This rather painful debate is almost half over. So far: McCain
is strong and mature, Romney very aggressive and better than he has
been, Huckabee is -- I don't mean to condescend-- a charming guy,
Thompson is blending into the background(you want him to be better
but he just isn't feisty enough for these) and Rudy did the most
important thing he could tonight: give a darned good answer on the
Hamptons issue. (I got protection cause people were trying to kill
me and the cops did the accounting). On balance: McCain and
Huckabee are helping themselves.