It wasn't just enthusiasm/energy but his lack of wanting to discredit the blantant lies. Everything from the $716b Medicare Ryan talking point, to $90b in green programs, Romneycare being fundamentally different than Obamacare, having a similar view on Social Security (wtf), etc. Obama can be cool and calm but he can't do so to the point where his opponent is permitted to lie his ass of and walk through his platform with little opposition for an hour and a half.
True, someone posted part of the town hall a bit earlier. I mean, in the town hall debate in '08 Obama shot down McCain over his "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" and that was extremely awkward for McCain because the exchange went something like this.
Obama: Now, my opponent will say he's more versed in the issues and has more experience in foreign policy . . .
McCain: *snicker* Well thank you, *snicker* thank you very . . .
Obama: . . . but this is the man who sang "bomb bomb Iran."
McCain: *snick . . . oh shit expression*
I also think the town hall is a bit easier in that the candidates should be engaged with the audience member asking the question or just the audience in general, whereas in the traditional podium debates you get that whole media story of "Candidate X isn't looking at Candidate Y. Candidate X is looking at his notes too much" etc. where they have to engage both the opponent and the camera (in order to engage the tv watching audience).
