[metalmanx2j]

Well said and helpfull to keep the faith!

[Freepdonia]

Bush was much better than Reagan was for that first debate.

[syriacus]

Thanks for providing the historical background.

[HumbleButExceedinglyAccurate]

Went against Mondale in '84
And though in debate he seemed to score
We whipped him with a big landslide
Now he's at burger-town, makin' fries.

[counterpunch]

I think a lot of people were looking to Kerry to give a tangible plan on Iraq and the war on terrorism. He didn't do that, and I think most people will realize in a few day, if they haven't already, that they do not have any clearer picture on what Kerry would do. They know they he's got a lot of criticisms, but criticizing the past is not a substitute for a plan for the future.

Kerry doesn't realize it yet, but he lost this debate. He delivered a lot of platitudes, but he didn't deliver what people have been waiting to hear. It may have been his last chance to deliver. I suspect soon he will find himself having to reexplain and reposition himself all over again.

[Sleeping Freeper]

The pudits also gave Gore the win the in the first Gore/Bush debate.

[knitmom]

Thank you!!!!
I needed that!! I am optomistic again!!! I felt so bad for bush!! He is president of our United States!!! He is working overtime right now. Not one news reporter is giving him any credit for being the president. The responsiblily of the job is mind-boggling. He does it so well each and every day! Kerry's only responsibility is to his party!!!!He quit the senate long, long ago!!

[lawgirl]

That makes me feel better. PLus, W is a FAST learner and the next debate is town hall.

Things are looking UP!

[mystery-ak]

I turned on Hannity a few minutes ago and he was reading an overnight poll....I missed most of it...did anyone hear it?

[rwfromkansas]

Fascinating info.

[tuckrdout]

I am wondering what the Jimmy Carter/Ronald Reagan debate was like?

[sydbas]

The Kerry camp thinks they should be celebrating right now.

The dems usually are good at getting carried away with this kind of thing. (Remember the Wellstone 'memorial'?)

[VOA]

FLASHBACK POLL: Who Won the First 1984 Reagan vs. Mondale Debate?

Who's Mondale?
Oh, that guy who got embarassed by two Republicans: Reagan and Coleman!!!

[Dave S]

So what? If you watched that debate in 1984 you will remember that Reagan had a senior moment where he didnt appear quite to know who or where he was, thereby putting into severe jeopardy his ability to lead the country

[T. Buzzard Trueblood]

Bump.

[GLDNGUN]

A lot of good points here. Yes, Reagan did not do well at all in his first debate, but he was in mid-season form by the next debate. Someone also mentioned the VP debate when Bush cleaned Ferraro's clock - "kicked a little A$$" as I recall his very words. Something I've been thinking about ever since Kerry picked Edwards, was how John Boy would do against VP Cheney in their debate. I can't wait. I felt then, and still feel that Cheney will undress this petulent ambulance-chasing trial lawyer. It will be worse than Bentsen-Quayle. The VP will come across as a serious adult, while Edwards will be exposed for the hollow suit that he is. Cheney has a very sharp mind, and devastating "gravitas". He will surgically amputate every one of Edwards arguments and John Boy won't even know it. After watching this debate I think a lot of undecideds will say "gawd, let's keep that child as far away from the White House as possible".

[Euro-American Scum]

FLASHBACK POLL: Who Won the First 1984 Reagan vs. Mondale Debate? (Mondale 54%, Reagan 35%)

Point taken. Kerry wins the first debate. Dubya still has a double-digit lead in the polls. I'll take a "loss" like that every day of the week.