YUP, MITTEN$ DID LOSE THE DEBATE

Well, at least the AP agrees with me that Mitten$ etch-a-sketched his way to the center and that's sure to piss off Baggers:

Romney shifts to center as his confidence grows
By STEVE PEOPLES | Associated Press – 24 mins ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is shifting sharply to the political center as he begins to deliver a closing argument aimed at a slice of moderate, undecided voters a month before Election Day.

On taxes, immigration and more, the former Massachusetts governor has toned down his heated, campaign trail rhetoric this week, including during his strong debate performance Wednesday night, as he looks to gain ground against President Barack Obama in the handful of states that will determine the outcome of the competitive race.

He emphasized support for popular elements of Obama's health care plan, embraced government regulation as necessary and hinted that he may eliminate government subsidies for oil companies as part of a larger tax plan he insisted would not cut taxes for the wealthy.

In some cases, the message is a dramatic departure — in tone, if not substance — from a candidate who has for more than a year assailed the president's "government takeover" of health care and "job-crushing regulations," and who has promised tax cuts for all.

UPDATE: Chait writes that we saw "Massachusetts Mitt" last night and Tomasky describes the Debate Mitten$ as a "Rockefeller Republican." (h/t The Dish)