I say Romney was simply not strident enough, and should have taken the opportunity to destroy Obama and reveal Obama's true character lurking just beneath Obama's thin veneer of civility.
You are a Master Debater though, you do not think that a debate is meant to be won, that somehow Romney should be kind to the child we have in the Whitehouse, so as not to offend anyone ( undecided voters who do not really exist,they are pollster's figments of imagination). Well, you know where that approach got the diplomats in Benghazi, for example? Buahahahahahaha!
Romney had better start exuding strength, and soon. If not , he will be known as the almost elected president.America needs a strong president at this time, not a weak one who forgoes the opportunity to be completely victorious over an opponent. Such strength would have created a far greater bounce in the polls for Romney, as it is now he is 2 to 3 points behing Obama in swing states.He could be up 5 to 6 points if he had really taken advantage of the openings he had to really destroy Obama during the debate.
And here is your Master Debater award, specifically designed for those who are afraid to reach for sure and ultimate strategic victory, and a display of the mitigated strength of weenie-ism, the same kind of weakness that infects our entire state department now and much of our military Rules of Engagement:
Award to fortheDeclaration:
Romney got his chance and never took it, making it a kangaroo debate. I am nominating you also for the cunning linguist award.