They were ready with excuses for himdays before it even happened.

I completely disagree… I just got off the phone with my 24 yo son. He said he watched the debate with his 2 other roommates- all 3 were going to vote for Trump- they like Trump’s ridiculous antics- another story for another time. Anyway, they were shocked at how crazy Trump sounded and all concluded he’s too old and crazy to vote for. This debate mattered more than people realize.

At this point in the game we're no longer in the "changing minds" phase rather in the "permission structure" phase. This debate wont truly change minds, I agree, but it will give plenty a plausible off-ramp. I suspect a week from now we are going to see some shifts in the polling.