The first presidential debate

The Democratic camp is still in a state in shock. The Republic spokesmen and spokeswomen are in elation. Both moods are understandable. President Obama was off his game on the day and the Mitt Romney who turned up on Wednesday evening surprised everyone, including President Obama. All of America is searching for the reasons for Romney’s brilliance and Obama’s lack of energy, defensiveness, and, very strange for him, inarticulateness. It is being said that Romney was well prepared, while Obama might have under-estimated Romney’s debating skills. Since my arrival in New York I have been watching President Obama very closely as the presidential campaign unfolded, mainly because he is such a fascinating political animal and because he is such a different type in American politics.

Obama’s campaign has unfolded almost without fault since June. It was Romney and his