Republicans are emotionally attached to G.W. They've watched as Bush was hammered on policy and mannerisms. It's made Repubs/conservatives jitterish. As a result, I think many are hypersensitive and tend to be more critical of any move G.W. makes, worried about whether it will be fodder for the next attack.
These debates need to be viewed through the eyes of the undecideds that are not attached to either candidate.
Verdict-
Style is draw/edge to Kerry.
Substance heavily slanted to Bush.
Images will be replaced as the candidates are seen afterwards. Words remain. Bush with the edge.
I agree that most W supporters are emotionally attached, to borrow your term. Everyone wanted to witness a crushing triumph over Kerry. We all knew it probably wouldn't happen, and it didn't. At the time of the debate, I felt it was a draw or a slight Bush win. Now, looking back, I think W inflicted numerous pinprick wounds that can exsanguinate the Kerry campaign. Add that to the fact that he smashed several lines, such as the "Global Test." That's not to say there weren't missed opportunites, but I think W and Co. would prefer not to focus too much on rebuttal and attack--that smacks of desperation.
The more folks think about what happened, the more they will realize Kerry didn't say much of anything, and to the extent that he did it was slightly to the left of Mao Zedong (and as practical as well--Mao is probably the most incompetent leader in world history). Bush did appear irked a few times, but that is a natural reaction when being insulted. I think cool detachment would have been worse in the public eye. Also, Kerry nodding in seeming agreement with every point W made was, in my opinion, much more damaging. Anyway, I have great faith in the American people figuring this out for themselves--unlike the Dems, we believe in the wisdom and the self-reliance of the individual. Eternal optimism, people! Victory is never won by defeatism (just ask JK).