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).
I agree.
Also, upon further reflection I don't think G.W. just won in substance. I think he trapped Kerry into stating several positions that are going to prove damaging. His statement about WMD over the border being one. Once people move beyond the image battles, Kerry is left vulnerable. There is a reason the media is trying to spin this as a draw and move off the subject quickly.