Krugman makes a good point – about the practical consequences for the campaign:
But the real impact probably comes via the press. (..) Romney has really ensured that everyone in the news media, the GOP propaganda organs aside, is going to view him with distaste and alarm — as well they should.
Romney could still win, but he has just made it even harder for anyone to consider him suitable for the job.
At the first debate, Obama will be cool, calm, collected and speak coherently, while Romney will be stiff as a board, and getting all knotted up trying to explain himself.
And he’s very much on the defense from the start. Hopefully Obama’s reportedly personal antagonism towards Romney translates into cool and persistent attacks.
Ditto Mac.