Bush under pressure in second debate tonight

Lexington Herald-Leader ^ | 10/08/2004 | Ron Hutcheson And Thomas Fitzgerald

[Hawkeye]

Recent polls show that Kerry, the underdog before the debate Sept. 30, either has closed the gap or has a narrow lead over the president.

What about the polls that show a slam-dunk for Bush based on the question "Who do you trust as a better leader?" (or something like that)

[newzjunkey]

If you don't think Bush is on the knife edge of losing re-election you are in severe denial.

[Pete'sWife]

I was really down in the dumps yesterday after listening to JFK trashing my president.

I'm a little more optimistic today, though.

I think President Bush will rise to, and above, the occasion this evening.

Also, I pray alot.

[MEG33]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1238640/posts

What I Really Said About Iraq (Bremer)
NY Times ^ | October 8, 2004 | L. PAUL BREMER III

[goldstategop]

I'm not in denial. All the same, I don't believe the American people have decided to go with Kerry yet. That's why tonight's debate is so important for the President - he needs to go on the offense and keep his opponent off stride and off balance for the entire evening. He doesn't have to win the last debate. If he can't connect with people in a townhall setting --- well, we will know then and there he doesn't have the fire in his belly to fight to keep his job for another four years.

[quantim]

If he can't connect with people in a townhall setting

He will do a lot better not chained to a podium.  Also, because of the fact the moderator does not have exclusive control I suspect Kerry will get a question or two that will make him eat some crow - taxes on small business, etc.

[Coldwater Creek]

Please do not start the doom and gloom stuff even before the debate. Do something postivate to help this President be re-elected.

[Timeout]

The same can be said for Bush...he will also be blindsided by some of the audience questions. Kerry's camp has been huddled for a week now coming up with new insults to hurl at Bush, intending to throw him off his "likeable" stride.

Bush is going to have to walk a tightrope tonight: Hit Kerry hard while maintaining his "likeable leader" image. It's a tough assignment.

I think one way to do it would be for Bush to attack Kerry's "negativity" as opposed to each specific lie. If Bush can leave voters thinking the Dems are responsible for our uncivil political atmosphere, he will have helped himself tremendously. He must turn Kerry's negativity into a liability, so that every time Kerry starts lying people will say to themselves, "There he goes again".

Go get 'em, Dubya!

[EmilyGeiger]

The difference with Bush being blindsided is that he will honestly answer the question...Kerry will get defensive and get ugly. This is just my prediction. I mean anyone who will blame those around him for his minor mistakes;i.e. the secret service man made me fall, is not going to be able to come back with civility when he is asked a tough question. I wouldn't be surprised if a vet's in that audience tonight with a really hard question. I hope so. I want to see Kerry squirm!

[uncbob]

If you don't think Bush is on the knife edge of losing re-election you are in severe denial.

Hell I have been posting that as an incumbent with a very good economy Bush should be at at least 55%

Been accussed of being a troll etc etc

I personally think Rove is a boob and if Bush wins it will be because of grass roots support and the Swifties cause Rove sure ain't running any kind of campaign

[RockinRight]

I'm concerned, since realclearpolitics.com has shown the average lead for Bush shrink from 6 pts. to 1 pt. in a week's time.

Also, electoral-vote.com now shows Kerry with enough EV's to win.

Do I think Bush will win? Yes, I do. Am I at least somewhat concerned that he won't? Yes.

[newzjunkey]

The difference is I believe the American people *are* foolish enough to choose Kerry and return us to the failed appeasement foreign policies of Clinton & Carter.

Since I'm in CA, I'm not exactly in a position to have much influence. It's ultimately up to the President to win this thing and I'm finding his campaign to be too passive, is failing to make the case that his re-election is ESSENTIAL.

ALL: if there are "NO GO ZONES" in Iraq how is it the CIA is absolutely certain there are not and were never WMDs in Iraq since 1991?

[GeorgiaDawg]

I'm skeptical of letting an audience ask questions..what was Gallup's criteria? How would they know if someone said they were a "soft" Bush supporter, but really were a Kerry supporter lying in wait?

Ideas?

[newzjunkey]

Then I agree with you. You are not a troll but a PROPHET. And prophets are never popular in their own times.

[Sam Cree]

I think there is a chance W can win the debate tonight, but I'm not expecting him to hit it "out of the park."
Hope I'm wrong, though.

I think the Dems are going to play dirty for the rest of the campaign, too. Even so, there are alot of really unattractive things about Kerry that could potentially sink him if they get enough exposure.

[uncbob]

Then I agree with you. You are not a troll but a PROPHET. And prophets are never popular in their own times.

Ironic isn't it
Bush's father --Kindler Gentler Administartion
Bush -- Compasionate Conservatism

Bush's Father -- Read My Lips No New Taxes
Bush-- CFR is UNCONSTITIONAL and I will VETO it

Both broken promises came back to bite them BIG TIME

Bush's Father-- Gulf War Victor and riding high in the polls
Bush Defeats and captures Saddam

[Hawkeye]

I'm not naive. I know that this election is close and everyone is out for political blood.

[Maine For Bush]

Note to Prez: Please do not use the phrase "It's hard work" again. That would be the only thing the press would talk about the next day.

[edchambers]

(If you don't think Bush is on the knife edge of losing re-election you are in severe denial.)

I don't know about a "knifes edge" but I agree the election can still go either way.Even after Bush's miserable performance in the last debate he's still ahead in the polls.The poll internals still favor Bush.While much has been made of the "hate Bush" crowd let me submit that there are plenty of people who hate Kerry for legitimate reasons.First of all Viet Nam veterans and Veterans in general hate treason and no American politician has a clearer record of giving aid and comfort to the enemy.Gun owners and the NRA hate Kerry his record here is also clear.Right to Life voters also have plenty to hate about this candidate.But the biggest anti Kerry hate group would be the American tax payer and they have not to my knowledge elected a politician yet who admits they're intention to raise taxes.