I still don't understand what people are saying about how bad Bush's expressions were. I really didn't see anything that bothersome going on. I thought Kerry did indeed do pretty well on style, but I didn't think Bush was nearly as bad as some seem to think he was. On substance, Bush was the clear winner IMHO, but I definitely agree with you that he needs to get on offense this time.
Tonight on Jay Leno, Laura Bush said that in the actual debate, from the front row, she didn't see it the way we saw it; must be something about TV.
She and Leno even joked about it, she saying that Bush mentioned something about it in his speech today and Leno saying "Well, when we don't have botox, we actually can move our faces!" or something close to that.
Yes the split screen did kill him. I'm not so sure he was looking to bag Kerry in the first debate though. I've posted some thoughts on that under Bush/Kerry Debate One, Rope a Dope?
Check it out.
Look, Bush may not have been a clear loser. He did come off flat and even on FR he only drew 52% of our participants saying he wone. Cheney pulled in a 92%.
I do think Bush will mop the floor with Kerry in Debate 2.
Your points about the questions are something I need to review. I was tired on the debate night and I didn't pick up on what you noticed. I have heard others address it. You may be right on target.