slides: Experts & Pundits React to Presidential Debate

Darrell West

"Romney did a good job reinventing himself by saying he wouldn't cut tax share of wealthy. But I am not sure he will surive the fact checkers since he wants 20 percent cut in tax rates."

Travis Rowley

"The first presidential debate dealt with the economy, and Obama had nowhere to hide. Americans were reminded that big-government socialism simply does not work. So watch for the Democrats and the media to urge voters to focus more on emotional, meaningless, and phony issues. Racism, Romney's personal wealth, and an imaginary 'war on women' will be the Left's obsession for the next few weeks."

Dan Lawlor

"Romney was pointed in critique (particularly on the jobless rate), but (intentionally?) vague on policy, perhaps because his ideas (especially the Medicare voucher) aren't popular; Obama was tongue-tied while speaking (glossing over Solyndra), but blunt in a defense of the values of Social Security, traditional Medicare, and the Healthcare law. Neither was stellar, which isn't the best of signs for the country."

Don Roach

"Mitt Romney began the debate by coming out swinging on the economy. He hit the President with a five point plan and in a rare instance, Obama appeared on the defensive. Romney kept pressing the point that 'trickle down government' was not the answer. After those initial salvos, the President hit his stride when talking about Obamacare. He held his own with Romney and as they debated the finer points of deficits, education, and Social Security it was difficult to see who was the clear cut winner. As the debate came to a close Romney touched on a point that he should continue to spout on the campaign trail - he's worked with Democrats and will again."

Donna Perry

“I think Obama lost the debate and it also showed this President is lost without a teleprompter. He looked annoyed to have to stand and defend his record. In the opening minutes, it was revealing that he really could not project a cohesive answer to the central question: how will he create jobs?  Romney, in contrast, appeared in great command of his facts, looked energized, and I think managed to turn back many Obama campaign mischaracterizations of his policy proposals, especially his own tax plans, and I think his several lines about being a champion for smaller businesses was important. The night offered a critical moment for sharp contrast and I believe many independent voters now will take a serious look at Romney if they were wary of him up to now. It was a big and critically important night for Romney.”

Ezra Klein

"Mitt Romney won the debate tonight. He was more focused, specific, energetic and prepared than President Obama. The Obama campaign’s silver lining was in what he Romney specific about. Expect, for instance, that Romney’s admission that he will voucherize Medicare to make its way to ads in some swing states near you."

Source: Washington Post

Chris Mathews

"I don't know what [President Obama] was doing out there. He had his head down, he was enduring the debate rather than fighting it. Romney, on the other hand, came in with a campaign. He had a plan, he was going to dominate the time, he was going to be aggressive, he was going to push the moderator around, which he did effectively, he was going to relish the evening, enjoying it."

Source: MSNBC & Real Clear Politics

Eleanor Clift

"Romney delivered several zingers as expected, but none were home runs. His skill is in mixing facts and falsehoods, and speaking in such rapid-fire fashion that Obama appeared flummoxed much of the time. Even so, Romney did little Wednesday night to cure his biggest problem, a failure to create a bond of trust with the American people. His glib, even slick performance may score with debate coaches but the American people may not be similarly wowed."

Source Daily Beast