He was speaking for over an hour, and I was paying quite close attention and only saw him 'drift' once..........and that was in response to a really stupid question which had no answer.
That "really stupid question which had no answer" was repeated in one form or another more than once during the Q&A session.
And he did a good job of responding WITHOUT falling into the trap they set for him (they ONLY wanted to hear "I was wrong! I'm Sorry!)MOST of the time.
And the example you cite above was the most obvious problem he had. But there were other less obvious instances of him stuttering and saying "uh...uh...uh" while struggling for an answer.
I agree with you that the questions were idiotic. But he should have known they were coming and could have been better prepared.
Condi got hit even harder but clearly knew what was coming and was ready.
Jorge, Bush is not a public speaker. Period.
Most Americans aren't either, and they're fine with Bush for his stumbling.
They like what's inside.
Kerry's smooth, Clinton's smooth, but they're as phony as $3 bills.
And, everybody knows it.
If it had been me, I would have said it was a mistake not to move more forcefully pre 9-11 to declare Al Quida a clear and present danger, and even with the obvious teeth knashing of the usual suspects, have declared to the Taliban, that the perp needed to be given up, and the terror camps closed, or the gloves would come off. I should have been willing to take the heat that most would have condemned me as a trigger happy cowboy. I would have said that it was a mistake that I didn't let the essential Bush be Bush earlier. But it is better late than never, and I have learned from that mistake, and never again will I make that mistake, even if it costs me re-election. The matter is simply too important for our nation for me to do anything other than exercise my best judgment as to what is right, whatever the political consequences.
That is what I would have said.