The audience did not have a role in the debate tonight in Florida, and it subdued things.

There were no standing ovations for Newt Gingrich or loud outbursts, as there have been in recent consequential and boisterous GOP candidate debates in other states.

A toned-down Gingrich assumed the role of frontrunner, and tried to play above the fray. However, his counter-punching and jabs still scored.

On the other hand, Romney brawled. Since losing to Gingrich in SC Romney has been rehearsing the Freddie Mac attack against his rival.

When Gingrich released his Freddie Mac consulting contract, which does not mention lobbying, Romney was ready to point out that he was contracted to the public policy division, which is Freddie Mac's lobbying arm. He added that Gingrich had been hired by the chief lobbyist.

Romney was still stiff and awkward discussing his tax returns. Aides say in 2010 Romney reported income of $21.7 million and has an estimated 2011 income of $20.9 million mostly from investment profits, interest and dividends.

Romney's comments about "self-deportation" for undocumented immigrants will have him explaining himself for awhile. Hs position is actually very similar to that of the House GOP, which is sometimes referred to as "attrition though law enforcement." This mean when authorities encounter illegal immigrants, a legal process to deport them ensues. (read more)

The audience did not have a role in the debate tonight in Florida, and it subdued things.

There were no standing ovations for Newt Gingrich or loud outbursts, as there have been in recent consequential and boisterous GOP candidate debates in other states.

A toned-down Gingrich assumed the role of frontrunner, and tried to play above the fray. However, his counter-punching and jabs still scored.

On the other hand, Romney brawled. Since losing to Gingrich in SC Romney has been rehearsing the Freddie Mac attack against his rival.

When Gingrich released his Freddie Mac consulting contract, which does not mention lobbying, Romney was ready to point out that he was contracted to the public policy division, which is Freddie Mac's lobbying arm. He added that Gingrich had been hired by the chief lobbyist.

Romney was still stiff and awkward discussing his tax returns. Aides say in 2010 Romney reported income of $21.7 million and has an estimated 2011 income of $20.9 million mostly from investment profits, interest and dividends.

Romney's comments about "self-deportation" for undocumented immigrants will have him explaining himself for awhile. Hs position is actually very similar to that of the House GOP, which is sometimes referred to as "attrition though law enforcement." This mean when authorities encounter illegal immigrants, a legal process to deport them ensues. (read more)