That's exactly what I felt seeing this debate. Tim Pawlenty just looked mean. I think he knows he messed the last one up and maybe just tried too hard. It came off as just "mean".
I thought Rick Santorum did very well, but I don't think it was enough to push him far enough up from where he was. We'll see.
I agree with many others here that Newt was absolutely amazing in this debate. I've counted him out because of his campaign implosion, but I've always thought he was a smart man, smart, sensible, and wise too. He was just smack "right on" tonight, as he is when given the chance. Good going, Newt.
However, overall I felt a little empty tonight. Nothing gave me that fire in my britches.
Romney won because no one laid a glove on him.
Newt had a strong performance; so did Huntsman.
Bachmann was weak tonight.
Perry may have been the biggest winner.