Purcell acknowledged at an investor presentation in January that share growth and other performance measures had lagged those of peer companies in the last year, and he promised to devote more attention to holding down costs and developing high-growth businesses.

FORBES: Purcell's Purge

His nervous performance in California gave way to a more mature, serious and confident presentation Tuesday night.

NPR: GOP Debate Showcases Candidates' Differences

Well, Carol did her best on Wednesday in her presentation to say the fault of her under-performance lay at the feet of Jerry Yang.

FORBES: The Emperor Carol Bartz Has No Clothes, Mark Haines, Oprah, and Other Shareholder Matters.