Ryan denies Romney needs debate 'moment'

WASHINGTON -- Mitt Romney's running mate shot down the need for a breakthrough in the first presidential debate Wednesday, trying to allay Republican concerns that the race is slipping away with five weeks to go.

Vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, working to keep debate expectations for Romney in check, praised President Barack Obama's debating skills, calling the Democrat "a very gifted speaker" with years of experience. But he played down signs that Obama is gaining distance in the most competitive states. Polls are tight, he said, and will stay that way until Nov. 6.

"We're running against an incumbent president with incredible resources," Ryan said. "More importantly, I don't think one event is going to make or break this campaign."

At the same time, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he expected Romney's performance in Denver on Wednesday night would shake up the campaign after a "tough couple of weeks." He predicted Romney would do "extraordinarily well" in the debate, and that, come Thursday morning, "this whole race is going to be turned upside down."

Romney is trying to rebound from a difficult September, and the three October debates offer a chance to help show the race is winnable.

Christie's confidence comes even as Americans are more optimistic about the economy and Obama's leadership.

Obama headed to Las Vegas for an evening rally and planned to stay in Nevada as he prepared for the debate. With him was a cadre of advisers assisting with debate prep. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), who is playing Romney in debate prep, was traveling to Nevada separately.

Romney remained in Boston yesterday, going through debate preparations of his own.

Ryan, on "Fox News Sunday," acknowledged errors by the campaign but urged Republicans to witness the case they're making. "We've had some missteps, but at the end of the day, the choice is really clear," Ryan said, adding that up until now, he and Romney "have not been able to frame that choice as clearly."