Did anyone else think that Kerry was holding back last night?

[cheezus]

Last night I wanted my knockout, and I didn't get it. In retrospect, I think Kerry played it perfectly. He started opening the can of whoopass a few times, but prompty put the lid back on. He dominated without coming off as mean. I actually think that Bush's very poor performance made Kerry hold back a little bit.

[Lex]

1. Kerry didn't even break a sweat.

He didn't even have to fire all the cylinders.

His restraint was wonderful to behold, and very Presidential.

[troubleinwinter]

5. Kerry looked absolutely masterful and comfortable

Yes, I felt he was holding back a bit, being very polite.

Did ya watch the split screen version??? Chimp sipped water CONSTANTLY. Even had to move on to a second glass. 20 swigs. Nervous.

Kerry took ONE sip. And it was amazing, I said to my husband that I thought he took a sip at that moment to keep from vomiting at what Chimp was saying. (But I forget what it was... I know I felt like vomiting.)

[RubyDuby in GA]

2. I agree

I think he's holding back until the last one.

Last night was just masterful. The 20 people in my living room last night were just laughing their butts off at the "moran".

[HFishbine]

3. Maybe, but appropriately

I think he walked a fine line perfectly. Too aggressive and he might have been viewed as disrespectful. He was firm and forceful, but didn't seem like an arrogant bully. Yes, he probably held back a little, but people like a little retraint, it's presidential.

[phantom power]

4. He had to stop himself from calling Bush a liar.

I wish he had done it. But I can appreciate the reasons for avoiding it.

I also liked the part where he said something to the effect of "it gives me no pleasure to say it, but ..." Very reminiscent of that scene in "clear and present danger", where Jack Ryan confronts the president at the end of the movie.

[Gothmog]

6. Senator Kerry was very presidential

Senator Kerry was very impressive last night. The impression that he is fit to lead the country is more important than any short benefit from an artificial zinger or forced one line slam.

Bush's campaign has been to make Kerry seem weak and unable to lead. Senator Kerry neutralized that argument very well last night.

[DustMolecule]

7. I know that I was hoping for Kerry to look at Bush and say

"WHAT!?!?! What the hell are you talking about?" LOL (I know Kerry couldn't have really done that, but it's still fun to think of it!)

[LiberalEconomist]

8. Kerry is a pro

Let's face it folks, we may be political junkies, aficionados, hacks and the like, but John F. Kerry is a fucking pro. He is a master at what he does.

[mac56]

10. word

He's a statesman. Doesn't use a knockout punch if glancing blows get the job done.

[VOX]

9. No knockouts, true, but it was flick and jab, flick and jab, flick and jab

Kerry racked up considerable points and spoke eloquent circles around his dizzy opponent.

Should have been a unanimous decision, if not for the lapdog media.

[tokenlib]

11. Kerry had to hold back...

Even though a lot of us--myself included--wanted to see Bush verbally "slapped around"---Kerry has to restrain himself. There are swing voters and independents who may be offended by the verbal "drubbing" that would "make the day" for many of us.

My wife tells me I have a horrible attitude--but I can't help myself. Every time I see a Chimpy sticker of sign I say "stupid f***ers" and think it. I can not even give Bush supporters any credit for being fellow human beings. I am so angry at the policies of this regime--I almost can no longer behave in public. And every time I see a Bush supporter, I think they really want me greeting at a Wal-Mart at age 70 to put dog food on my dinner plate, because they will have destroyed Social Security. They get no slack from me--I am a political bigot and I admit I have become an asshole over all this.

So Kerry could not do what a lot of us would desire. It wouldn't be prudent!! LOL!

But I enjoyed Bush making an ass out of himself--and Kerry's composure and confidence. It was great.

[Touchdown]

12. He was a perfect cat last night.

Just playing with the mouse*. Toying with him last night, ready to ratchet up the agression until he he gets bored with the game, then in Tempe, he'll go in for the kill.

[Lefta Dissenter]

13. I swear

Kerry had to dig his nails into his palms to stop from bursting out laughing when bush said he's such good friends with 'Vladimurr.' :D

[Awsi Dooger]

14. Not holding back, but definitely nervous during the first response

I've watched the debate four times. Kerry's first answer was much more tentative and in a lower tone than his presentation as a whole, understandably nervous after all the buildup and significance. I remember Kerry in February '03 at the Roe v. Wade anniversary dinner, essentially the Dem 2004 kickoff event with all our candidates together for the first time, emphasizing he wanted to be on the stage in '04 debating Bush. I think Kerry loosened up and surged in confidence when Bush was obviously inferior, not even to the level of Kerry's primary opponents.

[Karenina]

16. JK was NOT up against the *dauphin,

he was facing the *MIGHTY WURLITZER. *dimwit is a pitiful excuse for a speaker, appealing only to those as meglomanical and dense as himself.
Better simply to allow *him to grab the rope. ;-)

[AndyTiedye]

15. Kerry Eviserated Bush* Gently