SMART PAL: My pal Kev at Two Pings made a really smart post in my COMMENTS, so I decided to rip it out of there and re-post it up here. Kev writes:

Pre-debate CW certainly sucked outloud, huh?

Pre-debate CW:

P1 - Clear Advantage Bush: wartime incumbent on foreign policy

P2 - Advantage Bush: more personable style

P3 - Advantage Kerry: positions poll better on domestic policy

Reality:

P1 - Kerry attacks and appears presidential; Bush appears tired and confused by his hard work

P2 - Kerry continues to attack, continues to appear presidential, but also affable; Bush appears to take it seriously, and stays on message

P3 - Kerry fades, still presidential, Bush has his game on.

All of which is interesting, but doesn't tell us jack about Nov 2, which will be all about turnout, who wins the ground game, and the final two week push. What attacks will Rove and Co launch? Will there be another October Surprise?

Well framed, buddy. As you note, it's fun to watch. If only it wasn't so important.