T
he starters have left the gate and they’re off. Michele “Speaks From God” Bachmann stirred the punters briefly with her Ames Straw Poll victory but was promptly sasquatched by good ol’ Rick Perry’s cannonball entrance. Huntsman morphed into the sane alternative and subsists on earned media; tells Tea Party, “Bite me” but the tea leaves say “Not this time.”
Newt does well in debates but seems headed to repeat Fred Thompson’s performance art experiment while Rudy won’t commit ’till after the 9/11 observances free him for other duties. Chris “Get off the damn beach” Christie is yet to be called. And Sarah, bless her grifter heart, is left to pimp her PAC.
Romney trims his sails and tries to stay upwind of the scrum but puts in an appearance to kiss De Mint’s ring which Perry unexpectedly “misses” due to prior engagements; prayers notwithstanding.
Paul gets his day in the media but fails to inspire. Cain is unable. Santorum wanders deeper into postmodern ultraconservative irrelevance. For all the values sanctity and financial probity demanded and promised by candidates for this “mother of all GOP nominations” the big question remains, “Who’s in the money?”
Debate countdown here. Or submit a “yes/no” question via Twitter with hashtag #reagandebate (as if.)