This is sort of similar to the first Reagan/Mondale debate. While Reagan may have been overprepared, Bush here was prepared to attack Kerry in places and did, but his defense was to focus on message, rather than be prepared to respond to each of Kerry's charges.
As with Reagan, Bush will do better in the next ones.
Bush was tired and seemed more Presidential to me. I don't expect him to be 'SPA FRESH" a la JFKerry.
I had to work tonight, but was able to listen to most of it on the radio. Sadly, I called my husband several times to ask how the candidates looked because Bush sounded very hesitant, timid and defensive. I realize that everything out of Kerry's mouth was a lie, but the average 'undecided' (that's why thy're still undecided)voter doesn't, and they probably saw an energized Kerry and a tired, defensive Bush and will make their decision accordingly. Yikes! My husband did tape it, so maybe it will be different to see it, but honestly I don't know if I can bring myself to sit through it again. What just happened here tonight? My husband got the feeling that he was so exasperated by the sheer volume of Kerry's lies that each time he answered, he honestly didn't know where to start. Let's hope other's feel the same.