(CNN) ? The time between the final answer in any presidential debate and the campaign press release declaring victory can usually best be measured in milliseconds. But John McCain?s campaign ? which has been downplaying his performance at Friday?s faceoff, offering praise for opponent Barack Obama?s ?eloquence? and debating skill ? seems to have decided it?s never too soon to start spinning the outcome.
The Washington Post reported Friday that the campaign was running an online ad featuring the headline: "McCain Wins Debate!" and a photo of a smiling McCain and an American flag background. Another featured a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis: "McCain won the debate ? hands down."
The Obama campaign quickly circulated the report ? which came moments before McCain?s team confirmed he would take part in the evening debate after all.