It doesn't matter how well you do in a debate. It's how the PRESS says you did in the debate

[bernicewilliams]

Let's not forget; Americans who read the newspaper or watch rich pundits on TV outnumber those who actually watch the debate by a large margin. I have heard some say that this or that candidate will benefit for this and that answer.

I doubt it.

DU'ers might not be fooled by the punditocracy.

But most Americans will obediently listen to what Chris Matthews, Tim Russert or Howard Kurtz, Maureen Dowd and Fox (etc.) tells them to think.