Washington Post-Pew Research Center Poll  —  This poll was conducted for The Washington Post and the Pew Research Center by telephone October 13 to 16, 2011, among a random national sample of 1,007 adults, including users of both conventional and cellular phones.

The dangers of accidental candor  —  After five debates in six weeks, these get-togethers for the Republican presidential candidates were quickly becoming sleep-inducing.  Last night in Las Vegas, though, was at least lively — with time running out, someone lit a fire under the candidates' feet.

The Republican Bickersons  —  That was fun tonight.  Attack, defend, attack and attack some more.  Texas Gov. Rick Perry had some problems in tonight's Republican presidential debate, as he's had before — do we really want to “defund the United Nations”? — but he was a real presence this time …

Bickering  —  Newt Gingrich had the line of the night toward the end of the debate when he complained that the moderator encouraged a level of bickering that could only make it harder for the GOP to get the White House.  —  I don't think Anderson Cooper was really trying to sink the Republican nominee for president in this debate.

Rick Perry vs. Mitt Romney: Now it's personal  —  LAS VEGAS - After months of diversions — sideshow candidates, Hamlet acts and straw polls — Tuesday night's sizzling Republican presidential showdown boiled the nomination fight down to its essentials: a deeply personal …

Perry Commits to Flat Tax, Reforming Entitlements  —  In a brief speech this morning at the Western Republican Conference, Texas governor Rick Perry announced that in six days he would reveal an “economic pro-growth package that will create growth” and encourage investment in America.