If it was about performing James Earl Jones would be President for life...
It might very well be, at least partly about performing. And if Bush does not perform in the debates, then he's deficient in that area and it will hurt him. As Sinkspur says, "Bush does not think fast on his feet". Well I don't think it is an ureasonalbe requirement that at lest some time a President be able to think fast on his feet. Like during the presidental debates, for instance. I love Bush but if be being glib is what it takes, and he's not....then he might go down.