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With all due respect, you and I must have watched different debates. I honestly did not see any of this in the same way you did. Bush was at a decided disadvantage tonight and did exceptionally well considering the circumstances. It was clear that the night was stacked to place Bush on the defensive. There was little opportunity for him to do much more.

The President had to spend the entire debate defending his policies and his actions over the last 4 years. Kerry did not have to defend anything. He was not asked asked to defend his senate record or anything else of any significance other than a few words or opinions.

Kerry had the luxury of being nothing more than an attack dog on George Bush's life and hard work over his last term....practically all of which he spent engaged in dealing with a war that was thrust upon us after our nation was attacked. With the benefit of hindsight, it sure is easy to sound like an expert on everything. Bush had to make decisions without the benefit of any road maps. He developed his own doctrine and struck out to fight an enemy without a country and engage in a warfare unlike any we've ever experienced.

In contrast, I think Kerry's petty criticism made him look small up against a real leader even if the majority give a win on the technicals to John. After watching, I did not change my opinion and I doubt America did either. I still give Kerry an A+ at criticizing war and I still give George Bush an A+ at leading us in war. In the end, which do you think means more? I think most of those who watched know the answer.

" The President had to spend the entire debate defending his policies and his actions over the last 4 years."

Which he did poorly and repeatedly with inane sound bites.

Look, I'm just discussing his performance in this debate, not his performance as a leader. I'm having trouble understanding why he was not more forceful defending his positions and decisions. He need not be that articulate, but tonal qualities and physical mannerisms have much impact on those millions who don't understand the nuances of the material. Again, style of communication can make or break a presentation. It happens every day in the business world...not that I want a big talker like clinton, with no substance.