If Schiefer is saying this, that means it went better for Trump than many here think.
Most on FR had unrealistic expectations due to the history of the Clinton's that has been commented on for over 2 decades.
The bulk of Americans do not follow politics like those on FR, and do not have the information that has been relentlessly posted here for over 2 decades. Neither, obviously, do they care.
The important thing is, Mr. Trump did not come off as unhinged nor bellicose, and he was not “mean” or “arrogant”, nor did he present himself as a megalomaniac or misogynist as the left has portrayed him. That, in and of itself, is a plus for him in this encounter, IMO.
Mr. Trump simply needed not to lose, and especially lose “ugly”. This is not a good thing for Clinton as she needed an outright win to turn the tide.
I don't believe that happened, and I doubt that Americans will see her in a more positive light just as I don't believe that they'll see Mr. Trump in a more negative light.
Just my opinion.