Obama Still Leads In Latest Polls As Both Sides Play Debate Expectations Game

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Of course, whether or not this GOP spin will be a game-changer is itself highly debatable, as Romney's campaign was attacked by people across the political spectrum for criticizing the State Department over the Libya murders. Moreover, the Romney campaign has not shown itself to be nimble at changing its message or focus, even when it is seen by pollsters are not working, such as his slightly more polite defense of his "47 percent" remarks, where he said that number of Americans were too dependent on government aid.

But even if Rommey and Obama debate to a draw in Denver on Wednesday—which both sides will undoubtedly spin their way—the debates are most likely to re-enforce the perceptions that both sides have made on the campaign trail. As the Times noted, Walter Mondale was called the winner of his first debate with Reagan in 1984. But, as we all know, he was not elected president.