(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.