Joe Nation wrote:Well, okay.
If it's not Kerry, Edwards, Cheney/Bush tied for third,
how did you score the debates so far?
Wait. I know. It doesn't matter, right?
Yeah, uh huh.
Joe
No, wrong...
yet again.
I don't believe debates should matter, but acknowledge that to some degree they do, and that in this race the first debate was very influential.
It's importance though isn't derived from substance, but style. Kerry appeared very much in control, not because he had the better ideas or facts, but because he was confident and articulate. Bush's ideas and facts didn't fail him in round one, his ability to speak clearly and confidently did.
The proof of this style over substance argument is that if Kerry had said every word he uttered in round one, in the stilted, peevish manner of Bush, he would have
lost.
It would be nice if these debates were a true and thorough airing of the issues with each candidate's facts and assertions tested and challenged, but they are not. They are simply a recitation of the talking points developed by each campaign. The only way someone "wins" is if they put on an obviously better show than the other.
Every performance thus far was better than Bush's first.
Some sort of cumulative scoring seems forced and pointless.
Kerry, clearly cleaned Bush's clock in round one.
I gave Cheaney the nod over Edwards, but not by all that much.
If the second debate had actually been the first, I would have called it pretty much a draw. However, Bush was able to look much better and Kerry slipped a little from looking just as good, and therefore overall I give that debate to Bush.
What is important to note though is that the second debate did not at all neutralize the effect of the first debate, and neither will the third, unless Kerry somehow turns in a terrible performance - which is very unlikely.
Bush
had to perform better in the second debate and he will have to perform at at least the same level in the third one. If he turns in another first round performance, he will be toast.
The first debate put a sudden and violent stop to a developing Bush momentum. It was hugely important to Kerry.
I suppose its possible that Kerry could crash and burn in round three and if he does so it will be because he tries to play it safe. I doubt very much this will happen though. I also doubt that Bush will crash and burn too, but if I had to bet on one of them going down, I would bet on Bush.
Frankly, I can't wait for the elections. I think I've overdosed on all the spin coming out of both camps.