I can say this since I am 70 years old and I have seen them all. I clearly remember watching the Kennedy-Nixon debate with my father. I watched the debate for a second time last night - with the relaxed critical eye that came from knowing ahead of time what the result was. Although other debates have had their high points - there is nothing to compare with the drama of this debate.
Consider the scenario: There were questions about whether Obama was too much of a wimp, did not have the intellectual or personality qualities to handle someone like Romney, or maybe had just become too lazy to prepare. I am ashamed to admit that I had all of these worries. I have been so nervous about what was going to happen in this debate that I have not been able to sleep for the last week. I kept going over all the things that Obama should have said in the first debate. At most, I hoped for some sort of weak draw.
And then consider the opponent: this slick billionaire bond salesmen, with no concern for the truth, and willing to say whatever he thinks the audience wants to hear.
My expectations were low. And then to get this masterful performance. Every word and response pitch perfect. That cold steel personality that had Romney on his heals from the beginning. And then the “Please proceed governor” moment!! If you were writing a Hollywood script – you could not have come up with a more dramatic, or crushing moment. I am certain that this will be remembered as the greatest debate performance – ever!