The article makes a good point. But one reason I favour watching such an event live is to get ahead of the mainstream analysis before it starts to influence me. i.e. I only have one shot at a blank slate and first impression

This is similar to why I might want to watch a popular film on opening night, before the rest of the world declares it a winner or loser.

The headline and "winner"/"loser" judgements of tonight's debate will be loud and unavoidable by tomorrow morning. Their impact can be insidious.