https://pjmedia.com/tatler/2011/09/07/scoring-the-debate/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usTue, 09 Jun 2026 23:44:24 -0400<![CDATA[Gov. Rick Perry came into tonight&#8217;s debate the leader and I think he leaves it in that position. Mitt Romney positioned himself as the non-Tea flavored alternative to the frontrunner, but the fact is that the energy in the GOP now is almost entirely with the Tea Party and the conservative base. Romney can win if Perry is discredited or implodes, but neither happened tonight. Instead America saw a GOP frontrunner who is willing to take the risk of telling hard truths about difficult issues. Americans also saw in Perry a leader who recognizes past policies that didn&#8217;t work, and does not double down on them. I think Americans saw in Rick Perry a plausible replacement for Barack Obama. The Texas governor&#8217;s stature grew and I expect polls to show that he is solidifying his lead in the GOP primary and is moving to a lead nationally over the president.]]>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:34:19 -0400<![CDATA[Bryan Preston]]>https://pjmedia.com/bryan-preston-1/2011/09/07/scoring-the-debate-n152542