Depending on the political climate, you can recover from a disastrous debate. Al Gore knows all about it as he recovered from a disastrous first two debates vs George W. Bush to almost win the election.

For others, a disastrous debate is only an excuse. For example Richard Nixon had one, but the primary reason why he lost in 1960 is because he decided to visit all 50 states before the general election. This put him in a bind where he had to visit Alaska on the final weekend instead of focusing on the swing states including Illinois. Then there is the case of Walter Mondale where the only thing everybody remembers from that set of debates is Ronald Reagan's pledge to not exploit his opponent's youth and inexperience for political purposes. In reality, Mondale lost that race the moment he told the country, during his party's convention, that he was going to raise taxes.

As for last night? Last night wasn't a disaster. Last night was a full on knockout punch that took place right after the opening bell, and it was Jake Tapper that delivered that punch.