Fred Barnes assesses the damage. Jamelle Bouie adds:
The debates have had an astonishing and unprecedented impact on how conservative voters view and evaluate the Republican presidential candidates, and it’s hard to say that this has been a positive development. Texas Governor Rick Perry is the obvious choice for a decent candidate who was damaged by the debates, but this extends to Mitt Romney as well. Romney has produced his fair share of gaffes and extreme rhetoric, and if he wins the nomination, he’ll face a torrent of attacks that showcase these debate performances. If the Republican presidential nominee succeeds, it will—at least in part—be despite these debates.
The Dish 