between being aggressive and substantive without being over the top. i think it's difficult for president obama in this one respect. if he goes too far, if he comes out swinging like portman told you earlier, the one major advantage he still had, i would argue the one thing that is sustaining his candidacy, the likability advantage. "washington post"/abc poll last week had obama plus 30 likability. it's the one thing he has going for him anymore. if he is nasty, if he comes off as too aggressive and too tough, that is going to erode that position. he could then tank. >> bret: by the way, i want to say i can't picture senator rob portman impersonation. i don't have it. i don't have the president obama, rob portman president obama for the debate prep. it don't know how it goes. charles, final thought for debate? >> what a debate. one point a robot. the other a cold fish. for obama, the bar is low. he just has to string a few