demonstrates as an actor just isn't there in the candidate. Treading water.

- Huckabee is a swell guy. Nice enough. But I can't help but coming away from his non-substantive comments and thinking: Is he as surprised as everyone else that he's doing so well?

- Giuliani is still very much in the mix. He held his powder and focused on his own principles and experience. Even his aside to Romney that Reagan might have been the subject of one of his attack ads seemed more a good-natured jab that a slap.

- Ron Paul definitely has a consistent point of view. Unfortunately for him, it's a minority view in the Republican party. I don't mind him as much being in the debate because it gives the other five an opportunity to contrast themselves against his neo-isolationism.

I expect it to be close between McCain and Romney on Tuesday. I wonder how much independent support McCain can depend on considering that they have an opportunity to back Obama instead. If Giuliani campaigns hard I think he can make a strong third place showing. Fred and Huckabee are probably already looking to SC.

BTW, did anyone else notice that Romney won the lion's share of the delegates in Wyoming yesterday? He's actually in the lead for delegates at this point.