In The Eye Of The Beholder

Last night's debate was pretty much a draw. Instant polls gave a small advantage to the President, but the focus groups on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News all had small majorities of undecideds coming out for Romney.

The President's performance was much better than it was in the Denver debate. (It could hardly have been worse.) Romney was steady but unspectacular and he failed to hit Obama hard on a questionable statement about the Benghazi Consulate attack. The President stated that he had called the attack a terror attack the morning after the news came out. This is certainly at odds with the statement made days later by UN Ambassador Rice on several Sunday news shows and the President himself, two weeks later at the UN, where the "spontaneous demonstration"  caused by an "offensive video" claims were repeated.

In fairness to Romney, he seemed poised to ask a follow up when moderator Candy Crowley jumped in and cut him off. It was a fairly blatant intervention. After she spoke up, Romney seemed flustered and did not deliver the knock-out blow. I'd say Candy pleased her fellow liberal MSM colleagues with her shielding of their man.

Frankly, I doubt that this debate changed many minds. Democrats were happy that Obama woke up and argued his points forcefully. Republican were a bit disappointed that Mitt didn't bash Obama again, but given what a big win he had the first time, a repeat was unlikely.

I still think Romney was the winner because he again showed himself to be clearly capable of taking on the job of President. I remain convinced that the polls have been close, despite Obama's dismal record, because most Americans were not sure that Romney was OK. They have seen him twice now and he doesn't have two heads or appear to eat babies. Moreover, many previously undecided voters realize that as a successful businessman, Romney has what it takes to create jobs. That's why I believe Romney will win the election.