[billybudd]

You make it sound like 2000 and 2004 were cakewalks.

Not at all. In fact, his poll numbers crashed whenever he engaged in debates, both in 2000 and 2004. Like I said, he won despite his oratorical shortcomings.

[new cruelty]

Not at all. In fact, his poll numbers crashed whenever he engaged in debates, both in 2000 and 2004. Like I said, he won despite his oratorical shortcomings.

The media took any and every chance they could to fuel the momentum in kerry's favor; kerry's campaign and the dnc operated under a perception of invincibility; and again the media did what they could to shape circumstances of the day to their liking- in favor of their candidate. President Bush won, despite these things. That he didn't huff and puff like gore or wax ad nauseam like kerry was frosting on the cake.

[RFT1]

Actually in 2000, in his debates with Gore, his poll numbers rose, in pert because of lowball expectations, but the Bush campiagn got a boost in 2000 after the first debate with Gore.

[Democratshavenobrains]

Bush did good in the 2000 debates. Better than the 2004 ones I'd say since nothing could be blamed on him yet. Of course, it helped that Gore acted like a two year old.