My Wednesday column is an epic recap of the second debate.
For the last two weeks, the Obama campaign and, worse, the entire modern liberal movement were both in danger of coming to an abrupt and jarring end, mainly due to 90 minutes in Denver when superficiality and lies delivered with stunning efficacy rocketed Mitt Romney to within sniffing distance of the White House. Unless the president turned in a killer second debate performance, it's unlikely his odds for a second term could be resuscitated.
Today, Democrats can breathe a much needed sigh of relief. Not only did President Obama significantly redeem himself from his lackluster first debate, but he delivered one of the top two or three finest debate performances I've ever witnessed. That's a big statement, but indeed Barack Obama and Bill Clinton can certainly enjoy the same debate-master company after tonight.
--The political acumen of the president was on full display when he marginalized Romney by positioning him as more extremist than George W. Bush -- while also graciously complimenting some of Bush's more moderate positions. This had a dual impact: 1) it reached out to moderate Republicans who might've supported Bush's positions on immigration, Medicare and so forth, and 2) it made Romney seem out of touch with independents who will determine the outcome of this election.
--When Mitt Romney lost his shpadoinkle and, while defending his shady investments, attempted to shout down the president about the president's pension plan, Obama, without flinching, said, "You know, I -- I don't look at my pension. It's not as big as yours so it doesn't take as long." The audience, which was instructed to remain silent, laughed. That was an unscripted, spontaneous jab by a president who is perpetually underestimated for his wit and sharpness. Furthermore, Romney was referring to the president's mutual funds -- investments that many Americans, middle class or otherwise, own. And somehow we're supposed to believe this is equivalent to Romney's tax shelters and Bain Capital's outsourcing? Hilarious. [continued]