The Bilerico Project | Daily experiments in LGBTQ

Holy crap! Did you watch last night's CNN Republican presidential debate? Mitt Romney and Rick Perry practically challenged each other to a duel at 20 paces.

After Perry accused Romney of employing undocumented workers, Romney started to defend himself when Perry continuously interrupted. What followed was worthy of a third-grade playground and completely un-presidential as both candidates tried to shout over each other while the audience booed them both. Romney turned it into a net win though with one of the best zingers of the campaign so far.

That one moment has turned Romney into the man who will win the nomination. He actually acted like someone who could be a president with that back-and-forth and continued his momentum through the rest of the debate as he beat back charges from other candidates.

Of course, CNN pundits couldn't decide who won the debate. Video of that after the break along with some quotes from Romney and Perry's advisors on how each candidate totally pwned the other.

Romney Advisor Eric Fehrnstrom

"I think what they saw in Rick Perry was very desperate candidate, someone who revived a candidacy that is sinking beneath the waves. So he came armed with negative attacks and personal cheap shots that were booed by the audience at every turn."

Perry Communications Director Kay Sullivan

"These debates are set up to be lively. This was a lively one. The governor is passionate about his record and passionate about calling folks every now and then on their records."

CNN Spin Room