I can understand why you say that. But perhaps you and I had different goals in mind than the Bush campaign.
While we might have wanted Bush to "win" the debate point for point, Karl Rove might have had a different goal. Karl is focused on only one goal--getting 270 electoral college votes.
Karl Rove knows where we already have those votes and where we aren't going to get those votes and where this debate could contribute toward the goal of 270 votes. (bty, I've worked with Rove on several campaigns)
There probably was one or two messages targeted at one or two demographic groups that could make a difference in key states.
My guess is the Bush campaign wanted to leave an indelible image in the minds of "security moms" that we must win in Iraq if their children are to be safe, and that Kerry's anti-war position will put their children at risk.
Note that both candidates took a hard line on winning Iraq even tho the current official position of the Kerry campaign is "wrong war at wrong place at wrong time."
Bush snookered Kerry.
I hope you are right, I think Bush deliberately stayed away from engaging Kerry, that way Kerry could not take him down, but he stumbled and paused more than he should have and appeared to lack confidence at times.