want. >> joining me now at the national review is robert costa also a contributor to cnbc's kudlow report. the "new york times" jackie combs and let me start with you. it seems to be the only thing that prevented romney from clear cut victory in that debate last night like a hand down boy he won, were moments like that. the odd moments where he struggled on himself. >> he was the best debater in making an argument for himself and talking about his economic plan but it's his language, persona, awkwardness that raises a lot of questions about whether he is the conservative favorite and i think santorum has a lot of room, a wide open race. romney was great last night and won on points but hasn't won over the gop. >> you know what's fascinating with santorum is that last night i felt like okay. you defended yourself factually. those are some unpopular facts though. >> absolutely. you just think of the independent voters out there if they're watching at all.