If the newest Romney conspiracy holds true, that the Massachusetts Governor cheated at last Wednesday’s Presidential Debate, does that mean that cheating is acceptable, so long as you win? The answer appears to be “yes, but so long as you don’t do it in front of the Internet.”

The liberal blogosphere is in a cold sweat as it sifts through footage of Mitt walking up to the podium and pulling out what look like prepared notes. Many are convinced that Romney’s triumphant performance was actually rigged from the start. Something was “off,” and it had to have been the GOP challenger’s already suspect scruples.

But closer inspection of the video in question is, at best, entirely inconclusive. We’re going to need a closer look…

First, as the video shows, Mitt Romney is seen approaching the podium in near syncopation with Obama, when he reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a flat, white object with his right hand and slyly slips it onto the podium. Most viewers did not see this camera angle, which was the only one that didn’t let the podium obscure Romney’s hands.

Second, his campaign holds to the argument that Romney simply took out a handkerchief. He can be seen later on in the 90-minute debate wiping his face with what is definitely a handkerchief.

Third, given that the conspiracy didn’t acquire wings until several days after the debate, it seems that Democrats might have been reaching for a lifeline. Anything to account for the unsuspected resurgence from Romney, and the uncharacteristic flop from Obama. Considering that the President himself acknowledged his poor performance, it seems that they might have to keep on reaching.

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