What helps Rubio, if anything, is that unlike Perry's 'oops', Rubio's stuff-up needs to be explained and given context.
Christie wraps it up nicely at the end of most of the 30-second replays we're seeing ("There it is!"). No additional context is necessary.
Perhaps more importantly, this doesn't need to damage Rubio that much among voters if it changes how the media and certain party insiders interpret his candidacy. Even if we assume that he does about as well as he seemed likely to do before the debate, will he be able to get away with claiming 20% and second place as a victory because he's the only candidate who's treated as a credible nominee? That's looking more doubtful.
Poll
