Trump blew it. Bigly. 

One hundred million Americans watched last night for one reason: to see if they could see Trump as President. But they saw a bully. A braggart. And a blowhard. 

He easily could have won the debate – and maybe the election. All he had to do was pull a Reagan. Be genial, even humble.  “There you go again.” With a smile and a shake of the head. 

He actually started strong when he talked about job losses, trade deals and people hurting. But for most of the debate he reverted to talking about the only thing that matters to him: himself. His greatness, his wonderfulness, his buildings, his businesses. 

In a profession of towering egos, Trump is the Colossus of Rhodes. 

Clinton is by no means a great politician. She can’t translate her policy expertise in everyday language. But last night she stood up to the bully. She was calm and tough. She proved her “stamina” by giving as well as she got for 90 minutes. She bloodied him on his tax returns, “stiffing” people in business and the birther lie. 

She did, in short, what a dozen Republicans couldn’t do in debates with Trump. 

Trump has punched enough hot buttons and channeled enough anger – and Clinton has enough negatives – to keep this race close. But last night it was hard to see how Trump persuaded enough Independent and Republican women that he has the temperament to be in the Oval Office, in charge of our economy and in command of our military.

He barely seemed in command of himself.