Coming from one of the least exciting presidential candidates in modern times, it’s amusing to hear Mr. Romney declare that Americans should throw Mr. Obama out of office if every day isn’t special or exciting. Even as he delivered the speech, the crowd looked desperate for moments that could rouse them, and didn’t find many. But Mr. Romney knows that while his opponent may be a diminished emotional force, the president is better at connecting with ordinary Americans than he is.

— New York Times editorial page editor David Firestone, reacting to Mitt Romney’s acceptance speech in Tampa.