It's not a debate, it's a joint appearance. Bush certainly isn't going to get in the game of picking at Kerry's arguing points. He's not going to mention "flip-flop" once. The election isn't about Mr Kerry's arguing points. It's about who will do the best job of protecting America against her enemies. Ultimately it's about character...and that doesn't come out of a tube or a salon.
I'm sure that's how we'd like it to come out, and I hope you're right. But Kerry will be good in this format -- much better than he's been on the stump.