Did you watch the presidential debate on Wednesday evening?

If so, good!

Did you watch the commentary afterward by pundits trying to decide who won and lost?

If so, bad!

Look, everyone knows the national news media just wants to turn presidential campaigns into horse races. This guy is ahead, that guy is ahead, this guy wins, that guy wins.

Frankly, it matters less who wins or loses a debate than what they said. It matters how they stand on issues that you care about. Sure, composure under pressure is a key trait. Sure, illustrating your points well is a key trait. However, the real question every four years always is: What direction they plan to take this country? That’s more important than whether they came up with some quotable zinger that can be aired endlessly on a 24-hour news channel.

Moreover, most people are decided who they like by the time these debates roll around. Many of them are watching to root for their man like its a sports contest, rather than trying to know the candidates better.

Still, debates are American. They are good for the democracy. They are free speech at its best. We encourage you to watch all of them.

If you happen to be undecided at the time of the debate, you are better off deciding for yourself which you favor based on what you saw in the debate. Turn the channel before the talking heads take over.