Peppery on signature issue of spending cuts, salty on Iraq and Rumsfeld, but bland over all — he didn't dominate as in the last debate. More goosey than loosey (that is to say, he was spirited, but a little stiff). Because of poor acoustics, he requested that several questions be repeated, drawing unwelcome — and unfair — attention to the age issue. Proud, impatient, and looking forward to January.
—By Mark Halperin