I'm old enough to remember every debate going back to 1980 and the outcome: So all take a breath about last night and relax.
1980: Reagan v. Carter: Reagan WAS leading in the polls in spite of what was reported by MSM, the country was beleaguered, Reagan played the fatherly role, had a few "zingers". Remember, Carter was close in the polls in spite of all but wasn't popular or "likeable" as president: (PS. I thought he was a much greater president than he ever got credit for). But he lost.
1984: Mondale beat Reagan handedly in their first debate. Result: landslide for Reagan
1988: Bush vs. Dukakis: Bush was so in-coherent and an awful debater. In addition, Dukakis was in command of the facts until he stumbled over Bernie Shaws, "If Kitty Dukakis/Death Penalty question.) However, remember the classic SNL skit with Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz? "I can’t believe I'm losing to this guy" line. Result. Near landslide again for the Republicans even though Dukakis "won" the debate
1992 and 1996: Not gonna go there. Strange years with Ross Perot in the mix and the Big Dog wiped the floor, regardless)
2000: Bush II vs. Gore. Gore trounced him in the first debate; we all know what happened during that year.
2004: Bush II vs. Kerry. Kerry was on his game. Extraordinary and clear. Looked presidential. Bush II was way off. Here's a good read on the comparisons to this debate and last evening's first debate: http://www.latimes.com/...2008
Point is: Out of all of the past debates, each of the eventual presidential campaign victors was deemed "more likable" overall. Romney lied, was snarky, and unappealing. Yes, in insta-polling his #'s went up but so DID Obamas in spite of his performance. Yes, if this was as high school debate, you would say Romney “won.". So, he gets a golden star for that to put in his notebook and add an achievement to add his yearbook page.
Last evening's debate aside, People like Obama more and will trust him.
So, debates aren’t real "debates.” They are beauty pageants. Obama is still more likeable. We live in different times: social media, YouTube, blogging, mobile phone explosion, etc. Many people have decided already since they have access to information in a Nano-second. Most, will not be swayed unless there's a massive, massive screw up by Obama. Again, simply, he's more likeable.
So, all: Take a breath, give a few more bucks to the campaign, GOTV, run a lap, have a little chocolate, watch a funny movie tonight, read a thriller and clear your mind.