I think it was a good opportunity for people to see the real Obama, out from behind his handlers and media smokescreen, real and un edited. Do you think it's any different when he's off-script/off-camera dealing with other foreign leaders, etc? Obama wasn't off his game, he was himself.
To me the debate is more about projecting a presidential image, being able to think quickly and remain composed under pressue and to communicate at high level what philosophies they will apply to the office. Facts are so distorted and questionable I pretty much consider fact-checking either side's story a waste of time, assume bullshit on all fronts and you won't be surprised. Romney clearly showed he was in command, was able to deliver his message clearly and quickly respond to everything came at him with, often with his own counter-jabs that set Obama on heel. Romney remained consistently strong and energetic throughout while Obama seemed to ebb and flow.
I thought the most important thing Romney did last night that nobody has really talked about is appeal to the independent voter by playing up his experience working with leaders in the opposing party to pass legislation as govenor. He also did a good job admitting that he does not have all of the answers and intends to work with the legislative branch to incorporate good ideas from all sides when he is president. He did a great job hammering Obama on the same topic and without an effective retort was left owning the high ground on this critical area of their debate that is likely a major consideration for the undecided/independent crowd.
It will be interesting to see what the stakes are looking like in Vegas today (I don't trust pollsters but bookies don't have a political agenda)... I think Romney did a lot more to further his cause last night than the other side cares to admit, this was a PR and confidence thrashing for the president's campaign.