*Update: Video of the full debate via the Right Scoop.*

Tonight there were two miracles, 33 Chilean miners were successfully rescued and Christine O’Donnell trounced Chris Coons in a debate that was focused evenly on character and policy.  As the Phoenix capsule rose from deep in the earth pulling one miner after another back to safety, O’Donnell also rose.

Christine O’Donnell rose above the personal attacks on her.  She spoke with maturity not only about the issues she will face in D.C. as a representative of Delaware, but also her own issues.  Issues she has faced and overcome as a conservative.

While CNN decided to cut away from the live debate when it was apparent that Coons was struggling and O’Donnell was outperforming, CSPAN continued their coverage.  Unfazed by losing his own network, Blitzer aided Coons the best he could.  I won’t recap the whole debate here, but it is obvious that O’Donnell’s prep time with Palin’s debate coach was time well spent.  To the unbiased eye, O’Donnell clearly won.

O’Donnell took advantage of this debate to show she is a serious thinker and a serious candidate.  Will that turn to votes?  I don’t know, but I suspect after tonights performance there will be a round of polling that will let us know.

Consider this an open thread.

Aaron B. Gardner

*  Actually, O’Donnell’s performance isn’t really a miracle.  The Dems will call it that, but we all know they don’t believe in God**.

**  What?  It’s just a joke.  Like when Coons said he was a “bearded Marxist” when he got back from studying in Kenya.  NTTAWWT IYKWIMAITYD

P.S.  Don’t forget the #1013Bomb on Twitter

Crossposted at my blog.