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.
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!