NYT: A Crucial Test, But Not Final

[autorank]

A CRUCIAL TEST, BUT NOT FINAL
By TODD S. PURDUM

Published: October 14, 2004

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/14/politics/campaign/14assess.html?hp&ex=1097812800&en=2ea2e25613fb7636&ei=5094&partner=homepage

<<snip>>

In a crucible where voters measure the self-confidence, authority and steadiness of the candidates, Mr. Kerry delivered a consistent set of assertive, collected performances. Mr. Bush appeared in three guises: impatient, even rattled at times during the first debate, angry and aggressive in the second, sunny and optimistic last night.
<<snip>>

"This is one of those classic years where the debates actually did change the direction of the race," said Alan Schroeder, an associate professor at Northeastern University and author of "Presidential Debates: 40 Years of High-Risk TV." "It doesn't always happen that way. It doesn't even often happen that way. But clearly something in that first debate caused voters to take a second look at John Kerry, and take another look at George Bush."

[LosinIt]

1. You couldn't have slapped that stupid smile off of his face

I think they overdid the Happy Pills tonight. Pick a George, any George.

[autorank]

2. Yeah, he looked like a washout from a '50's kiddie show on local TV

[shockingelk]

3. The debates didn't hurt

But it was the "George W. Bush lives in a fantasy world" talking point that made people understand that George W. Bush lives in a fantasy world. The administration themselves helped out by having Bush and Allawi tell fantastical tales in the face of what's really happening.

That was before the first debate - and going into that debate, Kerry was rising rapidly - on September 30th, Kerry had gained about 5 on Bush in CNN/USA Today, about 8 in Time, and about 7 in the CBS poll. He went into< the debates with tremendous momentum.[br />
That is the way I see it.