Why Perry went there  —  The Texas governor went into Tuesday night's debate looking for a reaction — and he got one.

The Republican Bickersons  —  That was fun tonight.  Attack, defend, attack and attack some more.  Texas Gov. Rick Perry had some problems in tonight's Republican presidential debate, as he's had before — do we really want to “defund the United Nations”? — but he was a real presence this time …

The dangers of accidental candor  —  After five debates in six weeks, these get-togethers for the Republican presidential candidates were quickly becoming sleep-inducing.  Last night in Las Vegas, though, was at least lively — with time running out, someone lit a fire under the candidates' feet.

Bickering  —  Newt Gingrich had the line of the night toward the end of the debate when he complained that the moderator encouraged a level of bickering that could only make it harder for the GOP to get the White House.  —  I don't think Anderson Cooper was really trying to sink the Republican nominee for president in this debate.

Perry Commits to Flat Tax, Reforming Entitlements  —  In a brief speech this morning at the Western Republican Conference, Texas governor Rick Perry announced that in six days he would reveal an “economic pro-growth package that will create growth” and encourage investment in America.

Romney still the best at this, Perry not as bad, and the loser?  Anderson Cooper  —  Well, it was the feistiest debate — Rick Perry even stayed awake for the whole thing, which was a nice change — and we had the welcome (at least for entertainment purposes) return of the Crazy GOP Audience thing …

The Demographics Of Occupy Wall Street  —  Students are a big contingent at Zucotti Park and other occupations.  But a new study shows that online support crosses age, income and political boundaries.  Look out for the rich, nonpartisan mobs.  —  Coverage of the technology …

Reid says government jobs must take priority over private-sector jobs  —  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday said Congress needs to worry about government jobs more than private-sector jobs, and that this is why Senate Democrats are pushing a bill aimed at shoring up teachers and first responders.