Trailhead

The Debate: Things to Look For

2 p.m. Des Moines Register debate. Johnston, Iowa. 22 days to the caucus. Giuliani, Huckabee, Hunter, McCain, Paul, Romney, Tancredo, and Thompson.

Are you ready for some politics? Some Wednesday afternoon politics?

Things to look for:

  • Mike Huckabee attacked from all sides: Immigration, AIDS, anti-Mormon comments, tax record, letting rapists go on parole.
  • Mitt Romney on the attack, especially against Huckabee. If he’s willing to run a negative ad, you can be sure he’s willing to do a little mud wrestling at the debate.
  • This is Fred Thompson’s last chance to be relevant in this campaign. Desperate politicians are dangerous at last-chance debates. If it weren’t Fred Thompson, we’d warn the other candidates to watch out. But, well, it’s just Fred.
  • Giuliani and McCain may pander for 3rd place, even if that means propping up Huckabee so Romney gets crippled.
  • Proof that Alan Keyes exists.