It's official – Politico: "The worst debate ever." Key quote: "The day after leaves behind a puzzle: How the hell did candidates manage to be so timid and uninspiring at a time when American troops are in two problematic wars, the world financial markets are in scary free fall and the Dow has lost 1,400 points since Oct. 1? This is a moment history rarely sees - and both men blew it."

Not to beat a dead elephant, but Obama didn't need to be inspiring. He needed to be plausible as a Presidential candidate and he accomplished that. Boring and defensive? Running out the clock? Sure.