Conservatives “jubilant” about Romney’s performance

While he insists he’s not gloating, conservative author and talk-show host Michael Medved says he’s “jubilant” about Mitt Romney’s performance in the first presidential debate.

“I have not found a single individual or media voice or anyone who believes the president won the debate,” he says.

Medved, appearing on KIRO Radio Thursday morning, says on both substance and style, it’s clear Romney outshined President Obama.

“I’m brought to what my eighth grade debate coach always taught us, which is that you win debates and you win arguments if you look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

Medved says Obama’s often dour and seemingly disinterested demeanor reminded him of President George H.W. Bush in a debate with Bill Clinton and Ross Perot, where Bush seemed to repeatedly check his watch as if bored by the proceedings. And he says it should change the dynamic of the race.

“There’s no question that the Romney side is up there with momentum right now.”

Medved says candidate’s performance suddenly puts far more importance on next Thursday’s vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.

“I think it’s very possible that Joe Biden is going to come out pushing the Democratic attack lines not against Paul Ryan, but against Romney, which forces Paul Ryan into a very complicated situation,” he says.

Medved says he was most surprised that President Obama avoided bringing up some of the most contentious issues of the campaign so far, including Romney’s comments about writing off the 47 percent of Americans, the release of his tax returns, and his supposed flip-flopping on the issues.

“President Obama seemed not to want to go down into sort of the slugfest arena, Joe Biden probably will,” Medved predicts.

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