9:04 PM ... Mitt fields it a question that it's challenge to pander on.

9:05 PM ... I think I'd forgotten what a hypocrite McCain's become on fiscal policy.

9:06 PM ... Wondering why it's taking so long for Russert to ask a preening question.

9:08 PM ... Rudy seems oddly restrained for the last debate of his political life.

9:09 PM ... Mystery quote? I can only imagine the glee in finding that Russert used a phony quote. But probably too much to hope for.

9:15 PM ... Eerie lack of whackjob attacks. Actually, there was something a look weird about the intensity and amazement McCain expressed about the GOP losing a single election. That can still happen, right?

9:17 PM ... Appreciate the vague whiff of contempt Ron Paul used in referring to Tim Russert.

9:19 PM ... Rudy hijacks international finance question to relive his 9/11 nostalgia glory days. Brief segue for Japan bashing for no particular reason -- about the Japanese who are now our best friends.

9:22 PM ... Did you notice how McCain threw in an errant "Let me give you some Straight Talk" tag line when it didn't seem connected to anything?

9:26 PM ... In the context of phony presentations and the general ridiculousness of the Republican primaries, I think Mitt's actually doing pretty well.

9:28 PM ... I guess this local dude isn't up to Russert's stature so he has to stand out in the crowd to ask his questions.