[Stu Cohen]

I think the President did more than hold his own in Russert's "drip torture" interview. (My IQ exceeds 100)

Do you really think that, or do you feel that in this times it is simply best to show your support?

I am not saying that the latter is bad, it is quite understandable and probably warranted. But if the former is true, then I would have to admit to being surprised.

I have never seen an interview of someone less sure of themselves than during that first 30 minutes.

The questions weren't hard. They were the standard questions that have been discussed for the last 6 months.

I'm just glad that Russert didn't talk about the Buffalo Bills this time. Although perhaps Bush would have faired better with a discussion about football.

[olliemb]

"I have never seen an interview of someone less sure of themselves than during that first 30 minutes."

Stu you are full of yourself. !!!

[chiller]

I must strongly disagree, Stu Cohen. Russert kept asking the same question time and time again. W's answers were very thoughtful and measured, not stuttering and stammering. W's answers were more importantly correct and consistent and heartfelt. W must have been thinking that Russert wasn't hearing. How can I better explain myself.

W did not waver, he would not let Tim control the interview. I will only agree that he was on defense for the first 1/2 of the interview, but given the repetitive nature of the "interrogation", that's natural.

[cyncooper]

I have never seen an interview of someone less sure of themselves than during that first 30 minutes.

Then your assessment is plainly off the mark. There is absolutely no basis for this comment compared to the reality of the inquisition, which President Bush most ably handled.

Perhaps you can provide a quote to buttress you conclusion? We who transcribed it as we watched posted what he said that supports our observations that he did a great job while being interrogated as if he were on the witness stand.

[mathluv]

In YOUR opinion, the interview did not go well. You are entitled to your opinion. In case you haven't noticed, most of us do not agree with YOUR OPINION.

[syriacus]

Do you really think that, or do you feel that in this times it is simply best to show your support?

Why should I lie? Plenty of others are saying he did well. I don't need to voice a positive opinion on this.

You say he did poorly in the first thirty minutes...what do you think of his performance in the second thirty minutes?

BTW, I did not say the President answered each of Russert's "attacks" perfectly. I said I thought he more than "held his own."

I think Bush is smart enough to realize that not every intellectual skirmish needs to be won.

This interview wasn't a high school debate in which the President had to win all the points. This was his chance to share his opinions and goals with the American people.

I think he fared very well on that score. And, it seems he is smart enough to know that getting his message across to his "fellow Americans" is the thing that really counts.