I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I agree that too much stock is placed in televised debates, which are nothing more than reality TV and not the right format to discuss the most complex, intractable challenges we face as a country. On the other hand, I think too many Dems and left-leaning voters are bending over backwards to downplay Biden's poor performance as just a "bad night." Buttigieg and Obama said as much. Obama had a bad night against Romney in 2012. Biden's debate was something else entirely.

Problem is, the Democrats are between a rock and a hard place: Biden stepping down is a risk, and Biden moving forward is a risk.