Dick_Brennan's Blog

Columbia, South Carolina -- The University of South Carolina was not in session and was somewhat deserted, except for the campaign imports dressed to look like students. Nice try! There can't be THAT many Tom Tancredo fans at THIS school! There were Young Republicans, Old Republicans and young and old reporters.

"The Spin Room" after the debate provided its share of laughs. When Mitt Romney was finished going live with "Hannity and Colmes," he left the room so fast our heads WERE spinning. I kid you not, he nearly knocked me down almost sprinting out of there! If I had a piece to file, I would have led with it and described him as literally "running for President!" I also had near-hit with the Missus. Mitt's wife almost plowed into me chasing him out of there.

I'm always amazed how these big-time politicians can face millions on camera, and take a hammering from some of the toughest reporters in the nation, but quake with fear when the local guys show up. I guess we are that scary!

Mitt's son and daughter-in-law were there. She was turning heads, much to the chagrin of the other midget candidates. In fact, the ENTIRE Romney family is out of central casting, like they were created in some political factory in Stepford, Mass. But they are real, and very charming.

As for substance, I think it's time for Mitt to say something besides how he's the most conservative guy who ever lived, on EVERY topic... especially since he used to be one of the most liberal. (I know he will beg to differ, but check the record).

Rudy Giuliani seemed to regain his old form... despite a little more flip-flopping on abortion. He knocked the "war on terror" issue out of the park... especially after the kooky comments from Rep. Ron Paul.

I interviewed Mr. Paul before the debate, and asked if he had any advice for Rudy. He laughed it off. Little did I know he would create Rudy's moment. Paul does say what he thinks, even when he's not thinking. Not always the best trait for a politician.

I also interviewed another "nobody" -- Rep. Duncan Hunter. He's got a radio announcer's voice and a commanding demeanor, befitting the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. I found him impressive.

All the reporters are rooting for some "winnowing." That's political talk for getting rid some of the people bringing up the rear in the polls. But they are enjoying the ultimate moment in the political sun. And someday some political nerd will remember their names!

Before I go, a "shout-out" to the debate moderators (and not because they are colleagues) -- Messrs. Goler, Hume and Wallace. Their questions were hard-hitting, and they let nobody off the hook. I loved Chris's line: "I'll give you thirty more seconds and you can actually answer my question!" Memo to Bill Clinton: You thought Fox guys only asked the Democrats tough questions?

That's it from South Carolina. Only about eight more months to Iowa. And they are threatening to move the date up!

See you on the campaign trail.

For more on Rudy's run for the White House, check out our Giuliani Tracker.

On the Democratic side, you can follow Hillary Clinton's campaign at our Clinton Tracker.