DEBATE THREAD:

While I find it hard to believe that anyone could have their mind changed by that debate--with both candidates doing fine, but workmanlike, jobs--Frank Luntz's group was really impressed by Governor Palin and it appeared to be because they'd lowered their expectations so much. She certainly gets points for her energy and for directness, but the biggest positive may just be that there were no negatives. Meanwhile, the format is nearly ideal for Senator Biden for a reason I'd not anticipated: he was forced to speak in short enough chunks that his bluster only seemed like authority and forcefulness. He didn't really have enough time to ramble off the reservation and speak spontaneously, which is when he poses the maximum danger to his own cause.

Any thoughts?