CNN 's Michelle Yellin criticized President Barack Obama 's debate performance . Obama 's team had him cling too hard to his nice - guy image , she says . But if the president believed that , he barely brought them to the viewers ' attention during the debate . She also points out the president did n't engage in enough debate prep . Finally , the president does n't take criticism well , and that hurt him , Yellin says .
CNN 's Michelle Yellin criticized President Barack Obama 's debate performance . Obama 's team had him cling too hard to his nice - guy image , she says . She also points out the president did n't engage in enough debate prep . Finally , the president does n't take criticism well , and that hurt him , Yellin says .