Takeaway

The last debate was invigorating for Republicans and dispiriting for Democrats.  Again, I think some of that was the MSNBC freakout, but whatever.

Tonight Biden staunched the bleeding.  He gave a vigorous defense of being a Democrat.

Ryan did demonstrate the weakness that Romney will face in the foreign policy debate.  And I think the abortion stuff is VERY important.  And there was a clear answer there from Biden.

The Medicare/budget stuff in many ways just glosses over most people.  But Biden's style is to connect to people in ways that none of the other three candidates are good at.

As I said, this staunches the bleeding on the Democratic side.  Because what Democrats want is someone to defend their positions.  They got that tonight.

And what's more, being partisan MATTERS.  That's what Obama doesn't get, since he naturally reaches for consensus.  But if you want to have a debate about Medicare, just say, "I'm the Democrat, beyotch!"

UPDATE: First snap poll: CBS snap poll of undecided voters: Biden 50, Ryan 31, Tie 19.

Those aren't percentages, those are the only undecided voters left.