Debate Number Two

Eh. This was pretty much tit-for-tat. Bush did a lot better in this debate, but lowered expectations can't save him this time. An ABC poll of undecides shows they think Kerry won 44-41 with 13 percent thinking it was a tie. The simple fact is Kerry still has more specific plans and better answers. Bush repeats his tired old lines, and now even old right-wing stand-bys such as "liberal," "government healthcare," and "raising taxes." That just smacks of desperation. The audience for the most part asked OK questions, though I did appreciate the one about the Patriot Act. Kerry also was very strong in response to the woman's question about abortion and in his closing statement. The bottom line: Kerry won, because Bush didn't, so like with the VP debate, it doesn't slow down any of his momentum. He just needs to put the final nail in Bush's coffin in the last debate on Wednesday.

UPDATED: Last night, I think I was a little disappointed in Kerry's missed oppurtunities to crush Bush on the WMD report, the environment, etc. As a result, I glossed over Bush's continuing self-destruction. This morning I woke up to see a strong negative response to the president's angry and tepid answers in the polls, from the pundits, and online. This is true. I believe we are witnessing the self-destruction of Bush and he will lose this election over it. Also, Democracy Corps Poll showed that people thought Kerry was much more likeable and improved himself in other areas. I believe this is also true, he was more charismatic with the crowd. Bush was angry at a guy's question about prescription drugs, Kerry gave a very personal answer to a question about abortion. This, I believe, is gonna be what puts Kerry over-the-top.