I think this about says it all: “This was not designed to be a moving speech, though Mitt Romney himself at times was moved…”

My take:

The average American would not have intentionally tuned in for this speech. If they saw this speech it all, it would have been inadvertently, for a split second, as they flipped through the channels from Man vs. Food to Toddlers & Tiaras. They will base their vote entirely on whose face they find more likable: Obama or Romney (the same way women know instantaneously whether they are attracted to man).

Based on these measures, this speech did not convert a single voter. Focus groups conducted after the speech were less kind.

In other words:

• Obama thought bubble after Ryan’s speech: “Oh crap!”
• Obama thought bubble after Rubio’s speech: “We’re screwed!”
• Obama thought bubble after Romney’s speech: “Whew…!”

So here’s what will happen now:

Mitt Romney will take a slight lead which will evaporate entirely by the end of the Democrat convention. We will head into the debates trailing by around 5 points. Our only hope is for A) the economy to get worse and/or B) for Obama to make a huge gaffe in the debates.

Bottom Line:

I prefer Rubio/Ryan 2016 but I will settle for Ryan/Rubio.