The South Carolina Republican primary is more than 10 weeks away. After Mitt Romney sweeps the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, his likely victory in the January 21st South Carolina will be the first opportunity we can say he has wrapped up the nomination. Until then, apparently, we will have to endure more nights like last night. Nights where everybody pretends the other challengers have any real chance of beating Romney.

Gallup released a poll yesterday showing that 45% of Republican voters believe Romney will eventually be the nominee. That number may seem low, but it is far above any other candidates total. Thirteen percent of Republicans tell Gallup Herman Cain will be the nominee, even though his few national staffers have displayed an unusual lack of competence. Four percent believe Newt Gingrich will be the nominee even though he spent his day before the debate selling his new novel instead of campaigning for votes. Ron Paul, Michele Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, and Rick Santorum all came in at 3% or below.