I suppose it's time to come down from the buzz that was the COTR Meet and Greet this weekend.  OK...just for a minute or two.  In case you didn't know, the first presidential debate is this Wednesday night.  

While you're marking your calendars and prepping for some quality time on the couch, make another note about October 11th, as that will be the night that I personally pop popcorn and watch Paul Ryan bat Joey McMensa around like a cat does with a mouse.  I swear, y'all, I'm more excited about the VP debates than I was about Melrose Place in the 90s.  

But back to the presidential debate.

The source article above sets the scene:

While Obama’s lead is more shaky at this point in 2012 than it was in 2008, the president and his team know they’re ahead and that the burden of proof lies with Romney. Given that reality, don’t expect any risk-taking from the incumbent.

Depending on who you're listening to on any given day, some believe that Romney has the upper hand, and others believe that Obama has it in the bag.  Several are saying that Romney isn't used to one-on-one debate, but rather has experience in fighting a playground full of bullies who are ganging up on him (see all the Republican presidential debates leading up to Romney's nomination).  Oy.  So much chatter from all of those who want to place a bet on a winner.  Bobby McSmug thinks that Romney will actually have an advantage in the debate, while Chris Christie thinks Mitt will kick some major booty:

Here's what I think (thank you for asking).  I'm NOT going to think about it too much, because the chatter is annoying me at this point.  This is a toss-up for me.  Do I believe that Romney is more qualified than the joke we have in office now?  Heck yeah I do.  But I also know how the mainstream media works in this country.  And I know how the puppet-masters lean.  And I know that this country is now like a huge high school - voters showed us in 2008 that it was a popularity contest.  It wasn't about who could do the better job.  It was about who could work a crowd.

So, I shall wait and see.

Let me put it this way - there are going to be four debates this month - October 3rd, 11th, 16th, and 22nd.  The moderators of these debates will be (in the order listed) PBS, ABC, CNN, and CBS.  All liberal networks.  Mitt has got to have his proverbial shizzat together.  He has to be prepared beyond prepared.  He has to loosen up a little, too, and be himself.  He has to win over the American people.  This will be a feat.  I believe it can be done, but it will take more than just a positive record against a negative one.  Unfortunately, a lot of the outcome of Wednesday night will be based on mere SPIN.

So we shall see how the spin goes.  And I'll be saying my prayers on Wednesday.  Fo. Sho.