Ryan was staying on message...which would you choose..the smart man or the idiot?
I do think there were a few times when Ryan could have interjected some fantastic sound-bytes. I would not favor him acting as Biden did, but you can frame your opponent for what he is doing with the proper rejoinders.
Yes, he did stay on message. Of course turning things on your opponent is also staying on message. You can do it in a dry dignified manner too, that makes your opponent look ever so much like a childish chump, while you look even more the adult in the situation.
None of this is meant to state that Ryan didn’t win. Biden blew it big-time. Still, a little nudge once in a while would have been nice.