Here are my thoughts on this debate:
1. I don't think Bush can loose any support on the foreign policy debate, his base is firmly behind him in the war on terror.
2. I don't think any of the leftist peaceniks could ever be convinced to vote for Bush, they don't want us to defeat terrorism. However, they could begin to see Kerry as too militant and move more toward Nader.
3. Bush was wise to have the foreign policy debate first. In two weeks none of the undecideds will remember any of it. The undecided vote will make up their minds based on how homeland security and Iraq look right before the election.
4. The leftist media has done too good a job convincing people that Iraq is a quagmire, nothing Bush can say will change that. So it's better to deal with this issue now and let it fade.
This debate reminds me of the third quarter of a football game where one side has a slim lead. Both teams are playing good defense keeping the score down, and the offenses are primarily concerned with keeping control of the ball and preventing turnovers.
Not bad!
Foreign policy is The President's strongest area. Even some who dislike him, support him on the basis of his foreign policy and the way he has conducted the War on Terror. This was an opportunity to firm up that support by highlighting Kerry's waffles and forcing him to state specifics about his "plan", but didn't.
He needs better preparation and more rest before the remaining debates. Even having a debate with Kerry plays to Kerry's strength.