Spot on analysis and commentary.
Ha! Beat him to it! ("It was a Knockout, After All!) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1232376/posts
Good analysis. Here is my simple analysis.
Debate # 1 Winner by category.
Fluff Kerry
Stuff Bush
Could it be that President is holding his fire, keeping his powder dry for the next two debates?
...and I can't WAIT 'til the Vice President goes up against the pretty candidate!
The only thing that is going to be remembered about the entire debate was Kerry's "global test", just as it was Al Gore's "lockbox" four years ago. Kerry failed miserably at actually laying out a plan for the peace. I think a lot of people were looking for that and came away just as confused and unsure on Kerry as they were before the debate. He even managed to flip-flop during the course of the debate on whether the war was a "mistake" or not, and whether Saddam was a "threat" or not.
Kerry's bold anti-proliferation vision of giving Iran nuclear fuel is deserving of attention and scorn, but it will probably get lost in the chatter.
President Bush was himself. That is a plus. I tried to keep my focus on what Kerry said, but even the palms of his hands were yellow, which was a distraction (or was it my television)? I didn't hear anything outstanding from either one, but Kerry's mentioning Viet Nam, grated at me, along with his denegrating the military. You can't say what he said without our soldiers wondering what in the heck it's all about. Kerry aimed his rhetoric at the voters and to hell with our fighting men and women. That will backfire.
Imagine my surprise when the consensus headline this morning is that it was a "draw". I thought Bush got creamed last night.
What I remember about last night:
Kerry stating that Sadaam was NOT a threat. Then, 88 minutes later stating that Sadaam was a threat. (Boston Globe (today) and Rudy Giulliani (last night) concur)
Kerry still wants permission from the Global community on how and when to protect America...hogwash.
Less than one minute into the debate she rolled her eyes and said, "Gawwwwd, what an ass..." as Kerry expressed his thanks and condolences to the people of Florida. She said that she felt Kerry was a typical bloviated politician trying to suck up. She also rolled her eyes when Kerry talked about the two soldiers he met in Ohio (?) that came up to him and told him how much they needed him.
After that, she pretty much stopped paying attention.
I must confess though, I myself lasted only an hour as I decided my time would be better spent taking the dog for a walk. My opinion? George Bush should not have concerned himself with the little lights as much as he did. He should have made his point and stopped whether there was time left or not. He seemed too concerned with filling up all his time and ended up repeating himself too often.
Bush won on substance. It's too bad that the MSM doesn't care about substance.
Bush seemed sleep-deprived. Having been sleep-deprived myself for several months, I can absolutely say that he had most of the characteristics. Namely, the amount of time it took for him to respond, and his half-comprehensible answers, his demeanor, and the look in his eyes.
I wonder what he was up last night doing -- it certainly wasn't practicing for the debate.
Last night, people here were saying Bush lost (I didn't). Today, what's everyone talking about? "Global Test".
Think Kerry still won?
Expectations have been lowered for Bush and raised for Kerry in the next debate. Whether deliberate or not, Bush has a week to review Kerry (and the liberal moderator's) approach and get ready for his own attack. This debate set the stage for what to look for. The next debate will start to firm opinions for any true undecideds.
With the 527's, the experience of the DUI surprise in 2000, and any other manner of surprises/diversions left, a month from now, this debate will have meant little in the final outcome. I still have faith that Rove and crew have some heavy artillery in reserve but I also have no doubt more crap will be tossed at Bush.
If there is any solace for both the optimists and the pessimists, its that the election is already in the Lord's hands. Win or lose, joy or frustration, we must trust that his plan is better than any that we could imagine.
Whether Dubya won or lost will be forgotten. What will not be forgotten are the lies and outrageous statements made by Kerry.
Kerry never called Dubya a liar?
Kerry has had only one position on Iraq?
Only rich got tax cut?
New York subways closed?
Iraq war cost $200B ($119B so far)
Giving nuclear material to Iran?
Action must pass GLOBAL TEST?
Dissed ALL allies except British!
Disses Allawi!
Disarm unilaterally?
Cancel missile defense?
Saddam not a threat, then later became a threat?
Wrong war,etc. = aid and comfort to terrorists, demoralizes troops, Americans, and our Allies!
No link between Saddam and al-Queda? (911 Report says otherwise)
Iraq is now in charge of Iraq!
I can't wait for Rush, Hannity, and the bloggers to destoy Kerry's statements. Especially the Vast Right Wing Pajama Party!
I'm a big Bush supporter,but I thought the President blew it big time. He seemed intimidated by Kerry. He didn't go after Kerry's record against defense & intelligence. Those bunker buster bombs have saved countless American lives and how else can we get weapons stored in mountains & caves and the Pres. said nothing. The President better get his act together for the next debate or the election will go down the drain.
I just widsh Bush would quit trying to overplay the nice guy image
Public wants a string resolute leader
That's why Zell Millers speech brought the delegates to their feet
Public hasn't seen somebody like that in ages
This wimping down of America has to cease
I had to work last night, but I did listen to the first hour of the debate. What I found interesting is that the "image" is totaly different. The perception I got from last night was that Kerry was overly aggressive and rude constantly. I heard nothing but contempt in Kerry's voice for the President. It made me feel, well, (like my tagline says) like shouting at my radio.
I dunno. It just sounded like Kerry was beating on his chest, acting too macho. He sounded like he would rather fist fight President Bush than discuss the issues, and President Bush was trying to have a civil conversation with America, about where we as Americans are and where he would like us to go.
All in all, Kerry did better than I expected, but I do feel Bush won on substance. All this proves is that President Bush has a real fight on his hands.
Just my amateur opinion. Shred at will.....
http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,134152,00.html
JFK:
"With respect to Iran, the British, French, and Germans were the ones who initiated an effort without the United States, regrettably, to begin to try to move to curb the nuclear possibilities in Iran. I believe we could have done better."
"I think the United States should have offered the opportunity to provide the nuclear fuel, test them, see whether or not they were actually looking for it for peaceful purposes."
Good post, Thanks
I also caught the remark from Kerry saying to sway other countries to join us he would ask them what they needed from us. Now that shows real leadership....Not.
Bush had some missed opportunities to give a knock-down punch. The biggest one is when Kerry said Bush left the job of surching for Osama to some warlords, and deployed the troops instead to Iraq. Bush was silent in his reply. He should of came back and said tell that to the thousands of troops in Afghanistan, and then listed the divisions by name who are there or that have been there and give a list of their accomplishments. The non-answer Bush gave gave the impression that Kerry was right.
My nephew just returned from Afghanistan with the 501st PIR and believe me ther is lots going on there. Weapons are being uncovered, Followers of Osama are dying in battles or are being arrested, and Osama is hiding for his life.