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.
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.