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This is it.  Donald Trump’s said his debate won’t happen — so the two debates last week were the final round before the primaries begin.  This field has seen its casualties: The Don himself, Tim Pawlenty…and Herman Cain.  Front-runner status had jumped back-and-forth from person to person.  Now…the Iowa Caucus will set the numbers in stone.

Obviously, since there’ve been two debates last week (one for ABC, another for Fox News—the latter ending this season with a BANG!), I’d have to cram my thoughts for both into one piece.  Thus…I’ll focus more on my general thoughts on the candidates.  As always, I’ll be honest and blunt, no punches pulled—and we’ll see how it translates into votes….

Newt Gingrich: Newt is a brilliant man.  Therefore, a lot of conservatives naturally salivate at the thought of his facing Obama in a debate.  Still, he’s got two problems.  First, he often makes “zany” remarks when he gets going— Mitt Romney called him on that.  Second, he sometimes slips and says/does something Leftist: calling himself a “Wilsonian” (as in…Woodrow Wilson); supporting an individual mandate, “consulting” Freddie Mac…and on and on.  It’s hard to trust him.  Michele Bachmann challenged him on that.  Defending himself on either, he did…okay, but not great.  (He all but called Michele a liar, too….)  Honestly: when a Republican’s got both Glenn Beck and George Will calling them out…they’ve got issues.  Borderline.

Mitt Romney: As always, Mitt’s greatest asset is his presence: he handles these debates with class and charm.  He did excellently on economic issues, comparing his experience with business investments with Obama’s “experience” with GM—and extolling the virtues of a free market system, risks and all.  Still, Rick Santorum hit him good on his record…and Mitt’s explanations for his former Leftism weren’t particularly impressive.  Overall, he did okay…leaning toward a win.

Michele Bachmann: Michele pulled no punches, particularly in the Fox debate.  She needs to, to get back up on the polls.  She was tough-as-nails and tougher, holding to the fire the feet of Newt and Ron Paul—the latter in a spectacular “clash-of-the-titans”, resulting in some great knockout punches from Michele.  She laid out her credentials well, and wins—big!  Here’s hoping she gets something for it.

Rick Perry: Rick was unimpressive on ABC (he sounded drunk again), but on Fox, he brought charm and wit to the stage, invoking Tim Tebow and calling out Obama’s Justice Department for Operation Fast & Furious.  His endorsement by America’s Toughest Sheriff might help him on immigration (his weakness).  He gave a great performance on Fox…and leans toward a win.

Rick Santorum: Rick channeled his “attack dog” attitude for good, again.  His criticisms of the others were measured, yet firm.  With Herman Cain gone, Rick and Michele are the two true-blue, 100% solid conservatives in the field.  As a former senator from Pennsylvania, Rick has more experience overcoming Democrat-related challenges (on policy, and elections)—that’s what he has over Michele.  Still, he’s not as outspoken on economic issues as he should be — Michele’s advantage.  Overall, Rick did good, and wins.

Jon Huntsman: As always, Jon’s stances are…okay…but he has a dull, unimpressive air, which oftentimes borders on elitist and arrogant—especially when he makes those cringe-worthy jokes.  That’s why his poll numbers stink.  (And…the increasingly cheesy antics of his daughters aren’t helping.)  He loses.

Ron Paul: Sorry, Revolutionaries, but someone has to say it—Ron Paul must not get the GOP nomination.  Now, his performance in the ABC debate was good.  Dittos for the Fox debate (except on earmarks)…until the question of Iran came up.  Here, Ron played Neville Chamberlain, saying we must understand their wanting nuclear weapons.  “It’s our fault, for surrounding them!” (Ah…what?)  “Sanctions are an act of war — we should lift them!”  (Okay, so should we declare war whenever someone cuts off trade with us?)  When Michele called him out on his “dangerous” stances—and his blindness to the dangers of Iran—Ron engaged in stupid straw men: “We can’t act like all Muslims are the same!”  (What?  Who’s saying that, Ron?)  “We can’t fight an undeclared war!” (Okay…so let’s declare it, and get it over with!)  You get the idea.  He’s out of touch—he’s been exposed—he loses.

And so it ends.  Iowa: here…we…come….