[unspun]

Bush seemed plum tuckered out. He missed some very easy hits. Well, of course he was tired. He's been on his feet all day, preparing for the debate AND consoling hurricane victims. John Kerry, on the other hand, spent the day getting a manicure.

This is sort of similar to the first Reagan/Mondale debate. While Reagan may have been overprepared, Bush here was prepared to attack Kerry in places and did, but his defense was to focus on message, rather than be prepared to respond to each of Kerry's charges.

As with Reagan, Bush will do better in the next ones.

[Happy2BMe]

Defense and homeland security is Bush's strongest and highest ground over Kerry.