Debate Thoughts
I haven't really had time to write about the debates - and don't really at this point either. But here are some quick thoughts:
I do believe it was a pretty well behaved debate. Though I prefer the open forum of just throwing a topic on the table and letting two (or more) people go at it - it was good to see the two candidates get up there and speak politely towards each other while expressing their wildly different approaches to national security.
I am disappointed in the President's debating skills and stage presence. He did not do himself any favors up there. It's rather worrisome to see his speaking ability decline over recent months - and that's a shame. I truly believe that he has the better approach for Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism.
Anyways, I detract from my point. The President simply did not do well - at all. He did hit some good points - but he did not come across as confident. He also missed several opportunities to deliver some serious and hard-hitting blows on Kerry - and he failed to do it.
Kerry did well. While I strongly disagree with his approach on many issues - he spoke well, to the point, and attacked Bush where appropriate to do so had I been in his shoes.
There's always discussion about who "won" the debate - and to me, that doesn't really matter. The election is the ballgame here folks - the rest is just window dressing. To this day, I can't remember who won what debate between Gore and Bush - but Bush won the election, and that's that....
I am looking forward to the Vice Presidential debate Tuesday night - I am, of course, cheering for Cheney.