This is the smartest analysis I've seen of last night's debate:

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/09/so_whats_the_gist_on_tonight.php

At the above link, Josh Marshall says that, although Republican voters may not realize it immediately, Romney won a strategic victory at last night's debate. Perry's views may hold great appeal to Republican primary voters, but Romney will be able to argue to Republican primary voters that Perry's views will cause Republicans to lose the general election. Would you rather lose with Perry or win with me, Romney will ask.

My own view is that the biggest loser last night was Bachmann. She won the Iowa straw poll but is now in third place in the polls. She failed to do anything in the debate to advance her prospects.

Also, Ron Paul is crazy. Let each drug company regulate itself? Let each state do its own air traffic control?

Nothing happened to change the fact that the race is between Perry and Romney.