Last night was the first Presidential debate between Bush and Kerry (full text). Most of the pundits immediately following the debate — even conservatives like Joe Scarborough — had immediately declared Kerry the winner. That was pretty obvious. I thought Kerry kicked some ass.
Kerry was right on the ball the entire time, citing facts, providing intelligent responses, addressing accusations, and even succinctly retorting the flip-flop charge that Bush kept bringing up.
Some of my favorite moments:
- Bush’s reference to a “kind of a pre-September 10th mentality” (get that man a calendar!).
- The candidates’ praising of each other’s daughters (huh?).
- Bush’s inability to comment on Putin’s actions in Russia, but isntead short-circuiting and somehow going back to Saddam.
- Bush’s Missy Johnson story: “You know, it’s hard work to try to love her as best as I can.”
- Bush’s getting flustered, starting down one track, then switching gears: “I don’t think we want to get to how he’s going to pay for all these promises. It’s like a huge tax gap and — anyway, that’s for another debate.”
I think it was clear who the more thoughtful, qualified man for President is, and I look forward to the next debate.
Stranded Republicans featuring Rebecca Romijn.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Mere Sketches // Oct 1, 2004 at 10:13 am
The Morning After
I think it is pretty clear that Kerry won last night – even if you read the New York Post. JOHN DELIVERS IN DO-OR-DIE SITUATION screamed one headline. Kerry gets the nod, sayeth the Washington Post. Even conservative bloggers admitted…
2 Phil // Oct 1, 2004 at 5:25 pm
Right! It was as if Bush was prepared for a 9-minute debate and then got pissed off when he found out it was a 90-minute debate. Watching W wilt under pressure is so much fun.
3 Dave Reed // Oct 2, 2004 at 1:34 pm
I didn’t watch it, but I found some of the recaps on The Today Show interesting. My favorite was when Bush talked and switched from saying “Saddam Hussein” to “Osama Bin Laden”. It was like he was thinking, “Bin Laden. Hussein. Whatever.”