Copybox Numbers

You have no idea what the title of this post means unless you watch HBO Boxing. They use Copybox numbers to keep track  punches thrown,  e.g., Rocky threw 140 jabs and 25 percent connected, while Bruiser threw 60 power punches and 10 percent landed.

Then the boxing analysts go to work. It's usually Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant, along with former heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis and sometimes the unofficial ringside scorer (and former dentist, I think) Harold Lederman. But even they can't tell you who won.

Assuming it's not an obvious knockout, that determination is made by the three official ringside judges. They may lead  to a completely different conclusion than those of all the analysts, but it's their decisions that count.

So how did I score the debate, you ask? Or maybe you didn't. Well, in general, I thought Obama held his own and displayed a more global or comprehensive grasp of the issues than did McCain -- but McCain fared a lot better than people thought he might, and scored points with his "been theres" and "done thats" Some made a big deal of his struggling with the pronunciation of the president of Iran's name. But hey, I used to be in broadcasting, and I can't do it.

The bottom line, of course, is that neither man scored  a clear victory,  leaving viewers and listeners wanting more.

But debates test just one set of skills, and we can't depend on these to form our opinions, if we're fair.  How do the candidates  perform in one-on-one extended interviews,  in town-hall meetings, even in Saturday Night Live show-ups? If the media are doing their jobs, their fact-checking keeps track of the lies told. All these elements go into the crock pot. After a little stewing, we can serve up an informed opinion.

Please give yourself permission NOT to have an opinion yet.  This is a really important vote you'll be casting. No one will hold it against you if you take your time.

There,  now I've said it.