Bush looked unsure, tentative and defensive. He seemed incapable of articulating his positions on foreign policy clearly.
I don't know why - I've seen him do this exceptionally in other forums.
I don't care particularly care if Kerry or Kerry's talking pen beat him. He got beat.
I'm hoping he comes out firing in the next debate.
Hey dude. Yeah, it's actually QUITE embarassing. As if saying "he cheated, he had a cheat sheet!" is going to resonate.
The weird thing is that the ratings on Iraq, terror, etc haven't changed. Polls still show GWB is viewed as a better leader. But he is NOT a great communicater. He's better on the stump, in front of a friendly audience, who already have the details in their heads. But to a non-friendly audience, you have to be able to articulate your positions, and GWB is AWFUL at doing that.
He has to get beyond "resolve and hard work." It was painful hearing him say over and over..."a free Iraq is good for America." Why??? Explain WHY!!! But he never did. That hurt him too.
The good news is that America knows who the better commander in chief is. I think they will vote the right way. But it's not with relish. In my opinion, GWB is a so-so commander in chief. I think he HAS made mistakes, and he IS NOT a good communicater, which makes it harder to keep folks together on this. But he is clearly better than the other guy. So I think GWB will win by 5-10 points, but so far he needs to do a better job, as a president and a candidate. My two cents.
Kerry won the debate if admitting that he would end our sovereign nation status and unwillingness to answer questions could be called a "win".