The Most Lopsided Presidential Debate in 52 Years

That's Pat Buchanan's summation.

An empty suit smirking is never conducive to inspiring confidence. The reason for it may be as simple as this, as explained by Joseph Farah:

Obama was never vetted as a candidate, never screened for constitutional eligibility - and, as we now see - never challenged with any tough questions or criticisms of his policies over the last four years by the establishment press he may as well own.

That's my assessment of why he caved like a house of cards in what for him was a unique experience.