Setting low expectations

Partisans on both sides are convinced that in the wake of the debates, the media will show their guy losing ground:

Mike Murphy today in the Daily Standard:

As you watch the debate on Thursday night, remember: No matter what happens, on Friday morning, you're going to hear that the race is tightening.

A sure bet in this campaign is that the media will write a big October comeback story for John Kerry.

Paul Krugman today in the New York Times:

Let's face it: whatever happens in Thursday's debate, cable news will proclaim President Bush the winner. This will reflect the political bias so evident during the party conventions.