Debating Points

Professional political consultants on both sides know the debates aren't going to swing the election. People who will spend 90 minutes watching TV debates are already decided or are strongly leaning toward one of the candidates. They'll perceive the debate winner in terms of their existing preferences (e.g., Festus Gluskey has already decided that Romney won the first debate, which will be held three days from now).

Willard's team has to hope that Obama makes a gaffe or blunder so egregious that it becomes the focus of water cooler chat and late night TV comedy fodder for weeks. That might be enough to influence the decisions of detached voters who are truly undecided.