[GlockThe Vote]

Ryan was wwwwaaayyyy too timid - i was getting angry at him for letting biden bully him like that and lying about Benghazi

[HereInTheHeartland]

It wouldn't have hurt Ryan to say “Facts are stubborn things Joe” in response to one of Bidens lies.

[mmichaels1970]

Ryan was wwwwaaayyyy too timid - i was getting angry at him for letting biden bully him like that

I was ok with Ryan's demeanor for the most part. However, I think he missed a golden opportunity to use that "timidity" to his advantage during his closing statement.

The fact that Biden "won" the coin toss meant that Ryan got to give the final closing statement of the debate without Biden being able to respond. Ryan used the time for the traditional thank-yous and a prepared closing remark.

IMHO, he could have used that time, without fear of Biden's response, to bring in a nice haul of independent, and even democrat voters. Here's how:

Tell the voters that they've just witnessed the sort of behavior that republicans have dealt with for the last four years. Ask them how they could expect anything to get done when contrary points of view are laughed at, sneered at, and disrespected.

Then address voters who are interested in politicians "working together to solve today's big problems". Tell them that a R/R administration would not disrespect those who disagree. Capitalize on the "timidity" by using it to show that you are willing to respect and listen to even your most ardent critics.

Tell independents and democrats that they will be heard, not sneered at. Close with telling them that if they want to see leaders working together, their only chance is to vote republican.

I think he would have blown the O campaign out of the water.

[carlo3b]

However, in refection, his timidity, and restraint, was the ultimate goal in the attraction to the undecided.. That was the strategy, not to placate us, but to attract THEM..

THEY are just so tired of the conflict and derision of politics.. He came across as calm and reassuring, and displaying the maturity to deal with the negotiations necessary to tackle the problems facing our future..

Think about it.. he has us, we are willing to crawl through hazardous waste to get rid of BHO.. :)