The trick is getting Joe Public to believe it.
One of my favorite moments:
On the war, Kerry almost eagerly made Bush's point, at first saying, "I do believe Saddam Hussein was a threat," and moments later denouncing Bush for being "preoccupied with Iraq, where there wasn't a threat."
The president exploited the contradiction in Kerry's latest policy, which claims the ability to attract troop support from France, Germany and Russia -- while agreeing with them that the war was a diversion. To Kerry's "plan" to hold a summit, Bush asked: "And what is he going to say to those people who show up at that summit? 'Join me in the wrong war at the wrong place at the wrong time'?"
Although Kerry accused Bush of "mass deception," he let the president focus on that illogical policy. The Democrat weakly cited recent worrying by Republican Sens. Richard Lugar and Chuck Hagel, recited a list of retired generals who endorsed him and embraced Ronald Reagan. Such a stretch for company, accompanied by a plaintive "We will get tough!" never shows strength.
When Kerry complained again of "going it alone," Bush was ready with a powerful counterpunch: "Tell Tony Blair we're going alone. Tell Sylvio Berlusconi we're going alone. Tell Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland we're going alone."
This not only showed that Bush knew these allies personally, but could pronounce Kwasniewski's name, which reminded Polish-Americans that Poland's president had responded angrily to Kerry's brush-off of his country's sacrifices in the first debate. (Next day, Australians stoutly re-elected John Howard, a staunch coalition member, who trounced a cut-and-run opponent -- good news for coalition leaders.)
Kerry also blundered with a weird attack on an $84 item in the Bushes' federal income tax return, supposedly from a timber business.
"I own a timber company? News to me," said Bush, adding engagingly in what was the most natural moment in the debate, "Need some wood?"
It turns out that Kerry relied on an Annenberg Internet Web site that later admitted it had been confused, which left the Democratic candidate out on a hardwood limb.
Bush was too much the gentleman to point out, now that their income taxes were in dispute, that Mrs. Kerry paid only 11 percent on her $5 million income, while the Bushes paid 28 percent.
On this Bush has to STOP being a gentleman. Bush has to hit this thug in the gut in front of everyone.!
First impressions are the most lasting they say...and Joe Public heard Ron Reagan, Andrea Mitchell and Chrissy Matthews hand the win to President Bush. We just need to keep reminding people.
You know, if only informed intelliegent people we allowed to vote the final total in this election would be Bush 85% / Kerry 15%.