Romney was debating a passive Obama.
Ryan wasn't debating a passive Biden. Different strategy required.
Have a great nite.
This is an interesting topic - I agree that if your opponent is bombastic and rude, you want to get out of the way and let them make a fool of themselves. But I also think that most people are making a judgment, independent of the behavior of the contestants, as to who is winning the debate “on points”. And I think their overall view of who won the debate is impacted by both style and perceived substance. That is why I think you have to make absolutely sure that you have effectively and agressively made your case. And winning on points does not necessarily mean stating the “truth”. It means “winning” the various different competitive “tussles” within the debate.