Doesn't matter, Newt will be the contenda.
After watching the whole debate, I think Romney and Perry took a step down. They came across like a couple kids arguing on the Campfire
Seriously though, if the Romney folks haven't broken the code yet, he is NEVER going to live RomneyCare down. They ask him the question in every debate and his answer still sucks. If he had just said about 6 months ago, "I made a mistake and I want to guarantee that it never happens nationwide", he'd be the clear front runner right now. And despite the comments here, Perry gave immigration criminals benefits. He's part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Even though he has baggage, Newt has performed well in every debate so far. And I cannot think of a better man to go head to head with Obama in a war of words. I would PAY to see that debate.
Off in the background, regardless of the lower poll numbers, old Herman is getting more comfortable with the topics and has been improving steadily imo.