October 08, 2004

Post-Debate II Spin

This will be quick because I didn't take notes tonight. Bush was more aggressive. At times he was too aggressive stepping on Kerry's last words and arguing with Charlie Gibson. But the aggression showed the passion of his beliefs. For years, he's had to put up with loud, abusive critics. Now, he can finally and forcefully defend himself. Even undecided voters should know by now Bush means what he says and knows where he stands.

With Kerry is was all about his "plans." Anyone can say they have a plan. Anyone can have a plan. What Kerry lacked was the ability to say what he will do when his plan has to be changed. France and Germany won't go into Iraq for any reason. Yet Kerry still talks about building alliances. Kerry talks about his health care and budget plans, but won't admit he can't pay for them all without either raising taxes or running even larger deficits than the current President.

In the expectations game--which I hate--Bush won because many people thought he did so poorly in Debate I. I call it a draw, but Bush has plenty to add to his stump speech.

In the scope of the whole race, this debate has less importance than even this week's Vice Presidential event. That's because this debate was held on a Friday night. A good tactic to get something into the papers without much attention is to release it on a Friday afternoon or evening. Saturday papers are the least read. Weekend newscasts are the least watched. Saturday college football, Sunday NFL games, and baseball playoffs will distract people until Monday. By then this debate will be old news.

This election will hinge on turnout. Bush succeeded in reassuring his base that he can fight. Kerry hasn't let up. This will be close to the end.

For blogospheric reaction here's a short list:

• InstaPundit
  
• Althouse
  
• Besty Newmark
  
• Ed Moltzen
  
• Michelle Malkin
  
• Steven Taylor
  
• James Joyner
  
• Wizbang