Barack Obama gave a memorable speech performance in 2004 and many people I trust tell me that in private he is sensationally smart and inspiring. But this is the fourth debate I’ve seen him in and I just don’t think there’s any question he’s extremely unimpressive in this format — his speech is halting, he says very little that’s substantive, he uses corny soundbite phrases. It’s actually hard to believe he’s one of the two leading contenders in the Democratic party. Being a good performer in these debates doesn’t mean very much, I agree, but I think Obama has been hurt a bit by these events because he’s supposed to be a glorious communicator and thus far, as a presidential candidate, he just isn’t.