Like so many others on this thread I too developed lymphedema after surgery -- mine was on my knee.  It took many weeks for me to figure out what was wrong -- the surgeon, who was excellent on the knee, couldn't diagnose it.  Fortunately I too am a physician and was able eventually came up with the correct answer.  I was able to find a lymphedema specialist.  After several months of intense treatment I am now able to see the doctor twice a month to stay stable.  I have since referred several of my own patients to my own doctor with excellent results.  

Professor, God speed and best wishes for a recovery and eventual stability of your condition.  

Your model is 1980 when people didn't think President Carter was up to the job but had not yet satisfied themselves that Ronald Reagan was either.  The final debate gave them confidence that Reagan could do the job and everything else followed.  Perhaps this will prevail in 2012.  

To your first task of Romney I think you should add that we have a choice, not only between a government supported and regulated world versus the first principles of Constitutional limited government.  We also have a choice between American Exceptionalism and seeing the USA as just another big country among the nations.  

Playing on pride generated by the Olympics, Romney can remind voters to feel good about America.  Playing on the chaos in the Middle East and the impending collapse of European economies, he can remind voters that American leadership and strength -- economic, military, diplomatic, cultural -- is the greatest force for good in this world.

The twin arguments are very powerful and the contrast between Romney and Obama is enormous.  Together with forcing Obama into errors, Romney does have a chance for a landslide, even with 90% of the MSM slanting against him.