• I think you know how I feel about Presidential debates. They were very important in the 19th-century when there was no true mass media, and there needed to be an event which concentrated opinions, ideas and arguments. They were somewhat important for much of the 20th-century. But they’re just silly exercises at this point, speed-dating for Americans who lack focus and critical-thinking skills. These candidates have been on every screen in our lives for two election cycles. Three 90-minute shout-fests shouldn’t override what we’ve seen from them for six years.

• Things obviously went much better for President Obama last night. He was forceful and lively, but Mitt Romney really made it easy for him. Too many rookie mistakes for someone making his final charge at the Oval Office.

• Romney’s line during his closing statements about caring for 100% of the American people provided Obama with the exclamation point of the night. I would assume that Romney’s team decided to go with this line because they thought Obama would barrage him with “47%” references this time after failing to mention Romney’s gaffe at the first debate. But Obama again never raised the issue, so Romney should have pivoted away from any talk of percentages.

• Rudeness and aggression throws Obama for a loop in public settings. Mitt Romney is likewise flustered when challenged on facts. He becomes inarticulate. How dare someone contradict the boss!

• I guess it’s a sign of our polarized times, but not only do the two candidates apparently despise each other, but their families also seem to intensely dislike each other.

• Undecided voters aren’t the first people to fold their umbrellas when the rain stops. Do not put them on TV after the debates.

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Lincoln-Douglas debates, via SCTV: