Who is Drinking the Obama Kool-aid? None Other Than the President Himself

My husband is incredibly quick-witted and funny.  Combine that with his passion for college sports and it would be fair to say that he has frequently dumbfounded many who are loyal supporters of his rivals' teams.  I will never forget the time that a friend left a message on our answering machine hours after we left a college football party.  Our friend said, "Hey, I just thought of the best comeback to something you said."

It was a little sad.

This comes to mind as I have read that Obama is planning to make a "strong and decisive showing" in the next presidential debate.  Hints that he will make plenty of reference to the 47%, Mitt Romney's years at Bain Capital and his wealth.

Only problem?  Like our friend, the time for those punchlines and comebacks will have long passed.  It will appear a little sad.  A little weak.  A little desperate and definitely a little too late.

Image from Toledoblade.com

The effects of last week debacle in Denver will be long lasting.  The shock waves of the president's poor performance are still being felt.  Many reputable polls released today show that Mitt Romney has stopped the president's two week surge and is now virtually tied 47-47%.  Obama's 5-point lead in Gallup has disappeared and Rasmussen, the poll that many analysts argue is the most reliable, has Mitt Romney leading nationally.  Rasmussen also shows that Romney leapfrogged Obama in Virginia and Florida and his now leading in both swing states.

Ouch.

But was the debate really that important?  Was Obama's poor performance really that detrimental? The answer is yes and the president's team knows it.

Image from slate.com

Obama stood on a stage with his rival in front of 70 million voters and was dumbfounded.  He couldn't defend his record.  He didn't lay out an agenda.  He didn't defend himself and it almost appeared as if he was hearing about the dismal state of our economy for the very first time.

Even his closing remarks---the one statement he could prepare in advance---lacked any hint of inspiration or skill.  It fell flat---a lot like the president's hopes for changing this country for the better.

Mitt Romney on the other hand commanded the night.  He spoke with authority and presented his case for a return to prosperity in an authentic and relatable way.  He clearly identified what has gone wrong and what he planned to do to rectify it.  He spoke as a leader and I felt like I caught a glimpse of what it must have been like to watch Romney run the meetings at Bain Capital.

He showed that he was an incredibly smart, well-informed leader with a plan to improve our lives and strengthen our country---and he has the resume to prove it.   Most devastating to the president? He showed that he was likable.

It was remarkable.  It was inspiring. It was game-changing.

Image from politico.com

Romney was so effective that after the debate, Dennis Miller joked on his radio show that even Obama will be switching his vote to support Mitt Romney.

The president's team was busy on the Sunday talk shows in full damage-control mode.  They gave Mitt Romney credit for a "strong, theatrical performance."  The biggest problem with that defense?  Aren't "strong, theatrical performances" Obama's real strength?

The president is trying to make the case that his poor performance was because a "different" Mitt Romney appeared on that stage.  The problem?  A true leader doesn't get distracted.  Obama did.  This tells me that the only person guilty of drinking the Obama Kool-aid is none other than the president himself.

Image from talkingpointsmemo.com

Branding Romney with a "strong theatrical performance" doesn't explain one simple reality:  Why did that allow the president to perform so poorly?  Why couldn't he even defend his own record?

Sorry Obama Team, no matter the excuse, Obama missed a momentous opportunity to sell the American people on his plan for our future.  And many are questioning if it was simply because he didn't have a plan to sell.

The next presidential debate is 8 days away---an eternity for someone is losing momentum.

Obama thought he was untouchable.  He thought he was unaccountable.  He thought his 2008 speeches could never be forgotten.  He thought he was likable enough to dispel the reality that he has been a terrible president.  He was wrong.

Lofty speeches---masterful oratory skills---and a "brilliant mind" aren't going to be enough this time around.  Americans are still hurting.  Americans are still losing their homes.  Americans are still scared about their future.  Americans are still desperate for a leader to help them rather than a leader who simply blames someone else for their pain.

Americans are ready for results---results that Obama failed to deliver.

This is why Americans are ready for Mitt Romney.