Editorial: Who 'won'? We'll know next month

If you judge the first presidential debate on stage presence, repartee and focus on policy, Mitt Romney won Wednesday night.

If you judge the debate on policy detail and a blueprint for the future, President Barack Obama did better than the Republican challenger — but not as well as most expected. For many, that means Obama lost.

Romney outlined clear stances that demonstrated his understanding of issues and policies and how he would shape them.?Romney also parried nearly every one of Obama’s thrusts.

Of course, gaining the edge in a debate is a far cry from winning the election.

Romney accomplished what he had to: He capitalized on Obama’s “off” night and took a decisive step in defining a different vision for the nation. He now has a little more than four weeks — and two more debates — to contrast that vision with Obama’s proven record during four years in office.

We sincerely doubt Obama will be off his game the next time the two men meet.

The race is on.

Tags: opinion, editorials