IC;Barack Obama has a historic reputation as a failed president, one too inept to properly handle the enormous challenges America faced between 2009 and 2013. Pundits, both left and right(though for different reasons), blame him for the 305-electoral vote win of Mitt Romney in 2012. Yet, it didn't have to be that way. Obama in fact led most polls-despite Romney's ultimately successful efforts to persuade voters the R on the ballot stood for Reformer, not Rich Guy-before the first debate. That was the make or break moment and it broke Obama. But what if it didn't?
-------------------
The first debate was a success for the President. He had overcome historical precedent, with a strong performance while Romney became nervous and defensive. Polls showed an even bigger lead than before.
The second debate was a repeat of the first debate, but with 'binders full of women' and 'he did call it an act of terror' as icing on the cake. Hurricane Sandy was another, small bonus. Romney was lagging behind, with no momentum. President Obama was re-elected with 285 electoral votes to Romney's 253, with the popular vote at Obama 49.51% and Romney 48.15%, making history as the first candidate to win without Ohio since JFK in 1960. Republicans gained seats in the House and the Senate composition remained unchanged.