My take on debate aftermath......

[yellowcanine]

Polls seem to be holding for Obama - approval ratings actually seem to be going up. I think Obama hung onto some weaker supporters and picked up a few leaners by demonstrating his coolness under fire. Romney was clearly baiting him and hoping to make him lash out. He failed in that. And Obama made no gaffes while Romney may have - the fuzzy math and witless big bird statement could still hurt him. Romney also was a bit too aggressive - particularly with the moderator. All in all Obama came across as more likable, a better listener, more classy and more presidential. The improving Gallup approval numbers support that. Romney's may bump up a bit also because his aggressiveness did appeal to some in his base who may have thought he wasn't being tough enough. But those voters are never going to move to Obama anyway. So the net result imo will be that after this week when things settle a bit, Obama and Romney will both gain a few points but Obama will gain more and increase the margin over Romney slightly, particularly in blue leaning states.

[alsame]

1. I think it's very difificult for us in the DU

community to get inside the head of an undecided or swing voter. It sure is for me, because there is nothing that would cause me to ever vote for any Repub for any office.

So, while I was admittedly dumbfounded and disappointed when I saw the debate, I also realize that I'm not the person that Obama has to impress - he already has my vote and that won't change no matter what. If his debate performance keeps his numbers stable or even improves them slightly, then I'm fine with what he did. My initial concern was that it would hurt him, but so far that doesn't seem to be the case. As I said, I know I see things very differently than those who are still undecided.

[julian09]

2. The severe consevative Obama was to debate didn't show up, he etched a sketched himself to moderate

Obama stood with the middle and working class as he has all along and kept his position on the issues. His problem wasn't on the issues, but not attacking Rmoney enough. How could he Romney took off the table every thing he was campaigning on the lastyear. On the issues Obama did well. Rmoney threw the conservatives under the bus and ;even Joe scab didn't complain, they have no convictions. Now O has to defend his record, that the repugs obstructed over two million jobs from being created.
The repugs came out of their convention, noted for the Lying Ryan lies. Then Myth Rmoney was noted for the same thing after first debate.

[yellowcanine]

3. It is impossible to win a debate with someone who is willing to completely deny the truth.

You can't fact check in the middle of a debate. At some point you have to assume your opponent is at least going to try to play it straight.