re: #240 lostlakehiker

What does it mean to “win a debate”? Supporters of either side will almost always deem their guy to be the winner. A more objective view of “who won” is to ask, whose chances of winning the election went up?

On Intrade, Obama’s chances are down a few percent today, compared to the numbers right before the last debate.

It’s a surprise to me, because I figured Romney hurt himself with that remark about Syria being Iran’s access to the sea. But if the public at large “don’t know much about geography”, they won’t expect Romney to, either.

Of course the partisans will always think their side won. The snap polls I’ve seen this morning give a slight edge to Obama but what really counts is how much effect the debate will have on undecideds. I don’t think last night was a blow out but Obama probably did well enough to register a “win”.