GOP debate review: Romney rising and Bachmania sweeps nation

Yesterday, I posted a debate preview. My goal was to spell out what each candidate had to do in order to consider the night a success. So how did it shake out?

Of Mitt Romney, I wrote, “If he survives the night without committing any major gaffes, he can probably consider it a victory.” Romney avoided mistakes, performed more than adequately, and came away looking presidential. I also wrote that “everyone will be gunning for [Romney].” I was wrong — nobody went after Romney, really — though they should have. This was a huge missed opportunity, and it allowed Romney to become the clear front runner (if he wasn’t already).