I love GWB. I've worked for his campaign (doing it tomorrow, in fact)... I've given him more money than I probably should. I've seen him in person (a fundraiser for Norm Coleman) and he was great. Polished, relaxed, friendly, focused, powerful.
But tonight he was not in his zone. He's not a good debater. We knew that in '00 and we know it today.
I waited until after the debate to post on FR so I would not see the rabble of critical thinkers we seem to have here.
Bush did well. He did exceptionally well during the first half of the debate.
The second half was not quite as good but it was enough to carry the debate in my opinion.
Kerry was typical Kerry. All talk and no substance.
He failed to explain any of his positions and further damaged his campaign by threatening cancellation of another weapons program and the stupid statements about N Korea.
Bush's closing was good and he lay-ed out his plans for Iraq in simple enough terms for any idiot to understand.
Kerry counters with "He has no plan".
I give the debate to Bush. 60/40!IMHO