LIGHTNING ROUND: CANDIDATES TOO BUSY TRYING TO WIPE THE GUNK OF LAST NIGHT'S DEBATE OFF TO MAKE ANY NEWS.

• Oy, I'm still shocked by how bad that debate was. Take a look at my takedown of David Brooks, who gave the moderators an "A." Sean Hannity couldn't have written the questions any better because, in the case of at least one question, he actually did write it. Steve Benen, as usual, has the authoritative summary of what happened and how people are reacting.
• There's some talk that the debate, given how hard it was on Obama, might actually help him, just as Clinton was able to capitalize on times the media was beating up her. His comment that she "seemed in her element" will make a sympathy vote like that less likely. He did not, despite what some conservatives are saying, flip her off.
• In a similar vein, Tom has a great point about Clinton's missed opportunity to condemn the freakshow politics that dominated the debate and make herself look good in the process.
• Clinton, Obama, and McCain will all meet with Gordon Brown.
• Finally, leave it to Spencer to catch a Jay-Z reference from Obama. Nice.

--Sam Boyd