Just a reminder: The post-debate spin matters as much as the debate

We were stunned in 2000 when Rep. Lazio blustered over to Senator Clinton’s podium and waved a piece of paper in her face, bellowing that she sign it. We were even more surprised when it became clear that reporters watching thought Lazio had won by staying on offense. We were in danger of losing a debate that we had won. During the next 24 hours we worked hard to make Lazio’s actions a negative — press conferences were scheduled around the state featuring outraged women condemning his actions. Surrogates and staff went on tv to say that he had looked menacing by approaching her. By the end of that week the consensus had shifted: it became clear that Lazio had lost and done himself immense harm.