Friday, October 08, 2004
What Got Into Kerry? Debate # 2
Bush's handlers made a major mistake by stacking all his campaign trail town hall meetings with supporters. He has not had much practice at answering tough questions because all he gets on the road are softballs and compliments. I've heard over and over how relaxed, friendly and "folksy" Bush is and how stiff and formal Kerry is.
Bush's "folksy" is coming off tonight as defensive and yippy. Kerry is remarkably self-assured, calming yet forceful. He's doing a much better job than he did last week of punching back and not letting opportunities slip. I'm starting to like him.
Did Bush just say he's a "good steward" of the land? Good Lord, I hope Kerry nails him on that. He did.
I think Bush's problem is that he can't do the "Listen, Folks" thing against an opponent like the Kerry that showed up tonight. Bush sounds like he's giving a civics lesson or scolding when I think he's trying to sound candid. When he does that, he is essentially calling the questioner wrong.
Now, how is this different from Kerry? He's showing more deference to the questioner (addressing the person by name) and his attacks on the president are focused and filled with facts (again, I'm not immediately checking the veracity of his facts). Bush's attacks are broader, more general, less focused, as he walks around the room. That comes across to people as condescending and disrespectful.
I think Bush lost this debate (and I've long believed he'll lose the election, but that's for another post). Not that anyone is watching. Isn't there a baseball playoff on or something?
p.s. The abortion question was heartfelt. But those who are passionately anti-abortion were already for Bush. That was not a question that would sway an undecided or anyone on the fence even. Is there anyone who doesn't know that Bush is against it? Does Kerry's somewhat-walking-the-fence answer persuade anyone who is staunchly anti-abortion? Of course not.
Bush's "folksy" is coming off tonight as defensive and yippy. Kerry is remarkably self-assured, calming yet forceful. He's doing a much better job than he did last week of punching back and not letting opportunities slip. I'm starting to like him.
Did Bush just say he's a "good steward" of the land? Good Lord, I hope Kerry nails him on that. He did.
I think Bush's problem is that he can't do the "Listen, Folks" thing against an opponent like the Kerry that showed up tonight. Bush sounds like he's giving a civics lesson or scolding when I think he's trying to sound candid. When he does that, he is essentially calling the questioner wrong.
Now, how is this different from Kerry? He's showing more deference to the questioner (addressing the person by name) and his attacks on the president are focused and filled with facts (again, I'm not immediately checking the veracity of his facts). Bush's attacks are broader, more general, less focused, as he walks around the room. That comes across to people as condescending and disrespectful.
I think Bush lost this debate (and I've long believed he'll lose the election, but that's for another post). Not that anyone is watching. Isn't there a baseball playoff on or something?
p.s. The abortion question was heartfelt. But those who are passionately anti-abortion were already for Bush. That was not a question that would sway an undecided or anyone on the fence even. Is there anyone who doesn't know that Bush is against it? Does Kerry's somewhat-walking-the-fence answer persuade anyone who is staunchly anti-abortion? Of course not.
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I'm wathing here in Scotland 3.25 AM. Bu$hit stinks but remember Kerry is a Yank too and will continue to bomb on behalf of the yids and to steal the oil. SEE http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/
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: October 8, 2004 at 7:25 PM
: October 8, 2004 at 7:25 PM << Home
