This time, he has shed much of the operational and psychological baggage that weighed down, and ultimately doomed, his maiden campaign. Gone are the extensive debate rehearsals, the bickering consultants, the corporate dress code and the urge to explain everything. That may explain why, for all his ups and downs, Mr. Romney’s public presentation and debate appearances have been far more consistent this time.

Now the question is whether Mr. Romney can build on the progress he has made in becoming a looser, more confident candidate, and forge the kind of emotional bond with the electorate that can make the difference in a presidential campaign.