Tonight was the first of three schedule debates between George W. Bush and John F. Kerry. Held in Florida, the topic was foreign policy. Did you tune in? Catch any of the soundbites and clips? Read the blow-by-blow by blogs?
CSPAN was the best outlet to watch. They just kept a steady split screen showing both candidates, all the time. So much for the meticulous and restrictive demands of the debate agreement. And while the candidates did play by the rules, the exchange turned out to be a tad more lively and spontaneous than most predicted.
Of course, fans of both camps are claiming victory. Some are saying a draw.
I don't think there were any knock-out blows, or deal breakers. I'd score it 65/35 in Kerry's favor, which is nice, but won't turn the tide.
Kerry fans were encouraged by Bush's awkwardness and almost unbelievable repetition (and their candidate's sudden ability to not ramble on for once). Bush fans howled at Kerry's "pass the global test" line. Kerry came across as resolute and sure, defying much of how he's been framed by the Bush camp. Bush, at least at times, was gracious (not taking the "character flaw" bait) and playful (though I think the "leash" remark about his daughters will ruffle some feathers). Lots of material to seize on and argue about until the next one, at the very least.
I don't suppose those of us strongly in one camp or the other were swayed at all. I wonder how the all-important undecideds will judge the proceedings?
CSPAN was the best outlet to watch. They just kept a steady split screen showing both candidates, all the time. So much for the meticulous and restrictive demands of the debate agreement. And while the candidates did play by the rules, the exchange turned out to be a tad more lively and spontaneous than most predicted.
Of course, fans of both camps are claiming victory. Some are saying a draw.
I don't think there were any knock-out blows, or deal breakers. I'd score it 65/35 in Kerry's favor, which is nice, but won't turn the tide.
Kerry fans were encouraged by Bush's awkwardness and almost unbelievable repetition (and their candidate's sudden ability to not ramble on for once). Bush fans howled at Kerry's "pass the global test" line. Kerry came across as resolute and sure, defying much of how he's been framed by the Bush camp. Bush, at least at times, was gracious (not taking the "character flaw" bait) and playful (though I think the "leash" remark about his daughters will ruffle some feathers). Lots of material to seize on and argue about until the next one, at the very least.
I don't suppose those of us strongly in one camp or the other were swayed at all. I wonder how the all-important undecideds will judge the proceedings?
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