If Romney can’t defend free-market capitalism against Gingrich, how will he be able to defend it in the fall against Obama?

Tactically, Pawlenty's mistakes are too numerous to count. But strategically, Pawlenty had the right idea: Be the most electable candidate to the right of Romney.

Perry simply needs to put in a credible performance and introduce himself to the American people as a serious, likeable and viable challenger to Barack Obama. The fact is, Perry does not need to score any knock-out punches to win the debate. Romney does.

There were two clear winners in the Republican debate; the energy and enthusiasm on display Monday night will produce some twists and turns no one will predict.

When it comes to national security, Pawlenty isn't Minnesota nice -- he's a Minnesota hawk. But to carry his message for a strong American leadership in the world Pawlenty first needs a strong showing in the Iowa straw poll.

Romney's options are limited. He can try to tear down Perry's likability or his electability, or he can try to raise his own. None of those options are easy. And winning over Pawlenty and his divisions won't make the task any easier.

On Saturday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry got into the race for the GOP presidential nomination, and within 24 hours, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty got out. Perry didn't exactly chase Pawlenty out of the race; the Iowa straw poll (in which T-Paw finished a distant third) did that. But the two developments are closely related. They're linked by the fact that Barack Obama is very beatable.

Never before has there been a televised presidential candidates' debate so short a time before the Iowa Republicans' Ames straw poll. Last night's debate provided plenty of spirited conflict and some unscripted or at least unanticipated moments.