• by Max Kalehoff , October 9, 2012

I watched the first 2012 presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

I’m undecided over which was most painful to watch: the debate itself or the instant, snarky commentary about the debate on Twitter.

I suppose the snarky mob was unavoidable considering the “great orator” Obama fell flat with an awkward, uncomfortable smile, usually facing away from the camera to some unknown person. Meanwhile, the capitalist Romney professed his conviction to clean coal, Big Bird and good schools (as opposed to bad schools?).

Regardless, water-cooler chatter, and news and political analysis, suggested a dominant performance by Romney.

And that’s why the debate was a strong reminder of the power of expectations.

When expectations are that you will flounder, and then your performance is average, relativity makes everyone think you were a smashing success. And this is especially true when expectations are high for your competition.

It’s a good law to keep in mind in any competitive situation where subjectivity and perceptions rule the outcome.

Now, the ultimate question: Will Big Bird define Romney’s persona throughout the remainder of the election season? Or his political career?