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— Debate disappoints: Grumpy vs. misleading — Salt Lake Tribune Editorial

Barack Obama is where he is because he has earned a reputation for wielding a silver tongue. Mitt Romney is where he is because he has earned a reputation for brandishing a sharp pencil.

Neither of those people was on display during Wednesday's presidential debate. And we are all the poorer for it. ...

— Romney debates an empty chair — Los Angeles Daily News Editorial

One presidential candidate showed up to debate Wednesday night. His name is Mitt Romney. ...

— Five takeaways from the first presidential debate — Denver Post Editorial

... While it's true that Romney was stylistically better, the score was far closer in terms of policy. Careful voters will consider the debate content before deciding which of the distinctly different visions of government best jibes with their beliefs. ...

— Conversation gave voters clear choice — Arizona Republic Editorial

... Stylistically, Romney had the better performance. He was energized and aggressive, leaving the president looking disengaged. ... On the issues, both candidates acquitted themselves well. ...

— Round 1: Romney — Eugene Register-Guard Editorial

President Obama found himself on the wrong side of the expectation gap in Wednesday's first presidential debate with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Obama was supposed to be the superior debater, with a crisp command of the facts and an eloquent delivery. Romney was thought to face the greater challenge, and needed to avoid seeming overly rehearsed and artificial. By the end of a freewheeling 90-minute exchange, it was clear that Obama had underdelivered — the night belonged to Romney. ...

— Romney's victory may be game-changer — San Diego U-T Editorial

— Romney, ready to rumble, takes Round 1 — Orange County Register Editorial

— Romney wins on style, but still short on facts — Kansas City Star Editorial

— Debate offered more light than heat — San Francisco Chronicle Editorial