October 08, 2004
Post-game analysis, first watch
Bush looked much better tonight than last debate. He looked far more relaxed, and he got in more zingers against Kerry.
At more than one point, it looked like a case of "who can insult who better," though.
Ultimately, I think Bush won this debate; he brought forth more points, he connected more with the audience as a whole.
Kerry fell into the trap of repeating himself over and over again (much as Bush did last week). He looked far more nervous, and much less comfortable than he did during last week's debate.
I was pleasantly surprised that Kerry didn't bring up Vietnam -- someone close to Kerry is obviously telling him to dummy up about Vietnam and concentrate on THIS century.
Finally, that last question regarding Bush's "mistakes" was a Democratic set-up, if there was one.
All true, I think Kerry is only comfortable when he's on a podium looking down at the masses, tells you more than you'd learn analyzing the content of his message....NOT that appearances are everything mind you :)
Posted by: Michael Gallaugher at October 9, 2004 04:55 PMSorry to post an off topic reply Mike, I just wanted to let you know if you didn't already, that John Howard won the Australian election. As you are aware, he is a very conservative leader, and was one of the first to sign on to the "coalition of the willing". This must give you American conservatives great heart. We as a nation are still right beside you.
Posted by: Patrick at October 9, 2004 10:55 PMBush won this debate convincingly. As Kerry resembled the type of politician that gives other politicians a bad name, you know, that type that will take any position for a vote, Bush remained focused as he drew a line in the sand, making his positions clear and showing passion in his convictions. Seriously, at one point I expected Kerry to break out singing Charles Durning’s flip-flop politician song, from the movie “Best Little Whore House in Texas”.
As far as style, Bush did even better. Bush was natural, passionate, and in control. After the debate, I heard members of the Kerry team whining about how Bush bullied the moderator at one point. I’m sorry, but I will sleep a lot better knowing that terrorist using cowardly intimidation tactics know that our Commander and Chief has no problem being an intimidator (or bully). As a Marine, the leader I felt most comfortable with the possibility of going to war under, was a five foot five gray haired Colonial who made 250lb grown men tremble with respect as he passed by. And what better time for Bush to assert his passionate interruption, than in defense of his comrades that risked a lot in their own countries to prove, once again, that they stand as America’s allies. In South Central growing up, if I fought by your side and you didn’t have the nads to verbally defend my contribution as it is denigrated behind my back, I’d consider you to be as much a coward as the person who didn’t have the nerve to put me down to my face.
On the other hand, Kerry came across as a well-polished well-rehearsed elitist wanna-be aristocrat and if those were qualities that interested me in a leader, I’d move to France.
Bush should certainly point this out during the next debate that in spite of team sKerry's attempt to disrupt the Aussie election, the people overwhelmingly voted to remain part of Bush's coalition in the GWOT
Posted by: Andy at October 10, 2004 07:42 PMI saw it a a clear victory for Bush. He seemed much more impassioned (some would say too much so in the first 30-40 minutes or so), and by the end of the debate, had the audiance in his camp. Kerry's naunce is playing against the voters...they may not say so, but I feel most folks want things to be more black and white regarding foreign policy, they don't wan't grey.
I predict a Bush win by at least 300 electoral *points*, quite possibly much closer to 400.
Posted by: Guy S. at October 11, 2004 01:58 PM