Impact of Gore's debate performance

[ak482]

With all that's been discussed about Al Gore's strategy, I think his performance in the debates has been overlooked.  Yes, his substance may have been better than Bush's, but he constantly managed to re-enforce all the negatives about him.  The 1st debate in particular hurt him with the audible sighs, the obvious eye rolls, and constant need for the last word.  In a close election, how much do you think his debate performances hurt him?