The October 21 Republican Debate

A performance full of patriotism and sacrifice and honor. Sharply challenged Romney and proudly defended his Iraq War position. Said, "I know and respect Senator Clinton," before attacking her now-dead Woodstock appropriation with a sly joke about being "tied up" during the famous concert (he was imprisoned in Vietnam at the time) — a line which drew a rare debate standing ovation from the crowd. Still desperate to be in a one-on-one race — with Romney or anyone — but he's focused, and not giving up.

—by Mark Halperin