Yes, I watched the first presidential debate. Yes, the president turned in a pretty tired performance. Yes, Romney was sharper, more animated and more on message. Yes, in that sense Romney clearly won.

Of course I’m hoping the president gets his act together before the rematch. I’m not sure such events influence elections a lot, but at the very least I like to see my guy get up on TV and represent.

But here’s what’s bothering me even more. Does anyone care that Romney lied his ass off about some pretty important things? He claimed he isn’t asking for a $5 trillion tax cut–but he is. He claimed his healthcare plan eliminated preexisting conditions–but it doesn’t. At these and other points during the debate I was moved to shout obscenities at my television. I mean, can you do that? Just flat-out lie about the position you’ve been publicly taking for months and get away with it?

Apparently you can.

The dishonesty was breathtaking. It was the same feeling I had when I watched Ryan’s convention speech.

I don’t think Mitt is an ideologue. He’s an over-priviledged, out-of-touch plutocrat. But more than that, he’s stunningly opportunistic. So much so that he is willing to say whatever he needs to say, take whatever position he needs to take–and then reverse them if necessary–in order to get elected.