[Miss Marple]

Well, as a Bush cheerleader, I am going to offer my best effort at an honest assessment.

The President lost on articulateness and scoring "points." Kerry is an expert talker, and fills up every second with words.

On the other hand, Kerry appeared rude and insulting. This is off-putting to many people. The President appeared calm, unangered and reasonable.

The President did look tired, possibly because he spent the day visiting with hurricane victims rather than getting a manicure. Kerry looked angry and repulsive (sorry, that is my partisanship, but he isn't attractive at all).

The President was sincere. It shone from every pore of his being. His stammering was no doubt due to his being appalled at the lies being told.

President Bush did what he had to do in this debate...he held his own. It wasn't the slam-dunk I would have hoped for, but he did ok...and ok is all you need when you are the incumbent.

Now I am turning off the TV, since Richard Holbrooke is on.

[LisaFab]

Agree on all points.

My favorite line? "How are we going to 'invite' more nations into Iraq now...Please join us in a 'grand diversion'?"

LOL!

[Island Girl]

FR is running as slow as molasses this evening. I know the Freepathon isn't until next week, but please all, especially newbies, help support the cause. I can't bear the thought of FR crashing on Election night!

[markman46]

here is my take;

I thought the President did well, and tried very hard to hold his temper, with all the lies Skerry was telling.

[snugs]

I also thought that GWB looked very tired. Or do you think it was anger with Kerry for his lies which he managed to control but came over as irritation and tiredness.

I think that GWB was good on emphasizing that we needed to give respect for the coalition and the Iraqi government.

Overall I think Kerry will be perceived to have done better purely because of Bush's hesitation.

I sincerely hope that GWB is less hesitant in the other 2 debates also Cheney on Tuesday.