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First my opinion: I thought Kerry was superb. The limited format which was supposed to benefit Bush, actually helped Kerry by keeping his tone very civil and just about “the facts.” I thought Bush looked rattled the entire time, annoyed, and he clearly didn’t want to be there. His responses (just like in the 2000 debates) were embarassingly limited and repetitive. However, unlike 2000, he didn’t have an opponent as stupid as Al Gore to take advantage of. Some more specific comments:

*Bush, as usual, was completely unable to speak with any depth. He fell into his usual pattern of long pauses, repitition, and a reliance on canned memorized phrases. Analysts say that Bush’s simple style works—but it only works if the other person is long-winded or incoherent.

*Kerry pulled out great facts that made it look like Bush has tremendous gaps in his “protecting America first” philosophy.

*Kerry also LIED during the debate to his advantage. His ideas about the North Korea talks as well as their having gone nuclear on Bush’s watch were just nutty. But people won’t know that. It sure sounded good.

*Kerry did a good job of casually talking about the people he has met around the country. When Bush told that story about the military wife he met–you could see his little wheels turning as it tried to pull up that canned speech.

*Bush’s short endings and use of the same phrase over re-affirm suspicions that he’s just in over his head.

*Bush’s BIGGEST WEAKNESS is the fact that he gets strenght and vulnerability confused. He thinks that you can never admit you are wrong in order to tow a hard line. Consequently it makes him look like a jerk who is stubborn and doesn’t think things through. That’s because he doesn’t have the ability to explain the complicated situations he’s faced with.

*Bush could not explain how great a victory Iraq actually was. He said, “because Tommy Franks did a good job.” He needed to explain in detail why Iraq is somewhat harder to manage ironically because of our military success. Once again, he can’t explain complexities or make the strong case like VD Hanson or Dick Cheney. If he could, people would not be so worried about the War in Iraq or his leadership.

*Kerry should have actually pointed out that George W. Bush can’t explain the complicated issues about 30 minutes into the debate, and then sat back and watched as Bush proved him right.

*Kerry’s picking up on Bush’s use of the “enemy” to refer to Iraq and not Osama Bin Laden was the strongest punch of the night.

*The Charles DeGaulle quote was very good.

*Bush is right on Korea and Iran (2 topics that can’t really be discussed in a public forum) but Kerry took the punches in a very civil manner.

*Bush saying, “I just know how this world works” plays into the disturbing image that he’s a know-it all-that-actually knows nothing.

*Bush’s inability to explain Bin Laden and Al Zawahari’s plan for the use of failed states is a big problem for Bush. There are strong cases to make and he just can’t make them.

*Kerry saying that his primary emphasis would be on stopping Nuclear Proliferation was a very strong point. I would hope he means this when it comes to Iran because if he lets Iran go nuclear, we are even more screwed. Who knows if he would be a Carter or Reagan on these issues?

I would give Kerry a “9.” He didn’t have the definitive knock-out punch, but that may be better in the long run (or maybe not). However, he looked presidential, he sounded presidential, he came off as approachable and knowledgeable, and he can speak English.

I would give Bush a “2” or maybe even a “1.” He was just completely an amateur up there unable to make ANY point in a strong manner.

As I said in my blog 10 days ago, Bush sucks at debates and the question was really whether the arrogant Gore-esque Kerry would show up or whether someone could seize on Bush’s weaknesses. Well the good Kerry showed up. He didn’t unleash his full arsenal, but I think it’s clear that he’s in a different league as Bush as far debates go.

I would give Kerry a TKO in the 1st round. Bush looked like a rattled mess from the opening bell.

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