The Second Debate

I've only watched the foreign policy section of the debate so far, but Bush is definitely far stronger, crisper, clearer, and more passionate this go-round.

I think Kerry is still doing reasonably well, but he's not coming across nearly as well as he did the first time. He reminds me of that Far Side cartoon where all the dog hears is "Blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah Ginger." The only thing I hear him saying on terrorism is "blah, blah, blah, France, allies, blah, blah, France, allies." I don't think Bush attacked him hard enough here -- I'd like him to ask John Forbes Kerry precisely how many foreign troops joined us in the first Gulf War and actually engaged in fighting ; I'd like him to give us a number of how many foreign troops he'd attract now; I'd like him to explain why, if he cites Bush's father's efforts as the paradigmatic Grand Coaltion, he voted against that war anyway.

That said, Bush is actually responsive to most of Kerry's attacks this time; last time Bush seemed determined to say "hard work" no matter what Kerry's charge. He's on the defensive most of the time, but despite that disadvantageous stance, he's battling back all right.

I'm trying to put my partisan bias aside here. But thusfar, I'm frustrated that Bush hasn't laid this guy out cold, but I still have to give it to him on points. No knockouts, but Kerry's face has gotten scuffed up pretty good.

Other Opinions: Allah's sampling indicates wide disagreement. But hey-- at least disagreeing between a draw or slight Kerry win or Bush win on points is better than well-nigh universal agreement that Bush lost.

posted by Ace at 10:31 PM

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