The outcome is clear to all but the most loyal of Bush's fans: Kerry won this one, and by quite some margin, not so much for what he said, but for how he said it, and for how he managed to keep his calm while his opponent was scowling and hunching over like an irate schoolboy. I'd feared the debate would be a waste of time given the rules that had been agreed upon, but it's a good thing that they ended up being tossed aside so a real argument could ensue.
It ain't over yet, though, as there are still two debates to go, so I'd advise any nervous partisans on either side to hold on to their hats.
PS: Sceptics are advised to view the debate for themselves here. It's one thing to say that this won't be enough to win it for Kerry, and quite another thing to say that he doesn't come off better in this thing than the incumbent.
listened on the radio. bush sounded petulant. kerry sounded like an ass. ass beats petulant i guess.
Posted by: razib | October 01, 2004 at 03:01 PM