(CNN) -- This was Rick Santorum's first debate with front-runner status. That means it was his time to get grilled like a fine Kansas City steak. And I wouldn't say he came out of it like a filet. Even though his rivals missed some opportunities to press their case against the former senator from Pennsylvania, Santorum couldn't escape the barbecue. It was his old nemesis, Ron Paul, who had the most damning attacks. Perhaps we should have expected Paul, who has been arguing with Santorum ever since the first debates, to be the most prepared. After all, they have been sparring for more than six months. Paul began the debate by calling Santorum a fake. And he didn't shy away from it.
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Debate coach Todd Graham: As new front-runner, Rick Santorum faced his turn to be grilled
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He says ex-senator appeared inconsistent on issues such as No Child Left Behind vote
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Ron Paul's attacks on Santorum effective but could have been even sharper, Graham says
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Graham: Santorum is lucky there are no more debates before Super Tuesday
There was another moment when @placeholder was on the offensive but failed to take full advantage of his position.