[gsrinok]

I don't think that "joe sixpack" has any less common sense than me. I am not very politically astute. Perhaps you are and know better, but it sounds maybe perhaps a little condesending, not that I'm saying it is. I agree with you that media is a powerful medium. I hope that the average joe six isn't as sheepish as you suggest.

I was afraid that what I wrote might sound a little condescending, and I assure you that I did not mean to come off that way. Common sense aside, though, I think it's a safe bet that a majority of people are impresses by a smooth and polished style, which Kerry displayed tonight. Yes, the substance of the debate favored President Bush. I just hope that the Bush team will work on the president's delivery before the next debate.

When Kennedy debated Nixon, most people who heard the debate on the radio thought that Nixon won easily. Most people who saw the debate on television, however, favored Kennedy. It was a victory of style over substance, and that is what President Bush needs to avoid. Again, I truly believe that anyone who reads the transcript of the debate will give the nod to the president.

[Cold Heat]

When Kennedy debated Nixon, most people who heard the debate on the radio thought that Nixon won easily. Most people who saw the debate on television, however, favored Kennedy. It was a victory of style over substance, and that is what President Bush needs to avoid. Again, I truly believe that anyone who reads the transcript of the debate will give the nod to the president.

Exactly and a very good analogy of the situation.

My feeling is that Bush can never match Kerry in delivery. He can come close, but in the end Kerry will win on style points as he has in every election.

But this time he is dealing with a different animal, a national audience that has seen style before in the form of Bill Clinton and yes, even John Kennedy.

The style point will win the debate, but it does not translate to votes unless one candidate stumbles badly and offers up a sound bite that resonates.

This did not happen to anyone but Kerry tonight. Kerry's untrue statements and distortions can and should be repeated many times over the next week.