There Was A Republican Debate Tonight?

Yeah, a lot of sarcasm. But the question is relevant because based on this debate and the Aames straw poll this Saturday, we are told some candidates will drop out of the race.
Really?
With the Texas Governor, Rick Perry, about to announce his candidacy. And speculation swilling whether or not the former Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, will get in the race, why should anyone drop out?
Based on what? A debate and or a straw poll?
Which gets back to the Republican debate tonight.
Eight announced candidates in all.
The former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney.
The former Minnesota governor, Tim Pawlenty.
The former Utah governor and ambassador to Red China under The Dear Leader, President Obama, Jon Huntsman, Jr.
Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.
Former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, Herman Cain.
Crazy Congressman Ron Paul.
Congressman Michele Bachmann.
Former Senator Rick Santorum from Pennsylvania.
And do you know what? There was not anything embarrassing said by any of the candidates. No knockout punch. If anything, each candidate shinned in ways that exceeded expectations.
Newt Gingrich showed that while he has got it on the issues and the pulse of the Republican voter, it might be considered too late by some. I think he should stay until the real vote begins next year. A straw poll now can not be transferred to the caucuses next year. If that was the case, there would never have been a Reagan presidency in 1980.
The real story is that many Republicans believe that the Dear Leader, President Obama, is so vulnerable that they are willing to go through this to be the Republican nominee in 2012.
And while I absolutely believe that with falling poll numbers and grumblings to his left, the Dear Leader, President Obama, is very vulnerable.
The key is to have the debate between the candidates now. Let all who are in get at least to New Hampshire and Iowa and then separate the men (or women) from the boys (or girls).
While tonight's debate was interesting, lets see future debates that will have at the very least Gov. Perry and maybe even Mrs. Palin.
Because tonight was a kind of sort of debate. The real fireworks are just beginning.