Why Obama did much better in the debate than the network polls indicate

[fiorello]

The network polls seem to support the media story of a "draw " or "slight Obama win". As summarized by Sam Wang at election.princeton.edu : CBS, PPP and CNN showed Obama winning the polls by 37-30, 48-44 and 46-39. Whereas Romney was ahead by something like 60-22 after the first debate. But this is very misleading. Here's why:

When our side does bad, we Democrats and progressives are often the first to criticize them. After Debate #1 many of us grudgingly admitted that Romney did a better job. (Not that we'd vote for him, of course.)

Right-wingers never do that. Their guy won, no matter what. Hey, they're used to ignoring or denying facts.

So 25% would say that Romney won, no matter what. Of the rest, maybe 3/4 said that Obama won.

Obama won big among anyone with a functioning brain.

[Wwagsthedog]

1. 47% would say that robme won!

edit sp.

[Baitball Blogger]

2. Too bad our side hasn't figured that out.

[smorkingapple]

3. EXACTLY!!! But I'm ok with not copying their tactics

Sure it helps politically to deny reality at times.

But this is why we're better than them. We're intellectually honest with ourselves.

Our guy lost the debate and we admitted it. Licked our wounds and came back strong. This is why I was so adamant about battling the ostriches on this board that swore Obama won the 1st debate. It was classic Republicanism seeping into the psyche here.