He did screw up. However, he can recover on Friday completely, provided Karl Rove keeps him OFF the campaign trail that day, and the entire team takes this debate seriously.
According to the New York Times, Bush's preparation for this debate consisted of bouncing questions off his staff. Our president does not think well on his feet. Somebody needs to whip him into shape before Friday.
If that is truly the case (and I can certainly believe it, even coming from the NYT given W's performance), I find this lack of preparation disturbing. I can see why he would find the debates a waste of time when he's got much, much more important matters to deal with, but he and his advisors should have realized if you do badly, it can hurt you and give momentum and hope to the other guy, the last thing we want.
I heard on one of the news stations before the debate that W's prep consisted of throwing everything but the kitchen sink at him, which I don't believe. Because if the preppers truly believe they did all they could do, we may be in long-term trouble. They threw everything at him and that's the best W could do? They are living in a bubble if that's the case.
**However, he can recover on Friday completely, provided Karl Rove keeps him OFF the campaign trail that day, and the entire team takes this debate seriously.**
The President definitely needs to practice and have questions volleyed at him?
I love President Bush but if he does not at least tie one and win the other of the next two debates he could very well let the presidency slip out of his hands. Stupid a requirement as it may be...if winning at least one presidential debate is what it takes to beat your opponent and Bush can't win even win one.....then it means Bush does have not what it takes and won't be President.
That's how it works...like it or not. This time he better practice, study and win.