[AntiGuv]

Well, there are two more debates. Reagan lost his first debate with Mondale too (of course he had an overwhelming lead anyhow). Bush needs to win the next one, or at least pull out a clear draw, because if he loses it things might start looking grim.

Part of his problem IMO is that Republicans were caught totally flat-footed in the post-debate spin. I really don't get that since there was so much pre-debate talk about post-debate spin, but it seems to have taken a day or so to regroup and by then the cycle had run away.

The second debate is on a Friday night, though, so that may well diminish its impact (I wonder whose idea that scheduling was). The third debate on a Wednesday night will almost certainly be the more crucial of the remaining two.

That's assuming no one delivers The Zinger in the second one.

[lemura]

I think that most agree that Bush stank up the joint on Thursay night. However, as the implications of the 'Kerry Doctrine" begin to sink in amongst the populace, the clear choice is going to Bush.

Not to be sexist or anything PC like that, but chicks see it all the time: the smooth talker vs the stable guy. Smooth talkers (and their counterpart, the Bad Boy) may be fun for awhile, but when it's time to get serious, the guy with the good degree/job usually scores the girl.

[sinkspur]

Part of his problem IMO is that Republicans were caught totally flat-footed in the post-debate spin

The other part of his problem is that Bush cannot think on his feet. He does well in one-on-ones, and prepared speeches, but he's terrible in news conferences.

When you and I can formulate responses to Kerry in real time and Bush can't, something's wrong.

[Hattie]

Seems to me the Repubs have been
flat footed for the last year. I
don't blame Bush, but rather his
handlers. For a year the Dems
have bashed Bush continually with
no response from the RNC or
campaign. Now many of those
accusations have become believable
to the sheeple. Not prepping the
Pres properly for this debate will
go down as one of the biggest
campaign mistakes in history. Hard
for me to give any more money
unless they begin to wake up. JMO.

[i_am_right_of_center]

I think the third debate will the hardest of all for Bush. I wouldn't be too surprised if the Bush team wanted the first debate to be on foreign affairs as this should have been the strongest ground for Bush to play on. However things in politics never go how they should!

I fear that the subject of our nations huge budget deficit is going to be a huge issue in the third debate (which is on domestic policy)- something which as a conservative I hugely disapprove of. How Bush gets around this one is crucial......