Debates, even this early, are interesting because they act as a big wave hitting the shore. When the memory of them recedes, the landscape is changed ever so slightly. Perceptions are changed or hardened. First impressions are gleaned while familiar faces are examined anew.

I am surprised that there are several observers who believed McCain “won” the debate last night. I thought he did fairly well the second half of the debate but was too jumpy and excited at the beginning.

Note to McCain campaign; keep the coffee away from the candidate for at least an hour prior to the next debate. It appeared that McCain drank half a pot just before going on stage, reminding one of a cockroach dancing around on a hot tin pan.

The bottom line is that this gaggle of candidates just didn’t impress. For comparison purposes, take the 7 GOP candidates who ran in 1980. Now there were some heavyweights.

I have additional thoughts on that comparison here.