It's thumbs down for the needle, Rick

AP Photo

This is a photo from the recent debate by the candidates for the Republican nomination to run against President Obama in 2012. The gesturing, grinning boob on the right -- looking especially presidential -- is, of course, Rick Perry. Will Ferrell can do this guy in his sleep.

Perry's biggest applause lines came when the subject of the number of people executed on Perry's watch came up. That is what the "thumbs up" was doubtlessly about -- acknowledging the people who clapped the loudest for death. This applause was the most telling part of the debate, revealing for everyone to see what the modern Republican party has become.