McCain didn't lose the debate

So what happened tonight? I'm not a pundit, just a political junkie with strong opinions, but here's my take: McCain clearly didn't win tonight's debate, but it's hard to argue that he lost it either. While he often looked like a deer caught in headlights, he did generally seem reasonably competent. He made no gaffes that were so obvious that he would be called on them by the MSM. His misrepresentations were small enough that he won't get called on them too broadly, and he didn't lose his temper (though there was a moment or two where he looked like he would). Since we know that it isn't who won the debate, but who exceeded their expectations that matters, McCain will clearly be credited in the media as the victor. McCain's stunt with canceling the debate will work in his favor in the media, since they will have forgotten it by tomorrow even though it worked to help lower his expectations. Hopefully the voters won't have such a short memory, even though I have no reason to believe that they won't.

Anyway, as of tomorrow, McCain will likely be declared the winner by the media. In the meantime, here are some pre-pundit numbers from CBS News: 500 uncommitted voters asked who won tonights debate: 40% said Obama, 22% said McCain and 38% said a draw.

Oh, one more thing... McCain starts in a MUCH weaker position right now, so he really needs to dominate these debates. McCain has a long way to go to make up his standing in the polls, so tonights debate performance probably won't help much.

UPDATE: More numbers from the CBS poll