Takes from the Sioux City Squawker

AP: "Republican presidential front-runner Newt Gingrich clashed sharply with one rival, took pains to compliment another and said it was laughable for any of them to challenge his conservative credentials Thursday night in the last campaign debate before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses kick off the 2012 primary season."

Washington Post: "Former House speaker Newt Gingrich became the main target Thursday in the last debate before the Iowa caucuses, forced to defend his record in Congress, his work as a private citizen and fears among many Republicans that he would put his party at risk in a general election against President Obama."

New York Times: "The tensions have been intensifying between not only Mr. Romney and Mr. Gingrich, but also among the candidates who are feverishly working to elevate their own standing by pointing out what they see as deficiencies in the top contenders."

WSJ: "The Thursday debate may end up blunting Mr. Paul's charge due to an extended exchange over Iran's nuclear ambitions."