Mitt Romney had a strong performance Thursday night in the final debate before the January 3 Iowa caucuses. From Medicare reform to foreign policy to the economy, Romney provided mostly succinct answers within the mainstream of Republican ideas. And because he did not spend much time engaging his opponents, he also avoided missteps like his infamous “$10,000 bet” with Rick Perry at last week’s debate.

Referring to Newt Gingrich’s assertion that Romney ought to return the money he earned working for Bain Capital, Chris Wallace asked Romney if he would be vulnerable to such attacks in the general election. Romney didn’t take the bait and instead turned the question into a criticism of President Obama’s understanding of the economy. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us,” he said. “I think the president’s going to level the same attack.”