(A brief discussion twixt Baer & Baer's editor, a.k.a. BE)

JB: Yo, boss, it's back to business.

BE: Quakes, hurricane and floods are done?

JB: For now. But there's a tussle in Tampa tonight.

BE: Monday Night Football!!

JB: Uh, no. Another GOP presidential debate: the CNN/Tea Party Debate at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Starts at 8. You, no doubt, will be watching?

BE: Either that or the Miss Universe Contest. Or the Monday Night Football doubleheader. I thought Tampa was playing.

JB: Nope. Miami/New England in the first game. Denver/Oakland in the second.

BE: So I guess we'll get more Social Security and jobs jousting.

JB: You betcha. Eight candidates are signed up, but Romney and Perry will be the only two debating. Looks like everyone else is done.

BE: You mean because the polls are starting to lock up?

JB: Current average of all national GOP polling maintained by realclearpolitics.com has Perry at 32%, Romney at 22% and nobody else on stage in double digits.

BE: My guy Rick?

JB: Santorum's holding at a steady 3%. Next to last, ahead only of Huntsman.

BE: Not-really-running Palin?

JB: Third at 12.3% because she hasn't been playing and is not really running.

BE: So the Texas governor who opposes Social Security should shine at a debate sponsored by the Tea Party Express, yes?

JB: Yes. Especially since Tea Party activists get to ask questions.

BE: Moderator?

JB: The overly earnest, often whiney Wolf Blizter.

BE: Maybe he'll howl tonight.

JB: More likely the viewers will. Grrr.