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He said, "Fuck this fool, I'll keep cool and lay low and let him dig his holes."
There's no way of knowing how taking on the "amazing opportunities" could have had a BAD outcome the next day.
He did the right thing by letting Mitt go on and on with little response.
who was kind of on the "He should have pile-drived Robme! This proves he's not fit to lead!!!" bandwagon. (Hey NYC_SKP! 
forgive me for quoting myself!! 
)
During the show, I too wanted to see the Prez kick that creep in the nuts, but after some time to simmer down, I'm more aware that lighting your hair on fire doesn't do anyone any good. Seems a good majority of people are thinking the same.
I didn't read him as "bragging" about common ground. I took that as a strategy to take the focus away from rMoney's hyperbolics and back towards common sense; aiming towards higher ideals in the face of corruption. Anyway, the real purpose of the debates is to present themselves to the populace, not perform on the WWF. He may have been tired, and he may have been astounded by the sheer brazenness, and he may have been affected by the altitude, and the Syria/Turkey situation, but in spite of all that, he still managed to rise above the provocations Stenchy threw at him. That's leadership, imo.
And, take it from me, when dealing with Psychopaths, Narcissists, Borderline and other pathological personalities, the best way to engage is to manage your angry reactions, think clearly, appeal to those who are sane, and proceed unswayed toward your goals. (Not that I, personally do it so well! I think PBO has a better handle on that than I do. )
Dialogue is the ideal, but definitely--as you say--, you have to be able to go on without it when cooperation is not forthcoming.
Based on his various accomplishments so far, I think Obama has managed to do this pretty well, after he realized it is not possible to get repukes to behave like adults concerned for the good of all.
yes, I learned from my mother, that was the start....best thing to do was be as invisible as possible.
I practiced with many more similar types over the years.
anyway, enough about how I got my degree in Abnormal Psychology! 
I'm just glad that Prez. Obama knows more than me! 
(love your screen name, by the way! Funny!)
You said it, sweetie!
I've worked a lot with, shall we say, poorly adjusted individuals and managing your emotions (and your expectations) is key, key, key.
I think he played expertly and really in about the only we he could have and still maintained the dignity and authority that defines him.
We are a warlike people, aren't we?
We expect our leaders to smack back twice as hard.
Thank goodness that he knows better!
That never happens.
We all have our moments.
Did not show tell.
Several DUers talked about how wired Romney was during the debate. Some speculated that he was on drugs. Yeah, "more relaxed". 
