McCain calls for an end to GOP debates

Debating is not one of Romney’s strengths, and he has left open the possibility of turning down debates scheduled after Florida. But Romney’s performances have been getting stronger as of late — particularly in the most recent two, which followed his loss to Newt Gingrich in South Carolina.

{mosads}Romney showed off a new level of aggression against Gingrich in the first Florida debate, and followed it up Thursday with a performance that observers said helped him reestablish his dominance over Gingrich, who has twice resurrected a dying campaign on the strength of his debating skills.

McCain joined Romney on Friday for a rally in Orlando, four days before a crucial primary contest in Florida. He referred to himself jovially as the “lounge act” as he warmed up the crowd with a slightly awkward but politely received stand-up act.

“Everywhere I go, people say, “I voted for you, I voted for you.’ I should demand a recount,” McCain said.

“And after [I lost], I slept like a baby. Sleep two hours, cry, sleep two hours, cry.”