PAUL RAHE: Barack Obama’s Chickens, Coming Home To Roost. “If Barack Obama seemed halting, uncomfortable, exhausted, and depressed last night, it was because he was saddled with defending the indefensible. What could he say? He had promised shortly after becoming President that his program would bring unemployment way down. He and his allies in Congress had sold Obamacare in part as a jobs bill. And the facts were there to be seen — exceedingly high unemployment and underemployment coupled with persuasive evidence that the growth needed to boost the economy was not in the offing. Instead of coming out of a recession, we were on the cusp of a new recession, and nearly everyone sensed it. For the first time in his life, Barack Obama was cornered. For the first time in his life, he was to be held accountable for his achievements.”

Also: Timothy Dalrymple: Five Surprising Responses To The First Presidential Debate.

UPDATE: Romney Crushes Obama Among California Voters in Snap Polls.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Heh. This is what happens when you pick John Kerry as your debate coach.