NBC/Politico GOP Debate Ledes

NY Times: "The fight for the Republican presidential nomination began narrowing into an intense and ideological battle at a debate here Wednesday night, with Gov. Rick Perry assailing Social Security as a 'monstrous lie,' while Mitt Romney warned the party against choosing a nominee whose outspoken positions would provide an opening for President Obama."

Washington Post: "Appearing together for the first time on a debate stage, the two leading contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination squared off Wednesday over the question most likely to shape the race: Which one is better equipped to restart the country’s economy?"

Politico: "In his only debate appearance so far, Perry quickly showed himself to be an aggressive, at times caustic opponent for Romney and other Republicans."

National Journal: "Rick Perry and Mitt Romney eclipsed the Republican presidential field Wednesday night by brawling over their jobs records and trading practiced barbs in a high-stakes debate that further distanced the two front-runners from the beleaguered pack."

USA Today: "Texas Gov. Rick Perry got a rugged baptism to the Republican presidential race Wednesday as both his opponents and the panelists of a debate here pitched pointed questions to Perry about his 10-year record."

WSJ: "Rick Perry and Mitt Romney clashed from the opening bell ... in pointed exchanges that signaled their burgeoning rivalry is likely to dominate the contest in the months ahead."