Are we done bedwetting???

[LiberalAndProud]

122. Obama wasn't quick on his feet.

Romney caught him off guard. Still, I believe Obama's instinct to play defense was the right one. We have had smatterings of discussions here about gender perception. What I saw was Obama checking his temper in the face of provocation. A couple of times he breathed deep and gathered himself, but he did not explode in anger. He looked tired and care worn and that reminded me that he has other things on his mind beyond landing a zinger or two for political theater. Mitt's lies pissed me off, and I was terribly annoyed when they said, "We mostly agree." My blood pressure sky rocketed every time. Still and all, the words that some DUers would put in Obama's mouth don't strike me well when I imagine President Obama speaking them. Perhaps they would have been momentarily gratifying, but ultimately not as effective as the message discipline that Obama exercised.

Do I think it was planned? Beyond the resolve not to pound the 47% angle, no, I don't. As I said, I think Obama acted from instinct. Watching the drama play out over the ensuing hours helps me to trust his instincts.