Every commentator on the planet has offered opinions about the debate last Wednesday night. But even though we're late, we can't resist weighing in and offering insights on a couple of other questions plaguing the political community.
Any debate impact on Utah's elections?
Pignanelli: "Obama came to the debate to have a conversation. Romney came with a chainsaw" — James Carville. I was a candidate in 1988 when the Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis blew the debate against George H.W. Bush. His clueless demeanor depressed those of us at the bottom of the ticket, but we eventually rebounded. Local Democrats can hope that Professor Obama stays home and sends Commander-in-Chief Obama to the next debate. (Better yet, send the first lady and her killer arms.)
Last week was the first time in this election season that Romney enjoyed universal praise from across the political spectrum. Not that it was needed, but the Romney momentum in Utah got a caffeine boost (this adjective is now allowed) from the debate performance and reviews. Utah Romney supporters appreciated this after his "47-percent video" debacle.
This new energy for Romney could instill greater support from Utah Independents and moderate Republicans for the GOP ballot — the very same groups most Democratic candidates need large slices of to prevail. Democrats must respond quickly by strengthening personal connections to voters and carving out their own message and presence, separate of the national party.
Webb: Clint Eastwood's GOP convention debate with an empty chair proved more prescient than anyone anticipated. Romney debated the same empty chair. Utah Republicans are happier than ever that Romney is at the top of the ticket. He should be good for at least a couple of points in many races.
Utah Democrats have two rosy theories about crossover voting. One is that Utah Republicans will want so much to actually press their thumb on the touch screen specifically for Romney that they won't be as likely to hit the straight-party vote button.
That provides some hope that moderate Republicans will cross over for down-ballot Democrats (like Jim Matheson and Ben McAdams). The other is the "'guilty conscience" theory that moderate Republicans feel in a one-party state they should vote for at least one Democrat. Neither theory is very plausible, but hope springs eternal when you're desperate.
If Obama is still leading in the polls after the debate, will it dampen Utah voter turnout or incentivize his legions of followers?
Any debate impact on Utah's elections?
Pignanelli: "Obama came to the debate to have a conversation. Romney came with a chainsaw" — James Carville. I was a candidate in 1988 when the Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis blew the debate against George H.W. Bush. His clueless demeanor depressed those of us at the bottom of the ticket, but we eventually rebounded. Local Democrats can hope that Professor Obama stays home and sends Commander-in-Chief Obama to the next debate. (Better yet, send the first lady and her killer arms.)
Last week was the first time in this election season that Romney enjoyed universal praise from across the political spectrum. Not that it was needed, but the Romney momentum in Utah got a caffeine boost (this adjective is now allowed) from the debate performance and reviews. Utah Romney supporters appreciated this after his "47-percent video" debacle.
This new energy for Romney could instill greater support from Utah Independents and moderate Republicans for the GOP ballot — the very same groups most Democratic candidates need large slices of to prevail. Democrats must respond quickly by strengthening personal connections to voters and carving out their own message and presence, separate of the national party.
Webb: Clint Eastwood's GOP convention debate with an empty chair proved more prescient than anyone anticipated. Romney debated the same empty chair. Utah Republicans are happier than ever that Romney is at the top of the ticket. He should be good for at least a couple of points in many races.
Utah Democrats have two rosy theories about crossover voting. One is that Utah Republicans will want so much to actually press their thumb on the touch screen specifically for Romney that they won't be as likely to hit the straight-party vote button.
That provides some hope that moderate Republicans will cross over for down-ballot Democrats (like Jim Matheson and Ben McAdams). The other is the "'guilty conscience" theory that moderate Republicans feel in a one-party state they should vote for at least one Democrat. Neither theory is very plausible, but hope springs eternal when you're desperate.
If Obama is still leading in the polls after the debate, will it dampen Utah voter turnout or incentivize his legions of followers?