I have to say that, regardless of who won and who lost, the debate last night was well conducted, featured some cleanly delineated differences in the candidates, and allowed some welcome interchanges between the two. The debates remain the single best event in the presidential campaigns, allowing something beyond sound-bite decision making and personal-attack volleyball. Both men came off much better in person than they do during stump speeches, convention appearances and attack ads.
It is always striking that, despite the personal animosity and mud-slinging, the debate format seems to bring out the best side of the candidates. I believe its akin to war. It's much easier to do killing at a remote distance from the enemy than it is chin to chin. To see both men shaking hands in front of the American flag and at least attempting to argue real issues gives me, as it always does, more faith in our process.