GOP Debate Recap: Drawing Newt’s Ire

Fireworks in second South Carolina debate came at the very beginning, fizzled from there.

If you and I had a dollar for each time former House Speaker Newt Gingrich attacked the media and or moderators during a televised debate…

…we’d probably be splitting about $15.

That’s not nearly as much as the Speaker and frontrunner Mitt Romney make in speaker fees, I know. Chalk it up to our not having an overhyped reputation for great ideas.

Last night’s CNN debate in South Carolina started with fireworks – almost like the 4th of July finale upended – and then fizzled from there.

Gingrich, again, was the clear winner. The Speaker brought the audience to its feet by slamming debate moderator John King’s decision to begin with a question on Newt’s ex-wfie, Marianne Gingrich.

Gingrich’s latest surge in the polls, coupled with Texas governor Rick Perry’s dropping out and endorsing him, spelled the most trouble for Romney ahead of the debate. Until just a few days ago, the former Massachusetts governor had been able to hold off his opponents in upcoming primary states.

Gingrich stands to gain the most from big debate moments, like his chiding of King and his condescending lecture on race to Fox News moderator Juan Williams.

Neither Rick Santorum or Ron Paul scored any headline-grabbing moments. Expect media speculation on which of them will follow Perry's lead and drop out, after tomorrow’s primary.

Okay, here are the clips from last night:

Gingrich calls CNN moderator, news media ‘despicable’

Ron Paul piles on with corporate media criticism

Mitt booed on tax return issue

Audience heckles moderate for skipping Paul

Santorum calls Gingrich grandiose