RAGGING ON THOMPSON. The debate's opening moments certainly drove home the point that Fox News is not a huge fan of announcing-in-just-moments G.O.P. presidential contender Fred Thompson. The first question to the candidates was about his absence, leading to a series of acerbic and amusing replies from the candidates at his expense. John McCain, perhaps mocking concerns about his own age while also mocking Thompson's, quipped, "Maybe we're up past his bedtime." Rudy Giuliani also shoved in the shiv while smiling. "He's done a pretty good job of playing my part on Law and Order," he said with a smile. "Personally, I prefer the real thing."
--Garance Franke-Ruta
